Selene's POV

The Mating Ceremony hall was packed with people. Nobles from every corner of Lunaris filled the seats, all dressed in their finest robes. Banners hung from the ceiling showing the symbols of different magical kingdoms.

I stood on the raised platform at the front, feeling like a prize being displayed. My dress was beautiful, silver silk that flowed to the floor, but it felt like a cage.

One by one, the suitors were presented.

Lord Marcus from the Northern Frost Kingdom. Too old, with cold eyes that reminded me of my grandfather.

Sir Aldwin from the Eastern Valleys. Handsome enough, but he barely looked at me. His eyes stayed on Morgana, the High Witch Council leader, clearly more interested in political connections.

Prince Dorian from the Southern Lakes. He smiled too much and talked only about himself.

I was so bored I wanted to scream.

Then Thorne Nightshade stepped forward.

He was Morgana's son. Tall, with dark hair and sharp features. Handsome in a cold way. His robes were expensive, showing off his family's wealth and power.

"Lady Selene," he said, his voice smooth.

"I've waited years for this moment. The honor of courting you will be mine."

The way he said "will be" instead of "would be" made my skin crawl. Like he'd already decided I belonged to him.

He took my hand and kissed it. His lips were cold. His touch made me want to pull away but I forced myself to stay still and smile politely.

"Thank you, Lord Thorne," I said, using his formal title even though he wanted me to call him by his first name.

His eyes narrowed slightly. He'd noticed the distance in my voice.

After the presentations, there was a feast. I was seated at the high table between Thorne and Morgana.

"You look beautiful tonight, Selene," Morgana said. She smiled but her eyes were calculating.

"Thorne has been looking forward to this ceremony for months."

"I'm honored by his interest," I said carefully.

"It would be wise to choose him," Morgana continued, her voice low enough that only I could hear.

"He'll make a powerful mate. And with our families united, your position in the kingdom would be secure."

I understood what she meant. Choose Thorne or face consequences. Morgana controlled much of the Council. She could make my life difficult if I refused her son.

"The ceremony allows me to meet all suitors before deciding," I said. My voice was steady even though my hands shook under the table.

Morgana's smile didn't reach her eyes.

"Of course. But I'm sure you'll make the right choice in the end."

I wanted to leave. Wanted to run from this hall and never come back. But I had no choice. This was my duty. My fate.

Then the doors opened again.

A late arrival.

A man walked in, tall and confident. He wore simple but well-made clothes. His hair was black and slightly messy, like he'd been riding hard to get here. And his eyes–

Silver. Like moonlight. Like the wolf from the border.

My heart stopped.

"Apologies for my late arrival," the man said, his voice deep and smooth.

"I'm Adrian Silverblade, merchant from the Eastern Kingdoms. I received my invitation only last week."

Morgana frowned.

"I don't recall approving a merchant for this ceremony."

"My family trades in rare magical items," Adrian explained.

"We've done business with Lunaris for generations. The Council sent the invitation to my father, but he's too old to travel. He sent me in his place."

It wasn't unusual for noble merchants to participate in the ceremony. They had wealth if not royal blood.

Morgana looked like she wanted to refuse him but couldn't find a reason.

"Very well. Take a seat."

Adrian was directed to a spot at the lower tables. But as he walked past me, his eyes met mine.

That pull. That same strange recognition I'd felt at the border. It hit me like a wave.

I couldn't breathe. Couldn't look away.

Adrian's eyes widened slightly, like he felt it too. Then he quickly looked down and continued to his seat.

I spent the rest of the feast stealing glances at him. Something about him was familiar. Those eyes. The way he moved. But it was impossible. The wolf was an animal. This was a man.

I was being ridiculous.

After dinner, guests mingled in the gardens. Thorne stayed glued to my side, talking about his accomplishments and his family's power. I barely heard him.

My eyes kept searching the crowd for Adrian.

"You seem distracted," Thorne said, his voice sharp.

"I'm just tired," I lied.

"It's been a long day."

"Perhaps you should retire," he said. But his hand tightened on my arm.

"Though first, let me show you the rose garden. I had them plant your favorite flowers."

He started pulling me toward the darker part of the gardens. Away from the crowd. Alarm bells rang in my head.

"Actually, I think I'll-"

"It will only take a moment," Thorne insisted.

"The lady said she's tired," a voice interrupted.

Adrian stood behind us. His face was polite but his eyes were hard.

