Prologue

Your typical fairy tale begins with "Once upon a time," followed by a princess being rescued by a knight in shining armor.

But not every story starts like that. Especially mine...

Now, let's go back to the beginning... or at least the beginning, I remember.

I always felt like something was different between my family and me. Whether you call it a sixth sense or kismet, I had an unshakable knowing that there was more to my existence. From what I remember, we had a wonderful life filled with smiles, hugs, and kisses. Little did I know, there was a dark secret lurking behind the façade, ready to shatter our family and alter the course of my life forever.

My father was the Alpha of the Shadow Borne Pack—the most prestigious and well-respected pack in all of Shadow Falls. I never considered him an Alpha; he was just my dad. He was my best friend and my protector.

My father was an Alpha by birth, whereas my mother was born an Omega. This is the lowest rank in any pack. It is common for Omegas to be enslaved in some packs, but we are not one of them. Father had strict rules about that sort of treatment. There is a rumor that he has ended alliances with other packs because they enslave Omegas.

The only thing I remember about my childhood is my mother always forcing me to wear dresses and always styling my hair differently.

"A princess must always be well-dressed and poised," she would say while brushing my hair. I look back now and laugh at how stupid I must have looked. 

The only makeup Mom ever wore was mascara and eyeliner; she didn't need makeup if you ask me; she was a natural beauty. Her long black hair was always tied up in a low bun, leaving her ivory face untouched by stray strands...

At 5'2, she was petite, but had just enough in the right areas that Dad couldn't keep his hands off.

Standing next to Dad's six-foot frame, Mom looked like a dwarf. His flawless tan skin looked great in any color, even though he always wore black or blue. His black hair was always neatly combed, and his bright-green eyes sparkled whenever he saw me.

Father had this rule that I never understood, but it was the reason he was so respected. Aside from attending pack meetings, he trained alongside the warriors and never let his title of Alpha impose itself on him. He always told me, "Never let your title get to your head. Always remember where you came from".

My dad always took me to train with him and the warriors, but they never trained with me. I think they feared being reprimanded if I was injured.

Mom hated the fact that Father would train me. Training a child seemed unnecessary to her. "She is only five years old and a girl; she doesn't need to learn to fight," she would tell father.

"You should be out there with us, setting an example for the other she-wolves," he would say. Mom would roll her eyes, leaving us on our own.

By the time summer break started, Dad suddenly became ill. The pack doctors didn't know what caused his illness, nor what caused him to lose his fight.

I was fifteen the night he died He called me into his room that night. I walked in and saw him lying on his bed. I remembered him as a strong, confident individual. He looked nothing like him. The tan color on his face was gone, and a clammy white color had replaced it. His green eyes were filled with pain instead of life.

He had an IV running through his arm, giving him the needed medicine.

I sat beside him and gently squeezed his hand, so he knew I was there.

When he squeezed back, I gently lifted his hand and placed it on my cheek. "Daddy, I'm here," I said timidly.

His green eyes opened, and he smiled, "Babygirl, my time is ending, and I will not be with you anymore. You are exceptional, Arina. You have a gift that no one knows of... You must protect it." he said, taking a deep breath. 

"I am afraid I won't be able to keep the promise I made years ago. Arina, there may come a time you may have to leave to protect yourself." he said, pausing briefly to take a deep breath, "If anyone finds out the truth, it could cause irreparable harm." he said, closing his eyes. 

"Daddy, what are you talking about? W-what gift?" I asked.

I needed clarification on what he said. I thought it was the medication that made him say such things.

Opening his eyes again, he shed a tear and smiled. "You must remember my words and promise me you'll Run and head north. I wanted to tell you so much. I wanted to wait until you turned

eighteen, but the moon goddess has other plans. I have always loved you, Arina. I will always be with you." Those were his last words before he stopped breathing, his eyes closed, and his hand fell.

"DAD!" I yelled. "Daddy, wake up. Please. Don't leave me; I need you." I cried, "I promise I will do as you ask. I love you," I told him as I laid my head on his chest, hoping to hear his heartbeat.

At that moment, his home nurse rushed in. Her eyes stayed on the monitor momentarily before turning to me and telling me, "I am so sorry for your loss, Princess." She stepped away from the room.

That was the last time I saw my father and the last time my life was normal.