Chapter 1 Chapter 1 ORELIA ( 7 ) LZ 55 vouchers I sat by one of the long tables , dressed in a ridiculously sparkling gown with a tight bustier and a skirt with countless layers of silk and chiffon . My blond hair with a few peculiar reddish strands was braided , tied up , and formed in a crown , ornamented with several golden pins . I nearly resembled one of many ballroom decorations , which only made my mood gloomier . Tonight was the night of the Blood Moon - the night all shifters who reached adulthood could find their fated ones . For some , the Blood Moon's night was a life - changing moment . I , however , found it immensely irritating . I stared at those who had just found their fated ones , listening to their laughter and sweet , naughty whispers . The ballroom was filled with the newly found mates , their happiness , their arousal ... I wasn't among the lucky ones . The wolf inside me sat quietly ; perhaps she had even fallen asleep , too bored to pay attention . I was fairly certain this was not how my first chance to find a mate should have looked like , not that I expected or wanted to find a mate in Verendell ... My instincts told me my destined one awaited me elsewhere . In the capital , perhaps ? For now , however , I was stuck in my hometown , even though I knew I had a chance to earn an important position at Alpha King Zyran's side . I was born with healing powers , and everyone knew that those with special abilities were welcomed at the court . I could build my future there ... If only my overprotective father would let me . One would have thought the life of the great Alpha Eamon Solamen's daughter was easy . It was quite the opposite . I had been working my ass off , trying to prove I was more than just a pretty face with the right name . Well , yes , I could admit I inherited some of my beautiful mom's looks , but I wouldn't let them define me . I wanted my life to mean something . I wanted to become a warrior or a healer . Unfortunately , my father was against it . He even forced me to keep my abilities secret , although I couldn't understand why ... I raised my chalice , pouring the remaining wine down my throat . A peal of laughter attacked my ears , and my head snapped to its source - the table at the dais , the Alpha's table . My father , his younger brother , Cyril , and Aunt Nedra sat there along with the Beta , Gamma , and their mates . The great Alpha Eamon leaned back in his seat , nodding in approval at something Beta Rase had said . He smiled , and the small wrinkles immediately framed his bright , blue eyes . He looked like he genuinely enjoyed the feast . I , on the other hand , was nearly dragged here by force , and I couldn't wait for the moment this whole love exposure was over . " I need wine , " I mumbled , glancing at my friend , Bea , Gamma Tieran's daughter . She gave me a knowing look and shook her head . " You've just finished drinking a whole glass . " " I need more ," I groaned , placing my elbows on the table and resting my chin on tangled fingers . " Why do they all look so ... happy ? " Bea snorted , then pulled her brown hair behind her car . " It's the pull of the mate bond . I bet they don't even know how lucky they are . Some shifters will never have a chance to find their mate . " I gave her a wry smile . " And I have a feeling my father wants to decrease my chances to zero . " She nudged my arm . " Don't say that . Your father loves you . " 7:58 Mon , Sep 22 Chapter 1 87 55 vouchers " Yeah ... " I let out a long sigh . " He loves me too much to let me leave Verendell and the Silver River Pack . " She winced and patted my shoulder. " It wasn't easy for him when Luna Althea died . Maybe he's afraid to lose you , too . Maybe he's just ... waiting for the right moment ." " Don't know about that last part ... " I shifted closer and leaned over her ear . " The messenger from the King was here yesterday . I overheard that he brought a marriage proposal . The King wanted me to marry his son , Prince Jared ." Bea gasped . " No way ! So ... how did Alpha Eamon react ? " I looked at my father's table , and my jaw clenched . Then I turned to Bea and drew a deep breath . " He rejected his proposal and didn't even think to ask for my opinion first ." Sympathy curved my friend's lips . " I'm sure he had his reasons . " A humorless laugh escaped me . " Yeah ... He said this would have been a political marriage , and he doesn't want a loveless relationship for me ." " That sounds ... like a good explanation , " Bea murmured . I rolled my eyes . " But he doesn't know whether there would have been love between us or not . I heard that Jared is handsome and intelligent . He should at least give me a chance to meet him . And what if we're mates ? " Bea gave me a look , and I groaned , tilting my head back . " I know , I know ... But is it wrong to want something more ? " My eyes drifted to my father's table again , and I saw him talking to my uncle . Then Uncle Cyril snapped his fingers at an omega servant , and the man rushed to the table , carrying a bottle of wine . Another servant appeared at our table with a similar bottle . " It's a present from the King ," the servant explained as he bowed low and filled my chalice . I looked at the wine and winced . It was dark and had an oddly spicy smell . I glanced at my father's table and saw everyone raising their glasses . " I think you should drink it ," Bea muttered , nudging my arm . " It would have been disrespectful to refuse the drink from the King himself ." " Guess I have no choice ... " I drew a deep breath and lifted the chalice to my lips . I let the first few drops fall down my throat , and the searing sensation nearly burned my insides . Groaning , I put the cup down and wiped my mouth . " Gods ... it's not wine but liquid fire , " I strained through my teeth . Bea laughed . " Now I'm glad I didn't have to drink it . " She handed me another chalice and filled it with ale . " Hope this will help . " I grabbed the cup and downed it in seconds . Then I poured more sweet wine down my throat , hoping it would wash away the memory of the searing disgustingness , yet an odd tingling sensation remained . A few hours passed , and the liquor's heaviness twisted my stomach . " I need some fresh air ," I mumbled as my head began to spin . Bea grabbed my hand . " Want me to go with you ? " " No ... " I gave her a weak smile . " Don't worry . I'll be fine ... " 7:58 Mon , Sep 22 Chapter 1 B 87 55 vouchers I strode out of the ballroom and headed beyond the castle walls . I wasn't sure what kind of force led me to the forest , but suddenly , I felt the urge to run . A moment later , I let my garments fall to the ground and turned into my wolf form . I stormed deep into the woods . I didn't know where I was heading . I let my instincts lead me , enjoying every liberating second . I had barely noticed when I crossed the pack's borders and found myself at the Geal Lake's shore . The water seemed to call me , coaxing me to dive in . I cautiously scanned my surroundings before turning into my human form and walking into the lake . The cool water caressed my bare skin , soothing my senses . I knew I should have gone back , but an odd voice inside me whispered it wouldn't hurt if I stayed here a little longer ... The soft rustling sound pierced the night's silence , and everything within me froze . Slowly , I swam closer to the shore and hid among the reeds , submerging up to my shoulders . I heard a twig snap under someone's feet , and my breath caught in my throat . The rustling sound grew louder , and I barely stifled a gasp as I noticed a huge black wolf prowling toward the shore . I clamped my hand over my mouth as the wolf turned into a man ... The stranger stepped into the water , slowly emerging from the shadows . An odd wave of shivers rushed through me as the moonlight exposed every inch of his perfectly carved body . My eyes grew wide , and my stupid heart began to pound . I added another hand to cover my mouth as strange sounds began to bubble in my throat . I should at least try to turn my gaze away , but I couldn't . My stubborn eyes kept devouring the man's broad shoulders , his chiseled chest and stomach , his- Dear gods ... I swallowed and forced myself to look up , but a violent wave of heat had already flooded every inch of me . He lifted his powerful arms and ran his fingers through his dark hair . My thighs clenched together , and a hot humidity appeared between them . There had to be something seriously wrong with me . This man might have been dangerous . He might have been a rebel or a vicious rogue . And yet , I couldn't take my damn eyes off of him ! I watched him submerge himself , disappearing into the dark depths and then appearing dangerously close to the reeds . His scent hit my nostrils , and my wolf whimpered , trying to surface . Gods , this was the last thing I needed ! I had to calm down . I had to breathe . I had to snap out of this . I had to- I blinked and saw the god - like man looking straight into my eyes . My breath froze in my lungs . His full lips stretched into a wicked smile as his deep purr sounded . " Enjoying the show , little mouse ? " AD Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!