Unclaimed By Fate

Chapter 1: The Perfect Daughter

AURELIA

“Move those flowers two inches to the left before I lose my mind.”

The servant carrying the crystal vase nearly stumbled over his own feet in panic before correcting the arrangement with trembling hands. I stared at it for a second longer, tilting my head. Then gave a small nod satisfaction.

“Perfect.” A collective sigh of relief moved through the ballroom. I almost laughed. Almost. But I was too busy, my mind was all over the place and I needed to make sure that everything was in place.

I looked around and chewed on my bottom lip.

The grand hall of Bloodmoon Castle has never looked more beautiful. Silver chanderliers shimmered overhead like fallen stars while deep crimson drapes cascaded down marble walls etched with ancient wolf markings. Tables lined with gold-trimmed cloth stretched across the massive room, decorated with black roses and moon lillies imported all the way from the Northern territories.

Every detail was perfect. It had to be.

After all, tonight marked the beginning of Alpha’s Council. The most important gathering in our kind. Yeah.

No pressure at all.

I moved through the ballroom quickly, heels clicking against the marble as servants rushed around me carrying trays, candles, flowers, and expensive wine worth more than most people’s homes.

“Princess Aurelia, where do you want musicians stationed?”

“To the west wing. “I responded without looking at whoever asked the question. “The accoustics are better there.”

“The kitchen says the Stormveil  delegation has dietary restrictions.” One of the male servants called out, hurrying to match my steps.

“Replace pheasants with venison and make sure all sauces are nut-free.” He mumbled something before walking off.

“The eastern balcony-,”

“Needs more lanterns. I know.” I cut one of our omegas. “I already sent someone to take care of it.” She blinked in surprise before nodding furiously and hurrying away.

A soft chuckle escaped my lips. Chaos. Everywhere I looked. Chaos. Beautiful chaos though.

And somehow, I was loving every second of it.

“Still trying to do everyone’s jobs?” The deep voice behind me sent warmth down my spine before I could stop it. I spun around slowly and nearly forgot how to breathe.

Ronan Blackthorn stood near the ballroom entrance, dressed in all black suit that looked criminally good on him. Broad shoulders strained against the fabric while silver cufflinks gleamed beneath the chandelier light. His dark hair was slicked back neatly, exposing sharp cheekbones and the scar cutting across his brow.

He exuded danger. Beauty. The kind that was entirely unfair to the womankind.

His storm-grey eyes softened as they raked the length of my body, something hot flashing in them, Just like that, my heart betrayed me.

“Someone has to make sure this place survives the night and the entire weekend.” I replied folding my arms across my chest to stop my heart from escaping.

His mouth twitched with a lazy smile. He peeled himself from his stance and walked towards me in slow calculated steps.

“Future alpha of Bloodmoon Pack, reduced to supervising flower arrangements.” He mused before stopping in front of me.

“Oh please.” I rolled my eyes and bit on my lip to stop the smile that threatened to etch itself on my face. He was so good. Too good.

“You look tired.” He observed, his brows furrowing as he looked me over.

“I am tired.” I huffed, looking around and ensuring that all was in place.

“Have you eaten today?” I arched a brow.

“That sounds judgmental.”

“Aurelia.” He let out in a small tone, the one that made me weak in the knees. I sighed dramatically.

“Fine. I forgot.” I pursed my lips causing him to shake his head in amusement.

“There are thousands of people arriving in just a few minutes and your concern is whether I had breakfast?”

“You get cranky when you don’t eat” He mused, arching a brow. Some people around us snorted with laughter.

“Hey.” I looked around, offended. “I don’t get cranky.” Someone responded about how I become a she-devil and how they don’t like the hungry me. Ronan chuckled. Warmth spread through my chest at the sound of his laugh. He never laughed often. But when he did, it was a beautiful sound.

A servant rushed passed carrying a tray of champagne flutes and clipped my shoulder accidentally. I stumbled sideways with a yelp, my heel slipping against the polished marbled floor.

I was certain I was going to break a hip. But strong hands caught me by my waist before I could fall. My breathing lodged in my throat.

Ronan steadied me effortlessly, one hand firm against my lower back while the other gripped my arm. Heat spread through me so fast it felt embarrassing.

His eyes locked on mine. Grey and hot. With something swirling inside of them. They skated to my lips, and a guttural sound rumbled in his chest.

“You alright?” He asked still staring at my lips like he wanted to devour them.

“Hmmmn.” I hummed, and then he leaned in closer. My eyes flattered close, my heart beating so fast I could feel the blood roaring in my ears. I couldn’t feel anything. Not the chaos around me.

Just…him.

“Aurelia.” We sprung apart immediately. I righted my dress before staring at Selene who was suddenly standing a few feet away in an elegant red gown that clung to her body like moonlight itself. Her dark curls framed delicate features identical to mine. Though, softer than mine. Gentler.

