Chapter 3

Lycans are beings that possess both human and werewolf characteristics. Their gait was reminiscent of that of a human, yet their upper physical form was unmistakably that of a werewolf. In both their lupine and mortal states, these beings engage in a sacred union with their fated partner.

If one desires their partner to conceive, it is advisable to engage in lycanthropic copulation. The Lycans possess an extraordinary combination of sagacity, might, and swiftness, with the Alphas exhibiting even greater strength.

Once masters of the nocturnal realm, the Lycans relinquished their dominion over time. After centuries of coexisting with humans, their intellect and cunning elevated them to positions of human leadership.

The precipice of extinction loomed over the lycans, thus prompting the aforementioned reason. With the inability to find their soulmates within their own ranks, the notion of fated companions has dissipated.

The Lycans have established a system of hierarchy to govern their society. The councils comprised a gathering of the esteemed elders of their kind.

Alpha and Luna held the reins of governance over the city. The Beta and Beta Female are subservient to the Alpha. The remaining individuals consist of laborers and members of the community.

As the lycans assumed control of the human government, they implemented a gradual transformation of human society. One of the most significant changes pertained to the mating habits of humans, which were altered to ensure the survival of their species. A yearly mating ball was established, exclusively for lycans to engage in procreation.

As per their discoveries, the act of mating with humans yields a greater number of lycanthropes. Their mate is the object of their possessiveness. They are fiercely protective of their mate, unwilling to tolerate any harm or interference.

Lycans and werewolves are not interchangeable entities. The latter, being shape-shifting beings, have long since perished.

"This is it," she exclaimed, her heart racing with anticipation. Verity murmured to herself. She gazed upon the tome in her hands before turning her attention to the reflective surface before her.

Verity gazed at her reflection repeatedly in the diminutive mirror. She donned a modest attire and wore no cosmetics. The young lady perused a book on lycans before regaining her composure.

Verity exudes an effortless grace, eschewing the garishness of those who adorn themselves with heavy cosmetics and billowing garments.

The attire she dons is none other than the midnight gown, boasting an unassuming form. Once a mere tube gown, it was transformed by her skilled hand with the addition of sleeves. Her foresight was impeccable, for she knew that the upcoming mating ball would be held under the cover of night and the chill in the air would be unforgiving.

She was determined not to succumb to coughs and sneezes simply due to a lack of attention to the temperature. There is one common error made by social event goers.

The young lady's footwear lacked any elevation, allowing her to move with ease and grace. She released her tresses, allowing them to cascade down her back in a cascade of golden waves.

Adorning her locks was a delicate headband, adorned with freshly plucked wildflowers, sourced from the verdant woods that surrounded her.

Verity cast her gaze upon the diminutive timepiece and hastened with great urgency. She meticulously combed through the interior of the house, her mind racing with the possibility that she may have inadvertently left a fire burning.

With a sense of caution, she surveyed her surroundings before deftly securing both the door and gate. Satisfied that all was safe, she breathed a small sigh of relief.

Verity murmured to herself as she gathered her belongings, "May I remain unnoticed by all save those who seek my company."

With a quickened pace, the young lady emerged from the dense thicket of trees. As she stood at the entrance, she cast a furtive glance around, searching for any signs of life.

Verity concealed the shotgun within the foliage of a nearby bush, carefully positioning it beneath the sheltering boughs of a towering tree. She would return to it later, for she understood that she could not bring the firearm with her if she were to depart for home that evening or if she were to be selected as a mate.

She takes great care to ensure that the weapon remains concealed from prying eyes. She drew in a deep breath, then slowly released it, attempting to lift her spirits. With nothing but a small pouch fastened to her wrist by a humble string, she embarked on her journey.

Within the pouch lay the keys to her cabin and gate, alongside a sum of money in the event that a taxi was required for the trip.

Verity's heart swelled with joy upon learning that the annual mating ball was to be held in her very own city. No longer would she be required to embark on a daunting journey involving multiple bus transfers to attend the event in a neighboring town, a feat she had never before attempted.

In the grandiose Alpha mansion of the city, the yearly mating ball takes place. With a heavy sigh, Verity contemplated the situation at hand. The Alpha of the city was clearly displeased with her, his temper flaring in her direction every time.

"Fighting, Rity!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with encouragement and support. As she strolls along, she finds herself offering words of encouragement. She savors each moment, for the evening has yet to arrive.

Verity strolled for an hour, her mind at ease so long as her mother's desires were fulfilled come nightfall. Truly, it was a serene stroll.

She harbors the hope that no one would subject her to bullying at the forthcoming party. She was acquainted with too many people who, when presented with the chance, would dominate another person until they were reduced to crawling on the ground. Verity brushed aside her apprehensions, despite anticipating the bleakest outcome.

On this particular night, kindness was not something she had anticipated. The residents of this metropolis relish in frolicking with her, impervious to any deterrents as they are all cut from the same cloth.

Verity nibbled on her lower lip as she approached the Alpha's grand estate. The woman's keen eye caught sight of numerous cars. The expanse of the Alpha's lawn is truly remarkable, matched only by the grandeur of his mansion. The ball he hosts is nothing short of opulent.

She harbors the conviction that her presence will go unnoticed this evening. Is it not a virtue to possess hope? Verity hesitated before crossing the threshold, but her determination prevailed and she stepped inside.

