CHAPTER 1
1128 Words
Emily’s POV:
“I am so excited about tonight!” Aria practically squealed, clutching my arm as we strolled through the bustling Pack square.
I smiled at her enthusiasm, but my gaze wandered past the crowd.
The village square was alive with celebration. Strings of glowing lanterns floated above us, torches were lined in the cobbled pathways and the full moon was out.
Children ran barefoot, laughing loudly as they waved tiny paper charms in their hands, believing they held wishes waiting to be granted.
Merchants stood behind their stalls, eagerly calling out to passing villagers, selling everything from moon-blessed crystals to handcrafted talismans meant to bring love and fortune.
Dancers twirled in the center of the square, their colorful skirts billowing as the drums echoed through the night.
The scent of roasted meats, honeyed cakes, and fragrant incense curled through the air.
It was the Moon Festival, the most cherished night of the year for the werewolves in our village—one meant for joy, love, and renewal.
And yet, despite the beauty around me, I felt strangely detached.
Lately, I have been having strange dreams. About wolves, with silver eyes, and voices that sent shivers down my spine. Three men I have never met, yet somehow, I felt like I knew them.
“Emily?” Aria’s voice pulled me back, and I turned to find her watching me with a wide smile. “You’re daydreaming again, aren’t you?”
I forced a chuckle. “Just taking it all in.”
She only laughed, tugging me toward a charm stall, oblivious to the unease settling in my chest.
Something felt… off tonight.
And no matter how much I tried to shake the feeling, it only grew stronger.
“Emily?” Aria snapped me from my thoughts again. “There’s someone I want you to meet.”
I turned my gaze forward and nearly stumbled.
A tall man stood ahead of us, with broad shoulders, his blue eyes locked onto Aria as though she were the only thing in the world.
He must be Zach.
I don't need to be told. The way Aria’s breath hitched, the way her hands trembled. This was Zach, her Mate.
“Emily…” She whispered, turning to me, guilt filling in her eyes. “I—”
“You don’t have to say it.” I cut in with a small smile, swallowing the ache in my chest. “Go to him.”
She hesitated. “Come with us?”
I shook my head. “I don’t want to be a third wheel.”
Aria bit her lip, then leaned in close. “You might find a nice human tonight.”
I rolled my eyes, shaking my head. “Not you too.”
With a giggle, she ran off, leaving me standing there, alone amidst the celebration.
I sighed, stuffing my hands into my pant’s pockets, strolling deeper into the square.
My dreams have been growing stronger. The three men called to me even while I was awake. I had no idea who they were. And yet, every time I closed my eyes, they were there.
Am I going mad?
Suddenly, I heard someone screaming.
For a moment, my mind didn’t register it. I turned, expecting to see a drunken brawl or a prank gone wrong. But then the scent of blood filled my nostrils.
More screams erupted. People ran. Stalls toppled. Flames burst to life, consuming wooden booths and charm stands.
“It’s a rogue attack!” someone shouted.
My blood turned to ice.
Shadows moved between the houses—massive figures with glowing eyes and snarling teeth. Werewolves. But they were nothing like the ones I see around the village. These rogues—looked like beasts that had lost their humanity, driven only by bloodlust.
I tried to move, but my body was frozen in place.
“Emily!”
Aria’s voice rang out. She and Zach were running, her face contorted in terror. “Run!”
I couldn’t.
Zach cursed and turned back. “I’ll get her.”
He reached me, breathless. “Emily, we need to—”
A hand. A monstrous, clawed hand burst through his chest.
I couldn’t even scream.
The creature behind him—a massive, snarling beast—ripped its arm back, and Zach’s lifeless body collapsed at my feet. Blood pooled around him, the metallic scent making my stomach churn.
Aria’s screams filled the air. I fell to my knees, my trembling hands pressing against the cold ground.
The werewolf loomed over me, its bloodied claws reaching out. My heart pounded, my breath hitched—
And then, steel glowed in the moonlight.
A sword pierced through the wolf's skull, black blood spurting as the creature let out a snarl before collapsing.
The werewolf that was now before me, had its fangs bared—this one felt different. Faster. Stronger.
I gasped, crawling backward. I had to find Aria. I turned—
She was gone.
Panic seized me. “Aria!” I screamed, stumbling to my feet. “Aria!”
No answer.
I ran.
My legs burned as I ran through the c*****e, dodging fallen bodies and burning debris. But no matter how fast I moved, the sound of heavy paws thudding against the ground grew closer.
Five wolves.
Five monstrous creatures chased after me, their snarls cutting through the air.
I ran toward the forest, my only hope of escape. But I wasn’t fast enough.
A deafening roar split the night.
A massive beast—larger than the others, faster, deadlier—burst through the darkness. In seconds, it tore through the rogue wolves, blood and fur flying in all directions.
I didn’t stop to see more. I kept running.
Then, something dropped from the trees.
I skidded to a halt, my chest heaving.
Three men stood before me, their eyes glowing with an unnatural light.
The tallest stepped forward, his dark gaze locking onto mine. “We are not here to kill you.”
I swallowed hard, my heart hammering. “W-who are you?”
“I am Xander.” He said, voice deep and commanding. “These are my brothers, Gideon and Damon.”
My gaze flickered between them. They were strong, powerful, and they felt familiar.
“You are our Mate.” Xander continued, taking another step closer. “And you are destined to help us end a centuries-old war.”
My mind couldn’t process it.
Three Mates?
This had to be a nightmare.
“No.” I whispered. And before they could say another word, I turned and ran.
I didn’t get far.
My foot caught on a root, and I tumbled forward, rolling down a steep hill. Then, my head slammed into something hard.
And the world went black.
- Writer
