I found myself nestled in the luxurious confines of my elegantly appointed room within the palace, a designated space reserved for esteemed guests that attended the grand celebrations.
The decor of the captivating dark theme, with rich mahogany furnishings contrasted by deep, jewel-toned fabrics that created a sense of both intimacy and luxury.
My favorite aspect of the room was undoubtedly the balcony, framed by intricately carved wooden railings, which presented a breathtaking view of the sprawling gardens below. The vivid blossoms swayed gently in the evening breeze, their fragrances mingling in the air like a sweet serenade.
As I settled into a plush chair on the balcony, my gaze wandered over the vibrant landscape, where the sunset painted the sky in a mesmerizing array of oranges and purples, casting a golden halo over the lush greenery.
My thoughts drifted to the previous night—the lavish ball that felt more like a dream than reality. I had stood before a grand assembly, adorned in an exquisite gown that shimmered with every movement, and in that pivotal moment, I had made the monumental decision to accept my fate as the mate of Alpha Prince Jaden.
It was a choice filled with uncertainty and trepidation, yet it sealed my fate in a way that could no longer be undone.
The news of my bond with the prince had spread like wildfire, announced to the world with all fanfare of royalty. In mere weeks, we would participate in the sacred mating ritual, an ancient ceremony steeped in tradition that would solidify our union and herald our ascension as king and queen.
The weight of this impending responsibility loomed heavy in my chest, a blend of exhilaration and dread for a destiny I never sought yet found myself irrevocably tied to.
I have always regarded Jayden as more of a brother than a potential mate. He feels like family, the thought of us as anything other than family feels entirely foreign to me.
Perhaps my reluctance stems from my intense yearning for my true mate, a desire shared by all werewolves. Ever since my first transformation at the age of fifteen, when I fully shifted into my wolf, Selena, has insisted that our destined mate would be someone truly extraordinary.
Every night, I'm visited by a recurring dream—an ethereal dream of a man whose identity is a mystery. In my dream, I see only his back, an impressive silhouette emanating a powerful and ancient aura that captivates me. His back is broad, muscular and tantalizing, his physique that looked captivating in the moonlight, leaving me both awed and intimidated. There's an undeniable energy connection, making me feel almost complete, transcending the boundaries of dream and reality, even though I've only glimpsed him from behind.
I've never seen his face, but the yearning inside me to know him grows stronger with every passing night. I think he is my mate, and I can sense that Selena shares this belief wholeheartedly.
"I don't think he is our mate, " Selena insists through our mind link. "I'm certain he is our mate."
"Oh really? If he truly is our mate, why couldn't we find him at the royal mate ball? Although we went there just to socialize, fully aware we would be paired with the prince," I retorted, rolling my eyes in frustration.
"Even if we found him, we would have to reject him" Selena replies, her voice filled with a mix of sorrow and resignation.
"They would never allow us to be together."
*"I know" I sigh, the weight of our reality pressing heavily on my heart. I'm torn between happiness and sadness at the thought of not finding him, especially knowing that rejecting him would lead to inevitable heartbreak and pain for both of us.
From a young age, I have felt a pervasive sense of being different from the other wolves. While blue wolves like me are rare, I know that their scarcity doesn't automatically signify specialness. My wolf is stunning, her fur shimmering azure that glistens under the sunlight with an ethereal glow, but my true distinction lies in my deep connection to nature itself. I often find solace among the trees and rivers, feeling the world around me vibrate with life, I hear a soft voice in my dreams, whispering that I am destined for something far greater and that my powers will awaken when the time is right. Both Selena and I feel this deep connection, that we are meant for something significant, though I've kept these dreams and feelings buried deep within me, a secret I share with no one.
As I sat on the chair, lost in a whirlpool of thoughts, the quiet of my chamber enveloped me in its somber embrace.
Suddenly, a gentle knock on my chamber door echoed through the silence, jolting me back to the present.
"Come in," I called out, my voice barely breaking the silence, hoping to shake off the heavy feelings that had settled on my chest.
