Sofia's POV
"Get the warriors together. You'll lead them—make sure no one breaches this place," Adam said firmly.
The warrior nodded and left immediately. Adam turned back to me, trying to hide the worry in his eyes, but I saw it.
"My husband rejected me on our wedding day," I finally broke the silence, my voice trembling.
I poured out everything—the rejection, the shame, and losing my best friend in the forest. The weight of it all crushed me, and I collapsed onto the bed, overwhelmed.
Adam moved closer, his hand gently wrapping around my neck. "What do you think you should do next?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
I removed his hand and turned to him, eyes filled with pain. "I don't know! All I know is that he loved me. What happened that day still doesn't make sense."
He sat beside me, leaning in until his lips were near my ear. "Let's get married tonight," he whispered. "It'll make it easier for you to get your revenge."
At first, I shook my head. It was too sudden—too much.
But then… I thought about it.
Revenge. Closure. A way to take something back.
"Okay," I said slowly. "But with the war going on at Riverside Pack, how will it even work?"
He didn't flinch. "Don't worry. My men will handle it."
Somehow, his confidence gave me a strange sense of relief. Maybe this was the only way to make things right.
After agreeing, Adam stood up to leave. At the door, he turned and said, "Check the clothes you'll wear—they're already there."
Everything happened fast. Guests arrived. The ceremony began. The entire venue transformed—glittering lights sparkled like stars, elegant and surreal.
For a moment, I let myself pretend. Pretend it was me and Lucas. Pretend this was the wedding we had dreamed of before everything shattered. But reality hit like a slap.
This was a planned wedding. Nothing more.
I walked down the hall. All eyes were on me.
Adam stood at the altar, his smile lighting up the entire room. His eyes glistened with admiration. He looked at me like I was his entire world.
I was used to being looked at. I knew I was beautiful. But tonight, the attention felt different.
After the coronation, done by the Elders, exhaustion hit me like a wave. I headed straight to my room and didn't come out until the next morning.
When I woke, I was startled to see a young woman standing beside me. She looked like she hadn't slept all night.
"My name is Keith," she said, grinning with all her teeth.
I stared at her. Her energy grated on my nerves. If not for my attempt to stay calm, I would've kicked her out.
"How may I help you?" I asked, coldly.
She beamed again. Damn,- that smile.
"Can you talk, or would you prefer the door?" I snapped, pointing toward it.
She adjusted herself quickly. "My queen, Alpha Adam asked me to bring you to him as soon as you woke up," she said, cheeks blushing.
I turned my face away. I didn't want to see her joy. "Tell him I'm still sleeping."
She didn't budge. "Ma, you should put this on," she said, ignoring me and holding out the clothes.
Reluctantly, I got out of bed and took the clothes. When I saw what they were, I froze.
Training clothes.
I pinched myself, hoping I was still dreaming. "What's this?" I hissed, throwing them onto the bed.
"My queen, we must hurry. We shouldn't keep the king waiting," she insisted.
I gritted my teeth, knowing she wouldn't leave. "You can go. I'll meet you there," I lied.
But she smiled again. "I'll wait."
Of course, she would.
With a heavy sigh, I changed into the training outfit and followed her to where Adam was waiting.
As I entered, his face lit up. "It looks good on you," he said with a wink. "Let's get to work."
I shot him a glare. This wasn't what I expected after a wedding.
He handed me a long stick. I hesitated.
"This is how you hold your stick," he said, stepping behind me to adjust my grip.
I tried to pull away, but he caught my arm. "You need to focus. This is the only way to beat your enemies."
I clenched my jaw and obeyed.
He began to teach me different techniques—blocks, strikes, footwork.
He moved like a warrior. Every motion was sharp and precise.
After some time, he stepped back. Sweat glistened on his brow. His rugged look made him frustratingly attractive. "Now, let's see what you've learned."
I feigned fatigue. "Maybe another day..."
But he didn't believe me. He rushed forward with the first move he had taught me.
I wasn't ready.
The stick flew from my hand as I crashed to the ground. My back ached from the impact.
"Go get it," he ordered.
I glared at him, my rage simmering just below the surface. This wasn't the Adam I expected.
I retrieved the stick and faced him again.
We continued, but my focus wavered.
He landed a hit straight to my stomach. "Aaah!" I cried out, staggering back.
"Stay focused!" he barked, striking again.
Pain shot through me. "Aah!" I shouted, falling like a broken branch to the ground.
My body trembled. I tried to stand, but my legs buckled.
One hand on the floor, I pushed myself up.
I won't give him the satisfaction of seeing me break.
I inhaled deeply, remembering the techniques. This time, I moved with purpose—striking, blocking, stepping forward.
Finally, I fought back.
But just as I gained ground, he landed another hit—harder than before.
I dropped with a loud cry. "Aaaaaah!"
Blood trickled from my nose. I could taste it—bitter and metallic.
Enough.
"I can't do this anymore!" I shouted, shaking with pain and frustration.
Adam stared at me, calm and unmoved. Then, without a word, he dropped his stick.
"Then be ready to stay here forever," he said coldly.