Estelle’s POV

The lycans were a powerful subspecies of werewolves. They’re stronger, faster, more powerful, and more ancient than any regular pack. Their influence and wealth over the centuries surpass anything across the continent. They’re regarded as the purest breed of werewolves.

The Lycan King, Zayne Silvius, took over the throne just a few months ago. Word on the street was that he was more ruthless and fearless than any of his predecessors. Under his rule, the lycans have reached unprecedented prosperity. They’re already calling him the most powerful ruler in lycan history.

Asher, too, desperately wanted some sort of connection with the lycans. As the soon-to-be Alpha of the Moonveil Pack, this kind of alliance would help a small pack like the Moonveil Pack grow beyond imagination. Even established packs like Blackmoon and Scarletfang would kill for lycan favor.

But I wasn’t sure about marrying a lycan.

“If I’m selected as the king’s mate, wouldn’t that mean giving up the Blackmoon Pack anyway?”

“Not necessarily,” Killian said, reading my expression. “It would depend on the Lycan King himself, but he’d likely let you run Blackmoon as a separate sister pack. It would be an incredible honor.”

He paused, watching the landscape blur past our window. “Several werewolf packs descended from lycan nobility. Those packs have remained powerful for centuries.”

“What’s he like?” I asked. “As a person, I mean.”

Killian shifted uncomfortably. “I don’t know much about Zayne Silvius personally. He rarely appears at public events. He usually sends subordinates to represent him.”

I made a face. “Please tell me he’s not some ancient old man looking for a young wife.”

Killian laughed. “No, definitely not. I did see him once before, purely by chance. He’s certainly not old, and...” He paused, seeming to weigh his words. “Let’s just say attractiveness isn’t an issue.”

“But?”

“But he’s cutthroat and ruthless. His methods get results, so no one questions his leadership style. The council has been pressuring him to take a mate ever since he ascended to the throne. As king, they need an heir.”

Killian turned to face me fully. “The lycans have heavily implied you’ve been selected, but nothing’s set in stone yet.”

“I’ll do my best,” I said.

I had already survived one sham marriage. Maybe this time, I could find a proper mate on my own terms. However, there was just one problem. I touched my inactive mark, feeling the faint scar tissue.

“What’s wrong?” Killian asked, noticing my gesture.

“Nothing,” I lied. “Just tired.”

“Understandable. The meeting with the lycans is next week.” He smiled reassuringly. “I may have exaggerated the urgency to get you away from Helena and Benedict.”

Relief flooded through me. “Thank you.”

They drop me at the Moonveil Pack borders with my new vehicle. I slid into the driver’s seat and finally checked my phone.

One message from Asher: ‘Finn keeps bugging us about that new amusement park in neutral territory. Hazel and I took him there for the day. Won’t be back until late.’

How thoughtful of him to inform me about their family vacation. At least that gave me time to pack.

I drove to our house at the pack’s edge instead of going to the main territory. The place felt emptier than usual as I climbed the front steps.

My phone rang just then. It was a member from the Silverclaw Pack. They were calling about some documents regarding trade agreements between Moonveil and Silverclaw.

“Please check with the newly-appointed Beta,” I said. “It’s inappropriate for me to make such decisions any longer, now that a Beta has been chosen.”

Inside, I started gathering my belongings quickly. Clothes, personal items, important documents—everything was packed. I was barely halfway through when I heard Asher’s truck in the driveway.

He walked in alone. Finn and Hazel were nowhere in sight.

“What’s all this?” he asked, staring at the packed boxes scattered around the living room.

“Old things,” I lied casually. “Since Hazel will be moving into the pack house soon, I thought I’d see if there’s anything here to make her stay more comfortable.”

His face softened with what looked like genuine affection. “You’re amazing, Estelle. You’ve always been so thoughtful.”

He moved toward me, clearly intending to kiss me. I turned my head at the last second, and his lips brushed my cheek instead. He instantly frowned. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

“Are you upset about today?” he asked, studying my expression. “About me going out with Hazel and Finn?”

“No.” I continued folding clothes, not meeting his eyes.

“I should have called, but Finn made such a fuss about the park. I didn’t want to disturb you when I know how excited you are about the new villa.” He kept talking, words tumbling over each other. “It was last minute, and you know how Finn gets when he wants something...”

I made noncommittal sounds, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

His phone rang. The caller ID showed Hazel’s name, and I saw his expression immediately shift to concern.

“I have to take this,” he said, already answering. “Hazel? What’s wrong?”

Whatever she said made him go pale. He grabbed his jacket, heading for the door.

“I’ll make this up to you,” he called over his shoulder. “Maybe we can have a romantic evening tomorrow night, just the two of us.”

The door slammed behind him, and I was finally alone again.

Perfect. I returned to packing with renewed efficiency.

It didn’t take me long to pack everything into their respective boxes. Even though I had lived in the Moonveil Pack for the majority of my life, I didn’t actually have that many belongings. Everything I used were hand-me-downs, and the bulk of my purchases were for Finn.

There were some things I still needed to take. My research.

Finn was born with an illness that needed consistent medication. To treat him, I had spent hours researching the medical formula to make a personalized mix, but even then, it could only subdue the illness temporarily. He still needed consistent medication.

However, it was running out. I needed the research paper to make the next batch, and it was locked in Asher’s office.

Finn may not be my son, but he was still an innocent child. He didn’t deserve to die just because of his parents’ mistakes.

Asher confiscated it a while ago, his explanation being that I should focus my time on taking care of Finn, not science. He had locked it away, thinking I was researching for fun. I had tried explaining it to him but he wouldn’t listen.

I would need to find a chance to get into Asher’s office and retrieve the document.

***

The next morning, I drove to a different neutral territory to shop for appropriate clothing. If I were going to be visiting the lycan royal palace, I would need something far better than anything in my current wardrobe.

The boutique was expensive and exclusive—the kind of place I would never normally set foot in. But desperate times called for desperate measures.

“This would be perfect for a formal event,” the sales assistant said, holding up an elegant navy gown.

The dress was beautiful. Sophisticated but not flashy, with clean lines that would flatter my figure. The fabric felt like liquid silk between my fingers. When I tried it on, it indeed fit like a glove.

“You look stunning!” the sales assistant said. “I must admit that this design has been a bit difficult to sell. Not everyone can wear it right.”

“I’ll take it,” I decided.

At the register, I reached for my credit card, but the assistant shook her head.

“The gown has already been paid for.”

“Excuse me?”

“A gentleman covered the entire purchase earlier today.” She beamed at me like this was perfectly normal. “Such a handsome man, too. Tall, silver hair, and the most striking blue eyes I’ve ever seen.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Did he leave a name?”

“Zayne,” she said dreamily. “What a lovely name.”

The Lycan King’s first name. My hands shook slightly as I took the garment bag.

“Thank you,” I managed.

Our meeting wasn’t until next week. Killian even mentioned that Zayne Silvius was a cold and reclusive man. How strange it was for him to buy me a dress the very next day after announcing I had gained an audience with him.

Outside the boutique, a sleek black limousine waited at the curb. The windows were tinted so dark I couldn’t see inside.

A man in an expensive suit climbed out of the driver’s seat. He’s tall and broad-shouldered. Even just by standing there, it was already obvious that he was no ordinary werewolf.

My suspicions were immediately confirmed.

“Miss Harper,” he said, inclining his head respectfully. “The Lycan King wishes to see you.”