Kaia sat in stunned silence, the weight of her father's words pressing down on her like a physical burden. Destined to mate with the Alpha heir of the Blood Moon pack? The very idea was absurd, unthinkable. The Blood Moon pack were their sworn enemies, their rivals for territory and resources. How could she, the future Alpha of Shadow Moon, be bound to one of them?"But... why?" she finally managed to ask, her voice barely a whisper.Ronan sighed, his gaze fixed on the flickering flames of the hearth. "It is an ancient pact, Kaia, forged centuries ago by our ancestors. A way to end the bloodshed, to unite our packs and ensure our survival.""But the Blood Moon pack... they're our enemies!" Kaia protested."They were once our allies," Ronan corrected. "But a dispute over territory led to a bitter feud that has lasted for generations. The prophecy states that only the union of the two Alpha heirs can heal the rift and bring peace to our kind."Kaia shook her head, the prophecy seeming more like a curse than a blessing. "And what if I refuse?"Ronan's expression hardened. "You cannot refuse, Kaia. It is your destiny. And besides," he added, his voice softening, "you have not even met him yet. Perhaps... perhaps you will find him to your liking."Kaia scoffed. "I doubt that very much." The image of the arrogant wolf with the amber eyes flashed in her mind. Even if he wasn't their enemy, she doubted she could ever be with someone so domineering, so... wild.A sudden commotion outside interrupted their conversation. The sound of snarls and growls echoed through the clearing, followed by a chorus of alarmed barks.Ronan's head snapped up, his eyes alert. "Stay here," he commanded, before rushing out of the den.Kaia, her curiosity piqued, crept to the entrance of the den and peered out. The clearing was in chaos. Wolves were milling about, their fur bristling, their eyes fixed on a figure standing in the center of the clearing.It was him. The wolf from the forest. He stood tall and proud, his tawny fur gleaming in the moonlight. His amber eyes, now transformed into the startling silver of a Blood Moon werewolf, scanned the crowd, a challenge in their depths.Kaia's heart pounded in her chest. What was he doing here? Had he come to provoke them? To start a war?Suddenly, the wolf's gaze locked with hers. A jolt of electricity shot through her, a feeling so intense it made her gasp. The wolf's lips curled into a smirk, a flash of white teeth against his dark muzzle. Then, he spoke, his voice a deep rumble that resonated through the clearing."I have come to claim my mate."