FATE

ARIANA'S POV:

Ariana stood at a spot as she was lost in thought beside the broken window of the  house in Ashtorn Pack and her fingers trembling around the tray that she is carrying. Laughter filled everywhere from downstairs while the servants prepared for tonight's gathering . 

Rain poured down heavily over Ashthorn Pack like the sky itself mourned Ariana Vale's fate.

Ariana!

Her stepmother's sharp voice came through the hallway jotting Ariana back to reality And she hurried downstairs immediately almost falling down Yes, Luna.

You're late again The older woman slapped the tray away from her hands in anger making Glass to shatter across the floor. You are a Useless girl! Ariana lowered her eyes She was used to yelling and humiliation because In Ashtorn Pack, a wolfless girl was treated worse than dirt itself Especially her.

You will serve the guests tonight her stepmother continued coldly and try not to embarrass this family for once

Before Ariana could answer, the large doors of the hall suddenly opened.

Every warrior in the room instantly stepped back Fear filled the air.

The Shadowcrest royal guards had arrived.

Black armor, Silver wolf symbols ,Cold expressions and behind them stood the man people feared most, KING KAEL DRAVEN , THE RUTHLESS LYCAN KING.

Ariana's breath was caught in her throat the moment their eyes met , it was Silver

His eyes glowed like moonlight mixed with death itself Tall and terrifying, Kael walked into the hall with the calm confidence of a predator entering weak territory , Power surrounded him so heavily that the entire room felt smaller even the Alphas themset lowered their heads But ,Kael only stared at Ariana As if everyone else in the room has disappeared.

Her heartbeat became uneven. Dangerous! That was the first thought in her mind, Beautiful! was the second thought.

The Draven's dark hair falling slightly over his forehead, his black royal coat hanging perfectly over his broad shoulders and A scar disappeared beneath the collar near his neck, making him look even more deadly.

Then his gaze slowly dropped to her lips and a strange tension tightened the room.

Is she a wolfless servant? one of the guards asked as he mocked her quietly . Ariana quickly looked away .

You! Come here Kael said . His  deep voice froze her completely and She obeyed and walked to him slowly with her head down .

The moment she lifted her head, their eyes locked again, something inside Kael's expression darkened , it was Not anger, Not hatred. It was

Possession.The air around him became colder "Mine".

The word slammed violently into Ariana's chest though nobody had spoken.

Her breathing stopped

Impossible , Mates were blessed by the Moon Goddess then Why would the ruthless Lycan King ever be connected to someone like her?

Kael stepped closer ,One step, Then another Until he stood directly before her.

Everyone watched silently , Terrified.

Kael reached out suddenly, gripping Ariana's chin gently but firmly. His thumb brushed softly against her skin, yet the action felt more dangerous than violence.

You fear me,? he murmured.

Ariana swallowed hard. "Everyone fears you, so I should fear you Your Majesty.

For the first time, amusement flickered inside his silver eyes.

But it disappeared quickly.

Does she She belongs to anyone ?" Kael asked coldly without looking away from her.

Her father immediately stepped forward nervously. "M-My my King... Ariana is of no use or value to Ashthorn Pack Those words immediately stabbed deeper than expected.

Kael remained silent for a long moment Then ,he spoke the words that changed Ariana's life forever.

"I'll take her."

The room froze, Her father looked shocked.Your Majesty,

Kael finally released her chin slowly.

"She is mine now."

Ariana felt like her whole world was collapsing right before her inside the room.

Mine! The word echoed inside her head again and again Her father quickly forced a smile despite the fear on his face. Of course, you can Your Majesty It would be a great honor for Ashthorn Pack.

Honor? Ariana almost laughed bitterly because They were just selling her like property.

Noo! The word escaped before she could stop herself, silence immediately crashed across the hall and Her stepmother looked deeply horrified. AAriana, please lower your voice but Ariana's eyes remained on Kael fear twisting inside her chest yet , something else burned beneath it too. (It was Anger)

"I don't belong to anyone," she whispered.Several guards reached for their weapons instantly, ready to strike because Nobody has spoken to the Lycan King that way and survived.Yet Kael only stared at her with dangerous calm.

Then slowly... he smiled coldy .The smile of a man interested in something he wanted to break. You do have courage, he said quietly. That makes you even more interesting

Ariana's heartbeat quickened as he stepped closer again. The scent of smoke, rain, and dark cedar surrounded him completely ,he was Too close.

Every instinct inside her screamed to run but her legs failed her . Kael leaned down slightly until his lips nearly touched her ears then he said something that sent chills down her spines "If you try escaping me", he murmured darkly, "I will burn every place that hides you."

She froze,The promise sounded real and Terrifyingly , Kael straightened and faced the room once more.

She will leave tonight

Her father nodded immediately like a coward that is desperate to survive. Yes, Your Majesty

Ariana looked at him in disbelief . "Do you know how fortunate you are? That The Lycan King himself chose you."

No he didn't He sacrificed her Just like always.

Pain gathered in her throat but she refused to cry in front of them while Kael watched her silently, his sharp silver eyes noticing everything.

The hurt,The betrayal,The anger.

Something dangerous flickered inside him.

Outside, thunder roared violently across the sky as servants rushed to prepare the royal carriage for going

Within some minutes, Ariana was dragged toward the entrance of the parlour while rain soaked her dress completely.

She tried pulling free. .Let go of me! But the guards ignored her.

Kael stood near a massive black carriage surrounded by his guards The horses snorted nervously as if even animals feared their king.

Ariana stopped before him, breathing hard please You can't force me to go with you.

Kael's gaze slowly traveled over her face.

Then lower His expression darkened possessively.

I can,

Before she could react, Kael suddenly grabbed her waist and pulled her against his chest.

Ariana gasped softly His body felt dangerously warm despite the cold rain.

Release me please

Instead, his fingers tightened slightly.You smell like fear, he murmured near her neck. "And something sweeter."

Her pulse jumped wildly Kael inhaled slowly against her skin and his eyes flashed silver again.

The beast inside him was reacting.it was Hungry, Obsessed.

You're Mine!

Ariana pushed against his chest immediately. "Stop it!"For one second, Kael's control almost snapped The guards lowered their heads nervously.The even noticed that King Kael was losing composure over a girl he had just claimed.Kael suddenly lifted Ariana effortlessly into his arms because she was too tiny.

What are you doing? Asked Ariana 

"You talk too much," he

said calmly.

Then he carried her into the carriage like she belonged in ln their world.