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.

Selene's POV

The grand hall was packed with people. Every noble in Lunaris had come to watch me choose my mate.

Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting rainbow light across the marble floors. Flowers decorated every surface. Musicians played soft music in the corner.

It should have felt magical. Instead, it felt like walking to my execution.

I stood at the entrance in my white ceremonial gown, holding the enchanted flower crown. My hands wouldn't stop shaking.

"You can do this," Luna whispered beside me. She squeezed my hand once, then took her seat.

I was alone now.

At the front of the hall, all the suitors stood in a line. Lord Marcus. Sir Aldwin. Prince Dorian. Thorne. And at the end, Adrian.

Morgana sat at the high table, her face confident. She expected me to choose Thorne. Everyone did.

The High Priestess stepped forward and raised her hands. The music stopped. Everyone fell silent.

"Today, Selene Moonshadow will choose her mate," the priestess announced.

"The magic of the crown will bind them as husband and wife. The bond cannot be broken. Choose wisely."

My heart pounded so hard I thought everyone could hear it.

I took my first step forward.

The crowd watched me walk down the aisle. Every eye was on me. Judging. Waiting.

I reached the line of suitors.

Lord Marcus bowed as I approached. He was too old, with cold eyes that never smiled.

I walked past him.

Sir Aldwin stood straight and formal. Handsome but emotionless. He looked at me like I was a business deal.

I walked past him.

Prince Dorian smiled too brightly. Everything about him was fake, from his charm to his compliments.

I walked past him.

Then I stood in front of Thorne.

He looked confident. His hand was already reaching toward me like he expected the crown.

"Make the right choice, Selene," he said quietly, so only I could hear.

"You know what will happen if you don't."

It was a threat disguised as advice.

I looked at him. Really looked at him. Tried to imagine spending my life with this man.

All I felt was cold emptiness.

This wasn't love. This wasn't even friendship. This was politics and power and control.

I stepped past him.

The crowd gasped. Whispers erupted through the hall.

Morgana leaned forward in her seat, her face turning red with anger.

Thorne's confident smile disappeared.

"What are you doing?" he hissed.

I didn't answer. I kept walking until I stood in front of Adrian.

He looked terrified. His silver eyes searched mine, full of hope and fear.

"Selene," he whispered.

"Are you sure?"

Was I sure? No. I barely knew this man. He was hiding something, I could feel it. His magic was weak. He had no political power. Choosing him made no sense.

But when I looked at him, I felt something I'd never felt with anyone else.

I felt safe. Seen. Whole.

Like coming home.

"I choose you," I said clearly, loud enough for everyone to hear.

I placed the flower crown on his head.

The moment I did, magic exploded through the room.

It felt like lightning struck me and fire rushed through my veins. The world tilted and spun. Colors became brighter. Sounds became sharper.

And I felt him. Adrian. Not just seeing him or standing near him. I felt him inside my heart, inside my soul. His emotions became mine. His presence wrapped around me like a warm blanket.

The bond snapped into place with such force that my knees buckled. Adrian caught me, his arms strong around my waist.

"I've got you," he whispered.

His eyes flashed pure silver for just a moment. But I was too overwhelmed by the bond to process it.

"This is wrong!" Thorne shouted.

"He's nobody! He has no power, no influence!"

The priestess raised her hand.

"The choice has been made. The magic has accepted it. The bond is forming."

"Mother, do something!" Thorne turned to Morgana.

Morgana stood, her face twisted with rage. But even she couldn't stop the ceremony once the magic had started.

"This is a mistake," she said coldly, staring at me.

"One you will regret."

The priestess ignored her and began the binding ceremony.

Ancient words filled the hall, spoken in the old language. Magic swirled around Adrian and me, visible as golden light. It wrapped around our joined hands, our hearts, binding us together.

I felt every word like a promise being carved into my soul.

"Do you, Selene Moonshadow, accept this bond?"

