Chapter 6 The Cold Ceremony
The morning of Amanda’s wedding, she woke to gray skies and rain.
How fitting.
She stood before the mirror in her childhood bedroom, staring at the woman in white.
The dress was beautiful; ivory silk with lace sleeves, fitted at the waist, flowing to the floor. Her mother had spared no expense. Not out of love, but pride. This wedding wasn’t about Amanda. It was about the Kingswell name.
Her hair was pinned in a neat twist, small crystals woven through the dark strands. Makeup hid the tired shadows under her eyes.
She looked like a bride.
She felt like she was dressed for a funeral.
“Stop fidgeting,” the stylist said, adjusting her veil. “You look perfect.”
Perfect. Such an empty word.
A knock came at the door. Her father stood there, stiff in his formal suit. He hadn’t spoken much since the engagement dinner.
“It’s time,” he said.
No kind words. No warmth. Just duty.
Amanda nodded and gathered her skirts. As she passed the mirror one last time, her gaze caught the faint mark on her neck, the crescent moon birthmark. It seemed to pulse beneath her skin. Maybe it was her imagination.
The Curse-Breaker’s mark.
Her secret. Her power.
She touched it briefly, drawing strength from that hidden truth, then followed her father downstairs.
Council Hall had been transformed. White roses and silver ribbons covered the walls. Candles flickered in tall glass holders. The rain outside made the glow inside seem warmer.
Black cars lined the driveway. Umbrellas dotted the entrance like dark flowers.
It should have felt romantic. Instead, it felt like a cage.
Amanda stood at the back of the hall, her arm looped through her father’s. Two hundred guests filled the room; alphas, betas, council members. The union of two powerful packs was on display.
Not a love story. A merger.
“Remember what I told you,” her father said quietly. “Make this pack proud. Don’t embarrass us.”
Even on her wedding day.
Amanda said nothing.
The music began, solemn and slow. They started walking.
Every head turned toward her. Curious eyes. Pitying ones. Some disappointed. Many had hoped for Lena in this role.
Lena sat in the third row, wearing red. Bold, striking red. Her smile was polite, but her eyes gleamed with triumph.
Clarissa sat beside her, looking relieved, as if she were finally rid of a burden.
Amanda kept her gaze forward, toward the altar. Toward Derek.
He stood still in his black suit, hands clasped in front of him. His dark hair was neatly styled, his sharp features unreadable.
He should have looked like a groom. He looked like a man facing a sentence.
Their eyes met. His were cold and gray. No warmth. No spark. Just duty.
Lucian placed Amanda’s hand in Derek’s. His grip was firm but distant, like greeting a stranger. Then her father stepped back. She was alone now, standing before the man who would be her husband.
Councilor Marwick began to speak. His words echoed through the hall, unity, strength, loyalty. Amanda barely heard them. Her pulse thudded in her ears.
“The vows,” Marwick said.
Derek spoke first. His tone was flat. “I, Derek Livingston, take you, Amanda Kingswell, as my wife and Luna. I pledge to honor the bond between our packs, uphold our traditions, and fulfill my duties as your husband and Alpha.”
Duties. Nothing more.
Amanda drew a slow breath. “I, Amanda Kingswell, take you, Derek Livingston, as my husband and Alpha. I pledge to serve Nightfang Pack with honor, to stand beside you, and to fulfill my duties as your wife and Luna.”
The words burned on her tongue. But she kept her head high.
“The rings,” Marwick said.
Silas stepped forward with a velvet cushion. Derek took Amanda’s ring and slid it onto her finger. Quick. Careful. Distant.
Amanda placed his ring with trembling fingers. For a brief moment, their eyes met, still nothing there.
“By the power vested in me,” Marwick said, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
The room fell silent.
Derek’s jaw tightened. He leaned down. His lips brushed hers lightly, cold and brief. A formality.
When he pulled back, her mother wiped her eyes, pretending to be moved. Lena’s smile sharpened.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Marwick said, “I present Alpha Derek Livingston and his Luna, Amanda Livingston.”
Applause filled the hall.
Amanda was no longer a Kingswell.
She was a Livingston.
And she had never felt more alone.
The reception was held in the grand ballroom beside the hall. White roses. Silver ribbons. Candles. A pianist played softly in the corner.
Everything looked perfect.
Everything felt empty.
Amanda and Derek sat at the head table, surrounded by their families. They were supposed to look happy. They didn’t.
“To the happy couple!” Victor called, lifting his glass. His smile was too sharp. He knew this marriage was business.
Everyone cheered. Amanda took a sip of champagne and wished it was something stronger. Derek finished his glass and reached for another.
“Try to look like you’re enjoying yourself,” he muttered, barely moving his lips.
“I could say the same to you,” Amanda said quietly.
He looked at her for a moment, then turned away.
Guests came and went, offering their congratulations.
“Congratulations, Alpha.”
“Nightfang is lucky to have you.”
“A wise alliance.”
They spoke to Derek. Barely anyone looked at Amanda. She was decoration, the new Luna no one wanted.
After dinner, Derek stood suddenly. “I need air.”
He walked away without looking back, heading toward Silas and a group of warriors.
Amanda watched him go, feeling the weight of what her life had become.
“Mind if I sit?”
She turned. An older woman with kind eyes and silver hair stood beside the empty chair. She wore simple clothes but carried herself with quiet pride.
“Of course,” Amanda said.
“Elder Moira,” the woman introduced herself, taking Derek’s seat. “I’ve been watching you, child.”
Something in her voice made Amanda’s birthmark tingle beneath her dress.
“You have?” Amanda asked carefully.
Moira smiled. “You’re stronger than they think. Stronger than you believe.”
Amanda didn’t know how to answer.
Moira patted her hand. “The wolf knows his mate, even when the man does not. Give him time.”
Amanda’s breath caught. “What do you mean?”
But Moira only smiled and rose from her chair. “Patience, Luna. The truth will reveal itself soon.”
She vanished into the crowd, leaving Amanda frozen.
The wolf knows his mate.
Did she know about the vision? The howl?
Before Amanda could think further, movement near the entrance caught her eye.
A tall man with auburn hair stood watching Derek. Power clung to him. Another Alpha. His stare was cold and sharp.
When he noticed Amanda looking, he raised his glass in a mocking salute before turning to whisper to his Beta. His expression was calculating. Dangerous.
“That’s Elias Hale,” a voice said behind her.
Amanda turned. Silas stood there, his eyes serious. “Alpha of Moonveil Pack. Northern territory.”
“Should I know him?”
“Only that he’s been waiting for a reason to challenge Nightfang. Derek’s condition makes him think we’re weak.”
Elias looked straight at Derek across the room. His lips moved. Amanda couldn’t hear the words, but she felt them, dark and heavy.
Then Derek appeared beside her. “We’re leaving.”
No warmth. No question. Just command.
Amanda rose, gathered her dress, and followed. At least the reception was over.