*Damon*"Welcome home, Selena. This place finally feels complete now that you're here. My life was incomplete without you, and this place felt empty in your absence," I said as I stepped into the castle together, holding my beloved's hand. "Thank you for accepting me."I was overjoyed that she was finally here with me. Though the bright and lively Selena I first met seemed lost, I knew it was only a matter of time before she adjusted to this place and regained her spirit.I stood there silently, observing her as she looked around eagerly. Everyone who came for work greeted her and introduced themselves."What are you thinking, Selena?" I asked, stepping forward to take her in my arms, but she tried to pull away from my embrace. I could feel her hesitation.“What's wrong, honey?” I asked, frowning, though I knew what was wrong.“Damon, I need some time,” she whispered. “I just can't jump into a new relationship just because I found out you are my mate. I have been in…” she paused, look
*Blair*Maddox slowly opened the door and glanced at the sleeping Austin. "Is he asleep?" he asked through the mind link. I nodded, my gaze fixed on Austin's innocent face.Maddox sighed and gestured for me to join him on the balcony. I followed his lead, stepping out into the cool night air as he gently slid the door open and closed it behind me."I can't believe Selena could do something like this," he said, voicing the thoughts that had been haunting us since her departure."It seems like something is off like we're missing some key points," I mumbled."That's true," he agreed. "Zander let Selena go too easily, and he didn't fight the Vampire as hard as he normally would. This isn't like him.""It was shocking for me too, considering Selena's strong attachment to her son. She's not heartless to leave him alone for a vampire," I mused aloud, contemplating the situation."They both seemed compelled to act, as if under some invisible force," Maddox muttered, lost in thought."It seem
*Selena*I lost track of time as the night slipped away into dawn, the rising sun casting its gentle glow into the room. Exhaustion weighed heavily upon me, not just physically but mentally, leaving me unaware of its toll until the morning light began to filter through the curtains. My first waking thoughts drifted to Austin and Zander, wondering how they were doing without me.Everything happened in a blink, and I couldn't find the time to think or react... I couldn't think or react on my own. What was happening to me, and why was it all so confusing? I didn't want to be here but I couldn't deny coming here. What the actual fuck was about it?"I feel the same as you do, Selena," Arena's voice whispered in my mind."Why do I feel the mate bond with Damon while still marked by Zander?" I groaned. "Ah... this is so confusing."As per normal norms, the mate bond with a fated mate faded if your chosen mate marked you. Rarely did werewolves accept a fated mate after bonding with a chosen m
*Selena*Damon smirked as he strode toward me, his eyes locked onto mine as I furrowed my brow at his unexpected presence. Wasn't he supposed to be working? How did he appear here so suddenly? Glancing at Harper, understanding dawned on me. Perhaps she had sent him a message, and he had teleported himself here."So, it was all true. Arabella does exist," I concluded, turning to look at the picture once more. No one could find a difference between us. Even I couldn't distinguish. The picture looked very old, and the attire she had in that picture looked like it belonged to some ancient era. The art was a masterpiece, and I couldn't help but appreciate the artist in my mind. He had truly defined the beauty of the lady in the picture, and I found it even more beautiful than reality—or maybe she was more beautiful than me.But I still couldn't believe that it was true and that Arabella did exist. Because when Damon first told me about Arabella, I thought he was merely flirting with me, u
*Zander*"Zander, I need to have a word with you," Maddox's voice echoed with concern as he stormed into my room, his footsteps echoing off the walls after I evaded our conversation in the pack's office."Not now, Maddox," I dismissed him with a sharp edge to my tone, my gaze fixed on the file before me."I'm not letting this slide, Zander. We have to talk," he insisted, his tone firm, unwavering.Huffing in frustration, I turned to face him, my jaw set with tension."You want to talk?!" I growled, my voice low and intense. "Fine, let's talk. What's on your mind?""Why did you allow Selena to go with that cunning Vampire King?" he questioned, his eyes burning with intensity."Isn't it obvious, Maddox?" I snapped, my frustration boiling over. "He's Selena's mate, and I have no right to hold her back.""No!" he bit out, his voice sharp with disagreement. "She's our Luna, and you're her mate first. You have every right to stop her, to fight for her," he countered, his words laced with co
*Selena*I didn't have any plan or strategy, but I knew I needed to work it out before time slipped from my hands."I need to do it," I muttered to myself, feeling the weight of the situation bearing down on me."How are you going to do this?" Arena's voice cut through my thoughts, tinged with frustration.Suddenly, something clicked in my mind."I have a plan," I chimed in confidently."What plan?" she purred through the mind link, her curiosity piqued."His first love!" I exclaimed, the realization dawning on me. "I mean, his first mate, Arabella. He would have loved her more, and if he finds her back, he will definitely choose her over me and eventually reject me," I explained, the words tumbling out in a rush."I just need to find out about Arabella," I whispered, deep in thought. "And let him realize that I am not her. Maybe..." I trailed off, a sense of hope flickering within me. "Maybe I can bring her back.""But she died thousands of years ago," Arena countered.My wolf was ve
