Saving Her Lycan

*Lilac*

Milo’s shrill voice cuts through the quiet like nails on a chalkboard, echoing down to my basement room. Even with the door closed, her words reach me, each one full of indignation and entitlement.

“Mother! How can you expect me to marry some beast? How will I ever live with that? I’m too young! I have too much life left to live!” Her voice trails into a whine that makes me cringe, and I press my ear against the wall, straining to hear more. For a second, there’s only muffled talking, like whispers coming from behind a thick curtain, then the familiar creak of bedsprings, and finally—silence. I pull back with a sigh, feeling as if I've missed something important, yet knowing this is just the latest of the endless arguments in this house that I’m never privy to.

Not that it’s much of a house for me. Calling my little nook a "room" feels generous. Technically, it’s a storage closet—at least, that’s what it was meant to be before my stepmother decided it was “perfect” for me, the “outcast child,” as she likes to call me. Dusty and cramped, with barely enough space for my narrow cot and a small shelf of tattered books, it’s a far cry from the spacious bedrooms upstairs where Milo and Nina—my stepsister and stepmother—live. Still, I suppose I should be grateful. At least I have a door to shut myself away from them, a small sanctuary where I can be alone, invisible. After all, Cinderella didn’t even get a room.

Lost in these thoughts, I hear the familiar rumble of tires on gravel. The front door creaks open, followed by the steady footsteps I recognize instantly—Dad is home. My heart skips a beat as I fling my book aside and bolt up the stairs, two at a time. Dad’s returns are always the highlight of my week, a brief reprieve from the constant scrutiny and harsh words of Nina and Milo. For those few precious moments, I feel like I belong somewhere, like I’m safe. And more than anything, his presence means they’ll have to dial back their usual bullying, at least while he’s around.

“Dad!” I call out as soon as I reach him, practically throwing myself into his arms. The warmth of his hug envelops me, grounding me in a way nothing else can. His scent is familiar, comforting—a mix of cologne, leather, and the faintest hint of the city air he carries home with him. I close my eyes, letting myself sink into the feeling of security that only he can provide.

“Lili,” he murmurs softly, pulling back just enough to give me a warm smile.

“Dad, it’s Lilac,” I remind him with a playful roll of my eyes. “Remember?”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “Is it now? But I think Lili suits you better.” Despite my protest, I know I wouldn’t trade this nickname for anything. It’s his special way of reminding me that, in his eyes, I’m still his little girl.

The moment is all too brief before Nina’s familiar, icy voice cuts through the air. “Welcome home, darling.” Her words are sweet, but there’s an edge to her tone, as if her niceties are laced with hidden barbs. She steps forward, planting a calculated kiss on Dad’s cheek, her gaze sliding over to me with that same contemptuous glint I’ve come to expect. Her hand rests on his arm, possessive, staking her claim.

“Welcome, Dad.” Milo’s voice follows, saccharine and syrupy as she drops a shallow curtsy. She’s barely glancing at him before her attention flits back to her phone, fingers already scrolling through some social feed, probably flaunting her latest selfie to her hundreds of followers. Even now, the faint glow from the screen lights up her smirk.

Dad sighs, slumping onto the sofa as he finally relaxes, sinking into its familiar comfort. "It’s good to be back home," he says, though there’s a heaviness in his voice. It’s as if every minute he’s away from his job, his responsibilities, is precious to him. But I also hear the exhaustion behind the words, the weight of a life that pulls him away more often than it lets him stay.

“Not like you’ll be here long,” I mumble under my breath, half-joking, though a part of me dreads the day he’ll have to leave again.

He raises an eyebrow, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Actually, I’ll be home for a while this time—three whole weeks, Lili. I’m off duty... And I have a wedding to arrange for my daughter.”

The words hang in the air, and I instinctively glance at Milo, who barely lifts her eyes from her phone. A small frown creases my forehead as I try to understand. “Milo’s getting married?”

A short, sharp laugh escapes Nina’s lips. “No,” she says in a clipped tone, her gaze turning cold and unyielding as it lands on me. “You, Lilac, are the one getting married.”

