Chapter 0002

ARDAN’S POV

Training days with my Beta Thorne, usually excited me. My moves were laser sharp and I’d always won every practice round. But today, my movements were sloppy, sluggish and my focus was scattered.

And because of that, it gave way for Thorne to land a blow on my arm, a feat that wouldn't have been possible on any other day.

Thorne froze, his eyes widening in surprise. "My King, I—"

I held up a hand, silencing him before he could launch into apologies. I was ashamed. "Leave me," I said.

Thorne hesitated for a moment, his brow furrowed in concern. "Are you certain, Your Majesty? Perhaps you should—"

"Alone," I repeated, my voice firmer this time.

With a silent bow, Thorne turned to leave, leaving me alone on the training grounds.

I headed for the bathroom. When I got there, I stripped off my sweat-drenched training clothes. My reflection in the mirror showed a man sculpted for power - broad shoulders, a chiseled jaw, dark hair. Yet, beneath the facade of strength, anxiety had me on edge.

The prophecy echoed in my mind. "Find your mate before your 30th moonrise. For if you remain unmated, your power will wane, and with it, your life."

The words were a constant reminder of the deadline, the curse that threatened not just my power, but potentially, my very existence.

Time was running out. I was 29, only a year left until the prophecy took effect.

Annually, I inspected the major packs to increase my chances of finding a mate. Every interaction, every inspection, were driven by the desperate search for the missing piece, my mate.

Now, with time against me, finding my mate was highly imperative.

A soft knock on the bathroom door startled me from my thoughts. "Enter," I called out.

The door creaked open, and a young Omega woman named Charlize entered. Her eyes widened at the sight of my bare chest, I could see desire within them before she quickly lowered her gaze.

She held out a ceremonial robe, her voice barely a whisper. "Your Majesty, I was instructed to help you prepare for the evening."

I gave her a curt nod.

“What would you like to wear tonight, Your Majesty?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

I glanced at the various garments laid out. I wasn’t interested. None of it mattered. Tonight was about finding a solution, not making a fashion statement. "It doesn't matter," I replied curtly.

“Leave it on the bed," I instructed, my voice far from warmth.

I could tell she was disappointed, but she quickly by it with forced smile. "Of course, Your Majesty. Is there anything else I can assist you with?"

I recognized the subtle attempt at seduction. I felt disdain towards her. Omegas – weak, powerless, forever on the fringes of pack hierarchy. They were about as useful as a decorative flower in a battle.

Besides, fulfilling my sexual desires was meaningless right now. It wouldn’t solve my problems. In fact, it might even weaken me further.

"That will be all," I said firmly. Without another word, she bowed and left me to be.

After I had changed into better clothes, I headed for the dinning room to join my parents. The aroma of roasted boar and fresh herbs greeted me as I entered the grand dining hall.

A long table stretched across the room, decorated with candles and assorted meals. My parents, King Edmund and Queen Daisy, sat at the head of the table, their faces etched with worry and anticipation.

"Ardan, there you are," my mother said, her voice laced with relief. "We were beginning to worry."

I pulled out a chair and sat down.

"Ardan," My mother said, her voice laced with worry. "You look troubled. Training take its toll today?"

I forced a smile. "Just a long day, Mother. Nothing to worry about."

Shortly, my father asked. “Is everything alright for tomorrow's inspection?"

I forced a smile again. "Everything is in order, Father. I am prepared to meet Derek and his pack."

"Excellent," my father boomed. "Derek seems like a promising prospect. We've heard good things about his pack, and the ladies there are said to be quite the beauty."

"Derek's leadership is commendable," I agreed, choosing my words carefully, "but what if I’m not compatible with her. What if I don’t like what I see."

My mother's brow furrowed. "Compatibility and true love is important, of course." she said, "But so is your life. "

My mother was right, I was running out of time to be thinking about the perfect mate. It wasn't just any mate I needed; it had to be the one destined by the Moon Goddess. And I can’t reject her.

"Perhaps," I continued, "we shouldn't limit our options solely to Derek's pack. There are other unclaimed females who might also be worthy."

My father let out a frustrated sigh. "Ardan, you've been inspecting packs for a year now. Every promising lead has come to nothing. The prophecy hangs heavy over us all. We can't afford to be picky."

His words cut deep. One year. That's all I had left before the curse took hold, before my power waned.

"I understand, Father," I replied, my voice a low rumble.

The burden of the prophecy was mine to bear alone. Discussing the details, the possibility of failure, felt like inviting defeat.

First thing in the next morning, I took a drive to Alpha Derek’s pack. As I arrived, the welcoming party of Derek's pack gathered before my car.

Derek himself stood at the forefront, a broad grin plastered on his face. His eyes, however, held something akin to nervousness, a stark contrast to the usual arrogance I'd come to expect.

I stepped out of my car, "King Ardan," Derek boomed, extending a hand in greeting. "We are honored by your presence. Please, come in, make yourself comfortable."

I clasped his hand. "Alpha Derek," I responded, my voice polite but firm. "Thank you for your hospitality. I trust your preparations are complete for the inspection."

"Everything is in order, Your Majesty," Derek assured me, his smile disappearing for a second. "May I introduce you to some of our pack members?"

He gestured towards a group of wolves standing behind him, their faces were mixed with curiosity and trepidation. I nodded, engaging in polite conversation, all the while searching for a specific face.

But, when I noticed the girl, the one who held the title of Derek's mate, was absent, I asked.

"Derek, I notice your mate isn't present. Is she indisposed?"

Derek's smile vanished completely, replaced by a grimace. He hesitated for a moment, his eyes darting around as if seeking an escape route.

"I don’t know where she is," he said.

My suspicions flared. Derek wasn't a good liar. The nervous glances exchanged among the pack members only fueled my unease.

A mate was a vital part of an Alpha's power structure. Her absence, especially if unexplained, spoke volumes.

"Derek," I continued, my voice low and firm, "the absence of your mate during an official inspection is… unusual, to say the least. Would you care to elaborate?"

Derek opened his mouth to speak, but no sound came out. He seemed trapped.

"Perhaps," I said, leaning closer, "I can be of assistance. Is there something troubling you regarding your mate’s absence? If there's been an incident, a threat, I want to assure you that the resources of the Lycan King are at your disposal."

Hope shone in Derek's eyes. He hesitated once more, then leaned in. "It's Serena. My mate. My beta told me she doesn’t want to be disturbed."

“Let’s find her then.” I said.