Chapter One

LORI’S POV

The door to the cell slammed open and I flinched at the noise, standing to my feet. The guard that walked in, stared at me from head to toe. I didn't need anyone to tell me what he's thinking. Everyone in Agerna was thinking the same thing.

They all think I’m human.

“Out. Now.” he growled at me, barely holding himself from baring his teeth. I nodded sheepishly and walked towards him.

He secured the metal cuffs around my wrists and of course, my ankles before taking me out to where the other guard was standing. I can’t escape and they wouldn’t let me go, not until they’ve confirmed who or what I am.

The problem is, even I am not sure.

We walked through the quiet dungeon, taking the winding steps until we arrived at a door leading to the courtyard. I could already hear the music. My heart rammed in my chest and I swallowed the knot in my throat.

It’s tonight…, I thought.

I looked back at the guards, ready to beg them but the look on their faces told me that there was no need. They were going to make me go out there.

“Here, put this one.” One of them shoved a dress into my hands and the other uncuffed one of my wrists so I could put the cloth on.

“You want me to change, here?” I asked, raising a brow. Anyone can walk in and see me.

“I didn't ask you to strip. Put it on. Now. Don't make me force you.” The guard growled.

I swallowed and turned my back to them. They cleared their throat before turning, “You have thirty seconds.”

I changed out of the shirt I had on and put on the dress, tying it around the waist. It's a ceremonial robe. If it weren't for the condition I was in, I would have admired how beautiful it was. I yanked off the trousers I was wearing just as the guards turned to look at me.

“Let's go,” one of them said, grabbing my arm and forcing me out the door.

People who know my story stared at me warily while the others from the neighbouring clans watched curiously. It was a moonlit festival. Every year, under a special moon, people awakened their wolves. Before or when they clocked eighteen.

I was already twenty with no wolf. At first, I was considered a late bloomer but now, everyone thinks different. They think that I don't belong here. I looked up at the moon and said a prayer.

Please, let it be tonight.

The guard took me right to the centre of it all. There, Alphas of different packs were sitted around the clearing in this vast courtyard. Men and women were howling, awakening their wolves while some found their mate in this chaos.

The moment I was escorted into that place, all eyes fell on me. I've never been in the presence of so many Alphas before. My knees threatened to fail but I stayed strong and lifted my chin. I would not let them break me.

Alpha Kilian stood to his feet and my breathe seized in my throat. It had nothing to do with the fear I had for him but more of the mad attraction I felt for him. I've been in love with this man for as long as I can remember. I had hoped that when I turned eighteen, he would be my mate and I would become his Luna.

I still had one more chance.

“Lorenza Gunivere, come forward.” Alpha Kilian’s boomed through the courtyard, grabbing everyone's attention. I swallowed and took a few steps forward. “There has been some… reports that you have failed to awaken your wolf, twice. Is that true?”

I looked around at the crowd watching. Even my so called friends didn't step up to help me or support me. I suspected they were the ones who reported me.

“Do not waste my time, Lorenza.” I flincked at Alpha Kilian’s tone. I missed when he called me Lori, like everyone else. This was the man who made me realise what love was. Now, he was so cold.

“Yes, Alpha.” I answered.

Murmurs rippled through the crowd at my response. Alpha Kilian lifted his hand to call order. “It is believed that you are not a supernatural creature. You're a mere mortal. A human.” The way he spat out the word scared me. What if I was? “Are you human, Lorenza?”

I stuck my chin up a little higher despite my fear. “No, Alpha. I was born to two wolves: one who was an omega. I am a werewolf.”

“Very well,” Alpha Kilian replied. “This is your final trial to prove yourself. If you fail to awaken your wolf in thirty minutes when the special moon fades, we will believe that you are human and you will face dire consequences. Do you agree?”

Like I even had a choice. I nodded, “Yes, Alpha.”

Alpha Kilian took his seat. “Start the time.” A guard obeyed him. They flipped the hourglass. The sand would run out in thirty minutes and my fate would be decided.

I looked up at the special moon and begged the moon goddess. I focused and tried to feel something, anything. The minutes rolled by and more people awakened their wolves. I was running out of time.

“Please…” I begged as I saw the last of the sand fall through the hour glass. The time was up. Alpha Kilian rose to his feet. “No…”

I turned and tried to run but two guards grabbed either of my arms and forced me to my knees. “No, please! Alpha Kilian, I'm a werewolf!” I screamed, struggling to free myself.

“Lorenza Gunivere, you have failed this pack.” He began.

“Alpha Kilian, please.” I pleaded, looking at all the Alphas around.

“Listen to your punishment: Lorenza Gunivere shall be executed.” Alpha Kilian announced. The courtyard was as silent as a graveyard.

My heart dropped. No, not execution? I struggled even more. “Let me go!” I screamed just as I saw a guard approach me. He unsheathed his sword and lifted it above his head, ready to kill me.

The sword came down.