The Scent Of Destiny

The air shifted the instant Sebastian and Caius crossed into Silverfang territory. It wasn’t just the mountain winds, crisp and sharp, or the rustle of the trees. It was heavier charged like the very land recognized their arrival.

Even the border guards stiffened, nostrils flaring as though catching a scent they didn’t understand.

Sebastian’s wolf stirred at once. They feel it too. The land knows us. Our presence cannot be ignored.

Straightening his shoulders, Sebastian let his voice carry with quiet authority. “I demand an audience with your Alpha.”

The words rolled through the air like a command no one could resist. The guards froze, their eyes widening in surprise, and then almost unconsciously they bowed. Not out of respect, not even by choice, but by instinct.

Caius blinked in shock. He leaned closer and whispered, “Sebastian… how did you do that? They bowed like like you were…”

Sebastian shook his head quickly, unsettled. “I don’t know. Maybe… maybe it was my wolf speaking through me.”

Inside, his wolf growled with satisfaction. Now you see. We are more than they believe. Our blood carries weight. When we speak with our true voice, the world bends.

Sebastian exhaled slowly, fighting to hide the tremor in his chest. Even Caius’s wolf muttered uneasily in his friend’s mind. This is not ordinary. Something in him something royal cannot be resisted.

The Alpha’s residence soon rose before them, guarded but open. One of the border sentries finally found his voice. “Forgive us,” he said, his gaze darting nervously between Sebastian and Caius.

“The wind… shifted. It feels like a storm is coming.”

“A strange storm,” the other muttered, eyes fixed on Sebastian as though he were the thundercloud itself. “My spine prickled the moment he spoke.”

Caius stepped in smoothly, his Beta authority firm yet polite. “Then trust your instincts and stand ready. Silverfang’s honor is safe with us.”

The guards bowed again and stepped aside.

From the gates emerged Alpha Mason Moonclaw of Silverfang. Unlike Lucian of Shadowfang, Mason’s smile was genuine, his arms open in welcome.

“Honored guests,” he said, his voice steady, carrying warmth. “Silverfang welcomes you.” His eyes, however, lingered too long on Sebastian, his nostrils flaring slightly as though catching something strange.

Sebastian stiffened. He knew the reason. Though he carried royal blood, his scent was human an anomaly that made other wolves uneasy. To most, it looked like weakness.

He doubts you, his wolf whispered darkly. He smells only the human. But beneath that skin lies the beast that will one day shake the earth.

Sebastian lifted his chin, unflinching. “Thank you for your welcome, Alpha. I come here to learn, to understand the packs. One day, I will bear the weight of leadership. I must know the people I will serve.”

Mason studied him closely, then nodded. “Wisdom in youth is rare. Silverfang honors such intent. Our alliance is yours.”

Inside, the residence bustled with attendants. Mason guided them toward a long table. “Refresh yourselves,” he offered warmly.

Sebastian bowed his head politely but touched nothing. His words were courteous, yet his voice carried an undertone that demanded attention.

“Silverfang is known for its discipline. I want to understand how you keep your eastern borders so steady.”

Mason’s chest swelled with pride. “We rotate patrols by lunar rhythm, train our young early, and teach restraint as fiercely as we teach strength. Order keeps us strong.” His eyes lingered again on Sebastian. “Strength wears many faces. Sometimes even a human one.”

Caius stiffened, but Sebastian didn’t falter. “Strength is a choice,” he replied evenly. “What we refuse to become speaks louder than what we embrace.”

Mason tilted his head, intrigued by the reply. “Then let us formalize an exchange. Your scribes may study our patrol ledgers, and we will learn your supply methods. True alliances serve all.”

Caius let out a subtle breath of relief. For once, it seemed simple so unlike Shadowfang’s cruelty.

But Sebastian’s wolf was restless, prowling in his chest. The scent… stronger now. I cannot ignore it. She is close.

Sebastian clenched his fists beneath the table. Not here. Not now.

“What’s wrong?” Caius murmured, noticing.

Sebastian forced a faint smile. “Just tired. I’ll need a washroom.”

Mason gestured, and a young guard stepped forward to guide him.

“Thank you,” Sebastian said, already following the pull tugging at his chest.

Caius rose as well, eyes sharp. “I’ll go with him.”

The guard hesitated, but Caius’s Beta voice left no room for argument. “Return to your post. We’ll manage.”

Reluctantly, the guard obeyed.

Caius leaned closer. “If anyone questions us, we’ll say we lost our way in the corridors.”

Sebastian barely heard him. The pull was too strong, sweat chilling his back despite the cool stone halls.

Closer, his wolf urged, both frantic and reverent. She is near. I smell her. I feel her. She is ours.

“Yes,” Sebastian whispered hoarsely. “I smell her.”

Caius’s eyes widened. “Your mate?”

Sebastian’s voice cracked. “Yes.”

Even Caius’s wolf stirred uneasily. Danger lies here. The bond calls him, but this is no ordinary path.

The scent drew them deeper into the residence, beyond places where guests were welcome. They had crossed into the Alpha’s private family wing a forbidden place for outsiders.

At the end of the hall, Sebastian froze. The scent was overwhelming now, thick and intoxicating, curling around him like a lover’s embrace. His wolf whimpered, claws raking desperately against the walls of his chest.

She is here. Behind that door. Open it. Claim what is ours!

Sebastian’s heart thundered, his hands trembling. He wanted to burst inside, to surrender to the bond pulling him apart. But fear, awe, and confusion knotted inside him.

Caius stood at his side, chest rising and falling, eyes wide. Though the bond wasn’t his, even he could feel its weight.

“Sebastian…” he whispered.

Sebastian swallowed hard. “Caius…”

And together, almost without meaning to, their voices broke in unison.

“MATE!”

The word echoed down the stone corridor, raw, disbelieving, undeniable.

Silence followed. Heavy. Smothering.

Sebastian staggered back a step, his chest heaving. Inside, his wolf howled triumph and confusion tangled together. She is ours. But why here? Why Silverfang?

Caius’s wolf growled uneasily. This bond feels dangerous. Too sudden. Too sharp.

Sebastian pressed a shaking hand to the door. “Why here? Why this pack? What secret lies behind this bond?”

Caius swallowed hard. “If she is truly your mate… everything changes. But we must be careful, Sebastian. One mistake here could destroy us.”

Careful? Sebastian’s wolf snarled. Caution has cost us enough. She is within reach. She is ours. Nothing else matters.

The two wolves one cautious, one desperate clashed in silence, their hosts caught between duty and desire.

For the first time in his life, Sebastian felt completely lost torn between destiny, fear, and longing. He had come to Silverfang for alliances. But fate had woven something far more dangerous.

Behind that door waited not just his mate but secrets powerful enough to crown him king… or ruin everything.

A shadow stirred beyond the wood. Footsteps paused, heartbeat quick and alive, answering his own.

Sebastian’s throat tightened. If I cross this line, nothing will be the same.

His wolf’s answer was a vow. Then let nothing be the same.

And the house itself seemed to hold its breath.