The Lancaster estate was exactly what I’d expected—big, cold, and intimidating. The gates loomed high as they slowly opened for our car. I sat in the backseat, my fingers gripping the hem of my sweater, watching the mansion come into view.
“Are you okay?” Dad said, glancing at me through the rearview mirror.
I met his gaze, trying to keep my voice steady even though my insides were in turmoil. “Yes, I am. . . For the pack.”
We drove up the long driveway, passing perfectly trimmed hedges and towering stone statues that seemed to be watching us. At the top of the hill stood the Lancaster mansion, its dark stone walls casting long shadows in the afternoon sun.
When we parked, a tall man in a sleek black suit greeted us. His piercing blue eyes and sharp features were unmistakable—Killian Lancaster, Sebastian’s younger brother.
“Alpha Alex,” he said, his voice smooth. “And this must be Saffire.”
I stepped out of the car, straightening up. “Yes.”
Killian’s gaze lingered on me for a moment, like he was sizing me up, before he nodded toward the house. “Come inside. My father’s waiting.”
The inside of the Lancaster mansion felt as imposing as the outside. High ceilings, dark wood paneling, and an air of old money filled the space.
We were led to a grand sitting room where Victor Lancaster, the head of the Lancaster pack, was sitting by the fireplace in an ornate chair. He stood up when we entered, his presence demanding attention.
“Alpha Alex,” he greeted my dad, shaking his hand. Then his eyes turned to me. “And you must be Saffire. Thanks for coming.”
I gave a small nod, unsure of what to say.
“Please, sit,” Victor said, motioning to the leather couches.
Once we were settled, he got straight to the point. “You know why you’re here. Our families stand to gain a lot from this arrangement. Your pack needs resources, and we need… hope.”
My dad spoke first. “Victor, I’ve told you before, we appreciate the offer. But I want Saffire to hear everything from you. No surprises.”
Victor’s gaze softened a little when he looked at me. “Of course. I won’t sugarcoat it, Saffire. My son, Sebastian, is alive, but he’s cursed by a rogue witch. He’s stuck in a sort of limbo—unable to wake up, unable to heal.”
I swallowed, the weight of his words sinking in. “And you think… our marriage will fix that?”
Victor leaned forward, looking serious. “The curse is tied to isolation. The witch’s last words were cryptic, but we believe forming a strong bond—especially a mate bond—might break it.”
“Or it might not,” I said, blunt as always.
Victor didn’t flinch. “True. But if it works, it will save him. And in return, we’ll save your pack.”
I glanced at my dad, who gave me an encouraging nod.
“What happens if it doesn’t work?” I asked.
“Then we keep our promise,” Killian chimed in. “The alliance stands either way. You won’t be left alone.”
His words were meant to reassure me, but the knot in my stomach didn’t loosen.
After the meeting, Victor suggested I visit Sebastian.
“Take your time,” he said. “You should see what you’re agreeing to.”
Killian led me down a long hallway to a set of double doors. “He’s in here,” he said, opening them.
The room was dim, the curtains pulled tight over the windows. In the center of the room was a big bed, and lying on it was Sebastian Lancaster.
He was nothing like I’d imagined. Even unconscious, his presence was powerful. Dark hair framed a chiseled face, and his broad shoulders made the bed look small. But it was the scar along his jawline and the tension in his expression that told the story of a man who’d fought—and lost.
I hesitated in the doorway. “Does he… know anything? Can he hear us?”
Killian shook his head. “We’re not sure. Some say those in his condition can hear everything. Others think it’s like being trapped in a dream.”
I took a step closer, my heart racing. “What was he like? Before the curse?”
Killian’s expression softened. “Sebastian was complicated. Strong, loyal, but shut off. He carried the weight of the pack on his shoulders. Never let anyone get close.”
“Why?” I asked, more curious than I wanted to admit.
“He thought it made him a better leader,” Killian replied. “But I think it just made him lonely.”
I looked down at Sebastian, wondering if this was the life I was about to walk into.
Later that evening, I found myself in the estate’s library, staring out at the darkening sky. My dad came up to me, a concerned look on his face.
“What are you thinking?” he asked.
I sighed. “I’m thinking this is crazy. I don’t even know him, Dad. And he’s—” I gestured vaguely. “Like this.”
“I know,” he said gently. “But I also know you, Saffire. You’re stronger than you think. And this could be the chance we’ve been hoping for.”
I turned to face him. “Do you really believe that? Or is this just about the pack?”
“It’s both,” he admitted. “But I wouldn’t ask this of you if I didn’t believe you could handle it.”
I nodded slowly, feeling the weight of his words.
“Okay,” I finally said. “I’ll do it.”
It felt like stepping off a cliff, but there was no turning back now.
