Chapter 1

Orabella:

The melodious music and the bustling conversation of people were resounding outside the hall. I was nervously standing inside the dressing room. I look at a strange self in the mirror and can't help but be happy; I will turn 18 in a few hours. That marks my adulthood; I will meet my wolf and find see my mate.

Thinking of those things excited me; I grinned and mumbled along with the song.

Everything will be great, I'm sure.

"Everything is ready; the guests have come close enough, just waiting for you. Do you have any plans after tonight, baby?" My old brother, Edward, is looking at me with loving eyes.

"Now, don't call me that; I'm about to become an adult." I blushed, cheeks red.

My brother is perfect in every way; the only flaw is that he likes to tease me whenever possible. He knew that calling me by my childhood nickname would embarrass me, and he liked it. He said that at that time, I looked cute even though I didn't feel it.

"No matter how old you are, you are still a baby in my eyes. I have held you since you were as small as a pea." Saying that my brother did an act that described my smallness.

I laughed at his teasing. Reminds me of the past a little bit. When I was just born, my mother got sick, so her body was weak; my brother cared for me. My father had just become an Alpha then, so he was very busy, and Edward fed me little by little milk. Growing up, I became a jewel he cherished and spoiled.

Although I am a girl, I am stubborn and stubborn by nature, which certainly stems from the fact that I have always been loved. Especially when I do anything wrong, there is always my brother to help me deal with it. I even believe I love my brother more than my parents, although that should not.

"So what? Now tell me your plans." My brother raised an eyebrow.

I leaned back against the dressing table, thought momentarily, then spoke. "Hmmm. I will follow your training seriously. I want to join the Pack's elite army and protect our people."

Hearing me say my plan, my brother smiled and gently patted my head. "It is rare to see a girl agree to join the elite army. But you should be clear; I'm very strict about coaching. And most of all, you must pass your wolf assessment; there will be no bias towards Alpha's daughter."

"I am confident that my wolf will be the strongest wolf." I cocked my nose proudly.

My brother smiled softly and patted my head. "Happy birthday, my dear little sister."

"Thank you for everything!" I give him an intimate hug and tiptoe to kiss his cheek.

Suddenly my brother stopped; his sad eyes refused to leave my body, confused me.

Only then did I ask my brother to tell the truth?

He sighed. "In a little while, you will find your mate. I fear my place in your heart will soon be shaken."

I hugged my stomach. I never thought my old brother would have such childish worries.

I hugged him again, and I said seriously. "That will never happen. Even if he's a mate, he can only rank 2nd in my heart. I love you so much, Edward, and that will never change even if I die."

Edward didn't take his eyes off me; he felt embarrassed after my cheesy words and then found an excuse to go out and worry about the party. "You are so soft-spoken. Prepare well; after the party, I want to dance with you."

I winked mischievously. "Of course, I spent all my time preparing for today's party."

When I was left alone in the dressing room, I also started to worry. I wonder what my mate will be like. Is he as tall and handsome as my brother? And most importantly, is he strong enough?

I won't deny it if someone says I'm picky or demanding. I was born and raised in a family with strong men. Finding a man who transcends the shadow of my father and brother is difficult.

My father, Alpha Clinton of the Blue River Pack, was a wonderful man. Remember years ago when my grandfather passed away? Blue River's situation was highly chaotic. Enemies inside and outside are always lurking around and can attack us anytime. That comes from the fact that Blue River is a small Pack favored by God with abundant resources, which everyone aspires to have. Still, my father was able to handle everything smoothly, and ensuring us a peaceful life for nearly twenty years caused him much anxiety.

And my mother, the noble Luna Sapphire. She used to be a famous warrior, with great merit in helping my father stabilize everything. However, after giving birth to me, she was hurt quite a lot, and since then, my mother has only stayed at home to take care of me and my brother.

What is more admirable is the passionate affection of my parents, I never seem to have heard them raise their voices to each other, and every time they appear in front of me, they are always a loving couple.

A series of loud sounds in the hall suddenly cut off my train of thought. I dropped my lipstick, and it broke in half; my premonition became uneasy. My heart suddenly pounded and spasmed violently.

I hurriedly ran outside, and seeing the chaotic scene made me stop.

"What's happening?" I needed clarification as to what happened.

People are fleeing in different directions; in times of danger, they are no longer their usual surnames, for their own lives do not hesitate to push others, step on others' heads, and run away.

Screams and cries echoed through the air.

Where is the poetic atmosphere of a few minutes ago? The luxurious banquet hall had become a battlefield filled with blood and tears.

I looked confusedly at the hustle and bustle; I wanted to look for familiar silhouettes. I will feel more secure when I see my brother or my parents. But I didn't see anyone, making me even more scared.

Out of nowhere, the area I was standing in was surrounded by countless strange wolves. I'm sure they're not from the Blue River, and they're attacking us savagely.

"Hell Moon and Dark Ocean are attacking us; those bastards want to kill us!"

The sound of someone shouting signaled everyone to run away.

I shivered, my heart sinking to the bottom of the ocean. I trembled like a poor dog. My life has been protected since birth, making me forget the world's cruelty. War, I only heard about it through the pages or by someone's account. But now, I have seen the horrors of it with my own eyes.

A gray wolf glanced in my direction; it dove toward me. I saw its movements, but my legs soon became soft; it could not lift off the ground; I just stood there trembling, waiting for the horror.

Suddenly, someone pulled my hand hard, and hot blood splashed into my face, seeping holes in my skirt. The red color of blood stands out on the white background of the princess dress.

I looked up, trembling; my brother was standing before me. The wolf that tried to attack me just now had his neck cut off; it wasn't dead but lying on the ground in pain, so its blood was everywhere.

"There is not much time for me to explain everything to you. But listen well, Orabella, we're being attacked by another pack. Dad and I are fighting back; Mom has taken the kids to the bunker; you should go there with her!" My brother said seriously.

My hands trembled when I wanted to touch Edward. Tears streamed down my face; it made my eyes blur. Even so, I could still see the seriousness in my brother's eyes.

I didn't want to burden him, and I nodded.

My brother looked at me; he gasped and hugged me. "God bless you, my little sister."