"Mate..."

The word echoed in the corridor, low and rough like it was being dragged from his soul. Lysander stiffened as the voice came again, almost in a whisper, yet it held enough weight to root him to the spot. His eyes locked on hers-Astra, glowing faintly in the soft torchlight of the hallway.

He didn't even understand why he was stepping toward her, like something ancient inside him had been awakened and now controlled his body. Each step he took felt foreign yet necessary, like the pull of gravity-but this time it was emotional, spiritual.

Astra's eyes widened. She sensed it too. Panic flickered across her face, and suddenly the quiet was shattered by approaching footsteps. Instinct took over.

"Come with me," she hissed and dashed forward. Before Lysander could react, Astra grabbed his arm and shoved him backward. He stumbled through a doorway, falling to the ground. She came crashing down on top of him, her hands bracing on his chest.

The air between them stilled.

Her breath ghosted across his face. Neither of them moved. Neither of them spoke. They just felt.

Lysander's hands hovered in the air, unsure of where to go. Her heartbeat thundered against his ribs through the contact of their bodies. He could feel something ancient and sacred stir within him, humming between their bodies like an unspoken vow.

Then-

"Astra, are you in there?"

Kieran's voice cut through the moment like a blade.

Astra gasped, her eyes going wide with shock. She scrambled to her feet and rushed to the door, nearly tripping over herself as she slammed it shut behind her before Kieran could see inside.

She stepped into the hallway, pressing her back against it like a barrier. Her face was flushed, her breath uneven.

Kieran stood in front of her, his brows furrowed in suspicion. "What's going on? You look flustered."

Astra forced a smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "It's nothing. I'm okay."

"You told me to meet you in that room. Aren't we supposed to... y'know, have our first night together again?" His voice dipped with a gentle kind of expectation.

Astra faltered. "I don't think I'm ready."

Kieran's expression fell. His easygoing smile faded, replaced by a quiet hurt. He studied her, looking for answers in her guarded eyes.

"Are you... angry with me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

He hesitated, then shook his head with a faint, strained smile. "No. Of course not. I'm ready to wait. As long as you need."

A wave of relief passed through her. "Thank you. I'm just... tired. I want to go home."

He frowned slightly. "Astra, this is your party. You can't just leave. People will notice."

She reached for his hand, her grip light but insistent. "Please? You can cover for me, right? Just for tonight. They won't even know I'm gone."

Kieran sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Alright. I'll keep them distracted. Go get some rest."

A smile touched her lips, grateful and soft. She leaned forward and pecked him on the cheek. "Thank you, Kieran."

He watched her go, his eyes trailing after her as she disappeared down the corridor. A moment passed. Then another.

A hand slid over his shoulder, and he turned with a startled smile.

"Why are you out here alone?" A sultry voice teased. A young woman leaned against the wall, dressed in a way that left little to the imagination. Her lips curled in a knowing smirk. "Thought you'd be busy with the Alpha Princess by now."

Kieran exhaled, his smile darkening. "Thought so too. But she's... strange. Distant. I'm getting tired of it."

The girl stepped closer, her fingers trailing along his arm. "Well, I'm available. And I won't act strange, mate."

Kieran looked at her, a flicker of something cold in his eyes. He leaned in, kissed her with the frustration of a man whose pride had been bruised, then grabbed her hand.

"Let's get out of here," he said, dragging her away without a second glance.

Back inside the room, Lysander was still on the floor, staring at the ceiling. The air still hummed with the lingering electricity of what had just happened.

"Astra..." he whispered to no one.

Something had shifted. And there was no going back.

---

Lysander couldn't stop smiling as he walked home, the night breeze brushing gently against his skin. His heart was light, soaring higher than it ever had. He had never truly believed he'd find his mate, never even dared to hope. Yet here he was, walking with a giddy warmth blooming in his chest and a strange energy pulsing in his veins.

He didn't know how long he'd been walking, nor did he care. His entire body still tingled from the moment with Astra, when she touched him, when they locked eyes, when their souls seemed to recognize one another. It was something sacred, something that rewrote the very meaning of connection.

"Hey, feeling excited?"

Lysander froze mid-step, eyes wide as the voice echoed in his head. It wasn't his own.

"Who are you?" he asked, his thoughts sharp, cautious.