"I do," I said.

"Do you, Adrian Silverblade, accept this bond?"

"I do," Adrian said, his voice thick with emotion.

"Then by the old magic and the new, I declare you bound. Mates for life. What magic has joined, nothing can separate."

The golden light flared bright, then sank into our skin. I felt it settle deep in my chest, warm and permanent.

We were married. Bonded. Forever.

The hall erupted in confused applause. Some people cheered. Others looked shocked. Many whispered behind their hands.

Thorne stood frozen, his face dark with rage. Then he turned and stormed out of the hall.

Morgana followed him, but not before giving me one last look. A promise that this wasn't over.

I didn't care. All I could focus on was Adrian.

"We did it," he whispered, pulling me close.

"You chose me."

"I chose you," I repeated.

He kissed me then, in front of everyone. Soft and sweet and full of relief.

The bond hummed between us.

The celebration began. Music played. Food was served. People danced.

But I barely noticed. I stayed close to Adrian, our hands linked. Every time I tried to step away, the bond pulled me back. I needed to be near him.

"Is this normal?" I asked Luna when she found us.

"The mate bond? Yes. It's strongest at first. You'll be able to stand being apart eventually, but right now the magic wants you together." She grinned.

"Congratulations. You actually did it. You chose for yourself."

"Morgana looked ready to kill me."

"Let her try. You're bonded now. Harming you would harm Adrian too. The Council won't allow it."

I hoped she was right.

As the celebration continued, servants came to tell us our chambers were ready. Tradition said the newly bonded couple spent their first night together in the bride's rooms.

My stomach fluttered with nervousness and anticipation.

Adrian must have felt it through the bond because he squeezed my hand. "We don't have to do anything you're not ready for."

"I want to," I said honestly.

"I want to be with you."

We left the celebration early, ignoring the knowing looks and whispered comments.

In my chambers, servants had prepared everything. Candles lit the room. Flower petals covered the bed. It was beautiful and romantic.

Adrian closed the door behind us, and suddenly we were alone.

"I can't believe you chose me," he said quietly.

"After everything. After how weak my magic was."

"I don't care about magic." I stepped closer.

"I care about you."

"Selene." He cupped my face.

"I don't deserve you."

"Yes, you do."

We kissed, and this time there was no one to interrupt. The mate bond flared hot between us, making everything more intense.

His hands trembled as he touched me. Mine shook as I reached for him.

We moved to the bed, our kisses growing deeper. My fingers found the buttons on his shirt.

That's when I felt it. The raised mark on his shoulder. Different from normal skin.

"What's this?" I asked, my fingers tracing the shape.

Adrian tensed. He gently moved my hand away and kissed me harder, distracting me.

And I let him. Because I wanted this. Wanted him. Whatever secrets he carried could wait until morning.

We made out. The bond sang between us, making every touch feel magical.

Afterward, I lay in his arms, completely content.

"I love you," Adrian whispered against my hair.

"I know it's fast, but I do. I've loved you for so long."

"How long?"

He hesitated.

"Longer than you know."

I wanted to ask what he meant, but sleep pulled at me. The bond and the ceremony had drained me.

I fell asleep listening to his heartbeat.

When I woke the next morning, I was alone.

A note sat on the pillow beside me:

"Meeting with trade merchants. Back soon. - Adrian"

I smiled, thinking of my husband.

Then someone pounded on my door.

A servant burst in, her face pale.

"My lady, there's been an incident at the border. Werewolf pack spotted near the Neutral Territory. The Council is meeting now."

My blood went cold.

"They're saying it might be a scouting party. That werewolves might be planning an attack."

"All newly bonded mates must attend the Council meeting," the servant continued. "They want increased security. Your husband must come too."

My heart stopped.

If there was a werewolf investigation... if they examined everyone closely... if Adrian had to prove he was fully human...

I had to warn him.

But warn him about what?

I didn't even know for sure what he was.

Did I?