The Marked One
The high-hanging moon served as a silver observant to survey the nighttime forest below. The air suffused with pine fragrance and moist terrain allowed wolves to howl in the distance, which made Selene Nightshade feel tremor throughout her body. Her pounding heart caused her to tighten her cloak's fabric while she stood there.
She would enter tonight's territory which had already disowned her many years ago.
The Blood Moon Festival. A holy ritual brought together the alpha wolves who sought to lay claim to mates through the red-tinged lunar sky.
The Blood Moon Festival had been avoided by Selene for several years. Being selected never appealed to her. She wanted nothing to do with the she-wolves who wished to attract the attention of the Alphas during the ceremony. Her differences led to out casting because of her status as a mistake and a curse.
And yet, she had no choice.
The elders of her pack ordered her attendance at the event. Elders told her that wolves of her age should establish their mating partners. Time has arrived for everyone to discover their rightful position.
But Selene knew the truth. She had no place.
The hidden burnt residue beneath her sleeve produced a sudden searing pain in her wrist that felt like flames. A burning sensation occurred in her wrist, yet she kept her jaw tight while pushing it aside. From the moment she entered the world, this birthmark emerged as a grotesque symbol which the Moon Goddess used to curse her. Due to the birthmark, people never attempted friendship with her.
But tonight, everything will change.
She entered the clearing when most people were attending the festival in action. The flames from numerous torches illuminated the wolves gathered in front of her. Burning wood smoke together with the roasted meat blend with the sharp smell of dominance, which also carried a strong sense of hunger.
Alphas.
The towering alphas moved among the crowd while their glimmering eyes shone bright under moonlight as they checked each individual. Several wolves had selected their partners for dances which displayed more power than physical intimacy.
Selene settled in the most distant corner at the gathering while trying to evade detection from anyone present.
And then, the crowd parted.
The footstep echoes caused a silence to envelop the room while this movement spread with supreme authority.
Selene’s breath froze in her throat as she saw him.
Alpha Damian Blackwood.
The most feared Alpha in the kingdom.
The predator-like execution of his body brought him closer with a smooth combination of power and commanding presence while he wore black clothes. His appearance was sufficient to force wolves to their knees. Some members of the gathering accepted his leadership by revealing their necks to him.
Selene forced herself to breathe.
He was looking for a mate. But he wouldn’t look at her. He never did. Elders among the creatures never turned their attention toward her.
And yet…
When he walked into the torchlight, his silver eyes immediately fixed on her.
Selene’s entire world stopped.
The deep breath Damian released became almost silent while his expression turned stormy with his wolf beginning to assert itself through his human form.
The flaming torches illuminated an intense look as his beast emerged through his eyes. A reaction too intense. Too unnatural.
Selene took a step back. No. This wasn’t happening.
But it was.
The discovery of his mate occurred right as Damian Blackwood entered the torchlit space.
And it was her.