"I am Magnus... your wolf. Your mate in spirit. The other half of your soul."

Lysander nearly stumbled on the sidewalk. His breath caught as the realization settled in. His wolf. He had finally awakened. After all this time.

Before he could respond, the front door of the house swung open.

"Lysander!" Sage's voice was thick with worry.

"I was worried sick! I didn't even Know when you left the party." He added.

Sage's eyes narrowed when he noticed the dazed, happy smile playing on Lysander's face.

"What's going on with you?" he asked, stepping closer. "Did you finally make a friend or something?"

Lysander chuckled softly, still reeling. "It's not that. I heard... I heard my wolf. His voice. He said his name is Magnus."

Sage's eyes widened, and he took a step back, nearly gasping. "Wait, what?"

Before Lysander could repeat himself, the patter of small feet filled the hallway.

"What's going on?" their younger brother, Zane, asked as he darted into the room. He was barely Ten.

Sage turned to him, still stunned. "His wolf spoke to him. Lysander's wolf has awakened."

Zane's face lit up like the sun, and he rushed forward, throwing his arms around Lysander with a happy laugh.

"That's amazing! Soon you'll have your first transformation!"

Lysander returned the hug, warmth blooming in his chest from the familiar love of his brothers. "Yeah," he said, still dazed. "It feels... surreal."

Zane stepped back, bouncing with excitement. "Did it hurt? Was it loud? What does he sound like?"

"Deep. Calm," Lysander replied, closing his eyes for a moment. "Like someone I've always known, just... never heard before."

Sage rubbed the back of his neck, watching him closely. "This is a big deal, you know. It means your instincts are going to start sharpening, your emotions might feel more intense. You'll feel your wolf pushing forward."

"I know," Lysander murmured.

Zane tilted his head. "You're acting all weird. Happy, but also like you're hiding something."

Lysander hesitated.

"Also..." he began, then trailed off.

Sage folded his arms. "Also what? Spit it out."

Lysander glanced between the two of them, then shook his head. "Nothing. It's nothing, I just... I'll tell you guys later, okay?"

Zane groaned. "Ugh, come on!"

"I'm serious," Lysander said, giving them both a playful shove toward the door. "I'm tired. I just want to lie down."

Sage smirked knowingly. "Fine. But don't think you're getting out of telling us eventually. Especially if it involves a girl."

Lysander rolled his eyes as the door clicked shut behind them. Finally alone, he let out a deep breath and fell onto his bed, arms spread wide.

His mind raced, yet his body was still. His smile returned as he closed his eyes, letting the quiet wash over him.

"Still here?" the voice asked in his mind again, this time softer.

"Yeah... Magnus, right?"

"Yes. I've been waiting a long time to meet you, Lysander."

"Why now?"

"Because your mate awakened something in you. It called me forward. Your soul recognized hers, and I followed."

Lysander's chest rose and fell slowly. "She's beautiful. Strong. I've never felt anything like that."

"You were made for each other. Even if the world tries to keep you apart, the bond is there. Stronger than blood. Stronger than fate."

A warmth spread through Lysander's limbs as he listened to Magnus's words. For the first time in his life, he didn't feel like something was missing.

"You'll guide me through the transformation?" Lysander asked.

"Always. You're not alone anymore."

Lysander smiled again, sleep pulling at the corners of his mind. The connection, the voice of Magnus, the memory of Astra, it all wove together into a cocoon of warmth.

And as the stars blinked above the roof of his home, Lysander drifted into sleep, still whispering to the other half of his soul.

THE NEXT DAY, THE PALACE

Mr. Blackwood wiped the last streak of water from the marble hallway floor, his joints aching slightly from the long day's work.

He wrung out the cloth and folded it neatly, ready to leave when he heard footsteps approach. A guard in uniform stood a few feet away, his expression unreadable.

"The Beta wants to see you," the guard said curtly.

Mr. Blackwood raised his brows slightly but said nothing. He only nodded and followed. They walked in silence through twisting corridors until they stopped at a heavy oak door. The guard pushed it open.

Inside, a few ministers sat alongside the Beta, who lounged in an ornate chair near the hearth. Flames crackled behind him, casting a flickering light over the richly adorned room. Mr. Blackwood stepped inside and bowed low, respectfully.

