Although my father disapproved of my decision, he said no more when he saw the resolve on my face.
He just sighed and tried to comfort me. "If your life in the Viperian Clan becomes too difficult... perhaps you can ask Corinne for help."
But when Corinne found out I chose to marry into the Viperian Clan, she couldn't resist mocking me to my face.
"Aveline, even if you couldn't marry Ronan, you don't have to stoop to marrying into an outdated, sinister family of 'monsters,' do you? Don't let that gloomy atmosphere make you sick before you can even have a baby. I hear they can barely integrate into modern society anymore."
"The Silvermoon Pack is wealthier than a kingdom; they mix their drinking water with water from the Moon Well just to strengthen their bodies. If your life gets too miserable, I can pack up some of our leftovers and send them your way!"
She covered her mouth and burst out laughing, completely ignoring the awkward stares of the surrounding servants.
Corinne was clearly convinced that with the Silvermoon Pack's vast resources and Ronan's obsession, she would get pregnant quickly. She was certain she had stolen my chance to bear the child of prophecy.
But she had no idea how difficult it was for a human to conceive with a werewolf, nor did she understand just how obsessed Ronan was with having an heir.
When I showed no signs of pregnancy after six months in my past life, his frustration had boiled over. He tormented me day and night with the silent treatment and psychological abuse.
It wasn't until I activated my sealed bloodline to conceive Cain, solidifying the Silvermoon Pack's power, that Ronan finally relented.
I gave Corinne a calm smile. "You don't need to worry about me, Corinne. I've made my choice, and I will live with it."
"What's there to be proud of? You're marrying a monster nobody wants!" My composure infuriated Corinne. She slammed her hand on the table, scattering pastries onto the floor. "I will be the first to get pregnant! And my child will be the one to unify all supernatural communities!"
I ignored her tantrum and focused on preparing for my bonding ceremony in three days.
She wasn't wrong about one thing—the Viperian Clan was intensely private. I worried they wouldn't have a human-style wedding gown, so I'd made plans to find my own.
Unexpectedly, that very evening, Cassian delivered my wedding gown himself.
It was the first time I had truly seen his face clearly.
His skin was pale, almost bloodless. His narrow eyes held a quiet dignity, their golden, slitted pupils containing an ancient and mysterious depth. However, a beauty mark at the corner of his eye added a subtle touch of gentleness to his otherwise stern expression.
Inside the box was a handcrafted, custom-made wedding gown by a legendary designer, fashioned from a rare, shimmering fabric. The hem was adorned with tiny diamonds that glittered in the light.
I had never seen such an exquisite dress. For a moment, I was utterly captivated.
"Aveline," Cassian said calmly, "this gown was chosen by our entire clan. Every detail is a blessing from our people."
His gaze held a deliberate distance, as if he believed I had chosen him only as a reluctant, retaliatory act.
"This is the first time the Viperian Clan has bonded with a human. If anything is not to your liking, please do not hesitate to tell me."
"Thank you," I replied. "I really love it."
Just as I was about to put the dress away, Corinne walked in on Ronan's arm, a look of smug triumph on her face.
"Aveline, don't tell me this is your only gown? Ronan had a whole collection of priceless wedding dresses made for me! This is the treatment the true mate of an Alpha deserves!"
Ronan looked down at Corinne, his eyes filled with adoration.
Corinne only saw the loyalty werewolves were famous for; she didn't see the truth beneath it—an intense obsession with powerful offspring, especially the "child of prophecy."
If she couldn't give him that child, would Ronan still be so gentle with her?
Cassian's hand tightened on his cane. Then he raised his eyes to meet mine.
"If my clan ever causes you grief, Aveline, I promise you this—I, Cassian Valerius, swear a Gorgon blood oath: I will be loyal to you for all my life and never betray you."
Corinne snorted. "Anyone can say pretty words. If you're so capable, why don't you try having a child first!"
Right now, her mind was consumed with having a child. Her infertility in our past life had become a thorn in her side, and now she was desperate to get pregnant. She had even moved into the Silvermoon Pack before her bonding ceremony with Ronan.
In that sense, she and Ronan were a perfect match—both had a paranoid desire for an heir.
"Corinne, you should be more concerned with your own wedding. Otherwise, people might think you have your eye on my mate-to-be."
I gave a faint smile and, under the furious glares of Corinne and Ronan, took Cassian's hand and left.
Behind me, I could still hear Corinne's shrill voice pestering Ronan. Most of her words were indistinct, but phrases like "blood moon cycle," "mate's child," and "unify all supernatural communities" cut through the noise.
Oh, my foolish sister. Even after being reborn, she still believed a child was her only path to power.
