Chosen By Ruin

A Sacred Connection

Liliana’s POV

“Hey, I’ve been looking for you all morning.”

Sloane’s voice breaks through my thoughts as she rushes toward me, slightly breathless, before sliding into the empty seat beside mine in the orientation hall.

I turn to her, surprised by the warmth in my chest at seeing a familiar face. “Sloane, right?”

Her smile widens. “Yes. And it’s honestly impressive you made it through your first night here, Hannah.”

A frown pulls at my brows. “What do you mean?”

She leans closer, lowering her voice. “After what happened yesterday? The Storm Weaver going after you like that? Most people would’ve packed their bags mentally.”

I inhale sharply. “Storm weaver must be Liam?” I ask and she nods.

“Well. How was your night? I bet you didn’t sleep in any of the dorms. I looked for you.” A girl called her name from another row and they waved at each-other.

My night was anything but restful. After hearing that strange voice in my head yesterday, I had been restless. I guess it had something to do with this fortified building and I’m really hoping that would be the last night I hear the voice or sleeping alone would be hard.

I had also listened to Xaden unlock his room door right next to mine after hearing his footsteps. And for some reason, I could barely focus on anything else all day except being exceptionally curious on how to get to him.

I don’t even have any idea if he’s aware he has a new neighbor now.

“You’ve made friends already?” I ask as another student wave at Sloane, ignoring her question about how my night was.

Sloane’s bright expression suddenly dimmed. “I’m supposed to be a second year,” she says. “I repeated because I cheated during exams.”

There’s no shame in her tone. Just a quiet acceptance.

“I’m sorry,” I say softly.

She shrugs, forcing a smile. “It is what it is.”

Before I can respond, the speaker at the podium calls for attention again, dragging us back into the long, suffocating lecture about rules, discipline, and obedience.

Wolves’ first years were told they—we have a meeting and are directed to another class.

Two hours later, we’re finally dismissed.

Fresh air has never felt so good.

Sloane walks beside me as we exit the hall, her presence oddly comforting in a place where everything else feels like a threat.

My eyes scan constantly- watching and calculating incase anyone intends to attack again.

No Liam. No Darian.

I ignore the pressing eyes of other students, but narrow my gaze at one particular white-eyed that wouldn’t stop looking. Her eyes are so mysterious, almost scary.

“Don’t look.” Sloane mutters beside me.

“Why?” I ask, detaching my gaze from the white-eyed.

“She’s a Mindseer,” she says quietly. “If you hold eye contact too long, she can slip into your thoughts.”

Cold spreads through me instantly. “What?”

Sloane nods. “Just don’t engage. Don’t give her attention.”

My pulse spikes.

If she gets into my head… I’m finished.

I swallow hard. “What’s her name?”

“Better you don’t know.”

Noted.

We keep walking, turning into another corridor, when my steps slow slightly.

Two boys are pressed against the wall ahead, kissing like the world doesn’t exist.

I blink.

“Same-s*x relationships are allowed here?” I ask without thinking.

Sloane snorts softly. “Many things are allowed here. Rule number one- mind your business.”

Then she glances at me.

“But I guess trouble already finds you interesting- judging from how the most feared Dominions in the academy have their eyes on you. One wants to kill you. One protected you, and you fell on one’s feet.”

She pauses as if contemplating if to say something, then- “Talking about the one you rolled onto his feet, do your very best to stay away from him. His name is Xaden Draven incase you aren’t aware.”

My chest immediately plummets.

But that isn’t only what I feel- A scent slips into my lungs like smoke, curling through my senses, wrapping around my mind in a way that makes my steps falter.

My head turns before I can stop myself.

And I see him.

Xaden.

Standing at the far end of the corridor, dressed entirely in black, listening to an older woman who looks like an official speak to him.

My pulse doesn’t just quicken, it stumbles.

That scent. It’s him.

“Talking of the devil,” Sloane murmurs beside me.

“Tell me about him,” I say quietly, unable to look away.

“He’s the strongest wolf in the academy,” she says. “Some argue his twin, Darian, rivals him. But Xaden is the one the prophecy speaks of.”

My chest caves in. “Prophecy?”

“He’s meant to be the future Alpha,” she continues. “But he’s cursed. That’s why Darian carries the title for now.”

I was told. Yet, I press on, my fingers curling.

“What kind of curse?”

“He loses control during the full moon. He goes completely feral and kills without thinking.” She lowers her voice. “The elders say only his true mate can stabilize him.”

My breath slows.

“Something about the last white wolf that carries the lightning crest.” She adds.

Something flickers in me. Then- Xaden’s head turns. Our eyes meet.

Everything in me locks. I tear my gaze away first.

