My 19th birthday was supposed to be perfect. Instead, it became the day my world fell apart. Picture this: Me, walking in on my boyfriend Darian tangled up with Scarlet, my so-called best friend. Talk about a birthday surprise, right? Heartbroken and furious, I ran into the woods, desperate to escape. That's when things got really strange. It was time for my werewolf transformation, but something went terribly wrong. Pain ripped through me as I got stuck halfway between human and wolf. There I was, alone and scared, thinking this was how I'd die. But then he showed up. A massive gray wolf with eyes that seemed to look right into my soul. I couldn't believe it. Niko Kaine Silverbane, the Alpha King in the flesh. Kaine helped me complete my shift, but that was just the beginning. Something sparked between us, a connection I couldn't explain. It was electric, intense, and a little bit terrifying. Next thing I know, I'm trying to save my ex friend, enrolled at Banes Academy, surrounded by other young werewolves. That's where I learned the truth: Kaine and I are destined mates. Me, the orphan girl, fated to be with the most powerful Alpha in the country. It sounds like a fairy tale, right? Wrong. Turns out, being the Alpha King's mate comes with a target on your back. Enemies are everywhere, including faces I once trusted. And Kaine? He's got secrets darker than a moonless night. Now I'm racing against time to master my newfound powers and stand beside Kaine against the forces trying to tear us apart. But as the danger grows, so do my feelings for him. Will I find the strength to become the Alpha Luna I'm meant to be? Or will the darkness consume us both?

I stared at the ceiling, my body feeling like lead as I lay in bed well past noon. The events of yesterday replayed in my mind on a loop. It felt like torture.


A soft knock at the door broke through my brooding. "Aria? Are you awake?" Jennie's voice called.


"Come in," I croaked, my throat dry from disuse.


Jennie poked her head in, her brow furrowed with concern. "Are you feeling alright? You never sleep this late."


I forced a weak smile. "Just tired from all that shopping in Avenport yesterday."


"Oh, right. I forgot you went into town." Jennie perched on the edge of my bed. "So, are you excited about the ball? Being on the shortlist of 150 women is a big deal!"


The thought of the ball—of potentially seeing Kaine there—made my stomach churn. "I don't really have a chance," I mumbled.


Jennie frowned. "Don't say that! You're amazing, Aria. And the King sees you almost every day, which isn't the case for the other candidates."


Chapter 58 - The sleep