Chapter 5

Sophia

"I love you, Sophia."

"Everyone who cares for you will desert you,"

I huddled in the grimy cell, gazing up at the small opening high above as those phrases reverberated agonizingly through my thoughts.

Beyond that window lay the woods where I'd perished not long ago, slain by that scheming little tramp.

Who could have imagined that despite the Moon Goddess's intervention, I'd be revived only to endure the identical treachery! He was the one who'd persuaded me to be his selected mate beneath the Moon Goddess's own gaze!

At 18, I'd expressed my concerns to him. "We should end this, Marcus—it's doomed in the end. We can't find true joy together."

Those exact phrases had come from my lips!

"No way, Sophia! To hell with the destined bond! I'll wed only you, Sophia, or I'll stay solitary forever."

I'd been completely stunned, managing just to whisper his name while embracing him fiercely and weeping with joy.

I'd truly thought that although the Moon Goddess hadn't destined us eternally, we'd still honor our promises to one another throughout our existence.

What a pile of foolish illusions.

I clutched myself firmly, attempting to block out recollections of the joyful moments shared with Marcus, yet they surged uninvited into my consciousness.

The icy expression of the guy during the feast contrasted so starkly with the affectionate figure from my past that I couldn't prevent myself from weeping in utter hopelessness.

"Sophia... try not to weep." my wolf addressed me softly.

"It's alright, Luna, no need to fret..."

"I'm so sorry—I couldn't shield you."

"Don't put it that way; I hold no grudge against you whatsoever." I responded, doing everything I could to convince her that she bore no responsibility.

The sole individuals accountable for this entire mess were that idiotic slut and her disloyal partner.

That malicious little sorceress and Marcus with his heartless apathy... believe me, I wouldn't let either of them off the hook once I escaped this place.

I brushed away the tears streaming down my cheeks and rose to my feet, abruptly detecting the subtle aroma of cedar wood, causing me to stiffen where I stood, with quiet enveloping me like a shroud, interrupted only by my heart's frantic pounding.

What was going on with me? My pulse raced wildly, and Luna appeared to sense it too. She grew agitated, striding back and forth eagerly within my psyche.

Then, out of the blue, she shrieked thrilledly in my mind. "MATE! MATE!"

"What are you talking about, mate? Are you pulling my leg? How could you encounter your mate while I'm trapped in this humiliating predicament?"

Ignoring my mortification, the throbbing sensation intensified steadily, and the cedar fragrance grew even more potent.

The noise of rushed footfalls resounded along the dungeon's hallways, and as I lifted my gaze, a towering, robust silhouette materialized beyond the cell's bars.

Moonlight gleamed off his wide, powerful shoulders, casting shadows over half his visage that highlighted his sculpted jaw.

Raising my eyes, a set of radiant golden orbs locked onto mine intently.

I stared at the distinguished gentleman before me, my thumping heart and Luna's soft whimper informing me that this individual... he was my destined mate.

Without conscious thought, I approached him, and via the bars, his hand extended inward, caressing my cheek with his palm while his calloused digits delicately followed my facial contours. "My mate," he murmured with near-sacred awe.

"His wolf... Sophia, this guy's might is incredible!" Luna declared with enthusiasm.

"I realize... such potency is uncommon even in our group!" I answered, just as astonished by the arrival of this man eager to connect with me.

He drew nearer, his heated exhalation bearing the cedar essence as it wafted over my ear.

The sensation of his touch on my skin was maddening, prompting me to retreat abruptly to avoid acting in a way totally unlike myself.

"Don't fear me, small mate," his amused tone floated down from above, "I'm Ethan Stormridge, Alpha of the Embermoon Pack."

He halted, his striking eyes regarding me earnestly. "Would you join me?"

My thoughts spun chaotically. Mere moments before, I'd been cast aside, forsaken, and deceived, and now, instantly, I was paired with the mightiest pack in the nation, perhaps globally!

"I..."

"What in the hell do you believe you're up to?!"

Prior to completing my words, Marcus's enraged shout cut me off, and he emerged in the passageway, guiding a sizable crowd toward Ethan and me.