Seraphina's POV If there was one thing I knew about myself, it was that I was born for leadership. Not because I was the daughter of Alpha Kael Blackwood, or because I was the only child of the Alpha and his Luna. It was because I knew what I wanted, and I was willing to work for it. I wanted to become an Alpha my people could trust. Simple, right? Well, apparently, not to everyone. Some people thought I was too stubborn. Others believed I had a temper that would eventually get me into trouble. My mother said I needed to learn patience, while my father insisted that patience was just as important as strength. Personally, I thought everyone talked too much. I was standing in front of my bedroom mirror, tying my dark hair into a high ponytail, when someone knocked on my door. "Come in." My mother entered, looking as elegant as ever in a cream-colored dress. Even at home, Luna Evelina Blackwood carried herself with the kind of grace that made people straighten their backs whenever she walked into a room. "You're going to training early today?" she asked. I picked up my black training jacket. "I have a lot to work on." "You trained yesterday." "And I'll train tomorrow, too." She sighed, but I caught the small smile she tried to hide. "Seraphina, you don't have to prove yourself every single day." I turned to face her. "Maybe not to you, but I do to myself." Her expression softened. That was one thing I loved about my mother. Even when she disagreed with me, she listened. "I know you want to make your father proud," she said. "But becoming a good Alpha isn't only about how hard you can fight." "I know." "Do you?" "Mother." She raised her hands in surrender. "All right. I'll stop lecturing you. Your father is waiting downstairs for breakfast, and he specifically asked that you join him before you disappear to the training grounds." I groaned. "Did he say anything about how long breakfast should last?" "Seraphina!" "I'm asking a reasonable question." She shook her head, laughing quietly. "Go downstairs." I grinned and followed her out. --- My father was already seated at the dining table when I arrived. Alpha Kael Blackwood looked every bit the man who had led our pack for years. He had broad shoulders, a commanding presence, and an expression that could make a grown warrior reconsider his life choices. Unfortunately for him, I was his daughter. "You're late," he said. I glanced at the clock. "By two minutes." "Two minutes is still late." "And yet the world hasn't ended." My mother sat beside him and gave me a warning look. I pulled out my chair. "Good morning, Father." "Good morning, trouble." I smiled sweetly. "Your favorite trouble." He shook his head and returned his attention to his breakfast. For a few minutes, we ate in relative peace. Then, naturally, my father decided to bring up training. "Your instructor told me you've been pushing yourself harder than usual." "That's generally what happens when I want to improve." "He also mentioned that you challenged three warriors to spar with you yesterday." "They volunteered." "After you told them they were too slow to keep up with you." I paused with my fork halfway to my mouth. "That sounds like something I might have said." My mother covered her mouth, hiding a laugh. My father wasn't amused. "Seraphina, you're training to become the next Alpha. You need to learn how to lead people, not provoke everyone who disagrees with you." "I can do both." "That isn't the point." I set down my fork. "I take my training seriously. I take my future seriously. I'm not sitting around waiting for the title to be handed to me just because I'm your daughter." The room fell quiet. My father's expression changed slightly. He knew I meant every word. After a moment, he nodded. "I know you do. That's why I expect more from you." His words settled between us. I looked down at my plate, suddenly feeling a little guilty for my attitude. "Fine," I muttered. "I'll try not to provoke anyone today." My father raised an eyebrow. "Try?" "Let's not get unreasonable." My mother burst out laughing. Even my father struggled to hide his smile. And just like that, breakfast ended with me escaping another lecture. --- The training grounds were already busy when I arrived. Warriors moved across the field in pairs, their movements sharp and controlled. The sound of fists meeting padded gloves mixed with the occasional growl as someone lost a sparring match. The familiar atmosphere settled my mind. This was where I felt most comfortable. No titles. No expectations. No endless conversations about what kind of Alpha I would become. Just me, my strength, and the work I needed to do. I handed my jacket to one of the attendants and stepped onto the training field. "You're late, princess." I turned. Ronan Vance stood a few feet away, wearing a sleeveless black training shirt and the kind of grin that usually meant he was about to annoy me. Ronan was the Beta's son, Elara's older brother, and one of the warriors I trained with regularly. He was handsome. I wasn't blind. He also knew it. "Move, Ronan." "That's no way to greet someone who's been waiting for you." "Did I ask you to wait?" "No, but I thought you'd appreciate the company." I looked him up and down. "Then you thought wrong." He laughed. "You're in a good mood this morning." "I'm always in a good mood." "Of course. That's why the last warrior who annoyed you spent ten minutes picking himself up from the ground." "He should have moved