The Beta smiled, but there was no warmth in it. "Ah, Blackwood. Word gets around, you know. I've heard you're doing excellent work here at the palace."

"Thank you, sir," Mr. Blackwood said, eyes still on the floor.

"How about a reward?" the Beta continued, his voice light but laced with something darker.

Mr. Blackwood straightened slightly, still holding himself with calm dignity. "I don't think I need a reward, my lord. I'm just doing my job." he said.

The Beta chuckled and rose from his seat. His boots clicked softly against the marble as he approached. He rested a hand on Mr. Blackwood's shoulder. It felt heavy.

"I could change your life, you know," the Beta said quietly.

"Just a word to the Alpha, and everything could be different for you. A house of your own, a place in court. You've served long and loyally, haven't you?"

"I appreciate the offer, truly," Mr. Blackwood said, carefully stepping back. "But I like my life as it is. Simple, honest. Please, my lord, what is it you want from me?"

The Beta's smile faded slightly, replaced by something more calculating. He motioned to a nearby guard, who stepped forward carrying a polished wooden box. The lid was lifted to reveal rows of gleaming gold coins.

"I want your mouth sealed, Blackwood," the Beta said. "You can do that, can't you? No questions. No talk. No ears where they shouldn't be."

Mr. Blackwood stared at the box for a moment before shifting his gaze back to the Beta.

"I'm not interested in palace affairs, sir. I'm only here to work. That's all I've ever done. Please, let me keep doing my job."

He bowed again, deeply, then turned and walked toward the door, he didn't accept the box.

Behind him, a cruel smile curled across the Beta's face. He didn't speak until Mr. Blackwood was gone.

"Told you," Minister Therold said with a bitter sneer. "They're growing wings. The Alpha's gone soft. He should've listened when we warned him."

The Beta turned his eyes to the gold, then slammed the lid shut with a sharp clack. "He should've taken the gold. Played the fool. But now, whatever happens next... he's brought it on himself."

He turned, his cloak sweeping behind him as he stormed out of the room. The ministers followed.

---

NIGHTTIME

"Where are you going?" Sage asked, stepping into Lysander's room just as he finished buttoning up his black shirt.

Lysander glanced at him through the mirror. "Heard there's another party tonight. For the princess."

Sage leaned against the doorframe, brows furrowed. "And you're going?"

Lysander nodded, grabbing a jacket from the bed. "Yeah."

Sage blinked at him, clearly surprised. "You're kidding."

"Nope."

Sage didn't move. He just stood there, arms crossed, watching Lysander like he was trying to piece together a puzzle that suddenly stopped making sense.

Lysander sighed, turning to face him. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I don't know... It's just-" Sage tilted his head, eyes narrowing. "You've been acting strange since yesterday. Like... distant. Distracted. Did something happen? Did you... find your mate?" he asked.

"What? Hell no." Lysander said a little too quickly, waving a hand as if to dismiss the idea entirely.

Sage didn't look convinced. "You sure? 'Cause it's either that or you've suddenly developed a thing for the princess."

"I just wanted to get out, that's all," Lysander muttered, pulling on his jacket. "You told me to stop sulking and hang out more. That's what I'm doing. You coming?" He asked.

Sage shook his head. "Can't. Gotta babysit Zane. Mom's off doing one of her 'urgent errands' again." he said.

Lysander offered a tight smile. "Alright. Have fun, then."

"You too," Sage replied, still watching him with suspicion as he left.

---

The club pulsed with music and lights. Bodies swayed to the rhythm, laughter mixing with the heavy beat of the bass. Lysander stepped in and felt the energy wash over him like a wave. But none of it mattered. He wasn't here for the party.

He sat down at the edge of the room, fingers drumming nervously against his thigh. Minutes passed before it hit him, soft and intoxicating. Her scent. A unique blend of lavender and the first snow of winter.

Magnus stirred immediately.

"She's close."

Lysander stood, following the scent through the crowd. Every step brought him closer, his heart pounding with anticipation. He reached a hallway leading away from the main room, stopping in front of a closed door where her scent lingered thickest.

Just as he raised his hand to knock, the door swung open.

Astra stood there, eyes wide, but not with surprise. Almost like she'd been expecting him.

Before he could speak, she grabbed his arm and yanked him inside. The door slammed behind them.

