The Lycan Prince's Unwanted Mate

The Real Moonstone Petals

~Lyra~

The Royal Commerce Ball was hardly a ball in the traditional sense. Rather, it was more of a grand gathering—an exclusive social event where Lycan and werewolves from every corner of the business world mingled, pitched their innovations, and presented rare products, all in hopes of catching the royal Lycan's attention.

Tonight, I planned to sell the Moonstone Petals at the event. But of course, I wouldn't be attending as myself.

“Lyra, this is a special kind of sage,” Eli said, handing me a small velvet pouch. “Carrying it will mask your scent—no one who knows you will recognize you.”

A curious, earthy aroma wafted from the pouch. It wasn’t unpleasant, just… strange.

“And look,” I beamed, lifting a gown from its hanger and holding it up for her. “This is for you.”

Eli blinked in disbelief, her hands fluttering toward the dress like she couldn’t believe it was real. As a royal maid, she had no reason—or opportunity—to dress up. “My very own gown! And it's yellow—my favorite!” she gasped, her eyes wide with delight.

I reached out and squeezed her hand gently. Then I turned to the mirror and smiled at the reflection that looked back.

I’d chosen a striking red for myself tonight—a bold, daring fishtail gown that clung to my every curve.

I brushed a curl behind my ear, tilting my head slightly. “What do you think?” I asked Eli, who was still spinning with giddy disbelief in her sunshine-yellow gown.

“You look…” she whispered, eyes wide. “Mysterious but very powerful.”

I grinned. “Perfect.”

With the sage pouch tucked discreetly into my clutch and the Moonstone Petals carefully secured in a velvet-lined case, we slipped into a black car waiting at the back gate.

Once inside the car, I pulled the mascot helmet over my head, adjusting it until it sat just right. “If anyone asks,” I said quietly, “just tell them my face was ruined. That I’d rather not be seen.”

Eli blinked, then nodded quickly. “Got it.”

...

It glittered like a galaxy had descended into the ballroom—gold chandeliers, crystalline decor that shimmered with every step, and music that pulsed through marble floors like a heartbeat. Lycan towered in tailored suits, werewolf entrepreneurs displayed their goods in booths trimmed with magic-infused light, and everywhere, whispers curled through the air like smoke.

“Darius!” The man turned at the sound of Eli’s voice. Broad-shouldered and rough around the edges, Darius had the unmistakable presence of a lycan warrior—sharp suit or not.

“Eli? What are you doing here? Weren’t you accompanying Princess Lyra at the Manor?”

Eli offered him a playful smile, her arm looping through mine. “Princess Lyra’s already gone to bed,” she said breezily. “I’m here with a friend tonight. She’s hoping to sell a few of her products at the ball.”

Then, with a teasing wink, “And you? Don’t tell me you’re not with Prince Kael tonight.”

So this lycan was Kael’s Beta.

“He couldn’t make it,” Darius replied. “Told me to keep an eye out in case anything... interesting showed up.” His gaze shifted to me, curiosity lighting up his features. “And who’s this intriguing lady?”

“Lila,” I said, offering a polite smile.

“And what have you brought, Lila?”

“Petals,” I replied softly, unclasping the velvet case and tilting it open. Five delicate petals lay within, catching the light like silk.

“Petals?” a voice drawled from the side.

We all turned.

A young lycan lounged in a nearby booth, head tilted our way. His hair was slicked back with effortless care, the gold watch on his wrist gleamed with quiet arrogance.

“Alpha Dante,” Darius and Eli greeted with a nod.

Eli leaned toward me, murmuring low, “Alpha of the fourth largest pack in the country. Prince Kael’s friend. Very loaded.”

“Oh come now,” Dante said with a grin, “still calling me Alpha Dante? You royals are far too formal. Just ‘Dante’ will do.” He winked at Eli. “Come on then. Since neither the Prince nor the Princess are here tonight, join me. You too, petal girl. Let’s see what you’ve brought.”

Eli and I shared a glance. Then we followed him.

A handful of young Lycans lounged at his booth.

“This is Lila,” Eli said, setting the box on the table. “She’s from a healer bloodline. Tonight, she’s brought Moonstone petals.”

