Chapter 101

ELIZA’S POV The ball went on around us. The lights from the chandeliers shone like a thousand stars in the night sky. Music hummed in the background as nobles in dazzling gowns and military uniforms danced and toasted to victory. But I stood still. My eyes were on Alexander, who stood beside me. He looked devastatingly handsome tonight in his suit. His black hair was swept back and his medals reflected in the light. He looked every bit the war hero the kingdom revered—and the man I loved. I clutched the wine glass in my hand a little tighter. My heart pounded against my ribs because I knew what would happen next. Alexander would kneel and propose tonight. And if I accepted—if I said yes to the man who had risked his life for me, who had fought beside me, loved me fiercely, who knew me better than anyone—then my pack would no longer be mine. Tradition dictated that the woman’s title and land passed to her husband upon marriage. The very thought of surrendering the legacy my father left