*Selena*Harper remained steadfast and fiercely loyal to her king. I understood that extracting information from her would prove to be a daunting task. Yet, I refused to concede defeat; determination fueled my persistence."But why?" I furrowed my brow, attempting to coax her into cooperation. "Harper, you need not fear anyone. As your future queen, I assure you of your safety," I reassured, reaching out to touch her shoulder. However, she evaded my touch and busied herself with her tasks."I possess no knowledge of the king's personal affairs. His private life is closely guarded, and he divulges little to none of it," she explained impassively, finally turning to face me. "If you seek answers, why not confront the king directly?" she challenged.Ah, a clever response indeed."I thought about it," I shrugged, feigning innocence. "But he didn't tell me. Perhaps he thought I'd be jealous if he discussed his former lover with me." I smiled coyly. "But I'm not jealous. I'm curious and eag
*Selena*Once again, disappointment washed over me like a tidal wave. It was the second time that day my hopes had been mercilessly dashed. Unsure whether Cassandra spoke the truth or wove a web of lies, one thing was unmistakable—her unwavering loyalty to Damon."Is there anyone else who can provide information about Arabella?" I queried, my desperation thinly veiled."I remain intrigued by the depths of your desperation, my Queen," Cassandra remarked, her lips curving into a smirk as she regarded me skeptically with her piercing gaze. "What compels you to unearth the past? Shouldn't you find solace in having the most powerful Vampire as your mate? Rest assured, whatever transpired in the bygone era holds no sway over your future. You and the king are destined for happiness, leaving the past firmly behind you.""But I believe that the beginning of a new relationship should be based on truth, and hiding is equivalent to lying," I retorted firmly.Her gaze softened momentarily before s
*Selena*I stood there, watching over my family and pack members, all of us buzzing with excitement. After what felt like an eternity, there was finally something to celebrate in the Moonglow pack. The entire pack sparkled under the twinkling lights, beautifully decorated for the occasion. Even the neighboring packs and their alphas had been invited to witness this royal event—the wedding of the Alpha King's sister and his Beta.At long last, Blaire and Maddox were getting married before the Moon Goddess. They had endured so much, and fate had been cruel to them. In some ways, we were even responsible for delaying their wedding, as our lives and our pack had been tangled in one mess after another. But that was all behind us now.We stood together, watching the happy couple exchange vows, accepting each other as mates under the blessings of the Goddess. However, according to the ritual to correct Maddox's past mistake, they couldn’t mate until the next full moon. In the past, Maddox h
*Selena*"Zander, I've prepared your tuxedo for the wedding. Please be ready on time; otherwise, Blair will be very upset," I whispered to my mate and husband as he covered the speaker with his hand during a phone call.Today marked Blair and Maddox's wedding, followed by their official mating and marking ceremony. We couldn't manage a formal wedding earlier because so much was going on in our lives and pack, but now everything was settled, and I had planned a lavish week-long celebration for them. Today was their special day, and yet my husband, the Alpha King, was still engrossed in business. I waited, staring at him with annoyance, hoping for a response. Finally, Zander nodded absentmindedly, still engrossed in his call."I understand, King Ralph Yearwood, but we shouldn't lower our guard like this before him," Zander sounded annoyed.I couldn't hear their conversation, but from my husband's expression, it was clear that Lycan King Ralph Yearwood had said something unsettling."Oka
*Anonymous POV*"I need to see the Dark Alpha immediately," Damon demanded, his voice cold and urgent as he faced the guards outside the Dark Alpha's castle.The Dark Alpha was infamous among the shifters, feared as the most malevolent creature. His pack consisted of rogue wolves, trained to be merciless and heartless. The Dark Alpha sought power above all else and delighted in inflicting slow, agonizing deaths on his enemies, savoring their pleas for mercy."Wait here. We need to ask the Alpha whether he wants to see you," one of the guards growled, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized Damon from head to toe. Damon grimaced at the appearance of the guards. The guards were filthy and disheveled, a reflection of the brutal environment they thrived in.Damon's lips curled into a sinister grin. "He'll be very pleased to hear what I have to say," he said confidently, his tone dripping with malice.The guard's eyes flickered with suspicion but he turned and disappeared into the shadows of
