Chapter 3

{CASSIUS}

"WHOOAAAH! You're so early," Cassius exclaimed as we bumped into him on the road. The sun was just starting to rise.

Morgana and I had just stepped out of the palace perimeter, and it seemed like Theodor was headed in the direction where we came from. Like Morgana and me, he was also riding his horse. He pouted at us.

"You two! Don't you plan on including me in your travel?" he grumbled to us.

I gave him a cold stare. I didn't have time for his nonsense right now.

"Guard our pack. That's what you should be doing today," I said seriously to him.

He raised both his hands in surrender. "Fine, take care then. It's a shame I won't get to see any delicate and beautiful ladies," he rested his chin on his hand and looked into the distance.

I closed my eyes tightly as Morgana flew towards Theodor. She placed both her hands on his shoulders as her body circled halfway in the air before she landed behind Theodor, still holding onto him. Before Theodor could react, my sister forcefully pushed him off his own horse onto the dusty road.

"You have such a bad temper!" Theodor angrily told my sister, his face now red with anger.

Every day, this was the scene in front of me. They were always arguing, but it was clear that they liked each other. They don't even tell me if they're mated to each other. They're keeping it a secret from me.

"Let's go, Morgana!" I shouted at my sister. She finally snapped out of it and quickly jumped onto her horse.

I urged Black, my black horse, to run ahead. I made him go as fast as he could, and Morgana followed behind me, trying to keep up with my pace. Black had been my horse since I was born. I grew up with him.

Before the sun fully rose, we had passed the border of our pack and were now heading towards the great center of the Lycanthal kingdom. This is the world where werewolves exist. Around the great center of Lycanthal, behind the surrounding forests, were the territories of each pack. The great center of Lycanthal was more beautiful than any pack's territory.

After passing the lively great center, we encountered the wild forest. The wild forest served as the border between each pack and the great center. Once we surpassed that, we reached the entrance of the Hastings Pack. It was early morning, yet all the werewolves were already busy, especially the Omega slaves doing their endless tasks.

Morgana and I slowed down our horses. We attracted attention from the werewolves we passed by. Morgana was in her battle suit, with a long sword attached to her waist. I, on the other hand, was dressed simply. I had a bow and a dozen arrows hanging from my body behind my back. I can use any weapon masterly, but these were my favorites, and I enjoyed using them.

I just shook my head. Every woman we passed by looked at me with admiration in their eyes. Women couldn't resist my handsome looks. They are now captivated by my oozing handsome features. But I was used to this kind of thing. Wherever I went, all the women who saw me immediately became infatuated.

"OUR Luna and Alpha, together with the princess, are awaiting for both of you in the garden. Greetings to you, Alpha Cassius, and Beta Morgana," the polite guard greeted us as he met us at the palace gate. He bowed his head in our presence.

"Thank you," I replied.

Two guards opened the large gate, and Morgana and I entered the Hastings Pack castle. We temporarily tied our horses to a large tree before the guard led us to the said garden of the palace.

As I approached, I couldn't feel any excitement or anything at all. It was strange. I should be feeling those emotions since I was nearing the place where my mate stood. Today was her 18th birthday, and I came here to claim her as my mate and as the future Luna of my pack.

"I'll now take my leave, Your Highnesses," the guard said after he escorted Morgana and me to our destination.

Luna Cordelia and Alpha Archibald faced me with smiles, as well as their daughter, Princess Lysandra Hastings. We all bowed to each other as a sign of respect. Then, I looked at Princess Lysandra. Her hair had already turned white, and she possessed a very rare beauty.

My wolf growled in protest at the sight of her. She's not my mate. That's the only thing I'm certain of. I don't know why this happened. The moon goddess blessed us at birth, stating that we would be destined mates. Prophecies don't lie. But people can. Could she be a fake princess? I knew it was too early to judge the princess standing before me, but that was my gut feeling. My gut feelings never led me astray.

"Alpha Archibald, Luna Cordelia, Princess Lysandra, if you'll excuse me. I have something to attend to," I excused myself. I faced Morgana, "Please stay with them on my behalf. I'll be back as soon as possible," I said to her.

I didn't wait for their response. I needed to find my mate. I could sense that she was inside the castle. I could feel her presence. My feet started walking toward an unknown destination. Until I came closer and closer to her scent. My heart was beating fast. I couldn't wait to hold her in my arms. I had been waiting for this moment.

I continued walking along an endless dark pathway until I accidentally bumped into someone. Before she could lose her balance and fall to the floor, I immediately wrapped my arms around her waist, catching her lightweight body. The blanket that was on her head fell off, and in front of my eyes, her white hair was revealed, glowing in the dark.