Chapter Title: "The Thread Between Us"
Bryant's Chambers – One Week Later
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Narrator's POV
The air inside Bryant's chambers was quiet—too quiet. The soft ticking of the ancient gold clock echoed through the room as the heavy wooden doors creaked open.
Matilda stepped in.
She looked breathtaking, no doubt. Draped in a flowing emerald silk gown that hugged her curves and shimmered with every step, her raven-black hair was curled and swept to one side, pinned with a silver rose ornament. She walked like royalty, even if the crown wasn't hers yet.
"Your Majesty," she greeted softly, her voice layered with false warmth as she curtsied.
Bryant didn't look up immediately. He was by the window, one hand gripping a goblet of dark wine, eyes cast toward the horizon.
Matilda's smile faltered, but only for a second.
"I thought I should check on you," she continued, easing closer, "You've been distant lately."
"I've been occupied," Bryant said simply, finally turning to face her. "State matters never rest."
She gave a small laugh, clearly rehearsed. "Of course. But even an Alpha deserves a breath."
There was an awkward silence.
Bryant stepped away from the window and walked toward the table to set down his goblet. "I was about to head to the archery field. I need the air."
"I'll join you," Matilda said quickly.
Bryant hesitated—but only briefly. "Fine."
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Archery Field
The sun was soft today, peeking through clouds like a shy guest. The scent of fresh-cut grass and oiled arrows filled the training ground.
Bryant was already stringing his bow when Matilda trailed behind him. She wore a subtle smirk but hid it behind a composed expression.
As he took aim and released the first arrow, Matilda reached for one of her own—only to stagger backward dramatically.
"Ow—!" she gasped, stumbling sideways, right into Bryant's arm.
Bryant instinctively caught her by the waist, his hand brushing hers.
And then it happened.
That pull. That unmistakable spark. That strange heat that bloomed in his chest and spread like wildfire through his limbs.
His grip tightened for a split second. His heart skipped.
He pulled back, stunned, blinking rapidly.
His lips moved before his brain could stop him.
"Mate…"
Matilda looked up, her eyes wide as if surprised—though everything inside her screamed victory. She took a moment, gasped for dramatic effect, and then let a radiant smile stretch across her lips.
"Oh, my moon… Bryant, did you just say…?" She touched his arm tenderly. "You're my mate?"
She looked as if she might cry. "This is… unbelievable."
Bryant didn't speak. He stared at her as if trying to reconcile everything. His thoughts spun wildly.
Matilda?
Of all people?
He had waited for this pull, this spark, for years. Rosa had brought him peace, but no bond had formed. He had assumed—hoped—it was Rosa. But now, here he stood, his instincts claiming Matilda as his fated one.
Something felt wrong.
Too clean.
Too sudden.
But the bond—the bond didn't lie… right?
He was still lost in his thoughts when Kael approached with urgency. "Your Majesty, the council awaits. We should be on our way."
Bryant blinked and nodded, shaking himself out of the fog. Without even glancing back, he said firmly, "Matilda, return to your chambers."
"But—"
"Now."
His tone was final.
Matilda clenched her teeth behind a tight smile. She watched as Bryant walked away, his tall frame disappearing with Kael into the corridor.
She turned back to the field slowly, the fake light in her eyes dimming just a little.
And then, when no one else was looking, her lips curled into a smirk. Cold. Triumphant. Dangerous.
She didn't need his love. Not yet. The bond had done its job.
> "I told you, Bryant… you've always been mine," she whispered to the wind.
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