“Silas Shadowborne’s son?!” Zander’s eyes narrowed into piercing slits as he appraised Jasper. “And you expect us to believe you when your name has never crossed my ears?”Jasper’s voice was tinged with bitterness as he explained, “Damon manipulated our father, forcing my mother and me into exile from the kingdom. I was prepared to return when I learned of Father’s death and Damon’s treachery, but my mother insisted it was Father’s dying wish for Damon to rule. When I heard of Uncle’s murder and Damon’s flight, I returned to confront whoever was plunging my land into chaos.” His gaze swept over us, a glint of disdain flickering in his eyes.“We aren’t causing chaos; we liberated your land from the clutches of your half-brother Damon. Now, we’re striving to restore peace and unity after your king fled in defeat,” I interjected, sensing the tension escalating.“We don’t need your interference, especially not from wolves who deceived and killed my father!” Jasper’s voice thundered, causi
"You... I remember you," my eyes sparkled with recognition as I took in the seer's serene smile."Yes, Luna. It is me again," the seer replied, her voice calm and knowing. "I told you that your belief would lead you out of this dark fog and reveal the truth. And you truly have changed fate because you believed in your love."Her words seemed to weave a spell around us, and in that moment, memories of our first meeting came rushing back to me. I was struck by how deeply meaningful her words had been. Everything she said was true.Though every sign had pointed me toward Damon, my unwavering belief in my love for Zander had broken the curse and led me to my true mate. Fate was altered by the power of belief. I was awestruck by the realization that such a small word held such immense power, capable of averting the inevitable."Thank you for warning me and for your loyalty to the pack. The Moonglow pack will always be indebted to you for your loyal services," I said, my voice filled with g
The tears poured down from my eyes as we kissed. I whimpered against my mate's lips, overwhelmed by a rush of emotions. I was happy, yet the disbelief lingered—I had almost lost him. It was true that we never truly valued our loved ones until we almost lost them. I had experienced both hell and heaven in those few moments when my mate lay lifeless on my lap, and then he breathed again. I knew better after almost losing him what he was to me, and I would never ignore him over anything. He was everything I needed to live, breathe, and feel alive.“Why are you crying, my mate?” Zander’s brow furrowed in concern as he gently took my face in his large hand. His touch was tender, and his eyes searched mine with a depth of love and worry. I shook my head, trying to smile through my tears, but the emotions choked me, leaving me speechless.I gazed at his beautiful face, the one I had feared I might never see again, and took a deep breath before finding my voice.Tears streamed down my face a
Suddenly, the air crackled with energy, and two divine figures appeared before me. The first was the High Priestess—my mother—and the other, the sacred appearance of the Moon Goddess herself.“Selena, you can't be serious about threatening me, can you?” the Moon Goddess teased lightly, her voice carrying an air of amusement. But her casual demeanor only fueled my fury.“How can you be so indifferent while I am in so much pain?” I challenged, my voice trembling with emotion.“But you chose this path. What more can I do?” she replied with a shrug, her tone frustratingly calm.“Moon Goddess, I love Alpha Zander, and you expect me to accept his death with happiness. Are you truly this heartless?” I scowled, tears streaming down my cheeks uncontrollably.“I thought you would bring Zander back. He is innocent and has nothing to do with this battle,” I pleaded desperately, my voice cracking with sorrow.“He had to die according to the prophecy, Selena. Neither you nor I can change that,” the
*Selena*"Why are you crying for our enemy? He tried to kill me, and so he had to die,” Damon growled, his voice strained from the impact of Selena's powerful blow.“No!” I roared, my eyes flashing with a mix of pain and fury. “He doesn’t deserve death. It’s you who will pay for killing my Zander!” my scream echoed through the room as I unleashed another devastating strike, sending Damon hurtling across the room to crash against a distant wall.“I can’t believe you would defend him over me. I am your mate, and yet you choose to protect our enemy,” Damon snarled, struggling to rise to his feet amidst the wreckage.“No!” my voice boomed, my entire demeanor now a terrifying force of vengeance. “I have loved only one man my entire life, and when will you understand that it’s not you!” my words were a declaration, punctuated by the raw power of my attacks as I closed in on Damon once more.“Then you are a fool, Selena. If you had chosen me, I would have let you live. But you chose death. P
*Selena*As I headed to Harper’s house, a strange feeling washed over me. Some instinct was holding me back, making each step forward an effort. It was as if someone was calling out to me, needing me urgently. I stopped in my tracks and looked behind me. Everything seemed normal, yet the feeling persisted, an invisible force pulling at me, making it difficult to move ahead.I turned around again, my gaze drawn to the garden Harper referred to as the cursed land. Something about it seemed to call out to me, a whisper of unease.Arena, my wolf, was restless. She howled in my mind, "I think we need to investigate that cursed land. It's strange why everyone is forbidden from going there.""You’re right," I replied through our mindlink. "I feel it too. Why is it cursed? We need to uncover the mystery behind it."“What happened? Why aren't you moving?” Harper asked, confusion evident as she stopped and turned back when she realized I had left behind.“Harper, I need to go back to the cursed