Chapter 3

Killian's POV

Her words echoed in my mind, penetrating my heart as she intertwined her delicate pinky with mine. "Killian, I love you. I will always love you, I promise." I gazed at her, a gentle smile gracing my lips, before tenderly closing my eyes and planting a kiss on her forehead.

But as I reopened my eyes, a surge of panic overcame me. Before me stood a grotesque figure, a distortion of the beautiful woman who had been my mate. Her mating mark bled, a painful reminder of the tragedy that had unfolded. "How could you do this to me?" She cried, her voice laced with anguish. "You've torn me apart."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I desperately sought her forgiveness. "I'm sorry, my love. I never anticipated such a dreadful outcome. Please find it in your heart to forgive me," I implored, yearning for her to return, to heal the wounds that had been inflicted upon us.

But she began to fade away, slipping from my grasp like a wisp of smoke. Yet, even as she dissipated, I couldn't let go of my love for her. I whispered into the void, my voice quivering with sincerity, "I vow to cherish only you. You alone, my eternal love."

I awoke abruptly, drenched in a cold sweat. Nightmares plagued my restless sleep, growing more menacing with each passing night. The fear of witnessing Ginni's transformation into a monstrous apparition kept me from seeking solace in slumber. Ginni Greyback, my chosen mate, the woman who held the key to my heart. She was, and forever will be, the only woman I will ever adore. Her untimely demise came just one day after our union, a tragic consequence of the curse that had befallen my family.

As a result of my father's impulsive choices, our family endured the wrath of a malevolent witch. She inflicted a curse upon me, the eldest son, rendering me incapable of experiencing any emotional connection or attraction towards my destined partner. While others feel the unmistakable sparks of love and desire, I would perceive her as nothing more than an ordinary wolf passing me by. Initially, we believed this to be the sole extent of the curse, and I resigned myself to this fate, convinced that I didn't require a true mate in my life. The curse's impact on my emotions was severe, but I accepted it.

Unfortunately, we were gravely mistaken. The curse not only deprived me of the ability to feel true affection, but it also prevented me from fully bonding with any potential mate. If I were to form a union with someone other than my true mate, that chosen partner would meet a tragic demise. It was this cursed affliction that caused the untimely death of Ginni, the woman I loved. I bear the weight of guilt for her demise—it was solely my fault.

I let out a heavy sigh and gently wiped away the tears that had welled up in my eyes. Slowly rising to my feet, I cast a glance to my right and saw Amaya McCall, my arranged mate, peacefully asleep beside me.

Amaya had been a cherished childhood friend, inseparable from both me and Black. The three of us had always been there for one another through thick and thin. They had supported my relationship with Ginni, so when she tragically passed away, it pained them deeply as well. Yet, they never held any resentment towards me for the loss we all experienced.

Amaya's role as my arranged mate had been decided by my father, Fenrir Greyback. As he lay on his bed, growing weaker with each passing day, he spoke to me with a tone of concern and love.

"Son, it has been six long years since Ginni's untimely departure. It's time for you to find solace and companionship in someone new," my father gently advised.

Ever since my mother, Ruby, had tragically passed away while giving birth to my twin brothers, George and Derek, my father's health had been steadily declining. The weight of loss had taken its toll on him, leaving me to navigate the complexities of life without the guiding presence of both my parents.

"You are now the King of the West, but to truly fulfill your role as a complete and competent ruler, you require a partner," my father lectured me sternly.

"Father, I've already explained countless times that I don't desire anyone else. Ginni was the one for me," I pleaded, attempting to convince him once more.

My father let out a sigh, shaking his head. "Killian, listen to me. Ginni is no longer with us. She will not return. As a king, it is imperative to have an heir, and that is impossible without finding a suitable mate."

I remained silent, unable to muster a response. My father sighed once more, his voice filled with disappointment. "Killian, your mother would not wish to see you in this state. Ginni must be with her now, and both of them would be disheartened by your current condition."

I nodded, acknowledging his words.

"Very well. If it eases your concerns and extends my own lifespan, I will seek out a companion," my father admitted, his health deteriorating slowly. I did not wish for him to pass away just yet.

I require his approval for my decision to relinquish my role as King. Perhaps by providing him with an heir, he would be more open to Derek assuming the throne while George remains faithfully at his twin brother's side as the Head Knight. Initially, I wished for death to reunite with Ginni, but my father's words rang true. As the King, I still bear a responsibility towards my kingdom and its people.

My contemplation abruptly halted as I overheard my father speaking, "Don't concern yourself, my son. I already have the perfect Mate in mind."

My father's flaw lay in his adeptness at manipulating others to bend to his will. He seldom entertained alternative perspectives, convinced that his ideas were always superior.

Thankfully, Amaya was my confidante, which lessened any discomfort I might have felt. Besides, she provided a temporary respite from my incessant thoughts of Ginni, being adept in the realm of passion and intimacy.

I rose from my bed, preparing myself for yet another dreary day ahead. "Have there been any updates from Black or Derek?" I inquired of my assistant as I made my way towards my office. As usual, he took his time to respond, hindered by his advanced age.

"We haven't received any news from them yet, Your Highness," he stammered out. I let out a sigh and nodded, gazing out the window once I settled into my seat.

"I understand. Please inform me promptly if you hear anything from them. You may go now," I instructed him, waving my hand dismissively. With a respectful bow, he turned and departed.

Black, my trusted Head Knight and lifelong friend, alongside Derek, my younger brother, had embarked on a mission to locate white wolves. The esteemed elders of our kingdom had revealed that breaking the curse necessitated the involvement of a white wolf.

White wolves are an incredibly rare and highly coveted species, making them exceptionally valuable. Rumors circulated about certain individuals possessing witch-like powers capable of breaking any curse. While largely dismissed as mere myths, there were occasional accounts that suggested a kernel of truth to these tales.

Despite the glimmer of hope that ignited within me, I hesitated to subject myself to that heartache once more. Moreover, I remained unprepared to let go of the memories and emotions tied to my relationship with Ginni, even if the curse had been lifted.

Amaya, perceptive as she was, understood that my heart belonged solely to Ginni long before she consented to our arrangement. As the day gradually surrendered to darkness, I found solace in the familiar refuge of my office, immersing myself in the study of my late father's ancient records. The city and kingdom were in dire need of transformative changes, but implementing them all at once proved to be a formidable challenge.

My concentration shattered abruptly when a soft knock echoed through the door.