Exchanging Vows: The Swapped Wife Is a Top Shaman novel Chapter 19

Chapter 19: Chapter 19

Ivy’s Point of View

Alpha Alaric summoned a servant and gave a brief order.

Minutes later, the study door opened and five warriors marched in.

They moved in perfect formation. Tall. Broad-shouldered. Dressed in black armor that gleamed in the firelight. Each one carried enough weapons to arm a small battalion.

And then they dropped to their knees before me.

All five of them. In unison. Heads bowed. Fists pressed to the floor.

I stumbled back a step. "What are you—"

"Young Madam," the one in front spoke. "We are yours to command."

I looked at Alpha Alaric, slightly panicked. "This really isn’t necessary. Please, get up. All of you."

They didn’t move. Just stayed there, kneeling, waiting.

"They won’t rise until you accept them," Alpha Alaric said. There was a hint of amusement in his voice. "It’s their way."

I cleared my throat. "I... I accept. Now please stand up."

They rose as one. Five pairs of eyes fixed on me with unwavering focus. It was slightly terrifying.

"These are the finest warriors in my personal guard," Alpha Alaric said. "They have served me loyally for over a decade. Now they serve you."

"Thank you," I managed. "I’ll take good care of them."

Luna Helena smiled. "I think they’ll be the ones taking care of you, dear."

I left the study with five elite warriors trailing behind me like shadows. The walk back to my residence felt surreal. Servants stopped and stared. Maids whispered to each other behind their hands.

When we arrived, Nell nearly dropped the tea tray she was carrying.

"Miss Ivy! Who are these... gentlemen?"

"My new guards." I gestured for the warriors to enter. "Alpha Alaric assigned them to me."

Nell’s eyes went wide. "All five of them?"

"All five."

The guards stood at attention in the main hall, still as statues. Nell circled them like a curious bird, clearly fascinated.

I realized I didn’t even know their names.

"What are you called?" I asked the one who had spoken earlier.

"Whatever you wish to call us, Young Madam."

"You don’t have names?"

"We gave up our names when we joined the Alpha’s personal guard. We are instruments. Tools. Names are unnecessary."

That was unsettling. And also impractical.

"I can’t just call you ’hey you’ all the time." I studied each of them in turn. "You’ll be Ash. You’re Stone. You’re Blade. You’re Wolf. And you..." I pointed at the last one, the youngest-looking of the group. "You’re Shadow."

They bowed their heads in acceptance.

"Now that’s settled, I need you all to rest well tonight." I sat down, suddenly exhausted. "Tomorrow is going to be a long day."

"What happens tomorrow, Young Madam?" Ash asked.

"The return banquet." I rubbed my temples. "It’s a tradition in my pack. Three days after the wedding, the bride returns home to visit her family."

Nell made a face. "That means you’ll see Miss Seraphina again."

"Unfortunately."

I could already picture it. Seraphina clinging to Bastian’s arm, showing off their perfect relationship to all our relatives. Giggling about how happy she was. How lucky she was to have such a wonderful husband.

And then the pitying looks would turn to me. Poor Ivy. Married to a dying man. Such a tragedy.

My head started to throb.

"I’ll bring two guards with me tomorrow," I decided. "Ash and Stone. The rest of you stay here and protect the residence."

"As you command, Young Madam."

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