"What are you doing here?" she snapped, keeping her voice low but sharp.

"My wolf-Magnus. He wouldn't stop. He needed to see you," Lysander said, rubbing the back of his neck and looking down. She was breathtaking, dressed in deep red, her hair tumbling down her shoulders like fire.

Astra crossed her arms. "You can't just come looking for me like this, Lysander. If someone saw you-"

"Are you ashamed of me?" he cut in, lifting his gaze to hers. His voice was quiet, almost broken.

Her lips parted, but no words came at first. Finally, she exhaled.

"No. It's not that. I'm just... not ready. Not yet. I need time, and I need you to stay away until I am." she said.

Lysander swallowed hard. He'd been so excited, so hopeful. His mate. His other half. But instead of warmth, all he felt was a cold, heavy silence stretching between them.

"Okay," he whispered, eyes cast downward as he watch her leave.

---

Lysander stepped back into the glowing haze of the club, the bass from the music vibrating through his chest. The lights were dim, but not enough to hide what his eyes immediately caught, Astra, she wasn't alone, her hand laced tightly with Kieran's. The sight punched the air from his lungs.

She was smiling.

That smile he wish were for him.

The pain came fast, sharp and cold.

"He can't be holding our mate," Magnus growled inside his head, his voice deep and thunderous. "She's ours."

Lysander gritted his teeth, but he couldn't look away. Kieran raised a crystal glass of wine, his voice booming across the crowd.

"To the Princess! Eighteen years strong, and tonight-her first transformation!"

The crowd erupted with a chorus of, "Cheers!" followed by the clinking of glasses and the sweet chime of laughter. Hands clapped, feet stomped, and then came the final blow: Kieran pulled Astra into a hug-and kissed her.

Not just a peck. It was a possessive, triumphant kiss. Like he'd won.

The guests whooped and cheered, oblivious to the storm brewing in Lysander's chest.

"No. Not my mate. No!" Magnus roared, thrashing against the mental walls Lysander barely held together. His wolf was losing control.

Suddenly, Lysander's eyes glowed an eerie, blazing blue. His vision tunneled in on Kieran and Astra. He didn't remember crossing the room. He didn't feel the people brushing past. All he knew was rage.

With a snarl, he tore through the crowd and grabbed Kieran's shoulder, yanking him away from Astra. His fist flew before Kieran could even react. The punch landed square on his jaw, sending him stumbling back into a stunned silence.

Gasps rippled through the crowd like a wave.

"Stay away from my mate!" Magnus' voice, thick with alpha fury, boomed from Lysander's mouth.

The murmurs started instantly.

"Did he say mate?"

"The princess? Is he insane?"

"How dare he claim her! He should be executed!"

"Must be drunk..."

Kieran stood slowly, wiping the blood from his lip, a cold smirk dancing on his face.

"You just made the biggest mistake of your life." he said.

He launched forward with a snarl, and the tables turned fast. Lysander fought back, but Kieran was faster, stronger, and trained. Soon, Lysander was on the ground, blood pouring from his nose as Kieran landed blow after blow. The crowd, hungry for chaos, began cheering like it was a show.

"Teach him a lesson, Kieran!"

"Put him in his place!"

Through swollen eyes, Lysander saw Astra's face. For a moment, he thought she looked concerned-just a flicker-but then it hardened.

"Stop! Kieran, stop!" she yelled, stepping forward as Lysander's head lolled to the side, blood staining the floor beneath him.

Kieran hesitated, breathing hard, before releasing him and rising to his feet.

Lysander groaned and tried to push himself up, but Astra's voice cut through the noise like a whip.

"What did I tell you just minutes ago?" she snapped, her voice trembling with fury.

"I said I wanted to keep it a secret! But you-you told everyone! Do you have any idea what you've done?" She yelled at him.

"He was touching you," Lysander croaked, wiping blood from his lip.

"So what? He's my boyfriend!" she shouted. "And you... You're nothing but a weak mate-one I will never accept."

Her words struck deeper than Kieran's fists.

"What...what are you saying?" he asked, barely holding himself upright.

"I don't need you. I don't want you." Her voice cracked, and then she spat the words like venom.

"I, Astra Wynter, reject you, Lysander Blackwood, as my mate!"

