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?

Selene's POV

I was aware that the Council chamber would not be the same as soon as I entered it.

It was not only the border attack. It was not even the whispers, which pursued me down the passage like insects creeping along marble.

It was the bare place beside me.

Adrian ought to have been walking with me.

Instead, I walked alone.

Before I got to it the great doors leading to the Council chamber opened. The guards bowed. Their movements were stiff. Controlled. They knew something.

Everyone did.

I stepped inside.

The table was a long circular table already in occupation. High-profile merchants. Military commanders. Elder Rowan. Several influential nobles. And at the foremost of all was Morgana Vale.

Thorne, her son, was standing on her right.

He wasn't seated.

He was watching the entrance.

Watching me.

Morgana had her silver-streaked hair pulled back and her dark robes were as spotless as ever. She didn't greet me. Didn't nod. Didn't pretend.

Her eyes swept behind me.

Then returned to my face.

"Where," she asked, as though it were an ordinary question, "is your mate?"

Her voice was not warm. No courtesy. Just demand.

I kept my back straight. "Adrian had a business meeting with merchants in the southern trade routes. He left before dawn."

There were some whispers passing round the table.

The fingers of Morgana struck one more time the wood. "On the night after his mating ceremony to the most sought after maiden of this territory?"

Her gaze didn't waver.

"Yes," I replied and face no extra explanation.

Thorne laughed briefly and humorlessly.

"How touching," he said. Your fianceel leaves you the night you two are meant to be together and you are so chill about it. And either that is very strong confidence... or very strong disrespect."

My jaw tightened. "He has no duty to you to give you a timetable of his movements."

He turned to me slowly after taking his seat. "He owes this realm loyalty."

Morgana raised her hand just before I had a chance to respond. The quiet was instantly resumed.

"You see, selene, you see, you must know our fright. Adrian is a stranger. He arrived without family. Devoid of formed alliances. Without history in our court."

"He is a prosperous businessman," I said resolutely. "His trade routes are confirmed. His contracts--"

"Recent, Very recent." Morgana interrupted.

There was a pause. A heavy one.

Thorne sat up a little, laying his hands on the table.

"And now," he said, "there is another werewolf attack on the border. The second in a week."

My stomach tightened.

"What?" I inquired as I could not restrain myself.

The chamber doors were opened once more.

In chains was dragged in a figure by two soldiers.

The smell hit me first.

Wet fur. Blood. Dirt.

The wolf was not in his full shape . His hands were still claws. His expression was that of man and wolf. The burns of silver were on his wrists where the shackles were.

His eyes flicked up.

Wild.

Angry.

Terrified.

One of the soldiers reported that he was caught in the eastern ridge. "He fought. Killed two of us before we overpowered him."

The room shifted. Some people stood. Others swore to themselves.

I stayed seated.

Morgana rose slowly.

She made a circle around the table at a steady pace until she was standing before the chained wolf.

"This," she said, pointing at the wolf, "is what mercy has made us."

The wolf growled weakly.

Morgana didn't flinch.

"We put up with their presence across the border," she went on, "over the years. We tolerated rather than eliminated. And what is their recompense of constraint?"

Her voice sharpened.

"With blood."

She swiveled about and looked at all.

"They attack our patrols. They test our defenses. Each month they send out scouts still nearer. They want more, they want war. They are sending spies."

"That is not demonstrated," I mumbled thoughtfully.

Every head turned toward me.

"You mean by this," Morgana hissed, "that this animal got into our country by chance?"

I had to restrain myself from saying I'd regret. "I mean to recommend that we interrogate him before executing him. In case there is an organization of such attacks, we will get no advantage by killing him without any information."

Thorne drew his eyes a little.

"Talk."

The wolf laughed suddenly. It was broken and harsh.

"You think I would speak to you?" he rasped.

A guard struck him on the face.

Morgana didn't stop it.

Instead, she approached him more closely.

"You shall be hanged at very soon ," she told him. Your body would be exhibited at the border. Show your species what is to befall them."

The wolf strained against the chains as far as he could.

The guards increased the grip.

"Stop," I said sharply, standing. "Forming a spectacle will do no good but lead to retaliation. War is the last thing we want."

Morgana now turned to me with a complete turn.

"And silence is an invitation to invasion," said she coldly.

The room was tense. Thick.

"You are young," she continued. You think that moderation is power. It does not. It signals weakness."

"I think superfluous escalation makes war," I said.

"And war," she said, "is necessary sometimes. Why do you care so much?"

The silence which followed was sharp like a knife.

Thorne stepped in smoothly. "Perhaps she cares because she knows something."

His eyes slowly moved along me.

"Her mate," he said, "has disappeared, by the way, at the very hour another wolf is breaking through our front."

My pulse jumped.

"That is mere coincidence," I replied at once.

"Is it?" he asked.

"Yes."

He contemplated me a little more than was pleasant.

"I hope so," he said softly. "For his sake."

Morgana returned to her seat.

"You will find your mate and present him to us , Selene," she said, without any more enthusiasm. "In case he is innocent, then he will not have anything to fear."

"And if he isn't?" I wanted to know, and I could not help myself.

Her eyes hardened.

"Then there will be no mercy."

The wolf was hauled out of the room.

The conference broke up into a discussion of strategy -border reinforcements, patrol shifts, trade lockdowns. I barely heard any of it.

My mind was racing.

Adrian had left before dawn.

Some other wolf had taken a dash at daybreak.

The mate bond throbbed gently at my chest.

Alive.

Present.

But distant.

I stood abruptly.

I said, struggling to control my voice, "I will take my leave, in case there is nothing more to be attended to."

Morgana didn't look at me.

"Go," she said. "And hope your judgment in his choice was not faulty."

I walked out and turned before people could notice the anger that was building up in my eyes.

It was colder than ever in the corridor but my mid was occupied.

Adrian would never attack us.

He wouldn't.

He couldn't.

The connection within me throbbed.

Stronger this time.

Not fear.

Pain.

I slowed.

Focused.

It was faint but real.

Something was wrong.

He was not in the trade district of the south. Had it been so, I would have felt calmness.

Instead, there was tension.

Strain.

And something else.

Guilt?

No.

I shook my head. I was letting the words of Thorne contaminate my thoughts.

Adrian wouldn't betray our bond.

He wouldn't betray me. I went to the wing that led to my own quarters. The instant I passed into the more quiet passage I paused.

There.

Faint.

In the smoke of the stone and candle and dust.

A scent.

Familiar.

Wild.

My heart skipped.

It was not so powerful as to lead me to where he was.

But it was there. My breath slowed. I followed it. One step. Then another. This increased around my chamber doors. My hand was floating around the handle. The mate bond pulsed sharply. Alive. Close. My throat tightened.

"Adrian?" I murmured softly.