Soft warmth brushed against Aria’s skin.
She frowned.
This wasn’t the cold forest.
Slowly, she opened her eyes.
Above her stretched a ceiling painted with silver moons and stars.
Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, and elegant white curtains danced in the gentle breeze flowing through an open balcony.
“Where…
am I?” She sat up too quickly.
Pain shot through her body.
A quiet gasp escaped her lips.
The bedroom was larger than the Alpha’s entire house back in Blackwood Pack.
A fireplace crackled in one corner.
Fresh flowers filled the room with the scent of lavender.
Someone had even laid out clean clothes beside the bed.
The door opened.
A young woman wearing a maid’s uniform entered with a tray of steaming food.
The moment she saw Aria awake, her face lit up.
“Your Majesty!” Aria blinked.
“…What?” The maid hurried over and bowed deeply.
“We’re so relieved you’ve awakened.” “I think you’ve mistaken me for someone else.” The maid looked confused.
“But…
His Majesty carried you here himself.” Aria’s heartbeat quickened.
The man with the golden eyes.
“Who is he?” The maid stared as though the question itself was impossible.
“He is King Kael…
ruler of every Lycan in the Northern Kingdom.” Aria nearly dropped the cup of water she had just picked up.
“A…
king?” The maid smiled.
“And according to the entire castle…” She lowered her voice excitedly.
“…you’re his fated mate.” Aria froze.
“No.” Her voice was firm.
“That’s impossible.” “I already had a mate.” The words tasted bitter.
“He rejected me.” The maid’s smile faded.
Before she could answer, another voice echoed from the doorway.
“He rejected the greatest gift the Moon Goddess could have given him.” Aria looked up.
Kael stood in the doorway.
Dressed in black, he looked every bit the king his people described.
His golden eyes met hers.
Not with pity.
Not with desire.
With quiet respect.
The maids immediately bowed and hurried from the room, leaving them alone.
Silence settled between them.
Kael spoke first.
“How are you feeling?” “Confused.” She folded her arms.
“And I want answers.” A faint smile touched his lips.
“I expected nothing less.” Aria met his gaze without flinching.
“Who are you really?” “I am Kael Ashborn.” “My people call me the Lycan King.” “And why did you bring me here?” His expression softened.
“Because leaving you in that forest was never an option.” “You don’t even know me.” “I know enough.” He took one slow step forward.
“The moment I sensed your pain, I knew exactly who you were.” Aria’s chest tightened.
“No.” She shook her head.
“I won’t go through this again.” “I’m not your mate.” “I can’t survive another broken bond.” For the first time, pain flickered across Kael’s face.
He stopped where he was, giving her space.
“I won’t force you to believe me.” “I won’t force you to stay.” The words surprised her.
“You…
wouldn’t?” “No.” His voice was calm.
“A mate given by the Moon Goddess is a blessing.” “Not a prisoner.” He reached into his cloak and placed a small velvet box on the table beside her.
“What is it?” “A gift.” “I don’t want gifts.” “It’s not jewelry.” Curiosity got the better of her.
Slowly, she opened the box.
Inside lay an old silver bracelet engraved with the same crescent moon symbol as the pendant around her neck.
Her breath caught.
“I’ve seen this symbol before…” Kael’s eyes darkened.
“I thought you might have.” Before either of them could speak again, the castle bells began to ring.
Once.
Twice.
Then a third time.
Rowan burst into the room without knocking.
“My King!” Kael turned instantly.
“What happened?” “The Council has arrived.” “They’re demanding to see the woman.” “And…” Rowan hesitated.
“…they refuse to accept a human-born she-wolf as their future queen.” Kael’s expression turned to ice.
“Then they’re about to learn that no one tells their king who he can love.”