Chapter 2: The Lycan King's Order

The strange silver light haunted Kira's thoughts long after dawn. She convinced herself it had been a trick of the moon, yet the uneasy feeling refused to disappear. Every instinct told her something had changed, though she couldn't explain what.

The pack house buzzed with activity as warriors hurried through the halls. Messengers rode in and out of the gates while elders whispered among themselves. It wasn't the usual morning routine.

Kira carried breakfast into the council chamber, lowering her gaze as she entered. Alpha Marcus sat at the head of the table with the elders, their faces unusually tense.

Leave the food and wait outside, Marcus ordered without looking at her.

She nodded silently and stepped into the hallway. The heavy wooden doors didn't close completely, allowing fragments of the discussion to drift through the narrow gap.

The Lycan Kingdom has sent an official envoy, one elder whispered.

Marcus remained silent for several seconds before replying. They haven't contacted our pack in over twenty years. Why now?

The messenger refused to explain. He carries the King's seal.

Kira frowned. Every werewolf had heard stories about the Lycans. They were stronger, older, and ruled every werewolf kingdom from the shadows. Their king, Derek Wolfe, was feared across the continent. Children were warned to behave or the Lycan King would come for them.

An hour later, the sound of horses echoed through the courtyard. Curious pack members rushed outside. Kira stayed near the entrance, watching from a distance.

Five black horses stopped before the pack house. The warriors riding them wore black armor marked with a silver wolf crest. Their discipline alone separated them from ordinary werewolves.

One man stepped forward and unrolled a royal scroll.

By order of His Majesty, King Derek Wolfe, ruler of the Lycan Kingdom, Alpha Marcus Hale will receive this decree immediately.

Marcus accepted the scroll with both hands. His confident expression slowly disappeared as he read the contents.

Impossible, he muttered.

The envoy spoke calmly. His Majesty expects your answer before sunset.

Marcus dismissed everyone and disappeared into the council chamber carrying the decree.

Hours passed.

By evening, Kira was summoned unexpectedly.

She entered the chamber to find Marcus standing alone beside the fireplace.

You called for me, Father?

He didn't answer immediately. His eyes studied her with an expression she couldn't understand. For the first time in years, he wasn't looking at her with disappointment. He was calculating.

Do you know who Derek Wolfe is?

The Lycan King.

Correct.

Silence filled the room.

Marcus folded the royal decree carefully before speaking again.

The King requires a wife.

Kira blinked in confusion.

I don't understand.

Neither do I, Marcus admitted coldly. Yet his order is absolute.

He turned to face her completely.

And according to this decree...

His voice hardened.

You have been chosen.

The words stole every breath from Kira's lungs.

Me?

Marcus nodded once.

Within seven days, you will leave Moonfang Pack and travel to the Lycan Palace.

You will marry King Derek Wolfe.

Whether you survive that marriage... is no longer my concern.

Outside the chamber, thunder rolled across the dark sky as rain began pouring over the valley.

Far beyond the mountains, inside the black palace of the Lycans, Derek Wolfe stood before a massive window overlooking his kingdom.

Without turning around, he spoke to his advisor.

Has the girl accepted?

The advisor bowed.

She hasn't been given a choice, Your Majesty.