Verity was promptly halted by the sentries stationed at the entrance upon catching sight of her. "Where's your invitation?" one of them asked her mockingly.

With a single step, Verity retreated. Unlike the rest of the individuals who were entering and exiting the mansion, they deliberately obstructed her passage.

Verity presented them with the invitation card. She heard them snort, but Verity didn't react; she just let them go. From the experience of being bullied, she gleaned a valuable lesson: to simply let go them and pay them no heed.

"Enter the premises," the guard commanded with a rude tone. Their gaze fell upon her. As Verity entered, a heavy sigh escaped her lips.

The young woman held her breath in awe at the sheer multitude of individuals before her. All of them were attired impeccably.

Verity's beauty radiates effortlessly, even in her unadorned attire and unadorned face.

Some people recognized her, particularly those who reside within the same metropolis as her.

As they gazed upon her, they snickered with laughter. As she made her way through the crowd, several individuals nearly caused her to stumble. She sought out a suitable spot to stand, patiently awaiting the arrival of her chosen companion.

Verity abstained from consuming any food or beverages, acutely aware of the scrutiny she would face should she indulge.

She pleaded silently within her mind, imploring anyone who would listen, "Please, please, choose me."

She stood silently by the refreshment table, observing the lively crowd from a distance. Amidst the jovial chatter and mirthful laughter, she remained silent and aloof.

It was her inaugural experience in a locale of this nature. Her knowledge of modern technology was limited, for reasons unknown to her.

She deemed it wiser to maintain a hushed demeanor and bide her time rather than engage in conversation with them, for she was well aware of the inevitable consequences. She refrained from touching anything, save for indulging in admiration of the Alpha's grand abode.

The grand hall of the mansion stretched out before her, its expanse seemingly endless. The throngs of attendees were so numerous that she could not even begin to estimate their number.

A grand chandelier illuminates the center of the room, casting a warm glow over the bustling staff as they deftly serve delectable fare and refreshing libations to the assembled guests. In the center lies a grand scarlet carpet.

The commencement of the mating ball remains shrouded in silence. The sole spectacle to be beheld, aside from the effortless pairing of the guests, shall be felicitations bestowed upon the Alpha of the metropolis.

"Welcome, one and all, to my humble abode. May you relish the evening's delights, and may the stars align so that no solitary soul shall depart." A thunderous round of applause resounded throughout the hall as the Alpha concluded their speech from atop the grand staircase. It is indicative that lycans possess the ability to gracefully sway in unison with their selected partner.

Verity averted her gaze from Alpha. The Alpha had made her life even more arduous.

Despite residing in the metropolis, she appears to be an alien to their perception.

The revelry persists, yet Verity remains seated, a silent observer amidst the merrymaking. She stood motionless, resembling a machine devoid of any purpose. Before departing from her cabin, Verity indulged in a small repast.

The young lady remained in a state of shock as the individuals before her began to whisper amongst themselves. "Alpha Astadel had arrived." The sound reached Verity's ears.

"Refrain from obstructing his way," murmured a voice.

Verity's heart raced as she heard those words. The mere mention of the Alpha's name sends shivers down her spine, leaving her feeling uneasy. A hush has fallen over the room, and not a single soul has uttered a word.

The sound of heavy footsteps reached Verity's ears.

Her gaze falls upon a pair of gentlemen strolling down the crimson pathway. The woman's view was obstructed by the throng before her, rendering their countenances indiscernible. Since that moment, Alpha Astadel's face has eluded her.

She compelled herself to behold them, and in an instant, she let out a gasp upon catching sight of their countenances, particularly the one donning a black coat.

Gulping, Verity felt a knot form in her throat.

She exclaimed to herself that he was gorgeous. Verity observed as they made their way directly to the Alpha of the city and exchanged greetings with the leader.

Verity was unable to avert her gaze from the gentleman donning the dark coat.

Verity was wholly engrossed in Alpha, oblivious to her mother's words. Verity's heart raced with a sudden burst of vitality upon catching sight of the man.

Tiny bolts of electricity coursed through her veins, sending shivers down her spine. Verity was completely unaware of the nature of this sensation. The sound of her heartbeat was almost audible to her. The woman sensed a malfunction in her cognitive faculties, and an insatiable desire for the person before her consumed her thoughts.

'What is this?' she pondered, questioning herself. Never before had she experienced such emotions.

The gentleman appeared to sense a gaze fixed upon him. Their gazes locked. Verity's pulse quickened further.

In this sphere, it appears that solely the pair of them subsist, their unwavering gazes fixated upon one another. For what felt like an eternity, Verity attempted to muster a smile, only to be met with a frigid stare.

The man averted her gaze without delay. Verity paused and took a moment to feel her own presence.

The avoidance inflicted a wound upon her. He never glanced back at her. Emptiness. Verity was immediately struck by this word.

The sensation that has been evoked within her by the denizens of this metropolis. The illusion of soaring amidst the clouds swiftly dissipated like a fragile bubble, leaving in its wake the heavy burden of her unwavering determination.

Verity let out a bitter chuckle. She had failed to recall that she was unwelcome, regardless of where she was going.

She was a misfit, a square peg in a round hole, never quite finding her place in the world. Verity ambled outside, her heart burdened as she left the ball.