Chapter 1

Nyra’s POV

The thump of loud music hit me even from a distance. In the glittering heart of Vegas, where humans and werewolves lived side by side, everyone had gathered for what was easily the biggest event of the year.

It was my birthday bash.

My name is Nyra Virellion, the only daughter of my father, Vaelor Virellion, and my mother, Elyndra. They’re the kind of parents anyone would dream of having. For my eighteenth birthday today  the day everything in my life might shift for good  they’d gone all out and thrown the most extravagant party the world had probably ever seen.

Every news channel I’d caught that morning was buzzing about it, running stories and live updates on my grand birthday celebration. I still couldn’t believe how lucky I was to have this kind of luxury and attention in my life. I really love my parents…

Even though they still hadn’t shown up at the venue. I couldn’t sense them anywhere nearby. Maybe they were caught in traffic or had taken a different route?

I turned to Sylphae, one of my closest werewolf friends, and smiled as we clinked our glasses in a toast to me. We were riding in a sleek, custom-ordered black Lamborghini stretch limo made just for nights like this.

“This birthday, our youngest girl finally turns eighteen. I’m so excited I can barely hold it in, Nyra. I’m really happy for you,” Sylphae said warmly, pulling me into a gentle side hug and planting a friendly kiss on my cheek.

Then my eyes drifted to the woman quietly sipping her champagne in the corner seat. It was so unlike her to be this reserved. She’d also chosen a surprisingly simple yet elegant outfit tonight, which only made me more curious.

“So, Kaelith, aren’t you going to say something? It’s my birthday, come on!” I teased. I knew she was usually the quiet one in our group, but not tonight.

Kaelith gave a small shrug. “What do you want me to say, Miss Richie-Rich? Your father’s so loaded that he’s throwing the most over-the-top party the planet has ever seen. How about this  congratulations on turning eighteen, Nyra. I hope you like the big gift I have for you tonight. I really mean it.”

I gasped, genuinely surprised. “A grand gift from you? That would mean everything to me, Kaelith! Thank you!”

Of course I was excited, but something about the slight, fake-looking smile playing on her lips left me feeling a little uneasy. At that moment, I had no idea that her so-called gift would completely change my destiny.

When we finally pulled up to the venue, I was instantly hit by a storm of flashing cameras. Celebrities and powerful figures from all over had shown up, filling the air with electric energy.

Suddenly the lights dimmed, and a bright spotlight landed right on me. I couldn’t help grinning from ear to ear as the MC started hyping me up in front of the crowd.

Fifteen minutes into the party, though, I was already starting to feel bored. The older crowd just wasn’t my vibe. While my three friends wandered off to grab food and entertain themselves, I still hadn’t even cut the cake yet.

“Hello, miss.” 

The voice carried a strong, commanding presence, but I didn’t recognize it. I turned around with my glass of wine still in hand and found myself staring up at a tall man. I’d never seen anyone so strikingly elegant in my life.

“Care for a dance? The show is just about to begin… for you.”

“I’d love to, but you see, I already have a fiancé.” I flashed him my engagement ring, expecting that to settle it. Instead, a bright grin spread across his face. Whoa… what was that about?

“I’m a man, you’re a woman. What’s wrong with a small, carefree dance? Your fiancé can find you anytime and steal you back.”

Every word out of his mouth was starting to annoy me. “Excuse me, sir. I don’t know who you are, and you clearly seem powerful, but please stop making me uncomfortable at my own party.”

His smile didn’t fade even a little.

“Alright, Nyra Virellion. Just so you know, a kind man like me only wanted to keep the birthday girl company. If it bothers you, I’ll leave you be.” He gave a polite bow and walked away, immediately finding a charming dance partner right in front of me.

He was dancing with Kaelith…

I’d never seen her smile that wide before, like she felt truly honored to be in his arms. Who was he…?

Suddenly, a familiar, comforting scent washed over me from behind. It calmed me almost instantly.

A small gasp escaped my lips as strong hands gently held my waist. It was my fiancé.

Zephyros Lupus, Alpha of the Frostmoon pack.

He had proposed to me in the most romantic way three months ago, and I couldn’t help choosing him over anyone else who might come into my life as a mate. After all, love could make a wolf like me reject anyone who wasn’t worthy. And Zephyros… he was more than worthy.

“Looking so stunning that I almost didn’t recognize you, sweetheart,” he said, spinning me around and placing a soft kiss on my lips.

“You’re going to ruin my lipstick, Zephyros. You know better than to break my rules.”

He quickly raised his hands in mock defense. “I won’t do it again, babe. And look at you…” My smile returned at his flirtatious tone. “Stunning in gold and maroon. I knew only you could pull off that combination, sweetheart.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I know I can pull off anything. Besides, where’s my gift?” I extended my hand playfully, asking for it without shame.

He gave me that grin again, the one that always twisted my stomach in the best way. “You’ll see, baby girl.”

The people around us cheered as Zephyros suddenly twirled me and kissed me passionately.

My lipstick, Zephyros! Jeez, was it that hard to control yourself around me?

That’s when the mind link hit me  it was from Beta Dravok.

I knew it was serious because I could hear the panic in his voice.

‘Leave everything you’re doing right now and come back home, Nyra Virellion… It’s about your parents.’

My smile vanished in an instant.