His Mate

Chapter One: Not Worthy of My Love Liora’s POV I stared at my reflection and smiled. Tonight was supposed to be mine. My silver dress shimmered under the candlelight, and in my mind, I could already see it, the moment Kaelen would call my name, the moment I would finally stand at his side as Luna. He had promised me this. For years, I believed him. “Liora,” Myra whispered, squeezing my hands, “you’re glowing. Everyone will envy you.” I laughed, pretending to be calm. “After tonight, I’ll be Luna. They’ll have no choice.” I had carried myself proudly these past months, already speaking as though the title was mine. After all, Kaelen and I had been together before he became Alpha. I was his first choice. I was certain of it. When we entered the hall, I kept my head high. Every gaze followed me. Let them look. Let them see the Alpha’s future Luna. The drums thundered, echoing in my chest. My heart leapt as Kaelen appeared in his Alpha cloak, tall and commanding. Myra leaned close. “This is it.” I held my breath. His voice filled the hall. “Tonight, I announce the one who will stand as Luna.” Every muscle in my body tensed. My smile was ready. I was ready. But then,his hand reached out. Not to me. To Selene. Her golden hair glowed under the torches as she stepped forward, trembling with fake humility. My blood ran cold. “This is the woman worthy to be my Luna,” Kaelen declared. “From this day, Selene stands at my side.” The room gasped. Myra’s hand slipped from mine. “No…” The word broke from me before I could stop it. “Kaelen, you promised me.” Whispers rose instantly. “She bragged for months.” “Not her? Then who is she now?” “How pitiful.” I could hardly breathe. “You can’t mean this.” His eyes cut through me like a blade. “You are not worthy, Liora. You will never be my Luna.” The words crushed me. Years of love, of loyalty—gone. My knees wavered. Selene clung to him. He didn’t even glance at me again. Laughter rippled through the crowd. “Liora, let’s go,” Myra whispered, tugging my arm. But I couldn’t move. Pride held me upright even as my heart split apart. Tears burned my eyes, but I lifted my chin. “Fine,” I whispered. My voice trembled, but I forced strength into it. “If I am not enough for you, then I will choose for myself.” Kaelen sneered. “And who would want you now?” His words stabbed me deep, but my gaze locked on a figure in the shadows. A man I didn’t know. Dark eyes and his Unmoving. Watching me with an intensity that froze my breath. Desperation carried my voice. “Him. I choose him as my mate.” The hall fell silent. Gasps. Whispers. Disbelief. The stranger rose slowly, towering and broad, his expression was unreadable. Then, with a faint smile, he spoke. “If she chooses me… then so be it.” Before I know it, there was chaos, everyone started murmuring. Kaelen’s face darkened. Selene’s smile faltered. Myra stared at me in horror. “Liora,” she whispered, “what have you done?” But I couldn’t answer. My chest was too heavy. My tears finally fell as I turned away from them all.