faster." Ronan stepped closer, his grin widening. "You know, you could just admit you enjoy my company." I snorted. "In your dreams." "You're in them quite often, actually." I stared at him. He looked far too pleased with himself. "You're embarrassing yourself." "Yet you're still standing here talking to me." "Because you're blocking my way." He moved aside with an exaggerated bow. "After you, future Alpha." I rolled my eyes and walked past him, hiding my smile. Ronan was always like this. He flirted whenever he had the opportunity, and I usually played along because it entertained me. Sometimes I teased him back. Sometimes I ignored him. Sometimes I wondered whether he ever got tired of hearing himself speak. But I never took his advances seriously. I wasn't looking for a boyfriend, and I certainly wasn't planning my future around a man. I had a pack to lead one day. That was enough for me. "Are you going to train, or should I find someone else to spar with?" I called over my shoulder. Ronan caught up with me. "Careful, Seraphina. You might hurt my feelings." "I'll try to survive the experience." He laughed again. We took our positions, and the moment the instructor gave the signal, Ronan lunged. I dodged his first strike, twisted to the side, and swept my leg toward his ankle. He jumped back just in time. "Nice try." I smiled. "Oh, I'm just getting started." The next few minutes were filled with movement, quick strikes, and the sound of our boots scraping against the ground. Ronan was a good fighter. I would give him that. He was fast, strong, and experienced enough to anticipate some of my moves. But I knew him well. Too well, apparently. When he left his left side exposed, I took advantage of it, caught his arm, and brought him down onto the training mat. He landed on his back with a loud grunt. I stood over him. "Still dreaming about me?" He stared at me for a second before laughing. "You're going to be the death of me." "Then stop being so predictable." I offered him a hand. He took it, allowing me to pull him upright. For a brief moment, his gaze lingered on my face. "You know," he said quietly, "one day, you're going to meet someone who won't let you win every argument." I released his hand. "Then I hope he enjoys losing." Ronan chuckled, but something in his expression suggested he wanted to say more. Before he could, a familiar voice interrupted us. "Please tell me you two aren't flirting again." I turned toward the entrance. Elara Vance stood there with her arms folded, looking thoroughly unimpressed. I grinned. "Good morning to you, too, bestie." She walked toward us. "Good morning. Now, can someone explain why my brother looks like he's been fighting for his life?" "Because he lost," I answered. Ronan placed a hand over his chest. "She wounds me with her words." "Good," Elara said. "Maybe you'll finally learn." I laughed. Ronan looked between us and sighed dramatically. "I see I'm surrounded by cruel women." "You're welcome to leave," I told him. He pointed at me. "One day, you'll miss me." "Today isn't that day." Elara burst out laughing. And just like that, my morning became considerably more entertaining. --- After training, Elara and I settled beneath one of the large trees overlooking the grounds. We had been friends for as long as I could remember. Growing up together meant she knew nearly every embarrassing thing about me, and I knew enough about her to make sure she never used that knowledge against me. At least, most of the time. Elara stretched her legs in front of her. "Can I ask you something?" I reached for my water bottle. "That depends. Is it going to waste my time?" She ignored me. "Do you ever think about finding your mate?" I nearly choked on my water. "Seriously?" "What?" "That's what you want to talk about?" "Yes!" I stared at her. "Elara, we were just talking about how Ronan nearly broke his back trying to impress me. Can we stay on that subject?" She smacked my arm. "Stop it! I'm serious." "So am I." She gave me a look. "You're impossible." "And yet you keep coming back." "Because I love you." I smiled. "I know." Elara sighed and leaned back against the tree. "Sometimes I think about it, you know. Meeting my mate. What it'll feel like when I finally recognize him. Whether he'll be kind or protective. Whether he'll understand me without me having to explain every little thing." I listened quietly. She spoke about finding someone who would care for her, someone who would stand beside her and make her feel safe without trying to control her. There was something almost dreamy about the way she described it. "And imagine finding someone who loves you so much that protecting you becomes second nature," she continued. "Someone who wants to hear about your day, who notices when something is wrong, who remembers the little things you don't even realize you've said." I stared at her. "You're describing a romance novel." She threw her head back. "Seraphina!" "What? You are!" "One day, you'll understand." "Maybe." "You don't believe in any of this, do you?" I considered the question. It wasn't that I didn't believe in fated mates. I knew the bond existed. I had grown up hearing stories about couples who recognized each other the moment they met. I simply didn't spend my days dreaming about it. If I found my mate someday, fine. If I didn't, I had other things to accomplish. "I believe I'll become a good Alpha," I said. "I believe I'll make my parents proud, and I'll protect