The Alpha's Curse, The Mafia's Queen

Selena's POV

I walked through the forest path with a bundle of rope resting lightly in my hands as I made my way toward the training ground. The morning air was cool against my skin, and the distant sounds of movement echoed through the trees, letting me know that the pack had already gathered. By the time I reached the clearing, a small smile had already formed on my face.

The training ground was full of life. Young wolves my age stood in scattered groups across the open space, stretching their limbs, laughing quietly, and preparing for the morning run. The sight always made something inside me soften. For a short moment, I allowed myself to believe that I belonged here, even if I knew that was not entirely true.

I adjusted the rope in my hands and stepped forward, preparing to join them, when a voice stopped me.

"Selena Aria." I froze immediately. Because it was my full name. And in the pack only elders knew my full name.

Slowly, I turned around.

A man was standing a short distance away, leaning his back against a large tree. The branches above him filtered the moonlight in a way that framed his face clearly, even though the forest was still bright with early morning light.

He was one of the pack warriors responsible for training young wolves. His posture was relaxed, but there was something about the way he stood that made it clear he carried authority without needing to prove it.

I blinked at him. "Yes?"

"What are you trying to do?" he asked me.

I opened my mouth to respond, but he raised his hand slightly before I could speak.

"I know," he said calmly. "I am just asking."

Then he pushed himself away from the tree and walked toward me.

Each step he took was steady and unhurried, as though he had all the time in the world. When he reached me, he tapped my shoulder lightly and smiled.

"I can see you are eager to run," he said. "So what is your aim in today's training?"

A small smile returned to my face without me even thinking about it. "I will be the fastest runner today," I replied honestly.

A quiet chuckle left him, soft but amused.

"I believe you," he said. "From your expression, I can already tell you were planning your victory."

For a moment, I felt something warm settle in my chest. It was rare for anyone in the pack to speak to me without distance or judgment. Then his tone changed.

"But you cannot join them."

My smile disappeared instantly.

I looked around quickly, wondering if he was speaking to someone else, but there was no one behind me.

"Me?" I asked in confusion. "I am not late."

He nodded once. "I know."

My confusion deepened.

"But today's training is not about running," he continued. "It is about preparing those who will defend this pack in the future war. It's about training those with wolves."

Without waiting for my response, he walked past me toward the gathering of young wolves.

I turned slowly and watched him.

As he spoke to them, some of the wolves stretched their bodies while others cracked their necks and fingers in preparation for training. Their focus was sharp, serious, and completely different from the playful energy I had walked into earlier.

I remained where I was, still holding the rope in my hands, unsure of what to do with the sudden change in atmosphere.

Then I heard footsteps behind me.

"Selena!"

I turned immediately.

Nyra was running toward me with three other children close behind her. Her face was bright with excitement, and the moment I saw her, my expression softened without effort.

A genuine smile returned to my lips.

Nyra grabbed my hand as soon as she reached me. "You promised you would tell us a story today," she said breathlessly.

Before I could answer, she was already pulling me away from the training ground.

I hesitated for a moment and glanced back.

The warrior was still there, speaking to the young wolves. As if sensing it, he lifted his gaze and looked directly at me across the clearing. And for a brief moment, our eyes met.

I did not understand why, but I felt something shift inside me. Then Nyra tugged my hand again, breaking the moment.

"Come on," she insisted.

I exhaled softly and allowed myself to be led away.

Together with the children, I walked toward the part of the forest where the pack had already set up a fire to keep the younger wolves warm after training.