“There you are.” She said with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Guests are starting to arrive.” She said, and my heart leaped into my throat for a whole other reason.

“Already?” I panicked, staring at Ronan before shifting my gaze back to Selene.

“The first delegates just rolled in.” She responded, her gaze flicking between Ronan and I. Something unreadable crossed her face before vanishing completely.

Ronan stepped back, expression hardening into that familiar commander mask.

“You should go.” He said softly, his eyes softening just a bit.

“You’re very bossy for someone who technically works for me.” I stuck my tongue out on him before gathering my gown in my hands. A dangerous glint flickered in his eyes.

“Keep talking like that Princess, and I might just forget my place.” He teased, and my stomach dropped.

Goddess. Not now. Not when I had to welcome the guests.

Selene just stood there, watching the exchange silently.

“One day you are going to find your mate, and she is going to hate just how much you spend time following me around.” I teased, the word slipping out of my mouth before I could stop them. Ronan froze. Just slightly before recovering. It was so fast nobody else would notice. Except me. Something strange flickered across his face before he buried it beneath the mask of indifference. And suddenly, the air felt different.

I looked at Selene to find her staring at Ronan intently, like he was daring him to say something. I frowned slightly. Before I could question it, another omega rushed into the ballroom seconds away from collapsing.

“Princess Aurelia…” She countered breathlessly. “The Stormveil Pack delegation has arrived.”

Duty snapped back into place instantly. I straightened my shoulders and spun around.

“Alright everyone.” I clapped once and loudly. “Time’s up. Positions. And somebody please make sure the musicians stop playing funeral music before the alphas think we are cursing them.” Laughter broke some tension.

I took a second looking around, then waltzed out of the ballroom after tapping Selene on the shoulder.

“Aurelia?” Ronan’s voice rooted me in place by the door. I looked back at him.

“Make sure you eat something.” I nodded and walked out.

Hours later, the ballroom glowed beneath candlelight, power and wealth.

Powerful Alphas filled the room dressed in expensive suits, while their lunas triapsed around in expensive gowns. Laughter and music echoed around the castle. Servants moved gracefully between guests, carrying crystal trays overflowing with champagne.

Everything was perfect. Just the way I wanted it. Just a few more hours and this night would be over.

I exhaled in relief while adjusting the silver bracelet around my wrist.

“You’ve outdone yourself tonight.” I turned toward Elder Vale and smiled warmly.

The elder stood near the center tables holding in one had a goblet. Despite his age, he remained intimidating, with silver streaks cutting through dark hair and eyes sharp enough to unsettle lesser wolves. But deep down that scary alpha facade was the sweetest man ever. A grandfather I never have.

“You flatter me, Ol’Vale.”

“No.” He chuckled softly. “I simply speak the truth. Bloodmoon is fortunate to have you.” He paused, then looked across at his son, Davon Vale and the current alpha of the Stormveil Pack. “Somehow I had wished the Moon Goddess would fate you to my son.” He said softly.

“It’s a good thing I am your goddaughter, ain’t it?” I winked at him before slapping his shoulder playfully.

“Indeed. Indeed.” He laughed softly, and I excused myself to attend to other guests.

Music swelled around the ballroom. Laughter echoed. Somehwere behind me, Selene watched me from beside out mother. I smiled at her, and she just stared. Blankly. And then…

A scream shattered the room. Everything stopped. The music. The laghter. The breathng in my lungs.

I spun around just in time to see Elder Vale collapse onto the marble floor. Gasps erupted everywhere. I was by his side in a heartbeat, craddling his head and looking at him with panic. His eyes were snapped wide, his skin paper white.

“He’s not breathing.” I called out to particularly no one. “Someone get the healers.” I shouted, then stared down at the man. He was panicked, his breathing coming out rapid.

“I-,” he attempted to say something but it came out as a groan.

“Save your breathe, Ol’Vale. Help is coming.” I rocked him, hoping the healers would get here in time.

Foam gathered at the corners of his mouth, his eyes rolled back.

“No. No. No.” I slapped his cheek repeatedly. “Stay with me. Please.” He looked at me, the foam building up and filling his mouth.

“Stay with me, Ol’Vale. Its going to be okay.” His had shot up, weakly. I clasped it in mine, and held it to my chest.

Somebody get the fucking healers.

I choked on a sob as he attempted to grip my hand, and then, his eyes rolled back, and his body went limp in my hold.

Goddess, no!

“What is going on here?” My father’s thunderous voice shook the ballroom. I looked up to find Davon standing beside him, murder written in his eyes as he stared at his father’s lifeless body.

“She killed him.” A calm voice filtered through the silence. My blood turned cold. I looked up to find Selene watching everything with an expressionless face.

“Princess Aurelia killed Elder Vale.”