LILLIAN’S POV
The excitement in the halls of Stormfang Manor was palpable. It was today. It was finally time for Arabella and Callum Hayes to have their long-awaited mating ceremony. The Stormfang and Ravenmere, two strong packs, were to fortify their alliance with a grand union.
Preparations were underway downstairs. The air was heavy with the aroma of fresh flowers and excitement as the elders whispered blessings and the omega wolves scurried around making sure everything was in order. However, the soon-to-be bride, hidden behind a thick oak door on the second floor, was anything but prepared.
Wearing a white dress with delicate floral embroidery, Lillian stood in front of her mirror. She appeared ethereal due to the flowing fabric, sheer sleeves, and V-neckline, but her reflection in the glass revealed her true identity. Her lips were slightly parted as though she was having trouble remembering something, and her normally piercing eyes were clouded.
Last night, how much did I drink?
She tried to push clarity through the haze obscuring her memory by pressing her fingers against her temples as her headache. There had been a lot of dancing, laughter, and endless toasts at the bachelorette party. Her manager, Beatrice, had ensured that she always carried a glass. Her half-sister Florence had accompanied her and urged her to rejoice. She had been joyful, inebriated, but not careless. Why, then, did she feel so... strange?
She was startled out of her reverie by a jarring knock on the door. Edith entered with two glasses of milk on a silver tray.
“Miss Lillian, I thought you might need this,” she said in a soft, almost too gentle voice.
Lillian narrowed her eyes on the two glasses. "Two?"
Edith smiled. “You had a lot to drink last night. In order to feel better before the ceremony, you should finish it.
Lillian hesitated. Edith's tone and vigilant eyes were off today. But the pounding in her skull made her push the thought aside. Ignoring the bitter aftertaste that coated her tongue, she took one glass and drank it down in several gulps.
She barely had time to set the glass down before nausea gripped her. She staggered to the bathroom as a wave of vertigo swept over her. She heaved violently over the sink as her body rejected the food in her stomach. When she lifted her head, her vision blurred. Her limbs felt sluggish, her heartbeat uneven.
What is happening to me?
Behind her, the door swung open. A slow, deliberate set of heels clicked against the floor. She turned, gripping the edge of the sink for support.
Poppy.
Her half-sister stood there, arms crossed, a smug smile playing on her lips.
“You drank it all, didn’t you?”
Lillian’s breath hitched. "What are you discussing?"
"The milk." Poppy had a sickly sweet voice. "I added something special to it."
Lillian's blood froze. "You"
Poppy stepped forward and interrupted, "Wolfsbane." "Obviously, not enough to kill you. Just enough to make you weaker. to prevent you from shifting.
Lillian caught herself against the sink as her knees gave way. Disbelief clashed with rage as she gazed at Poppy. "Why?"
Poppy laughed. "Because this life is not yours." You don’t deserve Callum. And I'll see to it that you lose everything.
Anger blazing through the fog of her mind, Lillian pushed herself to stand up straighter. "You're crazy."
“Oh, I’m just getting started.” Poppy turned to Edith. "Bring them in."
With a nod, Edith left the room. The heavy thud of boots reverberated down the hallway a few moments later. Three strangers entered, their hungry eyes shining. Rogues.
Lillian's respiration accelerated. Her body screamed at her to run, to fight, but her limbs refused to obey. She was slowing down due to the effects of the poison.
Poppy leaned in close, her breath hot against Lillian’s ear. "This is what these men have been waiting for. He is a high-born, helpless she-wolf. Callum will walk in on you, and he’ll see the truth, his precious mate, ruined. He won't ever again look at you.
Lillian's nails dug into her palms as she clenched her jaw. "You're repulsive."
Poppy merely chuckled. "Enjoy the performance."
With a flick of her wrist, she signaled the rogues.
The first one lunged.
Lillian felt a rush of adrenaline that briefly overcame the wolfsbane's hold. She dodged, just escaping his hold. Using what little strength she had left, she grabbed the lamp from the side table and smashed it into his head. He stumbled back, swearing.
The second rogue didn’t hesitate. He grabbed her by the arms and lunged at her. Though her strength was failing her, Lillian thrashed and twisted her body to break free. The third man closed in, his grin widening.
Then
The growl was deafening.
A flurry of movement filled the room as the door flew open.
Fangs. Claws. Blood.
Lillian collapsed onto the floor, her breath ragged. In her blurred vision, she saw Callum standing above the fallen outlaws, his chest rising and falling with barely contained rage. Poppy took a shuddering step back as his golden eyes met hers.
"You," he snarled.
Poppy lifted her hands. "Callum, I"
The wood cracked as his fist struck the wall beside her. "Your actions poisoned my friend." You set her up.
"I"
"Go," he growled. "Before I rip you apart."
Poppy paused, her eyes darting between Callum's roiling fury and Lillian's frail body. Then she turned and ran without saying another word.
Callum dropped to his knees beside Lillian, his hands trembling as he cupped her face. "Remain with me, Lillian."
She blinked up at him, her breathing shallow. "I don't feel right."
He picked her up with ease. "I'm taking you to see Dr. Oliver." Wait a moment.
As he carried her out, Lillian felt her consciousness slipping. However, she heard Callum's voice, low and angry, before the darkness overtook her.
"This will be paid for by them
Then everything went dark.
