Mia, a young woman rejected by her family and pack because of the apparent absence of her inner wolf, is forced to marry Kael, the Alpha of a neighboring pack. This arranged marriage, motivated by political interests, begins like a nightmare: Kael despises her as much as she despises him, convinced that she is worthless to his pack. But Aurora is hiding a secret: her wolf is not absent, but exceptionally powerful, hidden for her own protection. As conflicts arise between their packs and external enemies threaten their survival, Kael gradually discovers that Aurora is much more than she seems. The tension between them evolves from hatred to an irresistible attraction. As the bond between them as companions is revealed, they must confront external forces and their own demons to find their place together. But can Kael overcome his pride and accept Aurora for who she is? And will Aurora embrace her own power to save their union and their packs?
Chapter 1 Chapitre 1
The sun slowly set on the horizon, casting golden hues on the small village of the Dark Moon Pack. Mia stood at the large wooden table in the main room of her family's home. The air was heavy, not only because of the stifling heat, but above all because of the announcement that had just fallen like a blade.
Her father, Alpha of the clan, stared at her with his cold and implacable gaze, the one he reserved for the weak. "You will be married to Kael Drayven before the next moon," he declared with a voice devoid of any emotion.
Mia felt her stomach twist, and a dull anger rose within her. She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms until they almost pierced the skin. "You can't do that," she replied, her voice trembling, a mixture of shock and rebellion. "I am not a bargaining chip for your political alliances. »
The Alpha didn't flinch. There was no room for debate in his mind. "You're in no position to refuse, Mia. You are worthless to this pack. Without a wolf. Without strength. This union is the only utility you can offer. »
Those words hit Mia like a slap in the face. Every syllable carried a contempt she knew all too well, but hearing it like that, so bluntly, from her own father's mouth, left a burning pain in her chest. "I'm your daughter," she whispered, tears threatening to fall despite her efforts to hold them back.
"No," he replied dryly. "You're just dead weight to this pack. This marriage will strengthen our position. That's all that matters. »
Mia felt the room spinning around her. She had always been seen as different, as an anomaly. Unlike everyone else in the pack, his wolf had never shown up. She had hoped, even prayed, that this day would come, but it never happened. It had made her an outcast, a disgrace in the eyes of her family and her pack.
But this... This was beyond everything.
" Kael Drayven is known to be ruthless," she said as a last resort, desperate to change her father's mind. "You're ready to throw me into the clutches of an Alpha who has no mercy?! »
"You will survive, or you will not. It doesn't matter. What matters is that the alliance is sealed," he replied without a hint of remorse. Then he looked away, as if she were already no longer there. "Get ready. The journey begins tomorrow at dawn. »
***
Mia spent the night in a mixture of anger and despair. The shadows in her room seemed to close in on her, amplifying the weight of her situation. She played her father's words over and over in her head, each one adding another layer to her pain.
"Worthless. »
She sat up abruptly, her breathing ragged. No. She refused to accept this role of passive victim. If he wanted to marry her to Kael , she would face her destiny, but she would not let herself be crushed.
Morning came too quickly, accompanied by the sound of horses and the sharp clicking of the wheels of the cart that awaited him. Mia stood in front of her house, a bag in her hand. She took one last look at the house where she had grown up. It was no longer a home for her, only a place filled with bitter memories.
His mother stood aside, unable to meet his gaze. His brothers, for their part, murmured among themselves, without hiding their contempt. No one came near to say goodbye.
Her father, already installed on his horse, stared at her from afar. "Get in," he ordered, gesturing to the cart where two pack warriors were waiting to accompany him.
Mia didn't answer. She climbed into the cart, chin held high, refusing to show the slightest weakness.
The journey was long and silent. The landscapes passed by under a gray sky, and the air seemed charged with tension. The warriors who accompanied her did not speak a word to her, content to watch over her as if she were simple cargo.
She stared at the horizon, thoughts swirling in her mind. Kael Drayven . Even his name sounded threatening. She had heard stories about him – a feared Alpha, known for his raw strength and relentless nature. A man who did not hesitate to eliminate those who stood in his way.
And now she was supposed to become his wife.
***
The cart suddenly stopped at the entrance to a large territory surrounded by vast forests. The warriors descended, and one of them extended his hand to help Mia. She ignored him, jumping out of the cart alone, her legs still numb from the long journey.
"Welcome to the territory of the Shadowblood Pack," one of the warriors announced.
Before her stood an imposing village, surrounded by wooden palisades. Wolves patrolled, their wary gazes immediately landing on her. She felt their silent judgments, their barely veiled murmurs.
"Is that her? » "Why would the Alpha accept a mate without a wolf? »
Mia clenched her fists, but she didn't look away. If she were to survive here, she would not show weakness.
A tall figure emerged from the crowd. Kael Drayven .
He was even more intimidating than she had imagined. Tall, massive, with steel-gray eyes that seemed to pierce into the soul. His aura was overwhelming, every step he took commanded silent respect.
"So this is the one they sent me," he said in a deep voice, tinged with disdain.
Mia raised her chin, refusing to give in to fear. "I am not an object to be 'sent'. »
A joyless smile stretched Kael 's lips. "That remains to be seen. »
He nodded to the warriors. "Leave us. »
The men obeyed, leaving Mia alone to face the Alpha.
Kael observed her in silence for a moment, his eyes scanning every detail of her. "You don't have a wolf," he finally said, as if it were obvious.
Mia felt anger rising within her. "My lack of a wolf makes me no less worthy than you. »
Kael raised an eyebrow, amused by his audacity. " Worthy ? You have no idea what that means, kid. »
"And you have no idea who I really am," she replied, her voice trembling slightly despite herself.
Kael stared at her for a long time, as if trying to read through her. Finally, he turned away. "We'll see how long you last here. Get ready. Your new life begins now. »
Mia watched him walk away, her heart pounding. One thing was clear: This would be no ordinary wedding. It was a fight for survival, and she was determined not to lose.
As night fell over the Shadowblood Pack village, Mia stood in the small room assigned to her. The walls were bare, cold, and the atmosphere oppressive.
She placed her bag on the bed and took a deep breath. She was alone, without allies, in hostile territory. But deep inside her, a glimmer of defiance shone.
Perhaps his father was right about one thing: his worth here would be tested. But she was ready to prove that she was worth more than everyone believed.
Even if it meant facing Kael Drayven , the merciless Alpha, and his entire pack.
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