The words hit me like a slap, robbing me of my breath. Me? Getting married? Of all the ridiculous things to come out of her mouth, this one takes the cake. I’ve barely been on a date, let alone considered marriage. “What are you talking about?” I manage to sputter, looking from Nina to my father, hoping—praying—that this is some sort of twisted joke.

Nina doesn’t flinch. “Your father and I have already discussed it. His Excellency informed the Alpha King that it would be Milo’s hand in marriage, but,” she pauses, her gaze calculating, “it makes more sense for it to be you.”

The Alpha King. The words make my head spin, a sudden rush of dread flooding my veins. Since when does our family have ties with the Lycan Kingdom? And why would the Alpha King want Milo’s—or my—hand in marriage?

“Dad, what is going on?” I ask, my voice small, desperate, searching his face for any hint of the truth.

“The only thing we’re discussing here is your marriage,” Nina says sharply. Dad starts to respond, but she cuts him off, her voice like steel. “The arrangements are set, and it’s decided.”

“Nina, please,” Dad says, holding up a hand, his voice tense as he casts her a look that tells her to back down. Nina’s lips press into a thin line, but she sits back beside Milo, her body language radiating resentment. Milo doesn’t even look up, her fingers still dancing across her screen, seemingly oblivious to the bombshell that’s just been dropped.

Taking a deep breath, Dad turns back to me, his expression troubled. “Lyria and North City—the Lycan Kingdom—have been at odds for generations. We’ve been raised to hate and mistrust them, but there’s been talk of peace. For the first time in years, there’s an opportunity to end the enmity between our people.”

I stare at him, my mind reeling. Lyria has always warned its people against the North City and the Lycans. They were beasts, monsters who transformed under the full moon, creatures who prowled the shadows beyond our borders. To think that we would even consider a peace treaty is hard enough to swallow. But to realize that our family is involved? That’s unthinkable.

“But… why us, Dad?” I stammer, barely able to wrap my head around this revelation. “Why our family? Isn’t this something for the Prime Minister to handle?”

“You’re right. It should be,” he replies with a nod, his expression pained. “But the Prime Minister has no daughters, and our family is the next closest. His Excellency specifically requested Milo’s hand because of her beauty and reputation—qualities he believes would help forge a strong alliance.”

I cast a glance at Milo, who’s preening, twirling a strand of hair around her finger with a smug smile. Beauty and reputation, right. Milo has always been the darling of Lyria, beloved by the social elite and adored by nearly everyone who meets her. Meanwhile, I’m the forgotten one, the shadow that lurks in the corners. I’ve always been invisible, and now… now they want to make me visible, to serve some political purpose?

Nina’s face shifts, her expression turning mournful as she dabs at her eyes theatrically. “You always do this, Marlon,” she whimpers, her voice choked with crocodile tears. “Just because Milo isn’t your first wife’s daughter, you think it’s acceptable to pass her over.”

My stomach twists at her blatant manipulation. I can see right through her act, but Dad? I can’t be sure. He’s fallen for her act so many times before, blinded by his guilt and his desire to be fair.

“Nina—” he begins, but she cuts him off.

“Just this one thing, Marlon,” she says, her voice wavering as she squeezes his hand. “For the sake of this family. I know I could never replace her mother, but this one thing… please?”

Dad’s face softens, resignation clouding his features as he lets out a long, weary sigh. “Fine, Nina.”

My heart sinks, realizing that I’ve lost before I even had a chance to argue. His voice is quiet but firm when he speaks again. “Lilac, your wedding to the second prince of the Lycan Royal House will be in three weeks. Prepare yourself.”

The words hit me like a punch to the gut, leaving me reeling as I stand there, stunned. Three weeks. I have just three weeks to come to terms with this impossible, insane new reality. Me—married to a Lycan prince. I barely know anything about them beyond the grim warnings I’ve been fed since childhood. They’re beasts, ruthless monsters with claws and fangs, who roam the northern woods and live by their own brutal laws. I shudder involuntarily, my mind spinning with all the things I don’t know, all the things I’m terrified to imagine.

