CALLA 1: Choices

[Calla] 

 

I was staying in the small cottage with Lora, my grandmother, whose true identity we had kept secret from everyone. By now, I had grown accustomed to calling her simply “Lora.” 

A bird made entirely of fire suddenly appeared in the distance, flying straight toward us. 

When I was fifteen, I chose to leave with Lora and train as a healer under her guidance. Four years ago, when a pandemic swept through the Meridian Territory, I was among those who came to help the afflicted. 

When Lora decided to remain in the territory, I stayed by her side. Not only did she need my help, but it also gave me the chance to hone my healing skills further and prepare for my future responsibilities as the daughter of the Alpha King. 

As far as the Meridian Pack members knew, we were merely healers assigned to the territory by High Chancellor Flint. No one suspected who I really was. 

My parents and I had agreed that I would return to Verge City on my twentieth birthday, which was now only a month away. 

Lora had also spotted the fiery bird. Before either of us could say anything, it descended and landed gently on my palm. Its flames flickered without burning me, and then my mother’s voice rang out from within its tiny body. 

“How are you, my love? It feels like ages since I last saw you at the Moon Festival. I’ve missed you so much and can’t wait to see you again. 

“Caius is heading to the Pole region to make sure our borders are secure. He’ll be passing through Meridian and plans to meet the people you’ve been caring for. Besides, it’s almost time for you to return to Verge City. 

“Your father wasn’t pleased when he learned that you intended to marry the future Alpha of the Meridian Pack. I had to remind him of everything you’ve accomplished and assure him that your relationship hasn’t held you back from achieving your goals. I believe every one of my children is capable of doing great things, regardless of whom they choose as their mate. 

“Your father, your siblings, and your cousins miss you terribly. And I miss you more than words can say, Calla. I’m counting the days until I can hold you in my arms again. 

“Oh, and please tell Lora that the Lycan King is gravely ill. He’s been repeatedly asking for my presence, and I can no longer ignore his requests. I love you both so much!” 

The phoenix’s flames flickered as my mother’s message ended. I focused my energy on the tiny creature, preparing to send my reply. My green eyes gradually shifted to gold as my power stirred within me. 

“Tell my brother that my engagement is coming up soon. As the Alpha heir and my twin brother, I expect him to be there to stand by my side. And tell Queen Luna that I love her, too!” 

The little phoenix lifted from my palm, spread its wings, and soared into the sky until it disappeared from view. 

I turned to Lora, who didn’t seem to have aged a day. Her light brown hair was still neatly braided and pinned in place, and her hands had already returned to sorting the dried herbs on the table. 

“Jace of the Meridian Pack is planning to announce your engagement?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. 

“Yes. The announcement will take place on the same night he’s officially named the new Alpha. I’ve heard the ceremony is scheduled for after his return from Verge City. I invited Caius because I know he’ll be even more upset when he finds out I’m planning to marry someone else. But more than anything, I want him to meet the man I’ve chosen as my mate.” 

“Have you given up on waiting for your fated mate?” she asked. 

If only she knew. 

I’d already met my fated mate when I was fifteen. Unfortunately, he’d broken my heart, and that was one of the reasons I’d ended up here in the first place. 

My own experience had taught me that a fated bond didn’t always guarantee happiness. My grandmother had been the Lycan King’s fated mate, while my mother was my father’s. 

I decided to change the subject before the conversation went any further. 

“Do you want to see Grandfather?” I asked, knowing that the Lycan King was seriously ill. 

Lora rolled her eyes. 

“Calla, I’ve spent years trying to forget the man who caused me so much heartache. Leaving the Lycan territory and building a life of my own finally allowed me to breathe again. All we ever did was argue, and living under the same roof as him was exhausting. Just seeing the King’s face was enough to bring back all the pain I’d tried so hard to leave behind.” 

Lora sighed and gently cupped my cheek before continuing. 

“Don’t let the person you love drain you until there’s nothing left of you, too. You deserve someone who will love you unconditionally, whether you have everything or nothing. Someone who will cherish you and put you first, not because you’re a princess, but because you’re Calla.” 

Her words touched a tender spot in my heart. 

“I think I’ve already found that person in Jace. He accepted me even when he learned that I was an orphan without a pack to call my own.” 

A flicker of worry crossed Lora’s face. 

“Won’t he feel betrayed when he discovers you’ve been hiding your true identity from him? You’re not just an orphan, Calla. You’re the eldest princess of the Wolf and Lycan Empire, the daughter of Alpha Lucian and Luna Gwen.” 

“I know he’ll be upset when he finds out. That’s why I intend to tell him everything once Caius arrives. I’m sure he’ll understand why I kept it a secret.” 

I couldn’t simply go around announcing that I was Alpha Lucian’s eldest daughter. Dangerous wolves were lurking everywhere, and revealing my true identity would only make me a target. Keeping my royal bloodline a secret wasn’t just about avoiding unwanted attention; it was about protecting myself from anyone who might use my identity against me. 

I had helped Jace a great deal to make sure he would secure the position of Alpha. I had even secretly helped him borrow a large sum from the Verge City treasury in the past. If he didn’t become Alpha, the council would surely question the wolf I had chosen as my husband even more. 

“Calla!” 

A young omega servant from Jace’s family residence hurried toward us, her voice breaking through my thoughts. 

“Lord Jace has returned to the pack!”