Chapter#01

Selene POV

Change was coming, and I welcomed it with open arms. I couldn't stop smiling since the fall brought my dreams along. Tomorrow, I would marry Damien—the love of my life, my fated mate, and the boy who had grown into the man I adored.

A smile tugged at my lips as I gazed at my reflection, dressed in the gown meant for our wedding. Every detail, from the delicate lace to the intricate beadwork, was perfect. My dreams were becoming reality.

Strong arms encircled me from behind. I gasped. “Damien!”

“You look gorgeous, babe,” he whispered in my ear, pulling me close as he met my gaze in the mirror.

“You shouldn’t be here,” I scolded, “It’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her dress before the wedding.”

He turned me gently in his arms, his emerald-green eyes locking onto mine. “I don’t believe in bad luck, Selene. I believe in us. Tomorrow, nothing in this world will keep us apart.”

Before I could protest, his lips brushed against mine.

“Damien!” I gasped as I pulled back slightly. “If dad finds out, you’ll be in so much trouble.”

He smirked, “Let him. I don’t care about rules. I care about you. I wanted to be the first to see you like this—before anyone else in the world.”

My heart raced as his gaze scanned me, taking in every detail of the gown.

“You’re impossible,” I murmured.

“Maybe. But I’ll leave…” His voice dropped to a teasing whisper. “When I’ve had my fill of how breathtaking you look.”

The next day began like a dream. My friends surrounded me, laughing and teasing as they prepared me for the ceremony. My father’s booming laugh echoed down the hallway, mingling with the sweet notes of the flute my younger cousin played.

Among the many suitors who sought my hand, Damien had always been my choice. He wasn’t just the son of my father’s closest friend—he was the love of my life, someone I’ve always loved since I’ve known what love was.

My father, the revered Alpha of our pack, had been cautious with my future. Suitors from every corner sought me as their prize, yet he’d refused each one. His love for me, his only daughter, went beyond politics.

“You deserve love, not an alliance,” he’d said with a fierce protectiveness that had always made me feel safe.

But the hope of safety died the day Alpha Leandro arrived unannounced.

Leandro, the barbaric prince of the western wastelands, had demanded my hand with a chilling arrogance. His bitterness had seeped through every word.

“You dare refuse me? Your daughter will be mine. One way or another,” he had growled.

That memory surfaced now as my older brother Kaelen stepped into my room.

“Oh my Goddess! You look stunning, my sister,” Kaelen said softly. He adjusted the silver circlet resting on my brow. “Damien is the perfect choice for you. I know he’ll keep you happy.”

Behind him, Rowan and our cousin Caden stood, trying to stifle their smiles. I reached out to ruffle Rowan’s hair, laughing. “Don’t look so formal, Rowan. I’m still your big sister, you know.”

Kaelen’s gaze turned serious, glistening with tears. “Stop worrying about me,” I told him, hugging him tightly. “I’ll be happy. I promise.”

Before he could respond, a piercing shriek shattered the moment.

Kaelen froze, “Stay here. I’ll check.” he commanded as he left.

As time passed, unease clawed at me until I couldn’t stand it anymore.

I crept toward the window, drawing the curtain aside. My heart dropped. The garden, once adorned with white and blush-pink flowers, was drenched in crimson.

“It’s Leandro,” Kaelen barked as he burst back inside. His eye bore a jagged cut, and his hands trembled. “He’s here—and he’s slaughtering everyone.”

He grabbed my face roughly, “Selene, change now. You’re leaving. Rowan and Caden know the secret way out.”

“Kaelen, no!” I cried, clutching his arm. “What about you? What about Father?”

“I made a promise,” he said hoarsely, “I’ll hold them off. You must survive. It’s the only way any of this means anything.”

I obeyed, tears blurring my vision as I changed into plain clothes. Rowan took my hand, and we ran through hidden corridors.

A howl split the air, freezing me.

It was Damien.

“No!” I screamed, breaking free and running toward the sound.

“Selene, stop!” Caden shouted, chasing after me.

The howl led me to the wedding venue, but the sight before me wrenched the air from my lungs.

The garden, once a haven of white and blush-pink flowers, was unrecognizable. Everything was painted in red. The scent of blood spread in the air.

At the center of the carnage stood Leandro.

“Enough!” Leandro’s voice thundered over the chaos, silencing even the growls of his wolves. His eyes locked onto mine, “There you are, little princess. Do you see now? This is what happens when you scorn me.”

I couldn’t look away. My heart hammered against my ribs as he stepped closer. “You thought you could humiliate me? Reject me like I was some lowly suitor? I am Alpha Leandro, and no one denies me what is mine.”

“This was never about you!” I screamed.

“Oh, but it was.” His laugh was cruel, a sharp, bitter sound. “You were meant to be mine—my queen, my prize. But instead, you chose him.” He gestured behind him, where Damien’s lifeless body lay crumpled.

“No…” My voice faltered, and my knees buckled as my gaze landed on Damien. His head—severed and tossed like a grotesque trophy—rested in the dirt near Leandro’s feet.

Leandro sneered, “You think love will save you? Love is a weakness, Selene. One that cost him his life and will cost you everything.”

“You’re a monster,” I spat.

“And you made me this way,” he growled, “Your father thought his power could shield you, but I’ve taken it. I’ve taken everything.” He spread his arms, “What will you do now, little princess? Run? Hide? Or will you wait for me to come and claim you properly?”

Tears blinded me as Rowan held my hand and dragged me. “We have to go!” he hissed.

“Leandro!” I screamed, “You’ll pay for this. Do you hear me? You will pay!”

Hours later, we crossed the border into the forest.

My legs ached, my lungs burned, but none of it compared to the hollow ache inside me.

Rowan crouched in front of me as his hands gripped my shoulders. “Selene, I know it hurts, but we can’t stop. Leandro’s men will come. We can’t let them find you. We can’t let him win.”

“They all died for me,” I cried, “Damien… my parents…”

“They died protecting you,” Caden said firmly. “That’s what they wanted. You didn’t betray them by surviving.”

I swallowed my grief. I knew what I had to do. I would honor their sacrifices.

And I would make Leandro pay.

Throwing my head back, I let out a howl that pierced the night—a promise of vengeance.