My wolf husband

The palace bells rang for the thirteenth time at dawn. This was not to mark the hour, but to announce the arrival of Coming-of-Age Day. The entire royal city was shrouded in silvery mist. The corridors were lined with deep red carpets, and servants hurried along with their heads bowed; no one dared make a sound. For today was one of the royal family’s most important ceremonies— Beast-Chosen Day. Every noble child who has come of age will possess their own “Beast.” It is not merely a pet, but a symbol of strength, status, and even future power. And today, it was the turn of the two princesses. Elara stood in a corner of the side hall. Her formal gown was light gray, without embroidery or jewels, featuring only simple floral patterns outlined in silver thread at the cuffs. Compared to her, the figure standing in the center of the hall—her older sister, Seraphine—resembled a blazing flame. Seraphine’s long gown was a tapestry of deep red and gold, its hem flaring out like a phoenix spreading its wings. Her hair was elegantly coiled, studded with delicate gems that shimmered in the morning light. “Stand up straight, Seraphine.” The Queen walked over and adjusted the hem of her dress with her own hands, her tone so gentle it was almost playful. “Today is your day.” “Don’t worry, Mother,” Seraphine said with a faint smile, her voice soft yet confident. “I won’t let the family down.” The Queen nodded in satisfaction. The King, standing nearby, also flashed a rare smile. “She has never let us down.” —As if the entire world revolved around her. No one looked at Elara. Not even a single spare glance. Elara kept her head down, her fingertips gently clutching the hem of her dress. She had long since grown accustomed to it. From childhood onward, the finest food, the most exquisite clothes, the most rigorous education… all belonged to Seraphine. As for her, simply “existing” was enough. “What are you planning to choose?” A maid passing by asked her in a hushed voice, her tone tinged with casual curiosity. Elara paused for a moment. “I… haven’t decided yet.” The maid gave a soft chuckle, a hint of indifference in her voice. “You’d better be careful. I hear quite a few high-ranking beastmen have arrived at the Beast Enclosure today. Everyone’s keeping an eye on them.” With that, she walked away. It sounded like a casual remark, as if she didn’t consider the matter important at all. The doors to the hall swung open slowly. A deep, ancient horn sounded. “The hour has come—” “The Rite of Selection begins.” The Beast Enclosure lay deep within the palace. It was an area enclosed by high walls, with heavy iron gates carved with ancient runes. The air was thick with an indescribable atmosphere—wildness, oppression, and a faint scent of blood. The moment the gates opened, a low growl echoed from the depths. It was as if some long-suppressed presence was waiting to be unleashed. Elara’s footsteps faltered slightly. But Seraphine had already stepped forward. She showed not the slightest hesitation. “Your Highness, please.” The beastmaster respectfully opened the first set of iron bars. A massive white wolf rose slowly from the shadows, its golden eyes fixed on the visitors. Seraphine glanced at it briefly and shook her head gently. “Not enough.” She continued forward. The second enclosure held a black panther, muscles taut, gaze icy. “Not enough either.” The third, the fourth… Until she reached the very depths. The air suddenly grew heavy. Behind the iron bars, a pair of amber eyes opened in the darkness. The next second— A deep roar exploded like thunder. It was a tiger. Not an ordinary beast, but a beastman possessing intelligence nearly on par with humans. Its massive frame was covered in fur with patterns of deep gold and black intertwined, resembling flowing flames. It slowly rose to its feet. Chains dragged across the ground, emitting a grating sound. Everyone instinctively took a step back. Except Seraphine. She stood her ground, staring directly into those eyes. “It’s you,” she whispered. The beastmaster hesitated for a moment, then immediately bowed his head. “Yes, Your Highness.” The chains were unfastened. The tiger stepped out of the shadows, advancing step by step toward Seraphine. It lowered its head. —Submitting. A stifled gasp rippled through the hall. “The King of Beasts…” “She chose a Royal-class beastman…” “It really is her…” Whispers of admiration rose in waves. The Queen lifted her chin slightly, her eyes brimming with pride. “Seraphine never disappoints me.” All eyes were fixed on her. And now— it was Elara’s turn. There was no applause. No anticipation. Even the tone of the prompt sounded half-hearted. “Go on,” the king said indifferently. As if it were merely a formality. Elara took a deep breath and stepped into the Beast Enclosure. She didn’t venture deep inside. Instead, she stopped at the outer perimeter. The beasts—neglected, rejected, even abandoned—were confined to the outermost section. A scent of decay hung in the air. She walked slowly. Until— She heard a faint, barely perceptible sound. Like a breath. Or perhaps the death throes of a dying creature. She stopped in her tracks. She looked down. In the corner of the iron cage, a dark mass lay almost swallowed by the shadows. It was a snake. Skin and bones, its scales dull and lifeless, with several cracked sections oozing dried blood. Its eyes were half-open. There was almost no life left in them. “Is… this still alive?” Elara asked softly. The animal trainer frowned. “It’s just a failed specimen, Your Highness. It has no value whatsoever.” “We were planning to dispose of it today.” Elara said nothing. She crouched down. Slowly, she reached out her hand. The black snake seemed to sense something. Its eyes shifted ever so slightly. —As if it were looking at her. In that instant. Elara was suddenly overcome by an indescribable feeling. It wasn’t pity. It was a sense of… being met with a response. “I’ll take it,” she said. The air fell silent for a moment. Then— someone couldn’t help but laugh.