epted, more out of politeness than real enthusiasm, still in the process of assimilating everything that this contract implied for her. She spent the hours lead

er own. When she entered, she saw him already seated at a table in a discreet corner, an open bottle of wine and two glasses placed in front of hi

surprised her. She expected a more distant, colder approach, as if he considered this dinner a simple fo

ness. She suddenly felt very vulnerable, as if each of her gestures, each of her rea

vy. Ryker , for his part, ate with ease, as if this situation was nothing usual for him. After a few minutes of silence,

n a calm but determined tone. "It's normal. I want you t

. this is all a bit surreal for me," she admitted, looking down at her

ng his usually serious expression. " I understand. This is not a decisio

on him, but without ever going into detail. Hope listened, absorbing every word, fascinated in spite of herself by this universe about which

it on the table, and slid a quill in his direction. With a serious look, he

have one last chance to set your conditions," he said, his

clauses, the details that she had requested. She knew that at the end of this contract, she would be free, th

im and nodded. "Everything

ly as she traced his name, aware that she had just linked her destiny to that of this man for the next ei

his piercing eyes searching for something in her expression, perhaps a trace of regret, o

now that this contract is signed, it's time to make it official for everyone to see.

e. When he finished, he handed her the device so she could read what he

cly announce our engagement? » she asked,

everyone must believe in the sincerity of our engagement. This includes my pack, the elder

to play a role, enter this man's life in a visible way, expose herself to gazes, to judgments. It was more than sh

he fear that was beginning to o

for a clue as to what he really felt, but his expression remains impassive. It was as if

rised acquaintances. News of their engagement had already spread like wildfire, attracting the attention of everyone aro

now it's intimidating, but you don't have to worry. As long as we stick

for her alongside this enigmatic man. She already felt the greetings, the pressure, the

ul. She had just signed a pact that would transform her life, and even if she did not