ASHLEY I woke up before Kael. His arm was still around me, his breathing was deep and calm. For a moment, I stayed still, listening to the soft sound of the wind brushing against our window. Everything felt peaceful, only that my mind wouldn’t stop turning. Maybe it was the nerves from yesterday’s ceremony, or maybe… something else.Slowly, I moved his arm and got out of bed. He didn’t stir, and that made me smile a little. After all the things we’ve been through, seeing him rest so deeply brought me comfort.I slipped on a light robe and stepped outside the room. The early morning air was cool against my skin, and the sky was painted in soft colors of orange and gold. I walked to the sit-out, comfortably sitting on one of the single chairs. I was only recalling everything that happened the previous day, how my life suddenly changed in just a blink of an eye.I let out a heavy sigh, pulling my hair back as they covered my face. I just realized Kael and I didn't touch each other. No
ASHLEY I woke up before Kael. His arm was still around me, his breathing was deep and calm. For a moment, I stayed still, listening to the soft sound of the wind brushing against our window. Everything felt peaceful, only that my mind wouldn’t stop turning. Maybe it was the nerves from yesterday’s ceremony, or maybe… something else.Slowly, I moved his arm and got out of bed. He didn’t stir, and that made me smile a little. After all the things we’ve been through, seeing him rest so deeply brought me comfort.I slipped on a light robe and stepped outside the room. The early morning air was cool against my skin, and the sky was painted in soft colors of orange and gold. I walked to the sit-out, comfortably sitting on one of the single chairs. I was only recalling everything that happened the previous day, how my life suddenly changed in just a blink of an eye.I let out a heavy sigh, pulling my hair back as they covered my face. I just realized Kael and I didn't touch each other. No
ASHLEY I stood in front of the mirror, staring at myself in the white silk dress they had given me. It wasn’t too fancy, just simple and soft, hugging my body like it had been made just for me. My hair was tied up neatly with small white petals tucked into the sides. I had never seen myself look like this. I wasn’t a princess, I was just a girl who cleaned halls and washed clothes.And yet, tonight, I was standing beside the Alpha.My hands trembled slightly as I held the edge of my dress. Outside, I could already hear the music starting. Drums beating slowly… softly. The pack had gathered in the clearing just beyond the hill.A soft knock came on the door. “Ashley?” Kael's voice called.I turned and opened it gently. "You're not supposed to see me before the ceremony," I told him, unable to hide myself."I had to sneak my way here," He said, stepping in like he was escaping from someone. "Trust me, I couldn't wait any longer."His eyes softened when they landed on me, scanning me
ASHLEY I stopped before the meeting hall, taking in a thousand breaths. The guards by the door bowed, then opened without questioning.Every eye darted to me as I stepped in. I felt like turning back and leaving, but my wolf held me back. The elders all stood up and bowed their heads. “Greetings, Your Highness.”I didn't know what to do, nor say, so I bowed in response. Slowly, I walked to where they all sat. Kael's eyes had been on me since I stepped in, and a faint smile he's been holding back. I bowed my head at him, “Greetings.”Turning to the elders, my eyes fell on the only woman who sat with them. She had this smile on her face, like seeing me was the best thing ever. Likewise the two men beside her, they all seemed happy to see me. But the other men stared at me like I was their living nightmare.I didn't put that into much consideration, so I simply told them to excuse us. “My apologies for interrupting. However, if you don't mind me borrowing the Alpha for a brief second,
LUCIUSI was in my chamber when a knock sounded on my door. "Come in," I permitted.A small, nervous man with shaky hands and a habit of never looking me in the eyes walked in. He bowed quickly. “My king, I have news.”I tilted my head. “Speak.”His eyes darted from the ground to my face. “It’s about Lycan Kael. I heard he's found his mate.”I didn't seem surprised because we all know he had this one lady by his side almost all the time. "That's good for him," I casually said, not finding the information interesting."It's not Lady Lorna, the one everyone knows," I raised an eyebrow. "There was a ritual last night, the moon chose another for him."This was becoming more interesting than I thought. "Who could that be?" I asked."It's her. The girl you've been searching for. The special one."My lips parted slightly, but no words came out at first. I felt something sharp in my chest, like a thorn twisting deeper. My claws itched to come out, and my wolf growled within me.I swallowed h
ALPHA KAEL I stood there, my eyes following the guards as they carried Ashley away to the healer’s quarters. She was unconscious at that time. The pain she went through just moments ago… I could still hear her screams in my head. My wolf was restless and agitated. It wanted to go after her, to make sure she was okay. But I had to stay behind, there was still chaos in the ritual room.“All maids, you’re dismissed,” Elder Gwen ordered. The maids bowed quickly and scurried out, whispering amongst themselves. I heard Ashley's name more than once.“Why her?” Lorna’s voice rang sharply behind me, and I turned to her. Her face was red, and her hands were clenched tightly. She stepped toward Nemuel. “Why did the Moon Goddess choose a slave? Of all people, why not me?”Nemuel didn’t flinch. She looked at Lorna with an unreadable expression, then said calmly, “Because the Moon Goddess doesn’t choose based on rank or blood, she chooses based on purpose.”“That’s not an answer!” Lorna snapped.