Thorne's grip on my arm became painful.

"This is a private conversation, merchant."

"It didn't look very private," Adrian said calmly.

"It looked like the lady wanted to leave."

"How dare you-"

"Thorne," I cut him off, pulling my arm free. "Thank you for the offer, but I really am tired. Perhaps another time."

I walked away before he could argue. My heart pounded. I headed deeper into the gardens, needing space to breathe.

I found a quiet corner near a fountain. The sound of water was calming. I sat on the stone bench and closed my eyes.

"Are you alright?"

I jumped. Adrian stood a few feet away, hands raised like he meant no harm.

"You startled me," I said.

"Sorry. I wanted to make sure he didn't follow you."

"Thank you. For intervening back there."

He moved closer and sat on the other end of the bench. Not too close. Respectful of my space.

We sat in silence for a moment. It should have been awkward but it wasn't. It felt comfortable. Natural.

"You don't want to be here, do you?" Adrian asked quietly.

I looked at him, surprised by his observation.

"Is it that obvious?"

"You look like you're attending your own execution instead of choosing a mate."

I laughed. It was bitter but honest.

"That's exactly what it feels like."

"Why?"

"Because I don't get to choose. Not really."

The words came out before I could stop them.

"The Council expects me to pick Thorne. It's political. Strategic. My feelings don't matter."

"That's not right," Adrian said. His voice was firm.

"Everyone deserves to choose their own path. Even if it's difficult."

I looked at him. Really looked at him. His silver eyes were intense but kind. There was something in them. Something that made me feel safe in a way I couldn't explain.

"What if the path you want is forbidden?" I asked quietly.

"Then you have to decide if following your heart is worth the consequences."

We stared at each other. The pull between us was so strong it made my hands shake. I wanted to move closer. Wanted to know why this stranger affected me so much.

Adrian seemed to feel it too. He leaned toward me slightly. His eyes dropped to my lips.

Then suddenly, he jerked back. His face twisted with pain. He grabbed his shoulder like something hurt.

"Are you okay?" I asked, reaching for him.

"I'm fine," he said quickly, standing up.

"I should go. It's late."

"Wait-"

But he was already walking away, almost running. Like something was chasing him.

I sat there confused and frustrated. What just happened?

I looked toward where he'd disappeared into the shadows. For just a second, in the moonlight, I saw something impossible.

The outline of a massive wolf where Adrian had been standing.

I blinked and it was gone. Just darkness and trees.

My heart raced. I told myself I was seeing things. That I was tired and stressed and my mind was playing tricks.

But I couldn't shake the feeling.

Those silver eyes. That familiar pull. The way he moved.

"No," I whispered to myself. "That's impossible."

But as I walked back to my chambers, the question haunted me.

Who really was this man?

Selene's POV

The morning sun barely lit the sky when servants woke me. The Courtship Trials were starting today.

I dressed in a simple purple gown and made my way to the arena. Hundreds of people already filled the seats. Everyone wanted to watch the suitors prove themselves.

Luna rushed up to me, practically bouncing with excitement.

"Finally! Something interesting. I was so bored yesterday with all that formal introduction nonsense."

I smiled despite my nervousness. Luna always knew how to lighten my mood.

"Three trials over three days," she continued.

"Strength today, wisdom tomorrow, magic the day after. May the best man win your heart." She wiggled her eyebrows at me.

"Luna!"

"What? I'm just saying, that Adrian fellow seems nice. And handsome. Did you see those eyes?"

My cheeks heated.

"I barely know him."

"But you want to," Luna teased.

"I saw how you looked at each other last night."

Before I could respond, trumpets blared. The trials were beginning.

Morgana stood at the center of the arena, her voice magically amplified.

"Welcome to the first trial! Today, our suitors will demonstrate their strength and combat skills. Each will face an opponent in single combat."

One by one, suitors entered the ring.

Lord Marcus fought with brutal efficiency but no grace. Sir Aldwin was skilled but cold. Prince Dorian talked too much and nearly lost because of it.

Then Thorne stepped into the arena.

His opponent was a hired warrior, experienced and strong. But Thorne didn't just defeat him. He destroyed him.

Every hit was vicious. When the warrior tried to yield, Thorne didn't stop. He kept attacking until the man lay bloody on the ground, barely conscious.

The crowd cheered. They thought it showed power.

I felt sick.

"Well," Luna whispered beside me.

