Chapter- 3 "Glimpse of Past (Part- 1)"

Alice POV 

***

I finish my meetings, manage the schedule for next week, and send an email with all the details to Max, the Prince of Dragonair (the realm of Dragons). We have been best friends since childhood and are also business companions. He is the only person I trust after Dad and Ellyn.

Tonight, Dad and I are leaving for Entalia for tomorrow night’s ritual. I’m not getting any good vibes about it, but it has to be done.

By the time I exit the office building, the sky has turned a dark shade of grey. With steady steps, I make my way toward my car in the parking space.

I open my car door, and an alluring scent fills my nostrils. My wolf relaxes, drowning in the pleasure of the sweet, rich scent of earthy forest rain mixed with the masculine aroma of cologne. However, my mind goes into alert mode. My wolf, Rhea, and I both recognize this scent very well. There’s no mistaking it.

It’s him.

A sane part of my human mind screams for me to run—run away from this place, from this realm, and never look back. Believe me, I wish for the same—to escape somewhere in the light, far away from the darkness of my past, where he can’t find me again. But I guess I’m not that lucky.

Rhea howls in pleasure while my human side braces for danger.

I look at my surroundings. The parking area is empty except for the night guard on duty. Ignoring my terrified human instincts, I slide into the driver’s seat and lock the doors securely, taking a moment to keep my emotions in check.

The inside of the car still smells of his essence. It’s hard to control my wolf’s emotions, but I know he is still here, somewhere nearby, watching my every move.

I notice a bouquet of red roses and a small black shiny box sitting in the passenger seat. My mind starts to panic, while my wolf basks in bliss at the mere thought of the devil’s presence nearby.

Rhea wants nothing more than to step out of the car and search for her mate—my naive wolf. I break the connection with her and force myself to concentrate on the matter at hand.

I pick up the bouquet of red roses, which seems to mock me, daring me to act. I open the note attached to it.

In neat, curly handwriting, it reads:

“Congrats, my love. Tomorrow will be a big day for both of us.”

There’s no mention of his name—there’s no need. I know who sent this and why.

Taking a deep breath to calm myself, I set the note and bouquet back on the seat and open the black box. Inside is a white gold ring, crafted in the shape of a crown with beautiful sapphires adorning its edges.

If it’s possible, my panic deepens, and my heart races like a hummingbird. He knows. Of course, he knows about my crown ceremony tomorrow—the entire realm knows.

Suddenly, my phone beeps, and I jump in my seat. Placing a hand on my heart, I try to steady its frantic beating.

I check my phone.

The screen displays a text message from an unknown number. With shaky hands, I open it.

“Whoa! Kitten, don’t panic. I can still feel your heartbeat. I love you, you know that, right? Don’t worry, babe. I’m always with you. ♡”

I glare at the screen in horror. Sure, we can feel each other’s heartbeats because of our bond, but it isn’t strong enough for him to feel my emotions or read my mind.

Placing my phone on the passenger seat, I close my eyes and take a deep breath to calm my wild heart.

Not now, Alice! I tell myself. This is not the time or place to break.

And it works. I drive out of the parking area with a stoic expression.

I want to show him that he no longer has any power over me—not anymore. I know he is still nearby, lurking in the shadows with his signature smirk on his face, enjoying the entire scene. Only, I am not going to give him the satisfaction.

This time, my rules are clear: if the devil wants to play, fine.

GAME ON, MATE. Be ready to lose this time.

---

I reach my apartment building late at night. I park in the garage and walk to the back of the apartment.

In the moonlight, the back garden looks breathtaking. Nature’s greenery bathes in the silver glow of the moonlight.

I close my eyes and inhale the chilled night air. Just two hours left until we depart for Entalia, the place where it all starts.

---

One year earlier...

In Entalia, Queen Amelia, the rightful ruler of the realm, organizes a grand ball in her castle on the occasion of the blue moon.

People from all ten packs of the realm are attending, along with their prospective alphas and mates. The event provides an opportunity for young, unmated wolves to find their mates, blessed by the Moon Goddess.

Standing in front of a mirror, I look at my reflection. I am wearing a full-length royal blue silk gown, off-shoulder, with crystals shimmering perfectly against my pale skin. My chocolate eyes, enhanced by a smoky eye-shadow look, and perfectly done makeup, pair well with my waist-length raven hair styled in loose curls. Three-inch black Gucci heels and a white gold sapphire ring adorn my right hand—the insignia of the crown princess.

The perfect picture of royalty.

Believe me, I hate showing off my royal status, but sometimes, I can’t avoid it. I don’t want to embarrass my mother in front of the entire realm. Besides, this is my first attempt to search for my mate after turning 20 last month.

Seriously, a mate?

The mere thought of being mated to someone terrifies me. I can’t imagine spending my life with some dominant wolf who demands my complete submission.

Wolves are territorial by nature, and I belong to the royal alpha bloodline. As the future Queen, the concept of submission doesn’t sit well with me. Under strict orders from the Queen, I have no choice but to attend the party.

---

Before descending the stairs, I silently pray to the Moon Goddess that I won’t find my mate tonight.

Completely unaware of the plans the Moon Goddess has in store for me.