The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the kingdom of Silvervale as Darius stood on the balcony of his bedchamber, gazing out at the sprawling kingdom of Silvervale bathed in the soft glow of twilight.
The cool evening breeze tousled his dark hair as he leaned against the railing, lost in thought.
His thoughts a swirling tempest of doubt and determination. He had chosen Seraphina as his mate, a decision that he has come to realize have been making him restless.
He has been in constant odds with his wolf Dan, his wolf refusing to accept anyone that's not their mate.
Whenever he tries to have sex with anyone his wolf will refuse the act which now irks him.
And Darius have always been a physical needs kind of man, so the new routine upsets him greatly.
As he stood there gazing out at the kingdom, contemplating the weight of his decision, the door to his chamber opened, and Marcus, his beta, joined him on the balcony.
It had been days since he had chosen Seraphina as his mate and since then they have not spoken a word on the topic.
The evening breeze carried the scent of fresh flowers, mingling with the faint aroma of incense from the palace below.
They stood there in complete silence for more than ten minutes and Darius couldn't take it anymore.
"I know you are here to say something so out with it".
"Why Seraphina, Darius?" Marcus asked, breaking the silence.
"What made you choose her as your mate?"
Darius turned to face Marcus, his expression unreadable. "Honestly I do not know.
But I just thought that if am to chose a mate that she'll be the right choice".
"She's beautiful and Seraphina possesses qualities that are essential for a queen.
She is strong, intelligent, and will be devoted to our kingdom."
"She's not intelligent Darius, just sly" Marcus said with his brows furrowed.
Darius chuckled when he heard his reply and said .
"That's also a good trait if you ask me, one needs to be sly at times when dealing with disagreeable people".
Marcus nodded, but there was a hint of sadness in his gaze.
"I understand duty, Darius. But as you know, i have found my mate, and I have never been happier. There is a joy that comes with being with the person the moon goddess made for you, there's no greater joy than that".
"Sometimes you don't need to say any word, just being with her..... makes you feel..... complete".
Darius's jaw tightened, a flicker of doubt crossing his features before he masked it with his usual composure.
"I am happy for you, Marcus. But I do not believe in such things as fate or destiny".
"I have made my choice, and I will stand by it."
"whatever it is you say you feel for your mate, maybe I'll feel that when I've marked Seraphina.... maybe..."
"Maybe" Marcus said. "You've maped out your whole life on a maybe?"
Marcus studied Darius for a moment before speaking again.
"I understand your skepticism, my friend. But there is a bond between mates that transcends mere choice. It is a connection that runs deep, a bond forged by the moon goddess herself."
Darius sighed, his gaze returning to the kingdom below.
"I appreciate your words, Marcus. But I must do what is best for Silvervale, even if it means sacrificing my own true mate."
"You know quiet well how I detest that mate nonsense, I wish to have no part in all the foolish love nonsense you lot feel".
"It's not nonsense Darius, you'd have to feel it to know ".
"Am not interested dear friend ".
Silence descended upon them as they watched the sun sink below the horizon, the sky ablaze with the colors of twilight.
The weight of Darius's decision hung heavy in the air, a silent reminder of the sacrifices he is making for his believes which Marcus hopes won't cost him greatly.
As the last rays of sunlight faded, Marcus placed a hand on Darius's shoulder.
"I understand your reasoning, my friend. But remember, true happiness is a rare gift. Do not deny yourself the chance to find it, even if it means facing difficult choices."
Darius nodded, his gaze lingering on the kingdom spread out before him.
He knew that the path he had chosen would not be easy, but he was determined to see it through, whatever the cost.
Alpha Loren sat at his desk, reviewing the day's reports, when a servant entered, holding a sealed envelope.
"Alpha Loren, a messenger just delivered this invitation to the king's birthday ball," the servant said, handing him the envelope.
Alpha Loren's eyes sparkled with excitement as he opened the envelope and read the invitation. A smile spread across his face as he realized the significance of the event. He had been invited to the most prestigious event of the year, a chance to mingle with the elite of Silvervale. It was an occasion not to be missed.
"Prepare my finest attire," Alpha Loren instructed the servant. "We shall make a grand entrance at the ball."
Quickly rising from his chair, Alpha Loren called for his wife, Mica, and their daughter, Lysandra, to join him in the drawing room.
He could hardly contain his excitement as he waited for them to arrive.
His Luna Mica entered first, her eyes bright with curiosity.
"What is it, my love? You seem positively thrilled," she said, taking his hand.
Alpha Loren beamed, holding up the invitation for her to see.
"We have been invited to the king's birthday ball," he announced, his voice filled with pride.
Mica gasped, her hand flying to her chest. "Oh, how wonderful! It has been far too long since we attended such a grand affair."
Just then, Lysandra entered the hall, her eyes widening as she took in the scene. "What's all this commotion about?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
Alpha Loren turned to his daughter, a twinkle in his eye. "We have received an invitation to the king's birthday ball, Lysandra. It will be a night to remember."
Lysandra's face lit up with excitement, "Finally, I've been waiting for this since I heard about it". But it quickly turned to concern.
"But Father, what about my gown? I cannot possibly attend such an event without a proper gown."
Alpha Loren chuckled, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Fear not, my dear. We will make sure you have the most stunning gown for the occasion. It will be a celebration fit for a princess."
Lysandra's eyes sparkled with delight, her earlier worries forgotten. "Oh, thank you, Father! This will be the grandest ball Silvervale has ever seen."
As they discussed plans for the ball, Alpha Loren couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and joy.
This was more than just a celebration; it was a chance for him to show the other alphas that thought him weak that he's not weak.
Since he's pack had been in constant threat of rogues, the other alphas made fun of him that he's not fit to be alpha.
He just could not fathom why he's own pack is always the pack affected by the attack of the rogues.
Maybe he will use this chance to talk about it with the king and maybe build some connections that benefit him. So he couldn't help but be filled with excitement.