*Zander*"As I can sense," the High Priestess took my hand again and closed her eyes. "Your wolf has carried that curse for years, spanning across past lives. The bond between you and your fated mate is already blocked by the curse, preventing you from sensing your mate."The revelation was shocking, leaving me conflicted about whether I should feel happy or worried. It was true that I didn't desire my destined mate; I only wanted Selena. However, the curse on my mate bond hinted at something profoundly serious and perilous. Could it be related to the prophecy?The thought made me crave more time to live for my people and for my Selena if somehow I could find a solution, even though I knew the prophecy couldn't be altered. Selena didn't know my cold demeanor stemmed from the prophecy. I didn't want them to grow too attached to me, knowing it would be excruciatingly painful for them to live without me. But I lost control when I lost my Luna because of my cold nature and indifferent beh

*Selena*I woke up gasping for air as if I had just regained my physical form. I instinctively touched myself with my hand, reassuring myself that I was in my room, dressed in my sleepwear, while the divine temple from my dream had vanished. Still confused, I grappled with the uncertainty of whether it was merely a dream or a profound sign. The only way to unravel the mystery was to seek answers from the high priestess; finding her became my immediate priority. Zander hadn't returned since last night, but he had sent a message that he was occupied with documenting necessary amendments."Mom!" Austin rushed towards me and leaped onto the bed beside me. "You're awake.""Yes, baby boy. I am awake. How are you feeling here? Do you like your new home?" I asked, taking him onto my lap and hugging him affectionately."Yes, Mom. This packhouse is like a palace, and I like it more than our old home," he told me, his eyes shining brightly with joy and excitement. I smiled as I ruffled his hair.

*Selena* "And look at this red crescent moon on her neck!" Mother exclaimed, her eyes fixed on the spot where my neck met my torso. I couldn't see what they were referring to, but the astonishment in their eyes made me realize this mark was something special. And I could feel the power and strength in me. Arena howled in joy and hopped a few steps. "Wow! It feels so amazing!" I couldn't help but whisper in my mind. "Do you like it?" Arena asked. "Yes!!" I admitted. "Then let's go for a run," she suggested. "I'm in," I agreed excitedly. "Wait, I will join you," I heard Lyon’s voice in my mind. He could mind-link with me. "Yes, Selena! Now we are able to talk to each other through this mind link," he said as Zander shifted swiftly. My big and gorgeous mate stood before me, the situation utterly mesmerizing. My body responded instinctively, a magnetic pull toward him surfacing. As if he could read my mind, he growled loudly before gesturing for us to start running into the wood

*Damon*"Welcome home, Selena. This place finally feels complete now that you're here. My life was incomplete without you, and this place felt empty in your absence," I said as I stepped into the castle together, holding my beloved's hand. "Thank you for accepting me."I was overjoyed that she was finally here with me. Though the bright and lively Selena I first met seemed lost, I knew it was only a matter of time before she adjusted to this place and regained her spirit.I stood there silently, observing her as she looked around eagerly. Everyone who came for work greeted her and introduced themselves."What are you thinking, Selena?" I asked, stepping forward to take her in my arms, but she tried to pull away from my embrace. I could feel her hesitation.“What's wrong, honey?” I asked, frowning, though I knew what was wrong.“Damon, I need some time,” she whispered. “I just can't jump into a new relationship just because I found out you are my mate. I have been in…” she paused, look

*Selena*I lost track of time as the night slipped away into dawn, the rising sun casting its gentle glow into the room. Exhaustion weighed heavily upon me, not just physically but mentally, leaving me unaware of its toll until the morning light began to filter through the curtains. My first waking thoughts drifted to Austin and Zander, wondering how they were doing without me.Everything happened in a blink, and I couldn't find the time to think or react... I couldn't think or react on my own. What was happening to me, and why was it all so confusing? I didn't want to be here but I couldn't deny coming here. What the actual fuck was about it?"I feel the same as you do, Selena," Arena's voice whispered in my mind."Why do I feel the mate bond with Damon while still marked by Zander?" I groaned. "Ah... this is so confusing."As per normal norms, the mate bond with a fated mate faded if your chosen mate marked you. Rarely did werewolves accept a fated mate after bonding with a chosen m