Chapter 2
"Go ahead, I'm all ears" With a moment's hesitation, I began, "It's about the matter of choosing your" But before I could complete my words, a maid's voice broke through the tense atmosphere, her tone crisp and formal.
"Your Highness, your presence is required at the party," my heart sank at what the maid said. "Let's go, we can continue our conversation later," Jayden suggested.
He turned to lead the way back into the bustling hall, and I followed, my eyes scanning the crowd as whispers rippled through the air, commenting on how perfectly we seemed together. Some envied Jayden's handsomeness, wishing to be the one he would choose.
Jayden settled into a chair beside the throne, his presence commanding attention without effort. Meanwhile, I made my way toward my friend Amelia.
"Were you able to speak with him?" Amelia asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. I shook my head, feeling a pang of disappointment. "No, I was not able to"
Soon, the royal Alpha king and Luna queen made their grand entrance into the hall, exuding an air of regal majesty. The hall fell silent, with all eyes fixed on them. The elder council members strode in with them, their faces stern and serious.
The king and queen took their seats on the throne, while the elders positioned themselves beside Prince Jayden. The prince exchanged greetings with the elders, his calm demeanor unwavering.
One elder rose, commanding the hall's attention. "As you all know, we gather here today for a momentous occasion. In just one month time, which is the next full moon, the prince will celebrate his 21st birthday the day of his coronation. He must select a mate who will be crowned queen alongside him on this significant day," he spoke, his voice steady.
"It is a cherished tradition that the prince must select his mate today, and the mating ritual will commence on the day of his coronation. And if the chosen one meets her mate before the mating ritual, she must reject him" the elder continued, sitting back down with an air of resolute finality.
With that declaration, Jayden stood, drawing every gaze in the room. "I have already made my decision," he declared, his words steady and clear, sending ripples of anticipation through the crowd.
My heart raced with anxiety, the reality of the moment washed over me like a tidal wave, filling me with fear and dread. As soon as the words left Jayden's mouth, I felt a wave of dizziness wash over me, and a knot formed in my stomach. Selena growled anxiously in my mind " I hope he won't choose us"
"My chosen mate is none other than Davina Bryson, the daughter of Alpha Bryson of the crescent moon pack, will you accept to be my mate?" Prince Jayden asked, walking toward me, his eyes glowing with the presence of his wolf. He stood in front of me, awaiting my response.
My gaze swept the room, meeting a sea of varied reactions of shock, discontent, and indifference. My parents' faces stood out, their glares piercing, their eyes demanding her immediate acceptance.
In contrast, the Alpha king, Luna queen, and elders exuded satisfaction, their pleasure palpable. Struggling to hold back tears, I felt trapped, torn between the fate I have been prepared for and my own desires.
"Yes, I accept to be your mate, Prince Jayden," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. The words felt like a weight on my tongue. As I spoke, Jayden's eyes locked onto mine, a spark of something unreadable flashing in their depths. The room seemed to hold its breath, the air thick with anticipation.
With my acceptance, the room erupted into a flurry of whispers and murmurs, the sound like a distant storm brewing on the horizon. My heart sank, my fate now inextricably linked with Jayden's, setting me on a path I could neither foresee nor escape. I stood there, frozen in a mixture of uncertainty and resignation. Jayden's hand reached out, his fingers brushing against mine, sending a shiver down my spine.
As Prince Jayden's fingers brushed against mine, I felt a jolt of shock and stepped back, my eyes darting around the crowd that had gathered. The hall, once filled with the soft hum of conversation, had fallen silent, with all eyes fixed on us.
The weight of inevitability pressed down on me like a heavy shroud, suffocating me. This moment, which I had long feared, was finally upon me, and my heart ached with a mixture of anguish and resignation. I couldn't help but wonder why I was destined for this path.
The faces of my parents, the Alpha king, and the Luna queen blurred together as I gazed out at the sea of expectant faces. I felt trapped, like a pawn in a game I didn't want to play. With a surge of desperation, I lifted my dress and pushed through the crowd, ignoring the congratulations and well-wishes that came my way.
As I pushed past the people, I heard Prince Jayden's voice calling out to me, "Davina, wait!" But I didn't look back, didn't dare to. I kept my eyes fixed on the door, my heart pounding in my chest. I burst through the doors, the cool night air hitting me like a slap in the face.
Outside the hall, the darkness seemed to swallow everything, leaving only the soft glow of torches flickering in the distance. I made my way towards the forest absent mindedly. I wish to find peace in nature. I am craving it.
As I entered the forest, the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves filled my nostrils. I immediately shifted into my wolf form, feeling the familiar rush of power and freedom.The forest came alive around me, the chirping of birds, and the rustling of leaves. I started running through the forest, taking in the natural and refreshing forest scents, the sounds of birds and animals, and the crunch of leaves beneath my paws.
The wind rushed past me, whipping my fur back and forth as I ran faster, until I reached my and Amelia's favorite place in the forest, the stream. I collapsed to the ground immediately.