Exchanging Vows: The Swapped Wife Is a Top Shaman novel Chapter 18

Chapter 18: Chapter 18

Ivy’s Point of View

"Enough."

Alpha Alaric’s voice cut through the tension like a blade.

Everyone fell silent.

"This matter will be decided at a later time." He rose from his chair, his expression hard. "For now, you are all dismissed."

Margot opened her mouth to protest, but one look from Alpha Alaric silenced her. Even she knew better than to push him when he used that tone.

The hall began to empty. Elders filed out in pairs, murmuring amongst themselves. Bastian helped Seraphina to her feet, shooting me a venomous glare as they passed. Margot swept out with Vivienne close behind, their heels clicking sharply against the stone floor.

I started to follow, but Alpha Alaric’s voice stopped me.

"Ivy. Helena. Stay."

I exchanged a glance with Luna Helena. She looked as confused as I felt.

We waited until the hall was empty. Then Alpha Alaric gestured for us to follow him.

He led us through a series of corridors to a private study. It was smaller than I expected. Cozy, almost. Bookshelves lined the walls. A fire crackled in the hearth. Two comfortable chairs sat before a heavy oak desk.

Alpha Alaric closed the door behind us and turned to face Luna Helena.

"I’m sorry."

The words hung in the air.

Luna Helena blinked. "What?"

"I’m sorry." He took her hands in his, and for the first time, I saw something human in his eyes. Pain. Regret. Grief. "I have failed our son. I have brought in every physician, every healer, every shaman in the kingdom. And none of them can save him."

"Alaric..." Luna Helena’s voice cracked.

"I want you to know that I haven’t given up." His grip tightened on her hands. "I will continue to send the best physicians to treat him. I will spare no expense. No effort. But..." He paused. "We must also face reality."

Luna Helena lowered her head. Tears slipped down her cheeks.

"The pack cannot remain without an heir," Alpha Alaric continued quietly. "It creates instability. Uncertainty. Our enemies will see it as weakness. I must name a successor. For the good of our people."

"I understand." Luna Helena’s voice was barely a whisper. "I hate it. But I understand."

"I know this is difficult for you. For both of us." Alpha Alaric released her hands and turned to look at me. "But my concern right now is also for Ivy."

I straightened. "For me?"

"You married into this family expecting to be the wife of the second son." His gaze was steady. Assessing. "Instead, you find yourself bound to my firstborn. A man who may never wake up."

I said nothing. Just waited.

"When Dominic passes..." Alpha Alaric’s jaw tightened at the words. "You will be alone here. A young widow with no husband to protect her. No children to give her status. No family to support her."

The reality of my situation hit me all over again. He was right. Once Dominic died, I would be nothing. A footnote in the Silvermoon Pack’s history. Easy to ignore. Easier to discard.

"I feel I owe you a debt," Alpha Alaric said. "You were caught up in a situation not of your making. The marriage swap. The scandal. None of it was your fault. And yet you have conducted yourself with dignity and grace."

I bowed my head. "Thank you, Alpha."

"Therefore, I have decided to assign you five of our most elite guards." He moved to his desk and picked up a scroll. "These warriors answer only to me. From this day forward, they will be yours to command. They will protect you, serve you, and ensure that no one in this pack dares to mistreat you."

Five elite guards. Personal warriors answering only to me.

It was more than I had hoped for. More than I had dared to ask.

"I don’t know what to say." I kept my voice humble. Grateful. "This is too generous, Alpha."

"It’s the least I can do." He set the scroll down. "You are my daughter-in-law. Regardless of what happens to Dominic, you are part of this family. I want you to feel safe here."

Luna Helena reached over and squeezed my hand. Her eyes were still wet, but there was warmth in them. Acceptance.

They had recognized me. Truly recognized me as one of their own.

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