Chapter 1 The Annual Ball
I stood at the edge of the grand hall, half-hidden behind a marble pillar, my fingers brushing the cold stone. I stayed unseen and unnoticed as guests were welcomed into the castle for the Annual Ball.
“Evangelina Aurora Celeste!”
I flinched at the sound of my full name.My mother’s voice—sharp and commanding—cut straight through my thoughts. I sighed deeply, my hands freezing just as I was about to unzip my dress, ready to shift.
Everyone usuallycalledme Eva. When my mother used my full name, I knew I was doomed—and there was noescapingher.
I turned toward her with a frustrated groan.
“Please, Mother,” I begged, desperation creeping into my voice. “Just let me go.”
“You are not skipping theAnnualBall,” she replied, her tone as unyielding as the stone walls of our castle. “You’re not even dressed,” she groaned, placing her hands on her hips. “I can’t believe you, Eva!”
She shook herhead,her expression caught between frustration and worry. “Please, we cannot keep doing this. You know how important this is for your father.” Her tone softened, the tenderness in her eyes glowing through the irritation.
Lords and Ladies, Alphas and their mates, had traveled from across the kingdom to reaffirm their alliances and pledge loyalty to the Lycan King—my father.
The Annual Ball was his pride, it marked the opening of the huntingseasonandit was more than a celebration; it was a statement of peace and unity across his lands.
“I know, Mother,” I muttered, looking away. “But you know how much I hate these occasions.”
“You cannot keep running off,” she insisted, her tone sharpening again. “It’snot proper to shift this often. Shifting is for the hunting grounds, for warriors in war—not for a princess.”
“I know,” Imurmured, though my heartsaidotherwise. Running as a wolf was the only time I ever felt truly alive.
“You’ll lose your training privileges if you keep avoiding your duties,” she warned.Her words cut like a blade,though her gaze stayed soft.
I sighed. I knew my duties. I knew how to entertain Lords and Ladies, how to perform every courtly dance expected of me.
But the true purpose of this ball weighed heavily on my chest.
My father was hosting it for me—to see his little princess happily matched. He wanted meto find true love, to see me happy, just like my brother Cedric with his mate, Violet.
But hedidn’tknow the truth. Something I could never tell him.
I would never find my mate. Not tonight. Not ever.
“Eva,” my mother called again, slicing through my spiraling thoughts. “You need to bedownstairsbefore the announcement of the first dance.”
I shook my head in frustration. “Mother, I need time to dress!” I protested.
“Just hurry,” she said firmly, turning away.
I rushed back to my room and slipped into the silk blue gown waiting for me. The sapphire fabric shimmered in the soft candlelight, hugging my frame perfectly. The bodice sparkled with tiny gemstones, intricate and delicate. My long black hair cascaded down my back like a river of silk, framing my pale skin and blue eyes, shadowed by long lashes.
Ilookedthe part—thepictureperfectprincess.Delicate. Elegant. Everything they expected me to be.
ButI hated it.
I wanted to slip away—to feel the weight of a blade in my hand and the freedom of combat in my bones. I shouldbeon the training grounds with my sword and Liam, not trapped in a suffocating gown of blue silk.
I hated the way it glittered beneath the chandeliers, catching every eye like I was some fragile jewel on display.Ididn’twant to be the pretty princess,I hated the attention,but it wasarole carved out for me long before I wasevenborn.
And so, unwillingly but with perfect poise, I began my descent.
When I reached the top of the staircase, the herald’s voice boomed, announcing my arrival.Every head turned toward me, their eyes tracing my steps as I glided downward.Thehallseemed to hum with anticipation. I walked to my place beside the throne, looking at my father and brother as they stood tall and regal. My father’s face beamed with prideatme.
The ballroom was decorated beautifully, enhancing its dazzling grandeur. Every detail—from the music of the string quartet to the cascading arrangements of moonflowers and roses—spoke of elegance and careful planning.
The Lycan King stood before a kingdom at peace, surrounded by loyal lords and ladies, a ruler at the height of his contentment.
As I took my place beside him, I glanced at my mother. Her gown, a deepemerald greentrimmed with golden embroidery, glowed softly in the light. She met my gaze and offered me a small smile, her eyes shining with pride. I returned it with a respectful nod.
I let my gaze sweep over the crowd. Alpha lords infinely tailoredcloaks and tunics of deep emeralds, burgundies, and midnight blues stood beside their mates, who were adorned in flowing gowns encrusted with jewels that shimmered like stars. Their voices murmured softly,refinedand measured, as they exchanged pleasantries inlow tones.
My father raised his hand, commanding the attention of the room. His deep, steady voice rang out—warm, authoritative, and unchallenged.
“Welcome, honored lords and ladies. Tonight, we gather not only to celebratethe opening of the huntingseasonbut to strengthen the bonds that tie our great territories together. In times of peace, let us remember the sacrifices that brought us here, and may wehonor the loyalty and trust that continues to protect our lands. To my family, myalliesand friends, I offer my gratitude. Tonight, let us celebrate as one pack, one kingdom… To peace!”
The crowd erupted into polite applause, the sound filling the vaulted ceilings above. My father stepped back, his smile unwavering, and the lords and ladies approached one by one. They bowed gracefully as they greetedus.
I fulfilled my duty as expected, standing tall, offering warm smiles, myhands clasped lightly in front of me. I asked about their travels, their lands, theirpacks—myvoicesteady and gracious, my words exactly what they needed to hear.
I was a picture of composure, but inside, I felt likean actresstrapped in someone else’s play.
When the music began, the atmosphere softened andthe formalities gave way to the evening’s dances. Couples took to the polished floor, the lively tunes of the musicians echoing through the hall.
Itwasn’tlong before I was approached by several unmatedAlphas,their intentions painfully clear.
One after another, I accepted their invitations with the practiced grace drilled into me over the years. My steps were flawless, my smile unbroken. But with each twirl and bow, the weight of my parents’ expectations pressed harder against my ribs.
I glanced at my father between dances and saw it—the faint dimming of hope in his eyes.
They were beginning to wonder why the mate bond continued to elude me.
I knew the answer.
A truth they could never find out...