The club fell silent. Someone gasped. Another covered their mouth in disbelief.

Lysander stared at her, staggered by the pain no blade could ever inflict.

Astra turned and walked away, her back straight, shoulders set-unshaken.

The crowd parted for her, but their eyes snapped back to him, cold and judging.

He didn't wait for the guards to drag him out or for the whispers to grow louder.

He turned, heart shattered, and ran from the club, the night swallowing him whole.

The night was very quiet. It felt heavy on Lysander's chest. He walked slowly to the small wooden house at the edge of the forest. His feet dragged on the dusty path. His heart felt heavy. He felt shame, anger, and confusion. Worst of all, he felt rejection.

Minutes earlier, everything had broken apart.

He still remembered it clearly. Princess Astra had looked at him with disgust and turned away. She rejected him like he was nothing.

What did I expect? he thought. That she would hug me and smile? Welcome me like a hero? He laughed bitterly under his breath. I am a joke. I am a loser who cannot even stand up for himself. I am a burden.

A voice spoke inside his head. It was raspy and dark. "She cannot reject us like that. We need to talk to her. Take me to her."

It was Magnus.

Lysander jumped. He did not want the other half of himself to wake up.

"Magnus, just leave me alone for now," he said out loud.

Magnus went quiet. For now.

Lysander reached the door. He pushed it open gently. It creaked. He did not want to see anyone. He just wanted to go to his room and disappear.

He stepped inside. The house was dark. No lights were on. No sounds. That was strange. He frowned.

He walked forward carefully. His foot hit something hard. It rolled with a heavy sound. He cursed quietly and turned on the light.

The room became bright.

And everything broke again.

"Sage?" he said. He fell to his knees.

His older brother lay on the floor. His arms and legs were twisted. Blood was everywhere. Lysander crawled to him. His hands shook as he touched Sage's arm. It was cold.

"Sage!" he shouted. He shook him. "Sage, wake up! Please!"

No answer. No breathing. Only silence.

Panic filled Lysander. "Mum! Dad!" he yelled. He ran down the hall to their room.

He stopped at the door.

His mother and father lay on the floor. Blood covered their clothes. His mother's eyes were open and empty. His father breathed slowly and weakly.

"No. No no no no," Lysander whispered. He moved closer. "Please do not do this to me. Please, Mum. Dad. Please..."

He fell to his knees. Tears ran down his face.

"Ly...san...der..."

He looked up.

"Dad?" he said. He crawled closer.

His father's face was pale. His breathing was short. But his eyes looked straight at Lysander.

"Run," his father said weakly. "Take Zane with you. He is in the kitchen cupboard. Go now. They will come back."

"What? Who did this?" Lysander cried. He held his father's bloody hand. "Why would anyone do this to us?"

His father did not answer. He reached under himself and pulled out something. It was a bracelet with blue pearl beads. It glowed softly.

"You are not our real child, Lysander," his father whispered. "We found you twenty years ago. You were floating in a wooden box on the river. You were a newborn baby. You had this bracelet with you."

Lysander stared at him in shock.

"We knew someone wanted to hurt you," his father said. "We raised you as our own. We loved you like a son. You are our son. But your real family is out there."

His father took a deep breath and put the bracelet on Lysander's wrist. It felt warm.

"You need to find your people," his father said. "The bracelet will guide you. And Lysander... promise me you will protect Zane. He is your brother. Keep him safe."

Lysander nodded fast through his tears. "I promise. I will keep him safe."

A howl sounded far away. It was close.

"They are back," his father whispered. "Go."

"Dad-!"

"GO!" his father shouted with his last strength.

Then he stopped breathing. His arm fell. His eyes went blank.

"No... Dad!" Lysander cried. He held his father one last time. The howls came closer.

Lysander jumped up. He pushed his sadness away and ran to the kitchen. He opened the cupboard.

"Zane!" he whispered.

His ten-year-old brother was inside. He was curled up. His eyes were wide and full of tears. He was shaking.

Lysander picked him up and held him tight. "It is okay. I have you."

He ran out the back door into the dark woods.

The wind blew loud. Branches scratched him. But he kept running.

Then he heard paws hitting the ground. He looked back for a second.

Wolves. At least four of them. They were black. They ran into the house.

