Alpha Kyor's Curse; Bound by fate.

Chapter 5: Fated mates?

Asteria's POV

“Father, we're leaving!”

Anastasia’s excited voice pierced through the air as I tightened my grip on the carriage.

Her rose–red dress swept the ground, brushing some dust on my brown dress. She was adorned with jewels from the top of her head till her ankles.

Her lips were painted in red, complimenting the soft blush on her cheeks.

Anastasia ensured her corset was tightened just to ensure that her hourglass frame and bosoms was the first thing to notice.

“With your hair down like that, you look like you're a slut going to seduce men.” Her voice settled in my ears, but I ignored her.

Rather than picking unnecessary jewels and styling my hair in a sophisticated way, I wore my usual casual dress for the ball. The Alpha would never choose me as his bride anyway. Why the hassle?

“You're going to act mute now?”

I pressed my lips together, staring out the window as the breeze blew against my face, caressing my skin.

My pack, the Mundane pack, was within the Wolverine kingdom, so it only took an hour to reach the king's palace.

Anastasia waited patiently for the rider to help her with the door and as soon as he did, she closed the door immediately, paying less attention to me.

I tucked my hair behind my ears and raised my gown to alight on my own.

Wolverine kingdom bustled with life as usual, people trooping in and out of the large building. The pillars were tall, white, something out of the world.

While I stared in awe, a few ladies pushed me aside, glaring hard at me, “If you're one of the maids here, get off the way.”

I ignored their statement and walked right after my sister, following her closely. Anastasia walked right to the center, obviously about to begin socializing with people, but the crowded place was eating me up.

A few maids moved around with trays, serving the socialites some drinks, but I moved aside, blending into the shadows, as I made my way to the corners.

Rather than staying in the ballroom, I walked around the hallway, staring at the beautiful oil paintings hung on the wall. I was drawn to the one of a particular woman.

Her smile was wide and sincere, her brown hair flowing down her shoulders in wavy curls. There was warmth in her eyes, kindness as well and even though I'd never met her, I could tell she had a kind heart.

“Do you go around touching things that aren't yours?” A cold and Icy voice pierced my ears, followed by the soft sound footsteps.

A broad figure emerged from the shadows, taking slow and controlled strides towards me. He calmly tucked his hands in his pocket, “You're a guest here. You should be at the ballroom." His voice was as smooth as silk, magnetic and magical.

Even in the dimly lit hallway, his hazel eyes still shone brightly, pulling me into the world of its own. My hands trembled, my heart slamming uncontrollably against my ribcage. My eyes widened as recognition dawned upon me.

His scent was everywhere.

Thick, spicy, laced with something raw and dangerous. It invaded my senses, curling deep into my lungs, making my breath hitch and my stomach churn.

No.

This wasn’t happening. This couldn’t be happening.

I took a step back, my fingers trembling as I covered my mouth. But the moment I moved, his eyes snapped to mine.

Recognition and possession swirled In them.

A shiver crawled down my spine.

"We’re mates." The words tumbled from my lips before I could stop them, horror dawning on me too late.

His expression remained unreadable, but something in his gaze darkened.

I’d sealed my fate.

Alpha Kyor’s fingers curled around my wrist, his grip firm and tight. I should have fought, I should have yanked away, screamed, begged.

But I didn’t. I couldn’t.

The mate bond coiled around me like invisible chains, forcing my body to obey even as my mind screamed to run.

This is wrong. This is a mistake.

My heartbeat thundered as the Alpha guided me forward, leading me straight into the ballroom. The crowd parted, the sea of noblemen and warriors watching in eerie silence. Hundreds of eyes burned into me.

I shrank under their stares, my breath coming short.

Then, I saw her.

Anastasia.

Her face reddened with fury, her lips parting in disbelief. “Where have you bee—” The words died in her throat as she took in Kyor's hand around my wrist, my pale face, his possessive stance.

No.

She knew.

The realization dawned slowly, spreading through the room like wildfire.

The announcer's voice boomed, “Alpha Kyor, King of the Wolverine Kingdom, is here.”

A collective gasp pierced through the ballroom.

I wanted to run.

Anastasia’s shock turned to pure rage. She took a sharp step forward, her voice tight with fake politeness. “I'm sorry, sire, but I need to caution my maid for wandering off.”

Maid. She called me a maid.

Alpha Kyor's grip tightened.

“Are you putting words in my mouth?” His voice was calm. Too calm, it frightened me.

Anastasia choked on her breath. “N-No, my lord! I—I was only—”

“She’s not a maid.” His voice cut through the air like a blade. “She is my mate. My soon to be Luna.”