"He's certainly... thorough."

Thorne walked toward where I sat, his smile sharp.

"For you, my lady. I would destroy anyone who threatened you."

The way he said it sounded like a promise. And a threat.

I forced a smile.

"Thank you for the demonstration."

His eyes narrowed at my formal tone, but he bowed and left the arena.

Finally, Adrian's name was called.

My heart jumped when I saw him walk into the ring. He wore simple fighting clothes that showed his strong build. But he moved differently than the others. Graceful. Controlled.

His opponent was another hired warrior, younger and eager.

The fight began.

Adrian was fast. He dodged attacks instead of blocking them, always staying just out of reach. When he did strike, it was precise. Never more than necessary.

Within minutes, he had his opponent disarmed and on the ground. But instead of continuing like Thorne had, Adrian offered his hand and helped the man up.

The crowd seemed confused. Some even booed.

"Too soft," I heard Morgana mutter from her seat. .

"How can he protect a mate if he won't finish his opponents?"

Something inside me snapped.

"True strength is knowing when to stop," I said loudly enough for those around us to hear.

"Anyone can be brutal. It takes real power to show mercy."

Morgana's eyes flashed with anger, but she said nothing.

Adrian looked up at me from the arena. Our eyes met. He smiled, small and genuine, and something warm spread through my chest.

"Oh, you're definitely in trouble," Luna whispered.

That night, I couldn't sleep. I kept thinking about Adrian. About how different he was from the other suitors.

I decided to walk in the palace gardens. The moon was full and bright, lighting the paths between the flowers.

I turned a corner and stopped.

Adrian sat on a bench near the rose bushes. He looked up when he heard me, surprise crossing his face.

"Can't sleep either?" I asked.

He shook his head.

"Too much on my mind."

"May I sit?"

"Please."

We sat in comfortable silence for a moment. The night air was cool and sweet with the smell of flowers.

"You were impressive today," I said.

"In the arena."

"I lost points with the crowd. They thought I was weak."

"You weren't weak. You were kind. There's a difference."

He looked at me, his silver eyes catching the moonlight.

"Not many people see it that way."

"Then not many people are paying attention."

He smiled.

"You're not what I expected."

"What did you expect?"

"Someone more... cold, maybe? Distant? You're a noble lady about to choose a powerful mate. I thought you'd be more concerned with politics than people."

"I am concerned with people. That's why I hate the politics."

He laughed. It was a warm sound that made my heart beat faster.

We talked for hours. About everything and nothing. He told me about his travels, the places he'd seen. I told him about my studies, my work in the healing ward.

With every word, I felt the pull between us growing stronger.

At one point, our hands touched on the bench between us. Neither of us pulled away.

"Selene," he said quietly. My name sounded different when he said it. Important.

"I-"

Then he jerked back like he'd been burned. His hand went to his shoulder, face twisting in pain.

"Are you hurt?" I reached for him.

"No, I'm fine. Just an old injury. Acts up sometimes." He stood quickly.

"I should go. It's late."

"Wait, Adrian-"

But he was already walking away, his steps fast and uneven.

I sat there frustrated and confused. Every time we got close, something stopped him.

What was he hiding?

The next day was the wisdom trial.

We gathered in the great library. Each suitor had to solve complex magical riddles.

Most of the suitors struggled. Thorne got through by using logic, forcing answers instead of finding them elegantly.

Then came Adrian's turn.

The riddle master asked: "What creature walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon, and three legs in the evening?"

"A human," Adrian answered immediately.

"A baby crawls, an adult walks, an elder uses a cane."

"Correct. Next riddle: A werewolf and a witch are trapped in a burning building. They are enemies, but only one can escape. Who survives?"

The room went silent. It was a trick question.

Thorne had answered earlier: "The witch, obviously. She has the intelligence to save herself while the beast panics."

The crowd had laughed and agreed.

Now everyone waited to see what Adrian would say.

"Neither," Adrian said quietly.

"If they're truly trapped and only one can escape, the survivor carries guilt forever. Better they work together and both survive. Enemies can become allies when survival depends on it."

The crowd murmured. Some looked impressed. Others skeptical.

But I saw Thorne's face go red with anger.

"That's ridiculous," Thorne snapped. "Werewolves are mindless beasts. They can't be reasoned with or trusted. Everyone knows that."

