Chapter 2 - The Man with Silver Eyes

Selene's POV

The Mating Ceremony hall was packed with people. Nobles from every corner of Lunaris filled the seats, all dressed in their finest robes. Banners hung from the ceiling showing the symbols of different magical kingdoms.

I stood on the raised platform at the front, feeling like a prize being displayed. My dress was beautiful, silver silk that flowed to the floor, but it felt like a cage.

One by one, the suitors were presented.

Lord Marcus from the Northern Frost Kingdom. Too old, with cold eyes that reminded me of my grandfather.

Sir Aldwin from the Eastern Valleys. Handsome enough, but he barely looked at me. His eyes stayed on Morgana, the High Witch Council leader, clearly more interested in political connections.

Prince Dorian from the Southern Lakes. He smiled too much and talked only about himself.

I was so bored I wanted to scream.

Then Thorne Nightshade stepped forward.

He was Morgana's son. Tall, with dark hair and sharp features. Handsome in a cold way. His robes were expensive, showing off his family's wealth and power.

"Lady Selene," he said, his voice smooth.

"I've waited years for this moment. The honor of courting you will be mine."

The way he said "will be" instead of "would be" made my skin crawl. Like he'd already decided I belonged to him.

He took my hand and kissed it. His lips were cold. His touch made me want to pull away but I forced myself to stay still and smile politely.

"Thank you, Lord Thorne," I said, using his formal title even though he wanted me to call him by his first name.

His eyes narrowed slightly. He'd noticed the distance in my voice.

After the presentations, there was a feast. I was seated at the high table between Thorne and Morgana.

"You look beautiful tonight, Selene," Morgana said. She smiled but her eyes were calculating.

"Thorne has been looking forward to this ceremony for months."

"I'm honored by his interest," I said carefully.

"It would be wise to choose him," Morgana continued, her voice low enough that only I could hear.

"He'll make a powerful mate. And with our families united, your position in the kingdom would be secure."

I understood what she meant. Choose Thorne or face consequences. Morgana controlled much of the Council. She could make my life difficult if I refused her son.

"The ceremony allows me to meet all suitors before deciding," I said. My voice was steady even though my hands shook under the table.

Morgana's smile didn't reach her eyes.

"Of course. But I'm sure you'll make the right choice in the end."

I wanted to leave. Wanted to run from this hall and never come back. But I had no choice. This was my duty. My fate.

Then the doors opened again.

A late arrival.

A man walked in, tall and confident. He wore simple but well-made clothes. His hair was black and slightly messy, like he'd been riding hard to get here. And his eyes–

Silver. Like moonlight. Like the wolf from the border.

My heart stopped.

"Apologies for my late arrival," the man said, his voice deep and smooth.

"I'm Adrian Silverblade, merchant from the Eastern Kingdoms. I received my invitation only last week."

Morgana frowned.

"I don't recall approving a merchant for this ceremony."

"My family trades in rare magical items," Adrian explained.

"We've done business with Lunaris for generations. The Council sent the invitation to my father, but he's too old to travel. He sent me in his place."

It wasn't unusual for noble merchants to participate in the ceremony. They had wealth if not royal blood.

Morgana looked like she wanted to refuse him but couldn't find a reason.

"Very well. Take a seat."

Adrian was directed to a spot at the lower tables. But as he walked past me, his eyes met mine.

That pull. That same strange recognition I'd felt at the border. It hit me like a wave.

I couldn't breathe. Couldn't look away.

Adrian's eyes widened slightly, like he felt it too. Then he quickly looked down and continued to his seat.

I spent the rest of the feast stealing glances at him. Something about him was familiar. Those eyes. The way he moved. But it was impossible. The wolf was an animal. This was a man.

I was being ridiculous.

After dinner, guests mingled in the gardens. Thorne stayed glued to my side, talking about his accomplishments and his family's power. I barely heard him.

My eyes kept searching the crowd for Adrian.

"You seem distracted," Thorne said, his voice sharp.

"I'm just tired," I lied.

"It's been a long day."

"Perhaps you should retire," he said. But his hand tightened on my arm.

"Though first, let me show you the rose garden. I had them plant your favorite flowers."

He started pulling me toward the darker part of the gardens. Away from the crowd. Alarm bells rang in my head.

"Actually, I think I'll—"

"It will only take a moment," Thorne insisted.

"The lady said she's tired," a voice interrupted.

Adrian stood behind us. His face was polite but his eyes were hard.

Thorne's grip on my arm became painful.

"This is a private conversation, merchant."

"It didn't look very private," Adrian said calmly.

"It looked like the lady wanted to leave."

"How dare you—"

"Thorne," I cut him off, pulling my arm free. "Thank you for the offer, but I really am tired. Perhaps another time."

I walked away before he could argue. My heart pounded. I headed deeper into the gardens, needing space to breathe.

I found a quiet corner near a fountain. The sound of water was calming. I sat on the stone bench and closed my eyes.

"Are you alright?"

I jumped. Adrian stood a few feet away, hands raised like he meant no harm.

"You startled me," I said.

"Sorry. I wanted to make sure he didn't follow you."

"Thank you. For intervening back there."

He moved closer and sat on the other end of the bench. Not too close. Respectful of my space.

We sat in silence for a moment. It should have been awkward but it wasn't. It felt comfortable. Natural.

"You don't want to be here, do you?" Adrian asked quietly.

I looked at him, surprised by his observation.

"Is it that obvious?"

"You look like you're attending your own execution instead of choosing a mate."

I laughed. It was bitter but honest.

"That's exactly what it feels like."

"Why?"

"Because I don't get to choose. Not really."

The words came out before I could stop them.

"The Council expects me to pick Thorne. It's political. Strategic. My feelings don't matter."

"That's not right," Adrian said. His voice was firm.

"Everyone deserves to choose their own path. Even if it's difficult."

I looked at him. Really looked at him. His silver eyes were intense but kind. There was something in them. Something that made me feel safe in a way I couldn't explain.

"What if the path you want is forbidden?" I asked quietly.

"Then you have to decide if following your heart is worth the consequences."

We stared at each other. The pull between us was so strong it made my hands shake. I wanted to move closer. Wanted to know why this stranger affected me so much.

Adrian seemed to feel it too. He leaned toward me slightly. His eyes dropped to my lips.

Then suddenly, he jerked back. His face twisted with pain. He grabbed his shoulder like something hurt.

"Are you okay?" I asked, reaching for him.

"I'm fine," he said quickly, standing up.

"I should go. It's late."

"Wait—"

But he was already walking away, almost running. Like something was chasing him.

I sat there confused and frustrated. What just happened?

I looked toward where he'd disappeared into the shadows. For just a second, in the moonlight, I saw something impossible.

The outline of a massive wolf where Adrian had been standing.

I blinked and it was gone. Just darkness and trees.

My heart raced. I told myself I was seeing things. That I was tired and stressed and my mind was playing tricks.

But I couldn't shake the feeling.

Those silver eyes. That familiar pull. The way he moved.

"No," I whispered to myself. "That's impossible."

But as I walked back to my chambers, the question haunted me.

Who really was this man?