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.

The rogues froze, for a heartbeat, no one moved.

Then Lysander released a roar-like howl that split the silence.

Fear spread through the rogues like wildfire. But they were too many and too bloodthirsty to run away so easily.

They attacked.

Five of them launched themselves at him. Their jaws were open and their teeth were ready to shred. But Lysander moved with impossible speed. He ducked, turned, and with a powerful swipe of his paw sent two flying into the trees. Another tried to bite his flank, but he twisted in the middle of the move and crushed it beneath his weight.

One after another they came.

And one after another they fell.

He fought like a beast possessed. He was primal and relentless. His claws slashed through flesh and bone. His teeth clamped down on necks and limbs. Howls of pain filled the forest as rogue after rogue collapsed under his fury.

Some tried to run. But he chased them down and made sure none would return to finish what they started.

Then the tide shifted.

The remaining rogues hesitated. Their snarls became weak.

Lysander stood tall in the clearing. Blood stained his white coat. His eyes glowed with raw power. He growled deep and menacing. That was all it took.

With whimpers and yelps the survivors turned and fled into the trees. Their tails were tucked between their legs. They vanished into the dark like shadows.

Silence returned.

Lysander let out a victorious howl that echoed across the trees. Then he slowly stumbled back.

His body trembled.

His vision blurred.

And then he collapsed beside Zane.

In the same glowing light that had transformed him, his form shifted back. His bones cracked in reverse as he returned to human form. He was naked, bloodied, and breathing hard.

Zane had crawled out from behind the log. He was barely conscious. A thin cut ran across his forehead.

"Lysa..." he murmured. His voice was weak.

"I am here..." Lysander whispered. He reached for him.

The bracelet on his wrist shimmered once more. It glowed steadily. A soft hum filled the air as a protective barrier like a translucent dome of light emerged from it. The dome encased both brothers.

Warmth flooded through them.

Zane collapsed beside him. He was unconscious but safe.

Lysander's eyes fluttered shut.

They were alive.

For now.

---

THE NEXT DAY

The morning air was crisp. But Astra barely felt it as she stepped out of the pack house in her school uniform. Her bag was slung lazily over her shoulder. Her thoughts were distant. They were still tangled in the events of last night. The rejection, the tension, and the pain in Lysander's eyes before he turned away.

She sighed. She was ready to push the memory to the back of her mind when a commotion at the training field caught her attention. A small crowd had gathered. Guards stood stiffly in front of Alpha Wynter. Curious, Astra slowed her steps. Then she began to approach. She kept herself hidden behind a wooden post near the corridor that overlooked the field.

Her breath caught as she saw what lay at the Alpha's feet. Three bloodied, mangled bodies wrapped in torn clothing. Dirt and dried blood covered their skin. Her stomach twisted. Her fingers went numb.

"What happened to them?" Alpha Wynter demanded. His voice was sharp with disbelief and fury.

"Someone reported finding them just outside their house," one of the guards replied grimly. "They were attacked last night by rogues."

"Rogues?" Alpha Wynter repeated. His eyebrows knitted together. "That is impossible. We have guards posted at every entrance to the territory. How could they have gotten in?"

The guards glanced uneasily at one another. "We... we do not know, Alpha. But the wounds are unmistakable. Claw marks, bite wounds. Some even appear to have been mauled beyond recognition."

"We are sorry, Alpha," another guard added quickly. "We will double the patrols. This kind of lapse will not happen again."

Astra's heart pounded as she watched the Alpha kneel by one of the bodies. His hand brushed over a torn pack crest still clinging to a shredded shirt.

"Any survivors?" he asked. His voice was lower now, almost hopeful.

"We are not sure. But... their two sons, Lysander and Zane... their bodies were not found. It is possible the rogues took them." The guard's voice was hesitant.

Astra's eyes widened in shock. She took a step back without thinking. Her hand flew to her mouth. Lysander... Zane...

"No," she whispered to herself.

"Find them," the Alpha commanded. He rose to his feet. "Search every inch of that forest. If they are alive, we bring them home. If they are dead-" he stopped himself and shook his head. "Just find them."

The guards nodded and quickly dispersed.

Astra turned and stumbled back toward the pack house. Her vision was blurry. Her chest felt tight with something she could not quite explain. She pushed open the door to her room and leaned against it. She closed her eyes as everything spun around her.

This is my fault, she thought. If I had not rejected him... if I had not been so cruel... maybe he would not have left last night. Maybe he would not be gone now.

She sank onto her bed. She held her head in her hands. Her heart ached. A sharp pain clawed at her chest.

"Feeling sad?" a voice cut through the silence.

Astra's head snapped up. Kieran was standing in her room. He leaned casually against the wall with his arms folded. She had not even heard him come in.

"What are you doing here?" she asked. She wiped a tear before it could fall.

"I heard what happened outside," he said. He walked toward her. "Everyone is talking about it."

She turned her face away. "He is my mate..." she said softly. She spoke more to herself than to him.

There was a pause. "So you care about him?"

She did not answer.

Kieran chuckled dryly. "You know... I found my mate yesterday too."

Astra's eyes snapped to his. "You did?"

He nodded. "Some girl from the Moonshade Pack. Sweet, quiet... not my type."

"Oh..." Astra murmured. She was unsure of how to respond.

"But I rejected her immediately." His voice was firm. He stepped closer and cupped her face in his hands. "Because I only want you. I have only ever wanted you."

Astra's breath hitched.

"I love you, Astra. I do not care what the Moon Goddess says, or fate, or any of that crap. You are all I want."

"I... I love you too," she whispered. The words felt hollow.

His eyes lit up. "Then let us get married."

"What?"

"Let us get married," he repeated. "Your father adores me. He will agree if you ask him. We do not need a mate bond to prove we are meant for each other."

"But Kieran... we are still in school," she said. Her voice was unsure. "Is not marriage too fast?"

"I have never wanted anything more," he said. He pulled her into a tight hug. "I need you, Astra. I want you. We belong together. If the Moon Goddess will not approve, then we will prove her wrong."

Astra stood still in his arms. Her eyes stared blankly over his shoulder.

"...Okay," she said softly.

Kieran pulled back. He was grinning. "Yes! That is all I needed to hear."

He kissed her forehead. Then he pulled her into another embrace. "Thank you, Astra."

She did not speak.

Her gaze remained unfocused as silent tears slipped down her cheeks. Each one fell heavier than the last. She did not even know why she was crying.

But deep down, her soul did.

---

AT THE WOOD

A group of men in white garments moved silently through the forest. The one leading them held a glowing stone that pulsed brighter with each step. They followed its light until it stopped. The stone glowed intensely before a shimmering shield.

Inside the dome, Lysander and Zane lay unconscious. They were protected by a soft blue light.

"We have found the Alpha Prince," one of the men whispered. Awe filled his voice.

Without hesitation they all dropped to their knees around the shield. Their heads bowed in deep reverence. The glowing stone continued to hum as if confirming the truth.

"The prophecy lives," the leader murmured.

"He has returned." He added.