SWNOVELS Chapter Chapter two
The journey to the manor house was made in awkward silence, each avoiding the other's gaze. As they arrived, Freya watched out of the corner of her eye as Crono got out of the carriage and walked around to help her down. With a heavy sigh, she released the air in her lungs and gracefully stepped out. Without stopping, she entered the mansion where Cronus's appointment ceremony as alpha chief was to take place.
With grace, he took his place at the table specially prepared for the alpha. Her eyes sparkled as she contemplated the finely-decorated place, her heart beating to the rhythm of the secrets she awaited. A few minutes later, she saw her husband enter, a dark look on his face.
Crono arrived at his table and sat down next to his wife, but just then, the ceremony began and he was called to the dais. Freya remained calm, not even looking in his direction.
He rose and took the stage, where he began to speak solemnly about his duties to the pack and to the Highlands region of Scotland. Those present applauded in response to his words, and when the roar of applause finally died down, he stepped down from the stage. Eris ran up to congratulate him and engage him in conversation.
Just then, Freya noticed the expression on her father's face, rose from her seat and made her way over to him. Once there, she offered him a warm smile and took his hands, whispering confidently.
"Dad, please don't be angry. I've already asked you several times to trust me and let me handle this situation in my own way. I'll make Crono pay for my misfortune."
Agamemnon, surprised by his daughter's apparent calmness in the face of the situation, arched an eyebrow, acknowledging that his princess had everything under control.
Freya headed for the bathroom, seeking a brief respite from the tension she was feeling. But on her way out, she was greeted by Eris, who intercepted her at the door with a sarcastic attitude that didn't go unnoticed.
"I hope you're enjoying this party in honor of this region's new alpha leader and not your wedding. Crono's love belongs to another she-wolf," Eris commented with a mischievous smile.
Freya, with a gesture of annoyance, rolled her eyes elegantly and, brow high, replied with determination.
"Behave like what you are, my husband's mistress, and don't mess with me because I know who you are and this could turn out very badly for you."
"Don't threaten me, you're an intruder in this mansion and you'll soon be dismissed like Luna," Eris retorts, unperturbed.
Just then, Freya noticed her husband approaching. Tired of her husband and Eris seeing her face, she replied.
"Whether I leave this mansion or not is none of your business. As for you, today you've gone from his girlfriend to his mistress. But don't worry, stay in his bed, because I'm not going to be intimate with the alpha."
Freya's provocative words echoed through the air, leaving her husband stunned at her approach. He clenched his fists, conscious of the need to contain his annoyance in the midst of the party. While he understood her provocation, he was also aware of the importance of avoiding a scandal at this time. Crono preferred to keep his cool, and in a thick, gruff voice said.
"Freya, you'd better watch your mouth. We're at our wedding party, so behave like my companion and the Moon of this region."
"Are you asking me to behave in a way worthy of our wedding? If you're the one who constantly has that she-wolf clinging to your arm," he tossed to Eris, "as if she were your wife, it would be wise of you, and for the sake of convenience, to conceal that you're a married alpha," he continued, raising his eyebrows, "With your permission, I'll retire to my table."
Without giving her husband time to reply, Freya calmly returned to her table. Crono frowned, confused by his wife's behavior, while Eris clenched her fists and grumbled silently. He expected Freya to be humiliated and behave like the spoiled she-wolf she'd been told she was. She sighed dramatically and spoke in a broken voice.
"Crono, I just introduced myself and congratulated him. Did you see how he treated me? I don't think he likes me. I think I should leave the mansion."
He observes his wife, sitting at their table, looking very calm. Then he says to himself: "My wife seems to like to see me angry, and I won't allow her to do what she wants. In a husky, manly voice, he replied.
"Pay no attention to Freya's attitude. You're my guest here, in my house, and you don't have to leave."
Then he went to his table and sat down next to his wife without saying a word - he wanted to avoid a confrontation. The elders of the flock came forward to congratulate them.
The party went off without a hitch. Freya said goodbye to her father and his friend, then retired to her room, the location of which she knew well. She opened the door and stepped inside, then closed it behind her, remembering with certainty that the alpha would not come looking for her.
She headed straight for the cupboard where her belongings were kept. There, she stripped off her evening gown and dressed in comfortable pyjamas. Then she curled up in bed, clutching a pillow to herself. At that moment, a flood of memories invaded her mind, prompting her to say in a low voice.
"On a day like today, I was crying in this very room like a fool, like an overflowing river after a rainy day. I was disappointed not to share with my companion. Besides, he left me here waiting, looking forward to what would be my first time with the man I loved." With a sigh laden with resignation, she continued, "This new me will use you as she pleases, Crono. I won't be the wolf you expected me to be. Today, you've begun to know who I really am, and your days of peace and tranquility are over."
She settled into bed, ready for sleep. Freya's eyes reflected a bitter sadness. As the darkness of the room enveloped her, the nightmares, faithful companions of every night, became present, playing like a film in her memory, like shadows in her mind that held the secrets of her torments. Over the course of a year, the solitude of her bedroom had transformed these nightmares into her most intimate and sinister confidants.