Exchanging Vows: The Swapped Wife Is a Top Shaman novel Chapter 25

Chapter 25: Chapter 25

Ivy’s Point of View

Alpha Roland stood in silence.

His jaw was tight. His hands clenched at his sides. I could see the war raging behind his eyes. Pride versus survival. Arrogance versus fear.

He wanted to refuse. Wanted to put me in my place. Wanted to remind me that he was the Alpha and I was nothing but a Beta’s daughter who had gotten too bold for her own good.

But he couldn’t.

Because I had his daughter’s secrets. And secrets, in the right hands, were more dangerous than any weapon.

"Well?" I pressed. "Do you agree to let my father participate in the kingdom examination or not?"

The silence stretched. Luna Camilla wrung her hands nervously. Seraphina clung to her father’s arm, her face still flushed with humiliation. Bastian had retreated to the shadows, trying to make himself invisible.

Finally, Alpha Roland spoke.

"Fine."

One word. Spat out like poison.

"Say it clearly," I said. "I want everyone in this room to hear it."

His eyes flashed with fury. But he swallowed his pride and forced the words out.

"I agree to let Edwin participate in this year’s kingdom examination. He has my permission to register and compete."

Relief flooded through me, but I kept my expression neutral. Showing weakness now would be a mistake.

"Thank you, Alpha Roland." I bowed my head slightly. Just enough to be polite. Not enough to be submissive. "I’m glad we could come to an understanding."

Having his formal permission would make everything easier. The registration process required an Alpha’s approval for any pack member to participate. Without it, my father would have been blocked at every turn.

And now Alpha Roland couldn’t take it back. Not with the leverage I held over him. Unless I died, that permission would stand.

I turned to my family. "We’re leaving."

My father looked stunned. My mother was still processing what had just happened. Finn was practically bouncing with excitement, his eyes shining with admiration.

We walked out of the great hall together. I didn’t look back. Didn’t give Alpha Roland or his family the satisfaction of seeing any uncertainty on my face.

The moment we were outside, Finn grabbed my arm.

"Sister, that was incredible!" He was grinning from ear to ear. "How did you do that? The voice thing? You sounded exactly like them! It was amazing!"

"It’s just a talent I have." I allowed myself a small smile. "I’ve always been able to mimic voices. I just never had a reason to use it before."

"You have to teach me! Can you do anyone? Can you do Father? Can you do me?"

"Finn, calm down." But I was laughing now. His enthusiasm was infectious.

My father caught up to us, his expression serious. "Ivy, what you did in there was incredibly dangerous. You threatened an Alpha in his own hall. If he had decided to attack you instead of negotiate..."

"But he didn’t."

"He could have!" Father ran a hand through his hair. "I thought you were going to wait. Use Alpha Alaric’s connections to help me register quietly. That was the plan."

"Plans change." I stopped walking and turned to face him. "Father, did you see what he did in there? He ordered you to pour wine like a servant. In front of everyone. He threw a cup at your feet and screamed at you like you were a dog."

Father’s jaw tightened. The humiliation was still fresh.

"Relying on others takes time," I continued. "And I realized today that we don’t have time. Alpha Roland will keep pushing. Keep humiliating you. Keep grinding you down until there’s nothing left." I took his hands in mine. "I couldn’t watch that happen anymore."

"But going against him directly—"

"Was necessary." I squeezed his hands. "He needed to feel what it’s like to lose for once. To have someone stand up to him and refuse to back down. Even if it was just his worthless niece."

Father was quiet for a long moment. Then he pulled me into a tight embrace.

"You’re not worthless," he murmured into my hair. "You never were. I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you better."

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