And yet, as I stand there, dazed, I can’t ignore the pleased smirks on both Nina’s and Milo’s faces. They’ve won. This is what they wanted all along, isn’t it? To throw me into something I can’t possibly handle, to see me married off and out of their lives, away from the only family I have. Anger flares within me, but so does fear. This isn’t a joke to them—it’s my reality. They’ll be rid of me, and I’ll be trapped with a stranger, a monster from tales meant to frighten children.

Swallowing back the bile rising in my throat, I turn to my father one last time, searching for any hint of sympathy, any sign that he understands what he’s asking of me. “Dad, please… This doesn’t make any sense. Milo’s had months to think about this, and now you’re telling me I have no choice but to marry some Lycan prince? A stranger I don’t know anything about?”

A heavy sigh escapes him, and he looks away, almost as if he’s ashamed. “I know, Lili. But we’re talking about a chance to unite Lyria and North City, to finally bring peace after all these years. The Alpha King himself requested this. Our family has to do this… and you, you have to do this for me.”

For him. The words sting, cutting deeper than I care to admit. I’ve always tried to be the dutiful daughter, tried to make him proud despite the impossible circumstances of my life here. But this? This feels like too much. This isn’t just about my duty or his expectations—this is my life. And now it’s being bartered away for a peace treaty.

My mouth opens, a final protest forming on my lips, but before I can speak, Nina jumps in, her voice dripping with satisfaction. “Enough, Lilac. You’ll listen to your father and do as he says.” Her words are like a final, resounding judgment, sealing my fate with a vicious glee.

In that moment, something inside me snaps. I feel the surge of defiance, the urge to tell them all off, to shout that this isn’t fair, that Milo should be the one who has to marry this prince if she’s so perfect and beloved. But as I look at my father’s stern expression, as I watch the pleased gleam in Nina’s eyes, I realize it’s pointless. This is what they’ve decided, and my protests won’t change a thing.

My voice comes out quiet, almost defeated. “I don’t even get a choice, do I?”

Dad’s face hardens, and he nods slowly, as if he’s trying to steel himself against my words. “Lilac, this is bigger than you, than any of us. It’s about Lyria, about peace.”

“Peace,” I echo, the word hollow in my mouth. How can I find peace in a life that’s been stolen from me, given to a stranger—a Lycan prince, of all people? But I know he won’t hear me. He’s too bound by duty, too blinded by Nina’s manipulations. For him, this is the only way forward.

Nina leans forward, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. “So that’s settled, then. You’ll prepare for your new life, Lilac. We’ll make sure you’re properly groomed to be the perfect bride for a prince.” Her tone is syrupy sweet, but I can hear the venom beneath her words. She’s thrilled to see me so helpless, so utterly trapped.

I take a step back, feeling the walls close in around me. This house, which has always been a prison, now feels like it’s suffocating me. My throat tightens, but I force myself to hold my head high, even as a wave of nausea rolls over me.

Turning away from them, I catch a glimpse of myself in the hallway mirror—a ghostly, pale reflection of the girl I used to be, the girl who dreamed of a different life, a life of freedom and choices. But that girl is fading, replaced by someone I barely recognize.

“I’ll do it,” I say, the words bitter on my tongue. “For you, Dad. For Lyria.” The lies taste foul, but they’re the only thing keeping me grounded, the only thing holding back the tears threatening to spill.

As I head back toward my tiny room, I hear Nina whisper something to Milo, something that makes her laugh. But I don’t look back. I don’t want to see their faces, their triumph, their satisfaction. I don’t want to give them the satisfaction of seeing me break.

In the quiet of my room, I close the door behind me and lean against it, letting out a shaky breath. My stomach churns, and my mind races with a thousand unanswered questions. Who is this Lycan prince? Why would he agree to marry someone he’s never met, someone from a family that despises his kind? And what does this mean for me—for my life, my future?

A shiver runs down my spine as I imagine the life that awaits me in North City. The Lycans’ territory, the dark and foreboding land we’ve been warned about our entire lives. I’ve heard stories—stories of their strength, their fierceness, their animalistic instincts. How can I possibly live among them, let alone marry one of them?

