Chapter 1

SELIORA POV

I clenched my jaw and fired a series of rapid jabs at the sturdy oak tree in front of me. My bruised knuckles didn't sense the pain. The tree's bark fractured beneath my furious strikes, yet I didn’t relent. Jab, uppercut, swipe with my claws, my strikes were quick, smooth, and deadly. 

My breaths came in quick gasps, my body shining with sweat as I swung again. I needed this. The empty repetition, the pain in my muscles—it kept me from thinking. From remembering.

"Seliora," a voice spoke behind me.

I drew a sharp breath, fingers curling into fists before I turned. Desa, the matron of the pack house, had stopped two feet away, her hands softly clasped in front of her. She was expressionless, but those piercing eyes betrayed a trace of disapproval. 

I wiped the sweat off my forehead with my palm. "What is it?" 

"It's time to prepare."

I frowned. "Prepare for what?"

Desa's face was pointed. "The Mating Ball."

The words sliced through like a chilly slap and understanding settled into my bones. For an instant, my shoulders dropped before I let out a breath, regarding the tree again. "I almost forgot."

"It is your duty now," Desa reminded me gently.

I clenched my teeth. Right. My duty. As the second daughter of Alpha Coren, I was not saddled by such responsibilities. But after the rogue attack took my elder sister, Malyra, everything changed. The training, the weight, the pack's future, it all now lay on my shoulders.

I had fought against it at first, but the pack needed a strong leader. And now I had to step into the role, as the next in line. Thalric was still too young.

Desa indicated the pack house. "Come on. You need to be cleaned up. The stylists are waiting."

I sighed, realizing that arguing was pointless. I cast one last glance at the damaged tree and followed Desa inside.

The packed house was abuzz with arrangements already. Rank and unranked wolves were running around in a whirl, ensuring that everything was ready for the occasion. The Mating Ball was an annual affair, where unmated Alphas, Betas, and ranked wolves gathered to find their fated mates. As an Alpha myself and the daughter of one, I was obligated to be there.

Desa guided me into an opulent bathroom where a warm bath was ready. The air carried a fragrance of lavender, calming me. I didn’t really care for such luxuries, but being who I was, there was no other option.

"I'll let you be alone now," Desa told me. "Have yourself ready shortly."

I nodded rigidly, waiting for her to leave before removing my clothes. As I entered the warm water, my muscles relaxed, yet my mind remained strained. 

I was capable enough by myself. I didn't need a mate. I didn't need anyone. Years back it was all I dreamed of, but now…

However, duty required that I go so I did exactly that. 

---

I stopped myself at the entrance of the splendid ballroom, adjusting the wrinkles in my gown. The deep crimson material clung to my figure, accentuating my slender shape. 

The gown was brazen, lethal, the opposite of what I was. But Desa had insisted I wear it. I had to make a statement and whatnot, after all. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to relax. It was just one evening. I’d be able to survive this.

Drawing in a final breath, I stepped into the ballroom. 

As soon as I walked into the room, every eye turned to look at me. 

Even with my anxiety, I kept my head up, shoulders back, striding confidently across the expanse of the white marble floor. I imagined what they saw when they looked at me, a young yet formidable to-be-Alpha, a quiet but capable fighter. Whispers of my intelligence, of my ferocity defending my pack.

I disregarded the looks and headed towards the refreshments. A server presented me with a glass of wine, which I accepted, drinking it gradually. The rich flavour barely registered on my tongue.

Soon enough, the rest of the Alphas began to make their way towards me.

"Alpha Seliora," a deep voice spoke to me. I turned to see Alpha Jareth, a seasoned warrior from the north. He was powerful and noble, but not one I was drawn to.

"Alpha Jareth," I answered with a nod of respect.

"Congratulations on doing such a great job in preparation for filling your father's place," he told me, mixing the wine in his cup. "I hear your pack is stronger than ever under your hand."

"I do what I have to do."

Jareth chuckled. "Modest, are you?"

I lifted an eyebrow but remained silent. I didn't entirely embrace humility, nor did I flaunt my successes like a trophy. 

More Alphas appeared, each attempting to gauge my interest. Some were forward, some wary, but I remained sealed back. I answered with curt monosyllables, offering no more than politeness required without offering enough to invite a reply.

It was exhausting.

I was just about to conjure up an excuse to depart when unexpectedly, the hairs on my arm bristled. 

An unfamiliar, overwhelming feeling engulfed me, and I struggled to breathe. 

My fingers wrapped around my glass tightened as a new, strange heat enveloped her chest. It was primal, instinctual, an unmistakable pull deep in my bones.

Was that… a mate bond?

I went stiff, every muscle locked in place. I slowly turned toward the door, as if something was compelling me.

And there he was.

Alpha Kaelion.

His presence was a storm in itself. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and clad entirely in black, occupying the space without uttering a single word. His dark eyes wandered before locking onto mine, and as soon as they met, a sensation within me constricted. 

I barely registered the thud of my own heart, racing wildly in my chest.

Kaelion's eyes darkened, his lip twisting slightly as if he already knew. 

I breathed sharply.

I was certain no one would ever step forward and claim me.

Now, however, I could not be so sure.