The Apocalyptic Queen's Werewolf Journey (Thora and Darius) novel Chapter 47

**Chapter 47: From One Engagement to Another**

**Thora’s POV:**

As my proclamation echoed through the hall, I could almost feel the air shift. Marcus and Gabby’s breaths caught in their throats, a visible reaction that spoke volumes.

Just moments ago, they had dismissed me as unworthy of their precious Caleb, eager to sever the ties of our engagement. Now, the dynamics had flipped dramatically; it was I who looked down upon their son, resolute in my desire to end it.

“Did you hear that?” Marlon’s voice was grave, directed at Rio. “My granddaughter just expressed her wish to annul her engagement with the Lawsons.”

Rio sighed heavily, the weight of the moment pressing down on him. He seemed determined to salvage whatever remained of this situation. “Since we’re considering the younger generation’s views, shouldn’t I consult my grandsons as well?”

With a sharp tap of his cane against the polished floor, Marlon made his stance clear. The gesture was unmistakable: Go ahead, ask your questions!

Rio turned his gaze toward Caleb, who stood there, a mix of confusion and expectation on his face. “Caleb, I’m asking you directly: do you concur with the dissolution of your engagement to the Greens?”

Without a moment’s pause, Caleb responded with a firm, “I agree!”

The sourness crept into Rio’s expression, a reflection of his disappointment.

Marlon chuckled coldly, his laughter echoing ominously in the hall. “With both of the youngsters in agreement, we elders have no objections. And with the pack elders from both families present to witness this, I hereby declare that the engagement between the Greens and the Lawsons is officially dissolved!”

At that moment, the burden I had been carrying for so long finally began to lift from my heart.

Marlon, however, was not finished. “Now, I have another matter to address.”

But as soon as he spoke, a violent fit of coughing seized him, his shoulders quaking with the effort.

“Grandpa!” I exclaimed, instinctively reaching out to support him, my abilities flaring to life as I assessed his condition.

The remnants of old injuries marred his internal organs, particularly his lungs, which seemed ravaged by some toxic wolf power. Each breath he took was a painful reminder of the damage he had endured.

It was painfully clear that the injury he sustained six months ago, the one that had forced him into retirement, was far more severe than the whispers suggested.

He waved a hand dismissively, and once his breathing steadied, he declared with renewed strength, “Since representatives from the prominent packs of Starlance City are gathered here tonight, I ask everyone to bear witness.”

An expectant silence enveloped the banquet hall, all eyes turning towards him with curiosity.

I noticed his throat constricting, his words hanging on the precipice of a significant revelation.

“Bear witness to what?” Rio interjected, unable to contain his curiosity.

“To bear witness to the engagement between Ms. Green and myself,” Marlon announced, his voice ringing with authority.

Just then, a familiar voice cut through the tension, coming from the entrance of the banquet hall.

I frowned and glanced up, my heart racing as I recognized Darius, the Alpha of Nightclaw Pack. He approached with an air of dominance, his smile both charming and enigmatic.

“That’s… the Alpha of Nightclaw Pack, Mr. Blackwood?” A voice trembled from the crowd, disbelief coloring their words.

At the mention of his name, chaos erupted in the hall. Guests rushed forward, eager to bow and pay their respects to the powerful Alpha.

Even Norman, usually so composed, looked taken aback but managed a respectful military salute. “Mr. Blackwood,” he acknowledged, his voice steady despite the surprise.

This was the kind of reverence reserved for the highest echelons of the Astralis Empire.

Darius, however, seemed unfazed by the commotion. His gaze remained fixed on me, a playful smile dancing on his lips as he addressed Marlon. “Mr. Marlon, it’s time to make the announcement, wouldn’t you agree?”

The Alpha of Nightclaw Pack, a great-nephew of the Lycan King, stood at the pinnacle of power.

He possessed not only strength but also an elite status that came effortlessly to him.

Staring into his confident eyes, I spoke softly yet firmly, “Darius, I refuse to rely on anyone. I have my own hands, and I will rise through my own efforts. Even if it takes time, it will be through my own abilities. Whatever plans you have for me, you should abandon them now!”

“Also,” I added, my voice steady, “I will play along with you tonight, but after this, we have no further relationship. Once the dust settles, we will announce the engagement is null and void.”

“All right.”

He agreed without hesitation, a smile still gracing his lips as he straightened up.

While I would not depend on him, I understood that the performance needed to continue tonight.

Having just severed ties with the Lawsons, Marlon had swiftly turned to Darius to announce my engagement.

If it weren’t for Darius’s formidable presence keeping the gossip at bay, the rumors would have already spiraled out of control.

If we were to cancel the engagement now, it would only invite further complications.

So, I resolved to endure this storm before addressing the aftermath.

With Darius’s agreement already in place, this engagement became nothing more than a façade for both of us.

Yet, unease gnawed at me.

His willingness to agree so readily felt out of character, and it left me questioning his true motives…