Chapter 1: Prologue.
{Disclaimer:
This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, relationships, and circumstances are fictional. The author does not condone or endorse the unhealthy relationship dynamics, lifestyles, violence, or mistreatment of women portrayed in this story.
Some scenes and themes may be disturbing or uncomfortable. They are included for fictional storytelling purposes and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of such behavior in real life. }
It was already quiet—after all, it was an examination hall—but this silence was different.
Cold.
Heavy.
Filled with fear.
She ignored it all and focused on the exam in front of her. Her hand moved automatically across the paper as she began writing her essay on communication and its uses.
She had to pass this examination with excellent grades. She knew that better than anyone.
For humans, the rules were brutally strict. They had to score at least 85% in every subject to qualify for an educational degree.
The mythical creatures, however, needed only 45% to receive the same degree.
Unfair.
Everyone knew it.
But nobody could do anything about it.
The Alpha who ruled the region was also the King of the Mythical Races—and his authority was absolute.
Any human who dared to raise their voice against the supernatural was risking far more than punishment.
They were risking their life.
Everyone knew the consequence of challenging the creatures who ruled their world.
She was busy writing everything she knew as quickly as she could when suddenly, a low growl rumbled through the room.
She froze.
It was deep, almost approving—but there was something about it that sent a chill down her spine.
She knew what each type of growl meant. After almost ten years of living around mythical creatures, especially werewolves, she had learned enough about their habits and behavior. Her school even offered a subject on werewolves, which taught her everything she needed to know. Another growl echoed through the room.
She ignored it again. This one sounded almost as if it were demanding attention.
For her, the exam was far more important than some ridiculous mate ritual.
She knew very well that a werewolf's greatest weakness was their soulmate. Once they found their mate, they were said to feel complete. She had witnessed mythical creatures finding their mates before, and honestly, it was insane.
Werewolves became completely drawn to their mates at first sight. They would grab them, kiss the hell out of them, and then mark them with a bite on the left side of their neck.
Eww! Gross!
She had always prayed to God never to become someone's soulmate. She hated the whole concept so much that she wished every night before going to sleep that it would never happen to her.
Her best friend—and only true friend—Elara Monroe had already become the soulmate of a supernatural being.
Nadia didn't want the same fate.
Then she heard the sharp clicking of shoes against the floor.
Someone was approaching.Still, she didn't look up. Students weren't allowed to look anywhere except their papers, or their exams would be cancelled.
She knew who it was. Elara's seat was directly behind hers.
Then came a quiet, “Psst.”
Maybe she wanted an answer to a question, she thought.
Nadia tilted her head slightly, glancing back from the corner of her eye.
Instead, her gaze landed on a man.
She froze.
A broad, powerful figure stood before her, his fitted shirt revealing the unmistakable outline of a six-pack beneath it.
She was about to look away when curiosity got the better of her.Before she could look any higher, Elara suddenly screamed—
“Nadia, NO!”
Her scream echoed throughout the already silent room.
For the other werewolves, her voice was almost unbearable. A few even growled in annoyance.
But for Nadia, it was a lifesaving scream.
She knew exactly what her friend was trying to tell her without saying a word.
Her soulmate was standing right in front of her.