the people who depend on me. That's what matters to me right now." Elara studied me for a moment. "And love?" I shrugged. "If it happens, it happens." She groaned. "You make romance sound like an appointment you might or might not attend." I burst out laughing. "Perhaps I'll send it an invitation when I'm less busy." She pushed my shoulder, laughing despite herself. We spent the next few minutes teasing each other, talking about the pack, and arguing over which of us would be the first to find her mate. Elara was convinced it would be her. I told her I hoped her future mate had plenty of patience. She told me mine would need an entire lifetime's supply. I couldn't even argue with that. --- By the time I returned home, the sun was beginning to sink behind the trees. My muscles ached pleasantly from training, and all I wanted was a shower and something to eat. Unfortunately, my mother had other plans. She found me in the hallway and informed me that dinner would be served shortly. I followed her into the dining room, where my father was already discussing pack matters with one of his advisers. For a while, I listened as they spoke about patrol schedules, training arrangements, and the responsibilities that came with maintaining a strong pack. Eventually, my father turned to me. "How was training?" "Good." "Did you learn anything?" "Yes." He waited. I sighed. "I learned that Ronan still talks too much." My mother laughed into her glass. My father shook his head. "One day, I hope you learn to answer a question without turning it into an argument." "One day, I hope you stop asking questions you already know the answers to." "Seraphina." I smiled innocently. "What?" He gave me a long look before returning to his meal. I knew I tested his patience sometimes, but I also knew he trusted me. That meant more to me than I would ever admit aloud. After dinner, I returned to my room and stood by the window, looking out over the pack grounds. Everything was familiar. The trees swayed gently in the evening breeze. The distant sounds of warriors training drifted through the air, and the lights from the pack houses glowed warmly against the approaching darkness. This was my home. These were my people. And one day, I would be responsible for protecting them. I wasn't interested in chasing love or spending my time wondering when my fated mate would appear. I had a future to prepare for, and I intended to be ready when the time came. Love could wait. My responsibilities couldn't.

Lucian's POV Being the Lycan King wasn't as glamorous as people imagined. Everyone saw the power, the wealth, and the fear my name commanded. Nobody saw the endless reports, the constant demands, or the responsibilities that came with ruling an entire kingdom. And today, I had more than enough of all three. "Tell me why I'm looking at the same report for the third time." My secretary stood before my desk, looking uncomfortable. "The northern border patrol has requested additional warriors, Your Majesty." "I can read. Send twenty warriors and tell the neighbouring Alphas to settle their dispute before I decide to settle it for them." "Yes, Your Majesty." He hurried out. I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my forehead. The annual victory ball was only days away. It commemorated our victory over the vampires and honoured those who had died in the war, including my parents. I respected its purpose, but I had never been interested in attending. Every year, I sent a representative in my place. A knock interrupted my thoughts. "Come in." Cassian Vale, my second-in-command and closest friend, walked in carrying a folder. "You look terrible," he said, dropping into the chair opposite me. "And you look like someone who has forgotten his position." He grinned. "If I remembered my position every time we spoke, you'd have no friends left." "Perhaps that would improve my life." His smile faded as he placed the folder on my desk. "We have a problem at the western border." I opened the folder. "What happened?" "A group of rogues crossed into our territory last night. Our warriors tried to drive them back, but the fight was worse than expected." "Rogues are always trouble." "These were different." I looked up. Cassian continued, "They were stronger than ordinary rogues. They fought as if they couldn't feel pain, and even after suffering serious injuries, some refused to retreat. Two were killed, but most escaped. We captured one alive." "Where is it?" "Under guard. The healers are examining it." I studied the reports. "What else?" "Their wolves were unusually large, with dark fur and strange red eyes. The patrol leader said their behaviour was almost animalistic, even for rogues." Something about that description bothered me. "Have you questioned the captured one?" "Not yet." "Make sure it survives. I want answers." Before Cassian could respond, the door opened. Nyra Blackthorn, my head warrior, entered with a serious expression. "Your Majesty, I examined the dead rogues." "And?" "Their bodies were unusual. Their muscles were more developed than those of ordinary wolves, and some of their wounds appeared to be closing faster than expected." Cassian frowned. "You noticed that too?" Nyra nodded. "Their scent was also strange. There was the usual rogue scent, but something else was mixed with it. I couldn't identify it." I rose from my chair. "Increase the western border patrols. Nobody enters that forest alone. Nyra, investigate the attack