Adrian's hands clenched into fists. For just a second, his eyes flashed silver, brighter than normal, almost glowing.

Then he blinked and they were normal again.

My heart stopped.

No. It was impossible.

"Some believe that," Adrian said, his voice tight.

"But believing something doesn't make it true."

The tension in the room was thick. Morgana stepped in before it could escalate.

"Both answers show different kinds of wisdom. Let's move on."

But I couldn't move on. I kept staring at Adrian, my mind racing.

Those eyes. That flash of silver.

The black wolf that saved me had silver eyes.

Adrian had silver eyes.

I was being ridiculous. Werewolves couldn't dare enter the witch territory.

The magic trial was announced for the next day.

I saw Adrian's face when they announced it. He went pale. His hands shook before he hid them in his pockets.

He was scared. But why?

That night, I couldn't sleep again.

I went to the library, thinking a book might calm my racing thoughts.

The library was dark except for one lamp burning in the corner.

Adrian sat there, surrounded by books. He was so focused he didn't hear me approach.

I saw the title of the book he was reading:

"Forbidden Magics: Cross-Species Transformation."

My blood went cold.

He looked up and saw me. His face went white. He quickly closed the book and stood up.

"Selene. I didn't know anyone else was awake."

"What are you reading?" My voice came out shakier than I wanted.

"Just studying for tomorrow's trial. You know, making sure I'm prepared."

"That's a book about transformation magic. Why would you need that?"

"I-" He stopped. Started again.

"It's complicated."

"Then uncomplicate it." I stepped closer.

"Adrian, what are you hiding from me?"

He looked torn. Like he wanted to tell me but couldn't.

"I can't," he finally whispered.

"You wouldn't understand."

"Try me."

"Selene-"

Suddenly, bells started ringing throughout the palace. Loud and urgent.

Guards rushed past the library, their voices panicked.

"Werewolf spotted in the east wing!"

"Lock down the palace!"

"Find it before it hurts someone!"

My heart stopped.

I looked at Adrian.

His face had gone completely white. His eyes were wide with fear.

And on his shoulder, visible through his thin sleep shirt, I saw something glowing.

A silver crescent mark. Shining with moonlight.

A werewolf mark.

"No," I whispered.

Adrian looked at me, and in his eyes I saw everything. Guilt. Fear. Love. Desperation.

"Selene, please, let me explain-"

But I was already backing away.

The guards' shouts got closer.

And all I could think was: The man I was falling for was the thing I'd been taught to hate my entire life.

Selene's POV

I stared at the glowing mark on Adrian's shoulder, my heart pounding.

A werewolf mark. Silver and crescent-shaped.

"Selene-" Adrian started.

Before he could finish, he grabbed my hand and pulled me into a dark corner behind a bookshelf. His hand covered my mouth gently.

"Please, just wait," he whispered.

Guards rushed past our hiding spot, their boots loud on the stone floor.

"It went toward the east wing!"

"Don't let it escape!"

After the sounds faded, Adrian slowly released me and stepped back.

"The mark on your shoulder-"

"There's no mark," he said quickly.

"Look."

He pulled his shirt aside, showing me his shoulder.

Nothing. Just smooth skin.

I blinked. Had I imagined it? The glowing shape had seemed so real.

"You're stressed," Adrian said gently.

"The ceremony, the pressure from Morgana. Your mind is playing tricks."

Doubt crept in. Maybe he was right. Maybe I was seeing things.

"Let's get you back to your chambers," he said softly.

"You need rest."

At my door, he hesitated.

"Selene, whatever you decide tomorrow, I understand. You don't owe me anything."

"Adrian-"

"Goodnight, Selene."

He left before I could respond.

Luna appeared moments later, slipping through my door.

"What happened? The guards killed a rogue wolf in the gardens. Were you near it?"

"I'm fine," I said quickly.

Luna studied my face.

"You don't look fine."

"I just... I thought I saw something. I don't know anymore."

Luna sat beside me.

"You're falling for him, aren't you? Adrian."

I didn't answer.

"There's nothing wrong with that," Luna said gently.

"He makes you happy."

"But I barely know him."

"Sometimes you just know."

I thought about the pull I felt toward Adrian. The connection that made no sense but felt so real.

"What if he's hiding something?" I whispered.

"Everyone hides something. The question is whether you can accept it when you find out."

The next morning, trumpets announced the final trial.

The Magic Trial.

