Episode 3

The week whizzed by, with training turning into an ordeal; each step forward seemed like two steps back. Zed was indifferent to my injuries, and I suspected that Sapphire was taking something out on me, but I wasn't certain yet.

"I believe it's not a good idea for Sapphire to continue training Cassie." Lydia's voice echoed from behind the door as I returned from another exhausting day.

"Mom, you've always been supportive of me, why can't you just accept my choice?" Zed's voice emerged from a corner of the room.

"I've always supported you, and where has that led us? You've become a spoiled and weak boy, so desperate to fulfil a commitment that you don't even stop to consider what your fiancee's family expects of her... I will send Sapphire to the Western Tribe next week, I don't want to see you two together anymore. Enough." Lydia's voice was different, more serious and somber, as if she wanted to avoid the topic.

A glass was thrown at the door where I stood eavesdropping, causing me to jump back, but a growl pulled me from my shock.

"Haven't we taught you manners? Clean that up before you leave." Lydia opened the door, her eyes sweeping over mine as Zed growled under his breath. Before she could say more, I walked until I reached the threshold of the door, looking coldly at Zed.

"I want her sent to the Western Tribe today." My chest was burning with rage while Zed met my gaze with fury.

"Who do you think you are? You're nothing but a child..." He snarled at that moment, and I simply raised one finger in his direction.

"A spoiled child still believing in fairy-tale princes, let me tell you something, Cassandra, our marriage is arranged, not to my liking, so know if we ever marry, I will ensure everyone knows that Sapphire is my chosen Mate, not a pathetic child like you." His words deeply wounded me, my eyes filling with tears. His mother stood there, hand over her lips, looking at her son unsure of what to do, only breaking her stillness when a smile crossed Zed's lips and his father entered the room, growling like a truly ferocious alpha.

"If you do not marry Cassie and make her your Mate, know that you will not be the alpha of this tribe. I'm tired of your whims; this is my decision. If you want to lead the Southern Tribe, then marry and love your wife. Enough, it's time to act like a man!" The growl from his father grew louder and as Zed attempted to respond, I heard only the faint sound of bones cracking. Lydia quickly pulled me from the room—it seemed she wasn't concerned with whatever might happen within those walls.

Maybe to soothe tensions and to slip from memory, Sapphire was no longer training nor was she seen much around the mansion. From my bedroom window, I could see a tall tower that appeared abandoned.

My birthday was in two days, and as a gift for finally receiving my wolf, Lydia said that my family would join us for a celebratory dinner, and they would also take the opportunity to set the date for my marriage to Zed.

As my parents arrived for my birthday, I noticed the tension fall upon Zed's shoulders, perhaps fearing I would reveal what he had said. My cousin was with them, and upon seeing her, I ran to embrace her.

"I've missed you all so much!" After releasing her from my clumsy hug, she kissed the top of my head and asked how I was being treated. Before I could answer, Zed towered over me, hands resting on my shoulder.

"She is being well taken care of." His voice was steady, but his gaze was cold, something Daphne must have noticed since she subtly pulled me by the arm after glancing at her partner, Lucian.

"I believe Cassie has a voice and can answer for herself." Her response didn't please him at all.

Ignoring Zed, I took Daphne by the hands after asking Lydia for permission to show her the whole house, only stopping when we reached the garden, where, knowing me well, Daphne pulled me aside to chat.

There were no secrets between Daphne and me, and as soon as I finished telling her everything, she growled and pulled me into a tight hug.

"If you want to leave, just say the word and we'll jump in that car and go!" Daphne was, without a doubt, my favorite person in the whole world, and her words brought out a weak smile from me.

"The priority here isn't your marriage to Zedekiah Vasile, the priority is you! My dear, the family's priority will always be you." My cousin's words filled my eyes with tears.

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