and question the injured warriors. Cassian, contact the neighbouring packs and find out whether they've experienced anything similar." "And the ball?" Cassian asked. "What about it?" "Several Alphas will be attending. If these attacks are connected, someone there might know something." I gave him a cold look. "You know I don't attend." "I know. But this could be our best opportunity to gather information from the other Alphas." I dismissed them without answering. The truth was, I was already considering it. The vampires had been quiet for too long, and I had never believed that winning a war meant our enemies had disappeared. Something was happening beyond our borders. And I intended to find out what. --- By late afternoon, I couldn't stand the sight of my office any longer. I left the palace and headed into the forest. The moment I was beneath the trees, I felt some of the day's tension ease. Finally, a deep voice rumbled inside my mind. I almost smiled. Don't start, Umbra. You've been sitting behind that desk all day. Even a king needs to breathe. Umbra was my Lycan, my other half. He was powerful, fiercely protective, and just as stubborn as I was. We need to run, he insisted. I removed my jacket and placed it beneath a tree. The shift came quickly. My bones rearranged themselves, dark fur spread across my body, and my senses sharpened. A moment later, Umbra stood on four powerful legs. His enormous obsidian-black body was built for strength, and his silver eyes glowed beneath the fading sunlight. We took off through the forest. For a while, I allowed myself to forget the reports and the strange creatures at my borders. The wind rushed past us as we raced between the trees. Then Umbra slowed. Do you smell that? I lifted my head. A foul scent drifted through the air. Rogues. But beneath their familiar scent was something unfamiliar. Umbra's fur rose along his spine. Those creatures aren't normal, he growled. I know. I stared into the trees, my instincts warning me that whatever had crossed our borders was only the beginning. We returned to the palace before nightfall, but the unease followed me. --- Cassian returned to my office that evening. "Two neighbouring packs have reported unusual movements near their territories," he said. "Groups of rogues have been gathering where they normally wouldn't." "Any attacks?" "None confirmed." I walked towards the window. "Keep investigating." "I will. But the ball is in three days. If these incidents are spreading, we need to speak with the other Alphas." I remained silent for a moment. I had avoided the event for years, but staying away now could be a mistake. "Prepare my attendance," I finally said. Cassian raised an eyebrow. "You're actually going?" "Don't make me change my mind." He grinned. "Wouldn't dream of it." As he left, I turned back towards the window. I wasn't attending to celebrate the past. I was going because something dangerous was moving in the shadows, and I needed answers.

Seraphina's POV The forest was my favourite place to escape. Away from my father's expectations, the endless lessons about leadership, and the responsibilities that came with being the future Alpha, I could finally breathe. No one expected me to be perfect out here. I could simply be myself. You're getting slow, Sera. I rolled my eyes as Elara's voice echoed through my mind. Keep talking, and I'll leave you behind. You wish you could catch me first. I let out a growl and increased my speed. Elara's golden wolf darted between the trees ahead of me, her honey-coloured fur shining beneath the morning sunlight. She was fast when she wanted to be, but she also had a habit of talking far too much. Unfortunately for her, I knew exactly how to shut her up. I surged forward, leaping over a fallen tree before catching up with her. We raced towards the stream that marked our usual stopping point, our paws pounding against the earth. I reached it first. Elara arrived a few seconds later and immediately dropped onto the grass. "You're cheating," she complained. I shifted back into my human form and laughed. "You're just a sore loser." She transformed beside me, her golden hair falling around her shoulders as she shot me an offended look. "One day, Seraphina Blackwood, I'm going to beat you." "Keep dreaming." She threw a small twig at me. I dodged it, laughing harder. My wolf, Silver, stirred inside me. You enjoy annoying her. It's one of my greatest talents. Silver gave a quiet huff. She was as stubborn as I was, with a fierce spirit that refused to bow easily to anyone. Her silver-white coat and violet eyes made her distinctive, but it was her strength that mattered most to me. I had spent years training to become the Alpha my pack deserved. Silver was more than my wolf; she was my other half, the voice that challenged me when I was wrong and reminded me of my strength when I doubted myself. Together, we were going to lead Blackwood Pack. And I intended to do it well. "So," Elara said, pulling me from my thoughts. "Are you going to tell me why you've been so serious lately?" "I'm always serious." She stared at me. I stared back. Then we both burst out laughing. "You're impossible," she said. "And yet, you're still my best friend." "Unfortunately." I nudged her shoulder. We sat beside the stream for a while, enjoying the quiet before heading back towards the packhouse. The morning passed with the usual responsibilities. I attended a short meeting with my father, reviewed a