He was the feral Alpha King buried beneath the mountain. She was the cursed girl they offered to him as sacrifice to end the famine plaguing their lands.

Ruvan, the first Alpha. Imprisoned, driven to utter madness, and starved of power.

Solenne, the packless she-wolf rumored to be cursed and bring misfortune to all who cross paths with her.

With the power of cursed speech, she is able to kill and bend the world to her will with only one word. To avoid hurting others, she hasn't spoken a single syllable since she was a child. Feared and rejected by her own people, she is given to the mountain in a forbidden ritual-sacrifice... and her scent stirs the beast that slumbers beneath it.

His mate.

Ruvan will stop at nothing to claim what's his, even if that means storming the heavens and finding the cure to her curse just to hear her speak his name.

----
She saw stars behind her eyes and felt constellations carved into her skin with every lingering touch and each press of his mouth. He painted the night sky onto her body, not with a brush, but with his lips, hands, and his insatiable hunger—until her lungs were empty and her heart soared so high it must’ve kissed the moon.

“Solenne,” Ruvan murmured, voice low and reverent, like a prayer.

She shivered; the sound of her name on his lips felt like heaven.

Ruvan pressed his palm to her stomach, anchoring her as he leaned in, mouth brushing the hollow of her throat. His hand rose, slow and shaking, tracing the shape of her jaw like it was a sight made only for him. His thumb brushed the corner of her mouth and his eyes burned as he studied her.

“You feel like the stars,” he whispered, “Mesmerizing and bright... something that I want to capture and keep to myself."

And then he kissed her; it was a deep, aching vow he couldn’t speak aloud. A promise made only in breath, heat, and need.

When they parted, he gently pressed his forehead against hers. His voice dipped lower… uncertain, maybe even afraid:

“Say my name?”

--
R18, werewolves, fated love, weak to strong... I hope you enjoy my second entry for 2025 WSA. :) give it a shot~

Thalos watched, dumbfounded, as Ruvan walked out of his audience with the informant. He wasn't sure whether he wanted to laugh or cry; the statement was so crass it was utterly embarrassing. Hardly anyone talked like that in public, let alone an Alpha!


Ruvan is no ordinary Alpha King, Vaelen said, clearly amused by Ruvan's display. Good for him. If we're lucky, she'll get pregnant, and there will finally be an heir whom gods and demons don't possess.


Thalos bit back a laugh, 'Maybe you're onto something. In that case, we can only hope and pray for a successful mating.'


"His Majesty…" the informant looked at Thalos with a concerned frown. "Should I… should I wait to give the rest of my report?"


"Don't worry," Thalos assured the wolf, "I'll listen to the rest. Go on."


Ever responsible, he listened to the report and took note of anything that might be important to share with Ruvan later.


Chapter 54 - Shameful