Sliding down to the floor, I pull my knees to my chest and close my eyes, trying to calm the whirlwind of fear and anger swirling inside me. All my life, I’ve felt like an outsider, a shadow cast by my own family’s indifference. But now… now I’m being thrust into a world that’s even more foreign, more terrifying than anything I’ve ever known.

My fingers dig into my arms as I fight to keep myself grounded, to keep from being swept away by the tidal wave of uncertainty crashing over me. And as I sit there, lost in the darkness of my thoughts, one thing becomes painfully, chillingly clear:

I’m on my own.

*Lilac*

Every second that ticks draws me closer to my doom, in less than twelve hours, my life will take a drastic turn.

I bite back the tears that have been threatening to fall since I was told I would get married to the Prince of the werewolf city. It is the night to my wedding, and I can hear as Nina and Dad make arrangements towards it.

Chairs scrape against each other, low chatters from the maids and the subtle music playing is enough to remind me of my pending disaster.

I am Nineteen, and I am getting married, I didn't even get the chance to go to college. If anyone ever told me this was going to happen, I would only have laughed at the joke, but staring at my wedding dress that hangs against my door, I can tell this is no joke. I, Lilac Hirav, am getting married tomorrow.

Funny how unexpected things take place much to one's dismay.

The knock on my door draws me out of my thoughts and my Father walks in. "Dad," I greet.

Dad sighs and settles down on the bed beside me, the bed dipping as his weight presses down on it. He stays silent for a while and then he speaks. "My little Lili is getting married, how time flies." He grins as he says that, but even I can see through it and detect the fakeness.

I shrug, "Indeed how time flies, who knew I would be getting married to a Lycan Prince? I mean, it's quite hilarious."

"You know it is against my power to do anything about it, His Excellency already signed the agreement.."

"He signed the agreement for Milo, not me. What am I even to do, do I have to bear her name too?"

"The Prime Minister knows that Milo isn't the bride, so you will keep your name... Lili, this is for the best," Dad says.

For the best, not my best. Ever since my mother died, everything I did in this household has always been for the best even if my best is not included.

I blame the prime minister though, for using Dad's loyalty to push him to marry Nina because if Dad had not married Nina, I would probably not be in this mess. Fucking selfish Monarch, only I wish I could say that out loud.

"It is for the best," I agree with Dad, pushing back the tears that threatened to fall. "And on that note, I would like to be alone," I add and lay back down on my small bed, turning swiftly to the other side.

"Lili—"

"Dad, can't I just get a little space? I'm getting married tomorrow which means my life is certainly going to change, I should at least savour my last minutes in this home!" I choke out, my lips trembling as I speak, heavens, I hate this!

"Fine" The bed creaks as he stands to leave. "You know I love you right?"

No, you don't! Your stupid loyalty to the Monarch is messing with your brain Father, and it is only a while before you realize it. I do not say the words I wish to say, instead, I grunt a reply and he sighs before leaving me to myself.

The silence triggers my depressed state and I start to sob into my pillow.

[]

"Wow, you look beautiful Miss Lilac," one of the maids gushes as she accompanies me to the convoy sent by the prime minister to pick me up.

"Indeed she is, just like her Mother," Dad comments as he too steps in beside me, the pain in his voice is evident.

"Mr Hirav." The maid bows and then hurries back into the house. I glance at my home —or at least it once felt like it — for the last time and then ease myself into the Passenger's side of the car.

Milo and Nina soon appear looking even more dressed than I, the bride. What was I to expect though? It has always been their dream to have me thrown out of the house, so they will not miss the chance to send my head off on a silver platter.

The drive to the chapel is painfully slow, although I appreciate it.

Dad tries to make small talk with me but when he sees I do not give any response except for low grunts and unnecessary nods, he gives up, thankfully. I am not ready to talk to him, not now and maybe not ever.

"It is for the best Marlon, Look on the bright side of it, Lilac gets to be a princess, isn't that beautiful?" Nina's annoying words breaks the silence in the car. Can she just keep quiet?

"It is a good thing, and we are happy about it. Right, Lilac?" Milo says in agreement with her mother, but even the intended mocking beneath her tone is clear.

