Chapter 1 - The Royal Tryst

Chapter 1 - The Royal Tryst

“Let me go!” Georgia Finnes struggled as her arms were held firmly by two soldiers of the Woodbrick pack. They ignored her protest and they continued to drag her while her parents watched from the door of their humble house, unable to do anything. 

Tonight, the long-awaited Royal Tryst that happens every three years was eagerly anticipated by everyone, except for Georgia Finnes who feared to have her own mate because of the secret that lies behind the blindfold she was wearing since she was a kid.

“All unmated she-wolves are ordered to attend the gathering. Anyone who disobeys or refuses to go shall be kicked out of the pack and turn into a rogue,” the man reminded her of the royal decree that had been passed centuries ago. 

“I am blind! I am no use to that place,” Georgia insisted.

The Royal Tryst aims to find the mate of the Alpha King of the Western region — Maxton Bergmont, the rightful Luna who would rule by his side. The event would not only be attended by the royal clan and unmated she-wolves but also by unmated men who were also hoping to find their mate in the social gathering. Guests and VIPs from neighboring regions were also invited to join as this night also celebrates the first full moon of the year. 

Georgia was thrown in one of the village’s cars that was filled with giggling and obviously dreaming young women, excited to see the Alpha King, and deep inside, they were hoping that they would be his fated mate; or if to be chosen as his. 

She dusted the dress her mother put her into and sat on a vacant spot. She does not know anyone in the car, her best friend Layla might have been in another one. The ladies also ignored her as they were never close to her and she never socialized herself since she was a kid because of the danger she knew would be upon her once her silver eyes were revealed to the world. 

Silver-eyed werewolves were being hunted for their psychokinesis ability, a power you were born with; but it could be stolen when the eyes were absorbed by another werewolf — which means death to the silver-eyed werewolf. In the past centuries, silver-eyed werewolves were hunted down for their eyes, or to be used like puppet robots following orders to assist in wars, go on missions, and be drained until they die. The psychokinesis ability of silver-eyed werewolves requires energy from the user, and excessive use of the power would drain the life out of the wielder, leading to death. 

Two fates awaited a silver-eyed werewolf, but both were unfortunate. The werewolf would die when the silver eyes were taken out by another werewolf to absorb, or, the werewolf would die from the excessive use of its power, draining the life energy in the soul.

Whichever fate a silver-eyed chooses, they both lead to death.

And Georgia could trust no one aside from her parents who raised her, protected her, and kept her safe. It was lonely growing up without friends to play with, and go out and explore different sceneries in the region, but it was the life she had. The only friend she met was Layla, another lady in the pack whom she met in the forest after she was trained by her father who was a former pack warrior. Georgia was taught to defend herself, and to fight because danger would always tail her on the back, like a predator stalking its prey.

The car stopped and the guards of the royal residence inspected the arrivals before they were let through. Georgia carefully hopped off the car and stood still while the other ladies proceeded to the garden where the gathering was being held. She assessed the situation, the place, and the majority of the people. She could feel eyes behind her which she guessed that it must be from the guards who stared at her warily, or of concern with the blindfold covering her eyes. She turned to her left where she could hear the music, the peals of laughter, giggles, and men talking to one another. Since she was used to not being able to see, she had trained herself to use her other senses to make of what was around her. She followed where the majority of people were and successfully she ended up in the garden where Layla was able to spot her.

Layla hooked her arm to Georgia and said happily, “There you are, Georgia. Come, I will introduce you to —”

Georgia cut her with a refusal, “Sorry, but I am not really interested in this, Layla.”

“But you also need to find your mate.” Layla insisted.

“Maybe another time. I want to sit, I do not feel very well,” Georgia lied. She was feeling fine but annoyed that she had to attend this gathering. 

“Alright then, I’ll take you to our table.” Layla took her to the table where her bag was and told her to wait there while she went to get her some drinks and food.

“I’ll be fine here, Layla. You don’t have to sit with me, go, and enjoy. Find your mate.” Georgia feigned a joyful tone despite what she was truly feeling inside. This was the first time that she stepped out of their village and had gone too far from their house. She was nervous and wary, she frequently touched the knot of her blindfold to make sure that it would not fall.

She was left alone on the table but her ears were alert to know the distance of the people away from her, making sure that no one would get too close or talk to her. She aimed to be as invisible as she can be.

The event went on, and the sound of the music coming from a band of musicians at the side entertained the guests, some started dancing, and swaying, while the current Alpha King sat on an elevated platform in front. The music only stopped when the former rulers of the Western Region— parents of the current Alpha King spoke, welcoming everyone, telling all the guests to have a fun night, and wishing that they would go home with their mate in their hand tonight.

“Welcome, everyone. Tonight is a night of celebration, of unity, and of finding the bond that completes us. We are honored to have each and every one of you here, joining us in this gathering.” the former Alpha King Lucus began, his mate following, “As you enjoy the night, remember that this is more than just a gathering. It is a chance to find the one destined for you, your mate. We hope that as the night progresses, you will feel the pull of that special connection.”

Alpha King Maxton remained in his seat, bored and uninterested in the happenings around him. He was never an eager man to find his mate, for he deemed it as a weak point that his enemies would surely take advantage of. Like his father, who discarded his own— eliminating that weakness, and chose someone else to stand beside him as he ruled during his reign, taking the kid—Maxton only for himself as his heir to the throne.

Just as Georgia turned her attention away from the speech as they went on, she felt a chilly wisp of air that passed her, grazing her exposed cheek, and the scent she had caught within the air sent shivers down her spine. The wolf inside her perked up.

Georgia learned to be always alert and alarmed when a sudden change occurs. She knew her predicament, one false move, and her silver eyes would be revealed, and wolves around her would be on her throat.  Growing up being sheltered prevented her from being exposed to varying social stimulations. The shiver that ran down her spine was registered as ‘danger’ in her mind, even though it could mean something else; perhaps, excitement, arousal, curiosity, or many other things she had yet to know and explore.