The Lycan King, King Thane's palace, buzzed with anticipation as guests from far and wide filled the grand hall.
Three years had passed since the tragedy that happened in Alpha Asher's household, and unknown to him, his Luna Skylar survived and found her family. Her father is the Lycan king, King Thane. He reclaimed her upon seeing her when some patrol guards found her at the bottom of the cliff and brought her to him. She looked like her late mother and she had their birthmark, so it wasn't so hard for him to recognize his lost daughter and he also called her by her name, Skylar, since that was her birth name; it was crafted in the necklace he gifted her before she went missing which she always wore and kept specially.
Skylar's return to her rightful home had filled the Lycan King with so much joy since she had been his chosen heir since birth, even as she woke up with Amnesia.
King Thane, eager to announce Skylar as his heir, had organized a lavish ceremony that drew Alphas from all corners of the realm – including Alpha Asher, whom he sent an invite to.
Asher entered the hall when he arrived with his new intended Luna, Sarah by his side, his heart was heavy with the weight of his past. The loss of his children and Skylar had left him a broken man, and he found little solace in the festivities around him.
Despite his tireless efforts to uncover the truth behind his children's tragic demise, Asher's search had yielded nothing but frustration and dead ends. To make matters worse, the pack was now urging him to select a new Luna, Sarah, the daughter of a powerful elder, which weighed heavily on his heart.
Still unable to shake off his lingering feelings for Skylar, Asher was reluctant to accept Sarah as his new mate. Yet, he knew he couldn't remain without Luna indefinitely. With Sarah by his side, Asher exchanged strained pleasantries with the Lycan king upon greeting him, before retreating to a quiet corner of the hall, his mind preoccupied with the turmoil brewing within.
As the ceremony lasted for a few more hours, King Thane ascended to the podium with a majestic grace and an aura of authority, his commanding presence captivating the attention of the assembled guests as he began to address them.
"My friends and well-wishers, to cut the long story short and to reveal the reason for the celebration, I am honored to share that my long-lost heir has returned after sixteen years of absence. She has been with us for the past four years, and I am overjoyed to announce that she will inherit the throne upon my retirement."
A murmur rippled through the crowd as the implications of the king's words sank in. The Alphas in attendance exchanged knowing glances, each one eager to secure their place at the side of the powerful Lycan princess who had returned.
"As is our custom," King Thane continued,
"Any Alpha who wishes to pursue my daughter's hand may do so. The one who wins her heart will rule by her side, and introducing my heir, who is none other than, Skylar Asteria Thane." King Thane introduced.
All eyes turned to the podium as Skylar, radiant in her royal attire, joined her father at the front of the hall.
Asher's breath caught in his throat as he laid eyes on her, his heart pounding in his chest. It couldn't be... The woman before him was the spitting image of his lost love, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders and her eyes shining with an inner strength that he recognized all too well.
His mind raced with questions as he fought to make sense of the scene before him. How could Skylar be alive, and standing at the Lycan king's side as his heir? He knew she didn't have a wolf but who would know she was a Lycan?
As minutes rolled by, Asher wrestled with his emotions as he watched Skylar who was smiling happily. He wanted to confront her already but she was surrounded by other guests and Sarah wouldn't leave his side. He knew Sarah recognized her too because the shock on her face was real.
*
The hall was abuzz with chatter as Skylar made her way through the crowd, graciously acknowledging the many congratulations offered by the gathered Alphas. She paused briefly to exchange pleasantries with a tall, broad-shouldered Alpha when she felt a hand gently grasp her arm.
"Skylar," a familiar voice spoke softly, sending a shiver down her spine.
She turned to face the stranger, her eyes searching his face for any sign of recognition. "Do I know you?"
The man's piercing gaze bore into her own, his voice tinged with disbelief. "It's me, Asher. Your husband." Alpha Asher introduced. Sarah was by his side as usual but he didn't care anymore. He had been trying to hold back but he couldn't anymore.
Skylar took a step back, her brow furrowing in confusion. "I'm sorry, but I've never had a husband. You must have confused me with someone else." She said,
Asher's face paled as he struggled to process her words, Skylar looked like she didn't recognize him. "No, it's you, Skylar. We were together... We had children..."
Skylar's eyes narrowed as she regarded the stranger before her. "I think you're mistaken. If this is your idea of trying to win my favor, I suggest you come up with a better approach. I know you're interested in ruling by my side, just like the other Alphas because of my father's declaration," she replied and turned to leave.
"Skylar…" Alpha Asher called but she rolled her eyes as she looked towards Sarah who was mute.
"I think you should pay attention to the woman by your side, she looks like she has seen a ghost," Skylar said, not understanding what was going on with Alpha Asher and Sarah that was beside him.
Asher opened his mouth to argue, but Skylar silenced him with a raised hand. "I appreciate your efforts, but I'm not interested. Now, if you'll excuse me."
Turning on her heel, Skylar began to make her way toward the exit.