Before I can form a retort, the car pulls up to a stop and I can feel my breath hitch when I notice we have arrived at the chapel. My fists tighten on my white dress, my knuckles turning pale as Father gets down from his side of the car and comes over to mine to pull the door open.

When he does, he holds out his arms and shakily I slip mine into it. The subtle playing of 'Ed Sheeran's Perfect' fills up the chapel as Father begins to walk me inside.

If I am not scared as hell right now, I will scoff at their choice of song, because I sure do not feel perfect at this point. Probably 'Metallica's Trapped Under Ice' would have been the perfect marching-in song, after all, that's how I feel now.

"Relax Lili," Father rubs his fingers over mine and even though I am still vexed at him, I cannot help but relax in his ever-safe arms.

The moment I step into the auditorium, and the half-filled congregation turns to stare at me, it becomes so real that I am getting married. I bite my lip, keeping my head lowered as Father leads me to my soon-to-be husband.

Every girl dreams about it, every woman looks forward to it — the white dress, the beautiful flowers, the perfect walk down the aisle to the man they love.

I am getting it all except I am not walking down the aisle to the man I love, I am walking down the aisle with my Father to be given away to a creature we've been told is ruthless, they will snap off your neck in one second if you cross them, or at least that's what we were told.

"We are here," Father whispers to me, pulling me to an abrupt halt, I still do not look up. I faintly hear the priest ask. "Who gives this lady up as a bride to this man." My father replies and in so doing he lets go of my hands, I almost cry out at the loss of contact, except I do not expect the long slender hands that cover mine in place of Father's, and then I finally look up.

My eyes meet the blue well-tailored suit of my husband before it finally reaches his face, and when it does.. I am transfixed, almost to a stupor, because this man standing before me is in total contrast to what I grew up learning about Lycans, he is not big burly and hairy like they said, see he is gorgeous, no not just gorgeous, I mean drop-dead-hold-your-fucking-heart-before-it-falls gorgeous.

The next thing I see are his eyes, eyes the colour of the freaking ocean, and the swirls in it like the sea waves crashing against each other.

His hair, long jet black with strands of grey standing out, he has it packed to the back. He is tall, like a 6'5 to my 5'5, and his abs! My eyes almost pop out of its socket. This man is a freaking walking candy, square tight muscles almost ripping out of his suit, add his perfectly chiselled well shaved jaw — Fuck!

"Do you, Kael Aspen take Lilac Hirav...." The priest's voice fades off as I am in a trance as he asks us to say our vows and I spit it out like I am being controlled, but then he announces. "You may now kiss the bride." And my husband leans in, hot breath fanning my neck, there is no doubt or hesitation in his eyes as they peer down at me. But even so, I can read his unsaid words, his message is as clear as daylight: Welcome to my world.

PS: he didn't kiss me.

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"Oh my gee, Lilac. I will so miss you, the house will not be the same without you in it." Milo's estranged fake voice follows me as my husband leads me into his waiting car. My husband — it still feels weird on my tongue.

"Lilac, make sure you call okay!" Nina calls out, sniffing. Goddamn fakers, anyone hearing them would think they care for me like they are trying to paint. My grip tightens on my husband's — Kael's hands as I whip back and turn to face my stepmother and her daughter.

"I will call, stepmother," I bite out, all the bitterness I have tried so hard to keep drips out of my words. I do not even miss Milo's jealous looks as she checks out Kael, she looks like she wants to swallow him whole. Did she not freaking refuse to marry him, nowt she looks like she wants to kill me with her eyes. Bitch.

"That's great Lilac, we will be expecting your call," Nina replies, God, she should drop the act already. I scan the surroundings for my Dad, but it seems like he disappeared after the service. I felt a pang of hurt in my chest, he could not even wait to see me off.

"I think we should leave now, we have to get back to the North City before nighttime." Kael''s voice which I might probably take a while to get used to, floats into my ears.

I visibly blanch, I take one last look at Nina and Milo, and I slip into the car. Kael places his hand over the roof of the car and then slips in beside me.

Fuck my life.

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