“Moonstone?” one of the lycans scoffed. “Never heard of it.”

“You haven’t?” Dante leaned forward, voice suddenly thoughtful. “It’s ancient. Said to help soothe the wolf’s mind. Strengthen the link between wolf and man.”

“It disappeared, didn’t it?” Darius added, eyes narrowing. “Around the same time as the Mad Drink. Ten years ago.” He looked at me. “You sure they’re real? Not some cheap replica?”

“Why don’t I make a drink?” I said calmly. “Then you can tell me yourself.”

I picked a single petal and dropped it into a nearby glass of water. It dissolved instantly, swirling into a silvery liquid with a luminous sheen.

“Looks real enough,” someone muttered.

I poured the shimmering drink into six small cups and handed them around.

“It starts light,” I said. “But give it a moment. You’ll feel it—cool clarity, like the hush of moonlight in your lungs.”

One of the lycans took a sip. Then another. His cheeks flushed a faint pink, then faded back to calm. A soft exhale left his lips. “…Whoa.”

“This is insane.”

“My wolf nearly clawed to the surface at first, but then… he settled. He’s still there, though. Alert. It’s like I’m sharing the moment with him—calm, but heightened.”

“I want it. All of it. Name your price.” Dante stood, already reaching for another cup of the tea-infused water.

Across from him, Darius looked unusually tense. “Lila, was it?” he asked, his voice low and urgent. “I need all the petals you brought. Please. It’s an emergency.”

Another lycan stepped forward, voice rich with memory. “Ten years ago, my father spent thousands of gold coins for a single petal. I drank it then. What you made… it tastes the same. It’s real.”

Chaos erupted at the booth. Everyone wanted the petals.

But I had only brought five. Now… just four remained.

“What should we do?” I leaned toward Eli, keeping my voice low. “Who should I sell to?”

“Dante has the deepest pockets,” Eli murmured, “but Darius… he represents Prince Kael.”

Even she looked torn.

But to me, the answer was clear.

Darius was the obvious choice. No wealth, no title, could outweigh the authority of the royal family.

I smiled, turning to face the group of arguing lycans.

“I only brought four petals tonight,” I said calmly, letting the warmth of my voice smooth over the tension, “but I do have more.”

From my sleeve, I pulled a card—Eli had helped design it, sleek and discreet. “This is how to contact me. There will be more soon. But tonight, I’ve chosen to sell to Darius.”

Dante, still watching, turned to his Beta. “Get in touch with her. Pay whatever it takes.”

As the card passed from hand to hand, curious eyes scanning its elegant script, I knew my mission was complete.

Moonstone Petals—my mother’s legacy—were now mine to share. And use.

Bang!

A firework exploded in the sky, silver and violet blooming like magic across the night. The ballroom pulsed with life—wolves and lycans caught in the thrill of the festival.

I was ready to slip away.

But Eli’s eyes sparkled, fixed on the dance floor. “Let me stay just a little longer,” she whispered, practically glowing. “Just a little longer?”

I laughed softly. “Alright. But I’m heading to the powder room. Once I’m back, we have to leave.”

I followed the corridor away from the celebration, heels echoing softly against the polished floor. Compared to the electric energy outside, this hallway was still. Almost too quiet.

But after a while… no signs. No powder room.

I turned back, frowning— And then I heard it. A sound. Faint. Behind a half-closed door.

Curious, I glanced inside. A man stood there, tall and alone. Black slacks hugged his long legs, the waistband dipping into a shallow curve.

He tilted his head back to sip from a wine glass, one hand tucked in his pocket. His profile was sharp—elegant. A sculpture come to life.

His hair damp with sweat, white shirt completely unbuttoned, revealing defined abs and the deep V that disappeared into a belt drawn snug at his hips.

I stopped breathing.

Kael.

Of all the lycans in this place… I bumped into him?

My mind went blank. Then wild.

I stared—at his waist, at the curves and edges I remembered too well from that night…

He finished his wine in one smooth motion.

Then he froze. Like a predator catching a scent.

Slowly, he turned. His eyes—sharp, gold-flecked, dangerous—swept over the spot where I had just stood. Luckily, I’d hidden before he turned. Otherwise, he would’ve noticed me for sure.