Master of All.

Elena's point of view.

Doubting the Moon Goddess feels wrong, but as I head to the packhouse, I can’t help questioning her purpose in pairing me with Vanda. The rogue I was imprisoned with wasn’t lying; the Alpha doesn’t give lenient punishments, and my hesitations about our bond feel justified. Yet, the pull in my chest doesn’t waver. Deep within me—mind, body, and soul—his claim is carved, drawing my admiration despite everything.

The front door is unlocked when I return, so I step inside and quietly close it behind me. Slipping off my shoes, I head upstairs. My eyes are drawn to the master’s double doors, and I instinctively veer toward them. I pause, listening for Elizabeth in the kitchen. She’s likely drinking tea; there’s no sound of anyone working.

Serena was right when she said we’re not allowed beyond the border for a reason. As a child, I imagined unclaimed land to be full of monstrous beasts, shadows towering over the fiercest warriors, and harsh landscapes that no wolf could survive. At school, kids whispered that unclaimed lands had no moon and dared each other to cross the border for even a second.

None of that turned out to be true.Perhaps Alpha Kane’s, my formal Alpha's strict borders aren’t to keep us safe from monsters but from leaders like Vuk. And behind these simple doors lies Vanda’s bedroom—my mate’s room.

I reach for the handle, cracking the door open just enough to call, “Vanda?” Silence. No one is inside.

Against my better judgment, I push the door open further, revealing most of the room. My fingers fidget nervously before I ball them into fists. His scent wraps around me, pulling me in like a warm embrace, and I step inside cautiously. My heart raced with adrenaline, but Vanda’s scent calms me. How ironic.

His room is masculine yet soft, its textures inviting. I let my fingers trail along the edge of the bed like I’m dipping them into water. I’m always where I shouldn’t be, yet I yearn to belong here, in my mate’s room. I want to belong to him and his pack, but Vanda seems distant, and I feel just as out of place as the night I left home. The packhouse staff are kind, but it’s clear I’m an outsider.

The bond still tugs at me, but what if my feelings aren’t reciprocated? Does he feel the bond as strongly as I do? I’m scared he doesn’t. From what my cellmate said about him, it’s a miracle he even has a heart for mine to connect with.

Conflicted, I walk to a window and gaze out at the forest, seeking clarity while sneaking around like a mouse avoiding traps.

The sound of footsteps climbing the stairs sends my heart racing. Lost in Vanda’s scent, I didn’t notice his return until now. Panicking, I retreat to the door and quietly close it, but it’s too late. Vanda is already at the top of the stairs, his gaze sharp and unreadable. I release the handle, my skin prickling with goosebumps.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper.

“Are you?”

“Yes,” I stammer. “I shouldn’t have gone in.”

“Then why did you?” His tone is calm, but his presence remains intimidating. “Did you need something?”

“No,” I murmur, lowering my gaze. “I’m sorry.”

Vanda studies me for a moment before letting it go. “Right.”

I step away from the door, eager to avoid further questioning. “I should see my family,” I say, grasping for a change of subject. “I need to tell them I’m mated.”

He exhales, glancing briefly at the door behind me. “You’re from the East. Kane's pack?”

I nod.

“Then I can’t send you.”

My brow furrows. “But—”

“You shouldn’t be far from me,” he cuts me off. “You could go into heat.”

My cheeks flush. “I… I…”

Mom’s warnings about heat flash through my mind, and I look away, embarrassed. I try to move past him toward the spare room, but Vanda steps into my path. My blush deepens.

“If you want to see your family, they’ll have to come here,” he says firmly.

“What if they can’t?”

“Then there’s nothing I can do.”

Vanda doesn’t see this as something punishable, and he brushes past me, entering the master bedroom and closing the door behind him. So much for talking later.

Left alone in the hallway, I retreat to the spare room, still flustered by his mention of heat. A mate is supposed to bring love and security, but I’m more uncertain about my future than ever. Torn between my family and the Goddess, I’m told my family is out of reach. Even if I choose the Goddess and her match for me, Vanda’s commitment is far from certain.

How could this be fate? None of it feels destined.

I wash my hands and splash my face with cool water. Twisting the crystal knobs to turn off the faucet, I notice a cursive ‘D’ engraved into the metal surrounding the crystal. I change clothes, braid my honey-colored hair, undo the braids, and try again. By the sound of Vanda’s footsteps, he’s in and out, keeping himself scarce. Boredom starts to creep in, so later in the day, while he’s away, I venture to the kitchen, hoping to find company.

I smile at the sight of Ben. “Hi.”

He looks up from an open notebook on the counter. “Elena—erm, should I call you Luna?”

“No, call me Elena. I wouldn’t recognize who you mean if you didn’t.”

“It must be a lot to adjust to. I can’t imagine suddenly being mated to an Alpha, gaining a title, and living somewhere new.” He glances at the window across the kitchen, then quickly taps his fingers on the notebook’s pages and forces a tight smile. “Actually, I suppose I can,” He adds.

I move closer, standing on the other side of the counter. “Without all the fine details, it does sound like a dream come true.” I said with a smile.

“Of course. But nothing is ever as simple as it seems, is it? Alphas can be frustrating and difficult, like all other men, if I’m honest.” Ben blunted out.

“Not at all,” I reply, relieved. “It’s nice to hear someone else say what I’ve been thinking.”

“Then I’ll commend you for being so open-minded. Alpha Vuk isn’t an easy one. What does your family think of the match?” He asked.

“They don’t know yet, but I’m hoping I can visit soon to tell them.”

“I’m sure they’ll be proud. An Alpha is an Alpha, after all.”

I chew on my bottom lip. “Do you think they might… not like him?”

Ben tilts his head. “Do they know much about him as an Alpha?”

“Maybe my parents do, but I’m not sure. We don’t really talk about other packs, Alphas, or conflicts at home. If we doubt our Alpha’s ability to protect us, that’s—”

“Disrespectful? Yeah, I get it. We men and our egos. Personally—and I’ll only say this because it’s just us here—I think a female Alpha might be a refreshing change. Women can carry the bloodline, can’t they?” Ben said jokingly.