few matters concerning the training grounds, and listened to him remind me that being Alpha meant thinking beyond myself. I knew that already. Still, there were days when I wished everyone would stop reminding me. By late afternoon, I was finally free. Or so I thought. My phone rang. Elara. I answered immediately. "What's wrong?" "Nothing is wrong, you dramatic woman." "Then why are you calling like somebody has died?" "Because I have a very important proposal." I sighed. "Here we go." "We're going out tonight." I stopped walking. "Going where?" "The club." I considered refusing. I had responsibilities, and I wasn't particularly interested in spending my evening in a crowded place. But then I remembered how long it had been since I'd done something that wasn't connected to training or pack business. "Fine," I said. Elara screamed so loudly that I had to move the phone away from my ear. "You're actually agreeing?" "Change your mind, and I'll cancel." "No! Absolutely not. I'm coming to get you at eight." The call ended before I could respond. I shook my head, smiling despite myself. Elara could be exhausting, but life would be considerably duller without her. --- By eight that evening, I stood in front of my mirror, adjusting the straps of my black dress. It wasn't particularly revealing, but it fit well enough to make me feel confident. I let my hair fall over my shoulders, added a little makeup, and slipped into my heels. Tonight, I wasn't the future Alpha of Blackwood Pack. I was simply Seraphina. A few minutes later, Elara arrived, looking beautiful in a fitted red dress. She took one look at me and grinned. "Someone is trying to attract attention tonight." I grabbed my handbag. "Don't start." "Oh, I'm starting. You look gorgeous." "So do you. Can we go now?" She linked her arm through mine. "Of course, Alpha." I gave her a warning look. She laughed all the way to the car. The club was already crowded when we arrived. Music pulsed through the building, colourful lights flashed across the dance floor, and people moved to the rhythm without a care in the world. For once, I allowed myself to enjoy it. Elara dragged me towards the dance floor, and we danced until my feet began to hurt. We laughed, sang along to songs we barely knew, and teased each other about the people trying to get our attention. A few men approached us. Elara was delighted. I was amused. There was nothing wrong with flirting or enjoying someone's company, but romance had never been my priority. I had bigger plans for my future, and I wasn't about to abandon them because a handsome man smiled at me. If I ever found my mate, I would deal with it then. Until that day, I had no intention of wasting my time searching for him. You say that as if fate cares about your plans, Silver murmured. Stay out of this. She gave a knowing little growl. I ignored her and followed Elara towards the bar. We ordered our drinks and continued talking, unaware that somewhere in the same building, another wolf was beginning to stir. Then it happened. I was lifting my glass when a strange sensation swept through me. My hand froze. The noise around me seemed to fade into the background. The music continued, people laughed, and the lights kept flashing, but something inside me had suddenly become alert. Silver rose sharply within me. Seraphina. Her voice was no longer playful. What is it? I asked. Do you smell that? I slowly lowered my glass. There it was. A scent unlike anything I had ever encountered. Dark, rich, and intoxicating, it slipped through the countless smells surrounding us and reached somewhere deep inside me. My heart began to beat faster. I turned my head, searching the crowded room. Nothing. I couldn't see anyone who stood out from the others. Yet the feeling grew stronger. Silver pressed against the walls of my mind, suddenly restless. Mate. The word struck me like lightning. I stopped breathing for a moment. What did you say? Our mate is here. My fingers tightened around the glass. No. That couldn't be right. I had spent years convincing myself that finding a mate wasn't something I needed to worry about. I had responsibilities, ambitions, and a future to prepare for. I hadn't been looking for anyone. Yet my wolf was certain. Across the crowded club, another presence stirred, equally powerful and impossible to ignore. I didn't know who he was. I didn't know what he looked like. I didn't even know where he stood. All I knew was that somewhere in that building was the man fate had chosen for me. And for the first time in my life, I found myself wishing I could see someone I had never met. "Seraphina?" Elara's voice pulled me back. "What's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost." I swallowed and forced myself to relax. "Nothing." She narrowed her eyes. "Don't lie to me." "I'm fine, Elara." But I wasn't. Because even as I tried to ignore it, that unfamiliar scent lingered in the air, drawing Silver's attention again and again. I searched the crowd one last time. Still nothing. Whoever he was, he remained hidden from me. And I had no idea that the man whose presence had awakened something deep inside me was just as unaware of my identity. We were in the same place. Our wolves had recognised what our eyes could not. But we would leave that night without seeing each other. For now, fate had given us only a scent, a presence, and a promise neither of us had been prepared for. My mate was here. And I hadn't even seen his face.