Chapter 3: Rejecting Fate

I was kept in isolation at the camp until we returned to Supreme Alpha Viktor Alistair’s court. The march was long, but the differences between my old captor and the Supreme were soon clear. Strong, well-trained wolves; a structure unlike anything I’d seen; and the raw power that rolled off the Supreme Alpha in waves.

“Keep moving, wolf,” one of the escorts growled, shoving me.

When we reached the human trail, my eyes widened at the sight of a small city. Stone walls ringed it; wolves in dark uniforms patrolled and inspected everyone entering. All bowed as the Supreme passed. Families emerged from beautiful homes to watch the procession.

To my eyes, everything was alien. The buildings weren’t forest dens; the main road was paved with something black. At the heart of the pack stood no stone castle, but a towering, mirrored structure.

Low, mocking laughter followed us. I knew it was for me—filthy, dragged in silver chains, dressed in rags while the she-wolves here wore fine clothes.

The Supreme’s presence hit first. Instinctively, I lowered my head and waited. Last night, I’d only seen his icy blue eyes. Curiosity and impulse won; I looked up.

Viktor Alistair was enormous—nearly two meters tall. Black hair streaked with silver showed he was at the peak of his power. Scars and old battles marked every inch of exposed skin. He crossed thick arms over his chest; on one finger gleamed a ring that extended into a long silver claw.

“So that’s what that bastard was hiding so carefully.” The claw’s cold touch burned my chin—pure silver. “Such a jewel buried in filth.” I squeezed my eyes shut, waiting for my throat to be slit. Nothing happened.

“What shall we do with this wolf, my alpha?” a soldier asked.

No answer—until a soft, melodic voice rang out.

“My alpha. The goddess has answered my prayers.”

I glanced sideways. A stunning she-wolf approached: long golden hair, flawless skin, a healthy body draped in luxurious clothes and jewels.

“My Luna,” Viktor replied, voice flat.

“I thought… I thought you’d be pleased to have me greet you, my alpha,” she stammered, stepping back.

“Fool.” Suddenly his gaze crushed me. “Clean her and bring her to my chambers.”

“My alpha?!” the Luna cried in disbelief, but silence fell instantly. The slap cracked loudly; her small body hit the ground inches from me.

“You dare question my orders?” he snarled.

I bit my lip, terrified his rage would turn on me. The Luna lay motionless, barely breathing, a single tear rolling down her cheek. Indifferent, the Supreme strode past her toward the mirrored building. Other she-wolves rushed to carry their Luna after him.

“Beta.” One wolf called the huge, scarred, bald man who’d captured me. “What do we do?”

The Beta glared at me with disgust and snarled. “Do exactly as the Supreme commanded. I’ll speak with him.” He left, following the she-wolves.

“Come on, wolf,” a soldier said, dragging me away.

Again, I was bathed and dressed—this time in strange, short, sheer black garments. The chains on my wrists and ankles were removed, but the one around my neck remained.

Walking down a dark corridor, voices drifted from a room. The door flew open; the Beta stormed out, fury blazing at me.

“Unworthy,” he spat through clenched teeth.

“Ignore him. Come in.” Viktor’s order. I was shoved inside; the door locked behind me.

I scanned for escape routes.

“A little thin, but still very beautiful,” he said, approaching. I curled in on myself, fighting his aura. He smiled. “Relax. I’ll be gentle.”

“I don’t want your gentleness,” I hissed.

The Supreme threw his head back and laughed.

“This will be more fun than I thought.” He lunged, seizing my wrist and raising my arm.

“You have a mate!” I shouted, grasping at the bond he should share with his Luna.

“That old, useless wolf serves me no purpose anymore.” He gripped my face hard, forcing me to make eye contact. “But you have…”

His words died. We both froze as revelation struck. A whisper, the goddess’s breath in my ears:

Fate.

Shade howled inside me; my heart raced uncontrollably. Viktor released me as if I had been electrocuted.

“What kind of sick joke is this?!” he roared, grabbing my hair and dragging me from the room.

“Let me go!” I screamed, and horrified stares followed us. He hauled me outside, flung me into the center of a forming circle.

“State your name, wolf,” he commanded.

I bit my lip, holding firm.

“I ordered you to speak your name.” His authority crushed me; Shade whimpered in agony.

“Lyra. My name is Lyra Cynthion.”

The Supreme smiled wickedly.

“I, Viktor Alistair, Supreme Alpha, reject you, Lyra Cynthion, slave, as my fated mate.”