The door swung open, and in stepped Amelia, a burst of light breaking through my gloom. Her long, dark hair flowed like a river of silk over her shoulders, and her cheerful smile radiated warmth, instantly brightening the dim room.
"Hey, how are you?" she asked, waving cheerfully her presence like a breath of fresh air, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she walked towards me.
I managed a faint smile in return "I'm good," I replied, though my words felt heavy, and the dejection on my face betrayed my true feelings.
Amelia's brow furrowed, as she took a closer look at me. "i can see that something is bothering you" she said, with a hint of concern etched across her face "You know I'm always here for you, right?"
"I know," I whispered, closing my eyes momentarily as I tried to gather my thoughts. "I'm just thinking about everything"
She settled beside me, the warmth of her presence like a comforting blanket. "I understand how overwhelming it can be" she reassured gently
. "Just hold on, okay? Everything will be alright, I promise" She met my gaze with a hopeful smile that shone like a beacon in my fog of despair, but the shadows within me felt insurmountable.
Though Amelia knew everything there was to know about my life, except I had concealed a deep secret within me:the storm brewing in my family. My parents converted ambition and were scheming to overthrow the royal family, which was her family. A tangled web I was caught in, struggling to break free.
"When will it finally be okay?" I asked with a sighed, my voice barely above a whisper, nearly breaking. "I'm so exhausted from hearing the same empty reassurances over and over again. Ever since childhood, I've lived my life according to my parents' meticulously crafted plans, and am merely an extension of their ambitions. I feel drained. I don't even know what to feel anymore," I admitted, my voice trembling as tears threatened to spill from my eyes.
"You know I'm not one for social gatherings. I find solace in books and the quiet comfort of my own company. I never wanted to conform to all the etiquette. The pressure to be perfect is suffocating. Everything must be impeccable, all for the sake of appearing worthy of the throne," I said, forcing a smile while trying to mask my turmoil.
"All my entire life, has been meticulously planned out for me. I've been molded into someone I hardly recognize. I feel like a puppet crafted for my parents desires, and I fear that my true self is fading into the background. At times, I wonder when I will finally shatter under the pressure" I said, my voice breaking slightly as I sought solace in the moment.
"A part of me craves for a life free of constraints—a life where I can wander the world freely, both as a human and in my wolf forms, exploring the breathtaking beauty of nature. But here I am, tied down by obligations, hopping from one kingdom to another. In just a month, I will be mated and crowned queen. The very thought of endless formalities, meetings, paperwork, and responsibilities weigh heavily on me, duties I cannot escape or postpone" I confessed, my voice trembling with the weight of my despair.
"I understand how trapped you feel, but there might not be anything we can do about it unless you are willing to defy them entirely and cut ties, it might feel impossible to change your fate," Amelia said, her voice a soothing comfort amidst my turmoil.
"I know I could withstand all these challenges" I said, frustration creeping into my world.
"But the idea of mating with someone who isn't my destined mate feels so fundamentally wrong. It's as if a part of my soul is screaming in protest"
Deep within me lingered a gnawing feeling, an inexplicable urge that I belong to someone, somewhere else entirely.
"Everything here feels so wrong; my heart and soul are adrift" I confided, confusion lacing my words.
"I truly empathize with your struggle, but I doubt you won't find your true mate, especially since we have been quietly searching for him at every possible gathering, party and even during royal affairs, there's been no sign," she responded, a knowing look exchange between us, heavy with unspoken truths.
Yet, despite all the chaos in my heart, I couldn't help but feel grateful for her unwavering support. "You're truly the only one with whom I can share both my joys and deepest sorrows with, aside from Grandpa, of course" I said, enveloping her in a warm embrace, the weight of my worries lightening just a fractions.
"It's my absolute pleasure. Remember, you will always be my sister from another mother" Amelia replied, a radiant smile returning to her face as she wrapped her arms around me, our bond a soothing solace against the storm brewing outside my door.