Prologue
Once upon a time an ugly Duckling of a she-wolf was not yet ready to become a swan like Luna… but she was more than ready for Christmas… or almost ready.
*Pollyanna*
The cobblestones beneath my feet feel alive with the whispers of a city preparing for Christmas. Each step I take echoes the rhythm of my heart, fluttering with excitement as the air fills with the scent of roasted chestnuts and pine. London is a tapestry of sound and color, bustling with the energy of people who, like me, are swept up in the festive spirit. I walk alongside Mary, one of the maids, who clutches her shawl tighter around her shoulders as a brisk wind swirls past us.
The boutiques along the streets are adorned with garlands of holly and ribbons of bright crimson. I can’t help but smile as I watch children, their cheeks rosy with cold, pulling their mothers towards shop windows filled with wondrous toys and colorful candies. Their laughter is contagious, and I find myself dreaming of a future where I too might have children to laugh and play with, pups of my own to love and raise..
I glance at Mary, who seems more focused on navigating the crowded streets than indulging in the magic around us. “Isn’t it lovely, Mary?” I say, my breath forming small clouds in the icy air. “The city feels so alive this time of year.”
Mary nods, her expression softening as she meets my gaze. “It truly is, Miss Polly. Christmas in London is like no other.”
As we pass by a group of carolers, their harmonious voices singing of love and joy, a familiar longing tugs at my heart. I yearn to find my true mate, someone who will see beyond the plainness others often remark upon. Some say I have features too strong, a face that doesn’t fit the mold of beauty that is desired, some even say I am manly. But I hold tight to the belief that my mate will look beyond such trivialities and see the soul beneath.
I imagine his eyes meeting mine across a crowded room, a spark igniting that no amount of societal judgment could extinguish. He will see me as beautiful, not despite my differences, but because of them. I do not care if he is an Alpha, a beta or even an Omega, as Long as he is kind and trustworthy, as long as he loves me for me.
The thought brings warmth to my cheeks, and I tuck a stray lock of hair behind my ear, lost in my daydreams.
The city continues to swirl around me, a chaotic dance of sights and sounds. I inhale deeply, savoring the crisp air tinged with the promise of snow. The world feels full of possibilities, and I know that somewhere out there, perhaps even here in this very city, my future awaits. Happiness could be right around the corner.
We pause briefly at a street vendor, where I purchase two small bouquets of winter flowers, one for my room and one for my mothers. Their delicate petals are a splash of color against the gray day, a reminder of the beauty that can be found in the most unexpected places. I clutch them to my chest, a silent vow to remain hopeful and patient.
As we resume our walk, I feel a sense of calm and determination wash over me. I remind myself I need to ask Fennec, my best friend and the Alpha of Islay and future Alpha prince what he wants for Christmas. Fennec is almost like a brother to me, as me and mom were taken under his father’s protection when my father was killed by rogues. However, in many ways he is definitely not like a brother… I mean you are not supposed to think you brother is the most handsome man in the world, right?
