The words painted across the library floor refused to leave Kael’s mind.
SHE BELONGS TO ME.
He stood in silence as the royal healer examined the unconscious guard.
“No poison,” the healer said quietly.
“He was simply overpowered.” Kael’s jaw tightened.
“Whoever entered this castle knew exactly where to go.” Rowan folded his arms.
“And they wanted you to know they’ve arrived.” Kael nodded.
“It was a warning.” “No…” His golden eyes darkened.
“A promise.” — Miles away, Blackwood Pack was unusually quiet.
Alpha Damon stood alone on the training grounds long after the warriors had gone home.
His wolf paced restlessly inside him.
Find her.
“I can’t,” Damon whispered.
You rejected her…
“I know!” His voice echoed through the empty field.
He dropped to one knee, clutching his chest.
The pain from the broken mate bond grew stronger every hour.
He had expected relief after rejecting Aria.
Instead…
He felt as though part of his soul had been torn away.
A familiar voice interrupted his thoughts.
“Regretting your decision already?” Damon looked up.
His father, Alpha Victor, stood with his hands behind his back.
“I did what was best for the pack.” Victor studied his son carefully.
“Did you?” Damon frowned.
“She was weak.” “Was she?” Victor’s eyes narrowed.
“Or was that simply what everyone believed?” Damon hesitated.
For the first time…
He couldn’t answer.
— At the Lycan Castle…
Aria wandered through the royal gardens.
Moonflowers bloomed beneath the evening sky.
Their silver petals glowed softly under the full moon.
“They only bloom for the royal bloodline.” Aria turned.
An elderly gardener smiled warmly.
“They’re beautiful.” “They are.” He gently picked one flower and handed it to her.
“The strange thing is…” “They’ve been asleep for over a hundred years.” Aria looked down at the glowing blossom.
“But tonight…” The old man smiled.
“They all opened at once.” A chill ran down her spine.
— From a balcony above, Kael watched her quietly.
Rowan stepped beside him.
“She’s changing this kingdom already.” Kael nodded.
“The castle feels…
alive.” Rowan smiled.
“You’ve smiled more in two days than you have in two centuries.” Kael gave him a warning look.
“Careful.” Rowan laughed.
“Your Majesty…” “I’ve known you since we were children.” “I’ve never seen you look at anyone the way you look at her.” Kael didn’t deny it.
Instead, he watched Aria laugh softly as a butterfly landed on her hand.
“I don’t want to frighten her.” Rowan blinked.
“The great Lycan King…” “…is afraid?” Kael’s answer came without hesitation.
“I’m afraid she’ll think she’s only here because of destiny.” Rowan frowned.
“Isn’t she?” Kael slowly shook his head.
“No.” “If destiny had never existed…” “I still would have chosen her.” Hidden behind a nearby hedge…
Aria heard every word.
Her heart skipped a beat.
For the first time since her rejection…
She smiled.
Not because someone called her beautiful.
Not because someone called her special.
But because someone…
Had chosen her.
Far beyond the kingdom…
The hooded stranger watched a glowing map.
A single silver light marked Aria’s location.
He smiled.
“So…” “The Lycan King has already fallen in love.” He extinguished the candle beside him.
“That will make breaking him…
so much easier.”