“He hasn’t found his mate yet?” I ask, deeply invested.

Sloane shrugs. “Rumor says they finally identified the crest bearer. She’s supposed to arrive soon.”

My throat tightens.

“I just hope she survives,” Sloane adds. “The last ones didn’t.” So Alpha Soren was right.

Before I can ask more questions, we’re called toward the field.

“I have to run,” Sloane says quickly. “I will be missing from the pack’s orientation today. I have some registrations to do. I will see you at the welcoming party tonight.” Sloane says, and I start missing her already. So much for not wanting a friend.

I nod. “See you later, Sloane.” I regret not remembering to ask her what the orientation is about as she leaves.

When I look back to the spot Xaden was, he’s no longer there.

The field stretches under the morning sky, surrounded by tall stone walls that make the setting feel contained.

Initiates gather in clusters. Some have already formed friendships.

I keep to myself, scared, very scared because I have no idea what we’ll be doing out here. But I hope it won’t be anything that will reveal I’m human.

Two elder wolves stand at the center of the field, their presence heavy enough to tell they are powerful.

“Today, we will stand behind while the Apex wolf of the third year grooms you all. Your capacities would be tested to know who is an omega wolf and who has already developed past that. You don’t have to turn fully. But you will show us what you’ve got.”

Elder Garrick, as I’ve learned was his name earlier, says.

I need to leave here, find an excuse, or anything. There is no way I would risk…

“Please, step in, Xaden and Zolya.”

My stomach tightens. A ripple moves through the initiates as Xaden steps forward along with a tall red-haired. She looks menacing. And again… that feeling from earlier. I look away but it changes nothing. His scent lingers like a curse in my nose, making my body feel foreign.

I look again- in time to see his gaze sweeping over us. His eyes pass over me.

“Today, you all will show us what you’ve got without fully turning.” His deep voice…

He continues, “And in our next class, we will address your weaknesses, strengths, and how you can improve.” Without wasting time, he gestures to the female beside him.

“Zolya,” she moves forward. I swallow as she begins to ask for initiates names, pens down in a book, then- “Show me what you’ve got, daring initiates.” She urges, her voice almost mystical.

The exercises begin and I tense. One by one, initiates step forward. Some growls, some let their eyes shift- gold, amber, silver- all flickering with power and making me feel like a total guest. Others extend claws. The stronger one barely breaks a sweat even as they almost turn fully.

It goes on and before I know it, I am next.

I’ve prepared an excuse. I’m going to tell them I overused my powers the previous day, and my wolf is resting. I hope it works. gods, I’m trembling.

“ No 25th, Hannah Wales. It’s your turn.” Zolya calls, and Xaden’s eyes find me.

Okay, I can do this. I step forward, my pulse pounding in my ears as I stop before them.

“Show me what you’ve got.” Zolya urges, but suddenly, I’m speechless, immovable.

My breath catches, feeling too aware of my own presence, and a scent that wouldn’t stop messing with my mind now that I was closer.

“We don’t have all day. Start.” One of the elders interfered, and I blink fast. I can’t…

“Are you afraid to shift?” Xaden’s voice. I look up to find him looking at me, studying me.

“Yes.” I reply, knowing I just messed up everything. I will probably be sent out or queried.

But to my surprise, Xaden steps into my space, his voice lowering as he says, “I can help you.” Every instinct in me goes on edge. No. He can’t. Because there’s nothing to awaken.

I don’t have a wolf.

The scent is messing with me. Terribly. His hands lift and touch my face. The world tilts. Our eyes connect, and every nerve in me jumps.

Seeing his face this upclose- he’s surreal. The tiny vertical scar beneath his left eye only makes him look more mouth-watering. I want to touch it. What is wrong with me?

His eyes shift- silver flooding through blue.

And something inside me snaps.

A sharp, electric sensation explodes beneath my skin, racing down my spine, across my chest, through every nerve.

I gasp.

My body heats instantly.

My skin burns. Everything feels too intense.

But this feeling- it’s addictive.

His grip tightens slightly, his thumb brushing my cheek.

And I want—More.

The realization slams into me, terrifying me.

I want him.

My fingers close around his wrist, holding him there.

A deep low growl escapes his throat as our foreheads almost touch.

“Focus,” he says, but his voice is strained now.

I can’t.

All I can think about is flushing my body against his. My body isn’t mine anymore. My knees are weakening.

Our breaths flushed. I press closer and he doesn’t push me away. He doesn’t stop it.

There are voices around us but I can’t make sense of them. All I can see and feel is Xaden. A strange power curls painfully within me, forcing my eyes closed as my wrist burns.

Damn everything. I need…

“Release her, Xaden! She’s in heat!” I recognize that voice. Darian.