Everyone gathered in the courtyard. A platform stood in the center where each suitor would show their magical abilities.

Morgana addressed the crowd.

"Magic is the heart of our kingdom. Your chosen mate must be strong."

One by one, the suitors performed.

Lord Marcus created ice sculptures. Sir Aldwin summoned lightning. Prince Dorian made flowers bloom.

Then Thorne stepped onto the platform.

He raised his hands and dark purple magic swirled around him. He created explosions that shook the ground, summoned shadows that moved like living things.

The crowd gasped and applauded.

Morgana beamed.

"Magnificent! True power!"

Thorne looked directly at me. His message was clear: Choose me.

Finally, Adrian's name was called.

He walked onto the platform, looking nervous.

"Whenever you're ready," Morgana said coldly.

Adrian raised his hands. Purple light flickered weakly around his fingers.

The crowd murmured. This was nothing compared to the others.

He tried to levitate a stone. It lifted a few inches, wobbled, then dropped.

Whispers spread.

"So weak."

"Pathetic."

Adrian's face flushed. He tried to summon water. A few drops appeared, then evaporated.

My chest tightened watching him struggle. Everything else about him seemed so capable. Why was his magic so weak?

"Perhaps that's enough," Morgana said with contempt.

"I'm not finished," Adrian said firmly.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. This time, a small flame appeared in his palm. It flickered but stayed lit.

The bare minimum to pass.

The crowd's disappointment was obvious.

Thorne smirked.

"How can such a weak man protect anyone?"

Several people laughed.

Something fierce rose in my chest.

"Magic isn't everything," I said loudly. "Strength comes in many forms. Power without compassion is cruelty."

Morgana's eyes narrowed.

"You defend him again. Why?"

"Because he's the only one who treats me like a person instead of a prize."

The crowd fell silent.

Thorne's face darkened with rage.

That evening, I walked in the gardens. Tomorrow was the choosing ceremony.

"Selene."

Adrian stood behind me, his face vulnerable.

"I know I failed today," he said quietly.

"I'm not the strongest or most powerful."

"Adrian-"

"But what I feel for you is real," he continued.

"That's the one thing I can promise. My feelings are honest."

My heart hammered.

"I don't care about your magic," I whispered.

"I don't care about power."

"What do you care about?"

"This." I stepped closer.

"This feeling between us that I can't explain."

His hand cupped my face.

"You feel it too?"

"Every moment. Like you're meant for me somehow."

"If you choose me tomorrow," he said softly,

"I promise I'll spend every day trying to be worthy of you."

"You already are."

Then his lips were on mine.

The kiss was desperate and passionate. Heat rushed through me. My magic flared, responding to him in ways I'd never experienced.

When we broke apart, we were both breathing hard.

"Choose me," Adrian whispered.

"Please, Selene."

Before I could answer, footsteps approached.

A servant appeared.

"Lady Selene, the High Council requests your presence."

Adrian squeezed my hand once, then let go.

"I'll see you tomorrow."

I followed the servant to Morgana's chambers. She sat behind her desk, cold.

"Sit."

I remained standing.

"What do you want?"

"To give you advice. Tomorrow you'll choose your mate. Choose Thorne."

"And if I don't?"

"Then you'll make a powerful enemy." She leaned forward.

"I won't let some foolish girl destroy my plans."

"This is my life!"

"Your life belongs to this kingdom. You have a duty."

"My duty is to choose a mate. It doesn't say I have to choose yours."

Morgana's eyes flashed.

"If you choose that weak merchant, there will be consequences. For you. For him."

I left before I said something I'd regret.

Luna was waiting in my chambers.

"What happened?"

"Morgana threatened me. Told me to choose Thorne or face consequences."

"What are you going to do?"

I thought about Adrian's kiss. About the connection I couldn't deny.

"I'm going to choose what makes me happy," I said.

"Not what makes them happy."

Luna smiled.

"Good."

That night, I barely slept.

The next morning, servants helped me dress in the ceremonial gown. White silk with silver embroidery.

This was it. The choosing ceremony.

My hands shook as I picked up the enchanted flower crown. Whoever I placed this on would become my husband. The magic would bind us immediately.

"Ready?" Luna asked.

I took a deep breath.

"Ready."

I walked into the grand hall where hundreds of people waited.

My eyes found Adrian's across the room.

He looked terrified and hopeful.

I'd made my choice.

I just hoped I was ready for whatever came next.