a's

window, watching the darkened forest blur into streaks of green and black under the pale glow of the moon. The towering trees seeme

a celebration-an Alpha gathering where alliances were strengthened and loyalties reaffirmed-but for me, it had been a nightmare in disguise. The announcement of my engagement to A

entire ride. Speaking up now would only lead to anothe

my sanctuary, now felt like a prison. The towering stone walls seemed to close in on me as we walked through the grand entrance hall, the soun

ice firmer than I expec

. Slowly, he turned to face me, his expression

can't marry Alpha Kael," I said, my voice trembling despi

rowing a tantrum. "Aria," he began, his voice heavy with disap

n shift in topic. "What does the

olden hands glimmered in the dim light, inching closer to dawn. "It's almos

exactly what he meant. In our world, a werewolf who hadn't shifted by eighteen was considered weak, an outcast. And I, the

ing. "Do you think they'll respect you? Do you think they'll follow you as thei

g into my palms as I fought back tears. "I know," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "But I c

mate, Aria? Where is he? Do you even know if he exists? An

couldn't sense my mate, and he couldn't sense me. But the thought of giving up on the one p

tted, my voice crackin

is is about what's best for the pack. An alliance with the Silverfangs will strengthen our position an

my face. "But I don't even know him!

voice softening slightly. "You'll date him for a week,

hock. "Next week? Th

to bed. And to let you know, I've invited Kael to dinner tomorrow

egged, my voice break

stood there, paralyzed, my heart pounding in my chest. The weight of his decision pressed down on me like a boul

zzed in my pocket, pulling me out of my spiral. I wiped my tears and pulled it ou

from the Silverfang Pack annou

mate with her unle

te. He would never marry a

w that this engagement wasn't about love or destiny-it was about politics and power. But for once, the whispers behind my

mors and earning the respect of my peers, maybe it was worth it. At least now, no on

t wha

and leaned against it, letting out a shaky breath. The moonlight streamed through the large windows, casting an ethereal glow across the room. I s

The steam enveloped me, and for a moment, I felt a sliver of peace. But it didn't last. The weight of my fathe

ghts out of my mind. I climbed into bed and pulled the covers over me, willing sl

t, squinting at the screen.

urprise for y

ld he possibly have planned? And why did it feel li

As I lay there in the darkness, I couldn't help but wonder what tomorrow would bring. Would Kael be

sure was that my life wa