The officiant cleared his throat, loud enough to echo through the hall. The guests fell into a hush, their excitement buzzing under the silence.
I could feel Lucian's gaze still burning into me, heavy and cold like a hand gripping the back of my neck.
"Shall we begin the vows?" the officiant asked politely.
Lucian didn't respond.
He didn't look at the officiant.
He was still staring at me—like the rest of the world was background noise.
The officiant shifted uncomfortably before turning to him.
"Mr. Lucian Christwealth, please take your vow."
Lucian finally looked away from me, lifting his chin with a bored elegance. His voice, when he spoke, was low and steady.
"I vow," he began, pausing as if choosing every word for maximum annoyance, "to maintain this union. To provide what is required. To uphold my status. And to take responsibility for the omega given to me."
Given.
Not chosen.
A murmur rippled through the crowd, approving and impressed.
My stomach twisted.
He wasn't done.
"I vow," he continued, turning his eyes back to me, "to ensure obedience, order, and discipline where needed."
My jaw tightened. My fingers crushed the bouquet.
He said it like a warning.
Like a promise. Like he wanted to see if I'd react. I did not look down.
The officiant nodded quickly, trying to smooth over the tension slicing the air like knives.
"Thank you,Mr. Lucian. Now… Mikael Chaze, please take your vow, to prove that you're ready to submit your entire begin to your soon to be Alph."
I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry. I could feel everyone watching me—waiting to see and hear what I have to offer. Like seriously, I'm the only one who gets to submit.
Outwardly, I kept my face calm.
Inside?
I was a storm.
"I vow…" I said softly, letting my voice be steady even though anger curled under each word, "to honor this union, and ready to be the bride of Lucian Christwealth, and to uphold my duties as I stand by his side."
My mother exhaled in relief.
"And," I added, lifting my eyes deliberately to Lucian's, "to retain my dignity."
Lucian's eyebrow twitched—just a fraction.
The crowd murmured again, this time confused.
An omega declaring dignity?
Bold. Rude. Unacceptable.
But I wasn't finished.
"And I vow", I continued, my voice growing stronger, "to walk beside you as my own person, not as a shadow cast by another's hand"
A sharp breath left Lucian's nose—half amusement, half disbelief.
His lips curled slightly.
Oh, he liked that.
Or he hated it.
Or both,I didn't know.
The officiant looked terrified but pressed on.
"W-well… with vows exchanged, we proceed to ring placement."
Lucian didn't wait.
He took my hand—firm, warm, possessive.
Not gentle.
Not cruel.
Just a grip that said: Mine. Whether you like it or not.
But as he slid the ring onto my finger, he leaned in again, his breath brushing my ear.
"You're bold," he whispered. "Let's see how long that lasts."
My spine locked.
My pulse spiked.
I looked up at him, fire simmering behind my eyes.
"It's gonna last as long as I want," I whispered back.
His smirk widened.
The guests clapped.
The hall roared with celebration.
But between us?
Only tension.
Only heat.
Only a dangerous, electric silence.
Something in Lucian's gaze said I wasn't what he expected.
Something in mine promised I wouldn't become what he wanted.
Not now.
Not ever.