Elara's POV
The chandelier in the grand hall sparkled like a thousand fractured stars, casting its light on the polished marble floor. Everything in this house shines except me, Elara thought as she carried the silver tray carefully balanced with teacups.
This wasn't her usual task, but Lady Edriana, the ever-watchful matron of the ruling house, had insisted. "Every hand must be useful," the woman had snapped that morning. "Even you, child."
Elara's contact lenses stung, as they often did by the end of the day. She had worn them for so long that the lie they created—plain brown eyes instead of her natural, vibrant violet—felt like part of her. The excuse had always been "safety." Safety from what, no one ever explained.
Her grip tightened on the tray as she passed by the massive carved doors of the council chamber. The wolf insignia loomed above her, an elegant yet fierce symbol of the ruling house: a wolf mid-howl beneath a crescent moon. She felt it watching her, though she knew it was only her imagination.
"Elara," came a voice, low and smooth, pulling her attention away from the door.
She turned too quickly, nearly upsetting the tray, and found herself face-to-face with Kael, the crown prince of the ruling house. The tray wobbled, and she caught it just in time.
"Kael," she started, then corrected herself. "Your Highness."
He stood leaning against a marble column, his arms crossed. He looked every bit the image of regal authority, with dark, tousled hair and eyes the color of molten amber. His lips curved into a half-smile, but his gaze didn't quite match the amusement in his expression.
"How long have you lived here now, Elara?" he asked, pushing off the column and walking toward her.
"Seven years," she answered hesitantly, unsure of where this conversation was going.
"And in those seven years, have I ever asked you to call me 'Your Highness'?"
She flushed, embarrassed. "No."
"Then stop doing it," he said, his tone teasing.
Her lips parted to respond, but before she could, the heavy doors to the council chamber creaked open.
"Elara," barked Lady Edriana's sharp voice, making her jump. The older woman's severe face emerged from the shadows of the doorway. "Stop wasting time. The Alpha doesn't like to be kept waiting."
Kael's jaw tightened at the interruption, and for a moment, Elara thought he might say something, but he only stepped back, his expression unreadable.
Without another word, she hurried past him, clutching the tray like a lifeline as Lady Edriana held the door open for her.
---
Kael's POV
Kael watched her disappear into the council chamber, his mood darkening like a storm rolling over the horizon.
Seven years. Seven years of watching her move through the house, utterly unaware of who she was—or who she was to him.
He remembered the day he'd found her as vividly as if it had happened yesterday. He'd been a teenager, newly aware of the strange pull of the mate bond but still too young to understand its full weight.
The moment he saw her, he knew. Those violet eyes, glowing like twin flames in the fading sunlight, were proof enough. He'd brought her to his parents, believing he was saving her. He hadn't known what they would do.
His father had agreed to bring her into the house, a gesture of benevolence, or so it seemed. But Kael wasn't naive anymore. He knew the truth now. His parents weren't protecting Elara out of kindness.
They were keeping her close because she was valuable.
Kael's fists clenched at the thought, his nails biting into his palms. He'd done his best to shield her all these years, keeping their connection secret. But every day it grew harder.
"Elara doesn't belong here," he murmured to himself. She belonged somewhere far from the politics and schemes of his family. Somewhere safe.
The sound of footsteps drew his attention, and he turned to see his younger brother, Cassian, striding down the hall.
"You're brooding again," Cassian remarked with a smirk, his tone mocking. "Let me guess—it's about her."
Kael said nothing, his expression hardening.
Cassian chuckled, the sound low and dangerous. "Careful, brother. Attachments can be exploited. You wouldn't want Father to think you've grown too fond of the girl."
Kael's chest tightened, but he didn't rise to the bait. "Stay out of it, Cassian," he said, his voice cold.
Cassian's smirk widened, but he walked away without another word, leaving Kael alone with his thoughts.
The time for secrecy was running out. Sooner or later, Elara would discover the truth.
And when she did, Kael wasn't sure if she'd ever forgive him.