The unforgettable Royal Bloodlines

The cold wind rolled over the hills like a silent warning. Araya adjusted her long gray coat and tucked her scroll case beneath her arm. Her breath clouded in the morning air, but her eyes remained clear — determined, strong. She stood at the Silver Moon Pack’s eastern gate, her father beside her, tall and grim. Beta Darion tightened her cloak. “You’re not just my daughter today,” he said. “You’re Silver Moon’s voice. We don’t take outsiders lightly, but the Gathering demands presence. And you're ready.” Araya nodded, her heart pounding. “I won’t disappoint you.” “Speak with authority. Propose the alliance. But stay away from unnecessary attention, especially from the Alphas. Many of them are... wolves in more ways than one.” early, subtle, buried beneath the pressure and the cold. But it was there, simmering beneath her skin. The journey to the island took half a day. A white ferry glided through the morning mist, carrying leaders, envoys, and Alphas from packs across the continent. The island itself was sacred — untouched by war, guarded by ancient laws. No blood could be spilled here. As Araya stepped off the boat and onto the polished stone dock, she could feel the magic in the air. A heavy presence, like the eyes of the Moon Goddess herself watching. Inside the Council Hall, she was ushered to the silver-marked table of Silver Moon. Around her sat the Alpha of Black Ridge, the dark-eyed Lady of Thorns, the beastly Alpha from the Hollow Pack, and more. Her table was one of the few without an Alpha. And that made her a target. The Grand Chamber of the Gathering was wide and echoing, lined with glowing blue crystals. Conversations buzzed like bees — power was in the air. Araya stood, scrolls in hand, her posture perfect. “On behalf of Silver Moon,” she began, her voice calm but firm, “I present the proposal of a three-point alliance. First — a trade route connecting the northern and eastern packs. Second — shared defense posts along the high ridge borders. And third — a neutral communication channel to prevent war escalation in the River Clans.” Heads turned. Murmurs followed. Some looked impressed. Others, indifferent. But one pair of eyes watched her from the far corner — deep, unreadable, and quietly assessing. A man in a black cloak, older than the others. He didn’t speak. He simply observed. “And what does Silver Moon offer in return?” asked Alpha Tormin of Black Ridge, drumming his fingers on the table. “Medical herbs. Combat training. And access to our Moonshade silver mine,” Araya replied without flinching. That shut them up. Even the observing Alpha let a small smile tug at the corner of his mouth. By the end of the meeting, Araya had done her job. She had spoken, negotiated, held her ground — and the Silver Moon Pack’s name had not been shamed. But her body… was beginning to betray her. That night, the halls were lit with flame and song. Tables overflowed with roasted meat, glazed fruit, and gold-rimmed wine goblets. Araya found herself at a long table with envoys from minor packs — warriors, daughters, and scouts. She was offered drink after drink, and though she rarely drank, she accepted. Just a few sips, she told herself. But the wine was different — strong and spiced, likely enchanted to help guests “relax.” Her cheeks flushed. Her head lightened. She laughed more than usual, joked more freely, and by the end of the second cup, she was barely holding her thoughts together. Heat swirled in her stomach. Her skin felt hot, her breaths short. She wiped her brow. "No. Not now. Not my heat cycle". She stood, nearly knocking over her chair. “I need… air,” she mumbled, no one hearing her over the music. She wandered up the marble steps, ignoring the guards’ glances. Every step felt like walking underwater. Her head spun. Her body burned. She opened a door — a quiet, dark room lit only by a single candle. She should’ve left. But the scent in the room struck her like a wall. Power. Musk. A dominant Alpha’s aura, thick and heavy. And in the center of the room, he stood — broad-shouldered, half in shadow, shirt open at the collar. He turned slowly, as if expecting her. Araya’s breath caught. “I’m… sorry,” she whispered. “Wrong room…” He didn’t answer. His gaze locked with hers. The fire in her body surged. Her legs trembled. She tried to speak again, but words failed. And then he stepped toward her. One step. Two. She didn’t back away. She couldn’t. Everything primal took over. The scent of her heat, the wine, the magic of the island — it was all too much. He cupped her cheek without a word. She leaned into it. Their mouths met. Their bodies followed. It was fierce. Wordless. Fated. She didn’t ask his name. And he didn’t give it. Light broke through the curtains. Araya stirred in the silken sheets, her body sore, her mind slow. Then memory struck her like lightning. She sat up — heart racing. He lay beside her, one arm draped across the bed, silver streaks in his black hair. The Alpha’s scent clung to the sheets and her skin. "No. No. No" She dressed quickly, heart thudding in her ears. She didn’t dare wake him. With her cloak in hand and shame burning in her chest, she slipped out the door — quiet as a ghost. By the time he woke, the bed was empty. The days that followed blurred together. Araya returned home, silent and sickened by the truth she refused to face. Her boyfriend — Ezra — met her at the gates. He kissed her. Smiled. Spoke empty words about missing her. But Araya felt nothing. Something inside her had changed. ------ Two weeks later, she collapsed during a morning run. The healer confirmed it immediately. “You’re in early pregnancy,” the woman said gently. “Not even a full month.” Araya stared blankly. Ezra wasn’t the father. She hadn’t even touched him in weeks. She whispered one name. “The Alpha…” But she still didn’t know who. All she had was a scent. A memory. And a growing fear that whoever he was… he wasn’t just anyone. That Alpha had power. Age. Legacy. And what she didn’t know… was that he was once the King of a kingdom buried in legend. The father of two Alpha twins — brothers now searching for their lost inheritance. And now, unknowingly… their unborn sibling.