He saw the mark on their sides. It was the crest of the royal guard.

Lysander's stomach dropped. "The Alpha," he said quietly. His heart burned with anger. "He did this. They all did this."

He held Zane closer. "I will make them pay. Every last one of them."

He disappeared into the forest with the weight of his lost family and a new destiny on his shoulders.

---

"What have you done?" Rafa's voice boomed inside Astra's head. It was full of anger and worry. Astra jumped.

Her head hurt. She pressed her fingers to her temples.

"It was not my fault," she said out loud.

"It was your fault," Rafa growled. "You were flirting with another man right in front of him!"

"That man is my boyfriend!" she answered in her mind. "What was I supposed to do? Ignore him just because my mate showed up?"

"You were enjoying it," Rafa said. "You knew he was watching!"

Astra knew it was true. Maybe she had wanted to hurt him. Maybe she was scared of the bond.

"I hate him so much, that Kieran," Rafa growled. "But I hate you more right now."

Astra sat on her bed and stared at the wall.

"Okay. Maybe I was wrong," she said quietly. "But it is done now."

"Talk to him," Rafa begged. "Say sorry. I want my mate back."

Astra laughed bitterly. "You know I cannot do that."

"Then do not speak to me."

Silence.

"Rafa?"

Nothing.

Astra felt empty. "Rafa, come on," she called in her mind.

But Rafa had shut her out. The silence hurt.

Astra lay back on the bed. The room was warm from the sunset.

Her heart felt like it was in a war. She had hurt her mate. The moment their eyes met, she knew the bond was real. But she was not ready. She had made it worse.

A knock came at the door.

Her father, Alpha Wynter, walked in.

"Is something wrong?" he asked gently.

Astra sat up and smiled. "No, Dad. I am fine."

He sat beside her and put his arm around her.

"When your mother first met me as her mate, she hated me for three weeks," he said.

Astra looked surprised. "Really?"

He laughed. "Yes. She thought I was too proud and too strong-headed. But later she saw it was about connection, growth, and forgiveness."

Astra leaned on him. "I think I messed up, Dad."

He kissed her head. "You can always talk to me. And I promise nothing will ever hurt you while I am alive."

She nodded. "Thank you, Dad."

He left the room.

The smile left her face. She felt the guilt again.

She lay back and stared at the ceiling. The room felt cold without Rafa.

"Rafa?" she whispered.

Silence.

Then a small voice: "Fix it."

Astra sat up. She felt new strength. She had made a mistake. But maybe she could still make it right.

---

The moon was high in the sky. It shone silver light through the trees. The forest felt strange and cold. It was past midnight.

Lysander walked slowly. His legs hurt. His heart was heavy with sadness. Zane held his hand tightly. The little boy had stopped crying but he was still scared.

"Stay quiet, okay?" Lysander whispered.

Zane nodded. His lip shook. "Where is Mummy? And Sage? They told me to hide in the cupboard. Why are they not with us? Did something bad happen?"

Lysander slowed down. He did not know what to say. "Mum, Dad, and Sage are..."

A low growl cut him off.

Lysander froze.

Red eyes appeared in the dark. One pair. Then two. Then more.

Wolves stepped out. They were not normal wolves. They were rogues. They looked thin and hungry. Their eyes glowed red.

Zane hid his face in Lysander's side.

The wolves circled them.

One wolf jumped at them.

Lysander grabbed Zane and rolled away. He pushed Zane behind him and fought.

He punched and kicked. One wolf bit his arm. He pulled free and kicked it hard.

Blood was on his shirt. His face was cut. He was getting tired.

But he would not let them reach Zane.

"Stay behind the log!" he yelled. He pushed Zane there.

The biggest wolf charged. Its claws cut Lysander's chest. He almost fell.

Then another wolf jumped from a tree.

Lysander raised his arm to block it.

The bracelet on his wrist glowed bright blue. The light covered his whole body.

He screamed in pain. His bones cracked and changed. His body twisted.

Zane watched in shock.

Lysander's arms grew longer. Fur covered his skin. His jaw became a snout. In seconds, he was no longer a boy.

A huge white wolf stood there. It was massive and strong. Its eyes glowed blue. The bracelet was now part of the fur on its front leg. Its white fur shone in the moonlight. Its teeth were sharp like silver knives.