The grand halls of Silverclaw Keep echoed with excitement, in stark contrast to the turbulence stirring inside Aylin Lancaster's chest. The night had arrived, and it was supposed to seal her fate with Silas Aldric, Alpha of the renowned Silverclaw Pack. Her heart fluttered erratically as she stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the layers of her deep crimson gown, its intricate stitching glittering in the candlelight.
She was alone; her family had sent her to her mate with her drowry and a few of her servants when she barely reached adolescence; it seemed like they wanted to get rid of her. The ceremony was repeatedly delayed due to the king calling her future alpha. The pack considered her to be old at 24 years old. They outright rejected her, hoping to find another woman for their alpha, another young moon.
Aylin took a deep breath, the warmth of the fire in the hearth casting soft shadows throughout the room. The gown, made of the finest silk, was intended to symbolize her union with Silas, a bond predicted from the moment they were born. Their families, packs, and everyone watching from beyond the castle's great stone walls had all expected this union. Yet, as she stood there, Aylin felt the knot in her stomach tighten. Her nerves, which had previously tingled with excitement, now weighed heavily in her gut.
"Aylin?" A gentle voice called from the door.
Aylin turned to see Lilliana, her devoted maid and friend, standing in the doorway. The young omega's honey-blond hair fell in waves over her shoulders, and her forest green eyes shone with concern. Lilliana was a mystery to the pack—an orphan without roots or family. But to Aylin, she was the closest thing to a sister. They had shared everything: the quiet moments in the castle, their hopes, their fears. Aylin never had that connection with her good sister, a woman who vanished years ago.
"Are you ready?" Lilliana asked, stepping inside.
Aylin nodded, her fingers trembling slightly as she adjusted the hem of her gown. "Not yet." She paused, her gaze drawn to the small table by the window, which displayed a variety of herbs and teas. "Could you make me one of your tea blends, Lilliana? It will help calm my nerves."
Lilliana's lips curled into a small, knowing smile. "Of course. "I will make you something special."
As her friend busied herself with the delicate process of blending the tea, Aylin's thoughts drifted. Her reflection looked back at her, brown hair cascading in soft waves around her shoulders, amber eyes flickering with uncertainty. She had always stood out from the other women in the pack, possibly even from Silas himself. She had a fire within her, a strength that often set her apart. But would Silas see that? Or would he reject it, just as she feared?
"Do you think it will go as I imagined?" Aylin returned her gaze to Lilliana, her voice barely audible. "Do you think he will choose me?"
Lilliana, the ever-calm presence, took a moment to offer her a steaming cup of tea. "If I know Silas Aldric, he always gets what he wants." There was a flicker of something in Lilliana's green eyes, something unreadable. "And tonight, you are exactly what he was meant to want."
Aylin forced a smile and took the cup with trembling hands. The warmth of the tea calmed her, but her mind remained clouded with doubt. Silas had been distant for so long. The Alpha of Silverclaw was a powerful and commanding figure, with polished silver eyes and midnight-black hair. His presence drew attention, and when he spoke, even the most fierce wolves listened. But she had always been second to him, an afterthought in his grand scheme of things.
Lilliana rested a hand on her friend's shoulder, as if sensing her unease. "You will be fine, Aylin. Whatever happens tonight, remember that you are more than just his friend. You're a force on your own. And no one can take that from you."
Aylin met her friend's gaze, comforted by the quiet strength Lilliana always seemed to offer. Lilliana, with her quiet wisdom and unwavering loyalty, always knew how to calm her. They were both lost in their own ways: Aylin with the pack's looming expectations, and Lilliana with her mysterious past. However, they had found refuge in one another.
The sound of the horn signaled that the banquet was beginning. Aylin stood and straightened her gown, her pulse quickening. It was time.
Lilliana helped her to the door, her hands moving with practiced efficiency. "This is your moment, Aylin. Make it yours."
Aylin swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come.
As they walked down the long corridor, the sounds of laughter, music, and clinking glasses grew louder. The grand banquet hall awaited her; a sea of Silverclaw wolves and noble guests gathered to witness the union of the most powerful Alpha in the land with his chosen mate.
Aylin's gaze shifted to the head of the room, where Silas Aldric stood. His dark cloak flowed like liquid midnight, and his silver eyes scanned the room with royal authority. He was everything—a strong leader, a respected Alpha—but he was never hers. Not truly. He did not make any attempt to meet his mate, his luna. He waited as he always did for Aylin to bend for him.
And tonight, the cold truth would be exposed for all to see.
As Aylin got closer, she could feel the weight of every pair of eyes on her, the pack's scrutiny pressing down like a heavy cloak. The whispers became louder, and her stomach churned.
As she approached the center of the hall, Silas turned his head and met her gaze. For a brief moment, she thought she saw something flicker in his eyes—maybe a hint of warmth. But it vanished as quickly as it appeared, replaced by the coldness that had always existed between them.