Cursed and Fated: Offered To The Wicked Alpha Prince
Chapter 22: Dismantle your pride

Chapter 22: Dismantle your pride

"What did you say?" Zason’s composure broke, his voice dropping to a harsh hiss.

He caught himself, glancing nervously at the opulent walls of the drawing room, and forced his expression back into a mask of fatherly concern.

"Adeline, you are about to become an Alpha Princess. Leave the past behind. The Alpha King intervened to protect us yesterday, surely that proves we still have value in his eyes."

Adeline crossed her arms, her posture rigid and unyielding. "Stop asking for favors, Dad. The Alpha King didn’t protect you or the family; he protected his son’s future. I was never a priority to you, and I certainly won’t be a stepping stone for your advancement now."

The double doors creaked open, and Janessa and Catalina stepped into the drawing room. They had clearly caught the tail end of the exchange, and their expressions hardened.

Adeline wasn’t the submissive girl they had dragged to the capital; she was something else entirely.

"Dad was whipped because of your actions yesterday," Janessa said, her voice dripping with anger. "Is this how you treat your own father?"

Adeline didn’t flinch. "If you’re so concerned about elders, take him home and tend to his wounds yourself. Don’t lecture me on morality. You wanted me to suffer here, didn’t you? That’s why you lied to everyone, to your mother, to Dad, claiming I was trying to seduce the pack’s Alpha. And they believed you, because they always have."

Catalina studied her stepdaughter. Adeline had changed; the meek girl who had arrived at the palace was replaced by someone cold and sharp. Catalina knew it wasn’t the time to reassert dominance— they needed Adeline’s influence, not her wrath.

She stepped forward, her face settling into a look of contrition. "Adeline, I apologize to you for that. I even scolded Janessa afterward. You shouldn’t harbor such resentment toward us. In the end, we are your family. If not for your father, you wouldn’t be standing where you are today. Please, let go of your anger and find it in your heart to forgive us."

Adeline sneered. "I don’t want your forgiveness, and I don’t want your excuses. Leave before I have the guards drag you out of this palace."

Janessa bristled, stepping forward, but Catalina caught her wrist, holding her back. "Zason," she murmured, pulling at his sleeve. "Let’s go."

Zason didn’t move immediately. He glared at Adeline. Realizing she was no longer a puppet he could control, he scoffed. "It would have been better if you had died with your mother."

Adeline flinched at his harsh words, her vision blurring, but she refused to let the tears fall. She watched them turn to leave.

"The Moon Goddess kept me alive for a reason," Adeline said. "She didn’t save me to be your victim; she saved me to be your undoing. Wait and watch, Dad. I will dismantle your pride and destroy the family that thrived on my suffering."

Without waiting for their response, Adeline turned on her heel and strode back into her bedroom, closing the door firmly behind her.

Her back pressed against the door and tears slipped down her cheeks.

~~~~~

Gideon intercepted the High Priestess just as she reached her waiting vehicle. He offered a slight, respectful bow before looking up to meet her gaze.

"You mentioned that her wolf is powerful and that it would complement mine," Gideon began, his eyes searching hers. "How?"

Morticia didn’t break her composure. "I spoke only of what I saw, Your Highness. But surely that is not the only reason you agreed to this union. Didn’t you feel a pull toward her yourself?"

Gideon stiffened, his expression clouding with a flicker of doubt. "The curse... does it still hold sway? I have tried to make amends. I have saved the vulnerables in the past."

Morticia offered him a smile. "I cannot predict the future, Your Highness. Fate is already weaved above for both of you. You can’t run from it. Just keep that in mind."

"I won’t," Gideon replied.

"I’ve never seen you this unsettled, Your Highness," Morticia noted.

Gideon stared ahead. "It’s not just indecision. I can’t push her away, no matter how hard I try, yet I’m paralyzed by the fear of losing. You know exactly why."

Morticia placed a steadying hand on his forearm. "The former Queen’s death was not your failure, Gideon. Adeline is different. Her wolf is formidable, beyond anything I can articulate, but years of trauma have locked that strength away. Her wolf, her abilities, her very essence... it has all been suppressed to keep her alive."

Gideon’s brow furrowed, the weight of her words sinking in.

"You’ve already initiated the bond," Morticia continued. "You gave her the temporary mark. There is no middle ground now. You are already willing to give in. Fated bonds operate outside of any logic; they have a way of unraveling even the most stubborn curses."

She withdrew her hand and stepped into the waiting vehicle. Gideon stood motionless for a moment, his mind occupied by the intricacies of the curse and the path ahead. He turned toward the palace, his stride long and purposeful.

He didn’t stop until he reached the wing housing Adeline’s chambers, where he caught sight of her family retreating down the corridor, their faces twisted with frustration. He bypassed them without a glance and approached her door, only to find it bolted from the inside.

He knocked firmly. "Adeline. It’s me."

Within seconds, the lock clicked, and the door swung open.

Adeline lunged forward, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist and burying her face against his chest.

Startled, Gideon steadied himself, his arms instinctually circling her back as he heard the sharp intake of breath followed by a ragged sob.

"Adeline," he murmured. He slid a hand up to the nape of her neck.

She pulled back just enough to meet his gaze. Her eyes were bloodshot, and angry red streaks marred her pale cheeks. "Can I be a little selfish?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Gideon maintained his hold, his expression focused on hers. "Tell me what you need."