Chapter Three

The cool morning air nipped at my face, a welcome crispness against the rising sun. I stood on the palace balcony, my gaze sweeping over the training grounds below. Dust clouds rose from the fierce sparring matches, the clang of weapons echoing rhythmically. Goldstone warriors, their bodies honed and powerful, moved with a practiced grace that always filled me with pride. In just a few days, I would lead them, not just as their Alpha, but as their King. The thought settled deep in my chest, a heavy, exhilarating weight.

The wolves adored me. My father, Alpha Sebastian, trusted me implicitly. The elders often whispered that I was the strongest heir Goldstone had seen in decades. All that remained was the mating ceremony, a formality, really.

"Lost in thought, Your Highness?" a playful voice asked from beside me.

I turned to see Princess Madison, her dark hair catching the light, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Just taking it all in, Madison."

"All of it?" she teased, nudging my arm lightly. "Or is it the thought of finally settling down that has you so contemplative?"

I scoffed, a genuine laugh escaping me despite myself. "Settling down? Madison, I've faced rogues twice my size, led charges against rival packs, and navigated treaties with kings. Standing at an altar isn't going to rattle me."

She laughed, a bright, clear sound. "Oh, I have no doubt about your bravery, Nathan. It's just... you don't exactly seem excited." Her eyes narrowed slightly. "What's she like, anyway? Your fated mate?"

My perfect composure faltered for a fraction of a second. "Elara Morgan," I murmured, the name feeling foreign on my tongue. "I don't know much, actually. Only that the Moon Goddess marked her as mine." I shrugged, the memory of her face, vague and indistinct, flashing through my mind. "We've barely spoken, and the bond, it's... weak. Almost nonexistent."

Madison waved a dismissive hand. "None of that matters, Nate. You're fated. The Moon Goddess doesn't make mistakes." She paused, her expression turning more serious. "Still, it might be nice to actually get to know her before the ceremony, don't you think?"

Before I could answer, a guard approached, bowing low. "Alpha Sebastian requests your presence in his study, Your Highness."

I nodded, excusing myself from Madison. "We'll speak later."

"Don't worry," she called after me, "I'm sure she's perfectly lovely!"

My boots echoed softly on the polished marble floors as I made my way to my father's study. He stood by the window, his back to me, his broad shoulders filling the frame. He turned as I entered, his eyes, so like my own, calm and appraising.

"Nathan," he began, his voice a deep rumble, "becoming Alpha King is a weighty mantle. More than leading battles, it is about leading our people, our culture, our future." He gestured to a chair, but I remained standing. "The wolves will judge the woman standing beside you just as much as they judge you. Her strength, her character, her demeanor—they will all reflect on your reign."

I listened attentively, though I had heard these words countless times. "I understand, Father."

He nodded slowly. "And once the mating ceremony begins, there is no turning back. It is a vow witnessed by the Moon Goddess herself, binding you both for eternity."

"I understand my responsibilities," I repeated, my voice firm with conviction. I had trained my entire life for this.

He held my gaze, his expression unreadable. "Good." 

He took a single step closer, his voice dropping to a lower tone.

"Now, one simple question, my son." He paused, letting the silence draw out. 

"Have you met your mate?"

The directness of the question, after all the rhetoric, caught me off guard. My jaw tightened. "No, Father. Not properly. Not beyond what was strictly necessary."

His brow furrowed, a slight frown creasing his forehead. "You have not met her?" He sounded genuinely surprised. "Nathan, you are to be our King. She is to be our Luna. A leader should know the woman who will become his Luna. You must meet her before the ceremony. Spend some time with her."

A familiar irritation bubbled within me, but I kept my voice even. "Of course, Father. I will."

He nodded, the frown easing. "Good. Now, there are some trade agreements we need to discuss regarding the northern territories..."

Later that afternoon, the sun was high, casting long shadows as I rode into the pack village. Only a few royal guards accompanied me, their ceremonial armor gleaming. As we passed through the bustling streets, wolves stopped what they were doing. Merchants paused their haggling, blacksmiths lowered their hammers, and children ceased their games. Heads bowed respectfully, and smiles, genuine and admiring, greeted me. Children cheered my name, their small voices carrying on the breeze.

I felt a familiar warmth spread through me. This was my pack. My people. I had fought for them, bled for them, and the respect I received was hard-earned. It was a good feeling, solid and true.

"Your Highness," one of my guards said quietly, his voice barely audible above the village din. He gestured subtly with his chin towards a cluster of houses near the village square.

"Your mate lives nearby, in that direction."

I followed his gaze. The houses looked ordinary, rustic, yet well-maintained. For a brief moment, the thought of riding over, of meeting Elara, crossed my mind. My father's words echoed: 

A leader should know the woman who will become his Luna.

Then, just as quickly, the thought receded. What was the rush? We would have the rest of our lives together. The ceremony was only days away. There would be ample time to learn everything about her then. To rush it now felt... unnecessary. I had more pressing matters, like inspecting the new recruits at the training grounds.

"No need, Captain," I said, my voice dismissive. 

"We'll proceed to the training grounds. I want to see the progress of the new recruits."

The captain nodded, guiding his horse slightly. We continued our journey, the sounds of the village fading behind me as we headed towards the familiar grounds.