Rejected by my mate,claimed by the crown prince

Run!” The scream tore through the night. The little girl stumbled barefoot through a forest swallowed by flames, smoke burning her lungs as sparks rose to the sky. Behind her, wolves screamed. Ahead, the trees collapsed one after another in a deafening roar of cracking wood and fire. “Lyra!" her brother shouted, his voice raw with desperation. She turned just in time to see him disappear beneath a wall of fire, his figure engulfed in bright orange and red as the flames devoured everything in their path. Lyra bolted upright in bed, a strangled gasp tearing from her throat. Her nightdress clung to her skin with cold sweat. The smell of smoke was gone, replaced by the familiar scent of dried herbs hanging from the rafters. It was the dream. Again. Her heart hammered against her ribs as she pressed a trembling hand to her chest, trying to steady herself. The room was quiet, safe. Moonlight spilled through the small window of their modest cottage, casting light patterns across the wooden floor. But the fear lingered. A soft knock came at the door before it creaked open. Tamara Burwood stepped inside, wrapped in a simple shawl. "Lyra, hurry," she said gently, crossing the room to brush a strand of damp hair from her daughter’s forehead. "We’ll be late for the Full Moon Mating Ceremony." Lyra swallowed hard and nodded, forcing a small, reassuring smile. "I’m coming, Mother. I just… needed a moment." As Tamara left to help Serafine prepare the cart, Lyra remained sitting on the edge of her bed for a moment longer, her fingers tracing the edge of her thin blanket. Tonight was supposed to be special. The Full Moon Mating Ceremony was the most important event in the Draven Kingdom. The one night each year when the Moon Goddess revealed mates before the entire pack. For years, Lyra had dreamed of this moment. Of feeling the undeniable pull. Of finally being claimed by the man she had loved in secret since she was a girl. Kael Draven. The future Alpha. The golden son of the kingdom. The one who made her heart race every time he passed through the village. She had watched him from afar, helping his pack with small tasks, always hoping he might notice her kindness. Tonight, maybe the Goddess would finally see what she had always felt in her heart. She stood and dressed quickly in her best, though still simple gown of grey fabric that fell modestly to her ankles. Her long dark hair with silver roots fell down her back in loose waves. She touched the strands absently, wondering why the Goddess had marked her this way. A reminder? A curse? She shook the thought away and slipped on her worn shoes. Outside, the night air was cool. Her grandmother Serafine and father Caspian were already waiting by the old wooden cart. Caspian looked frailer than usual, his once-powerful frame hunched slightly, but his eyes still shone with determination as he helped her up onto the seat. "You look beautiful, little moon," he murmured, his voice warm despite the strain of illness. Lyra smiled, but her stomach twisted with nerves. "Do you think… the Goddess might…" Caspian exchanged a knowing glance with Tamara before squeezing her hand gently. "Whatever happens tonight, remember who you are. The Moon Goddess sees more than we ever can." The journey to the ceremonial grounds was filled with excited chatter from other wolves heading the same way. Families walked together, young wolves whispered hopes and fears, and the air buzzed with anticipation. Torches lit the winding path, and the full moon hung heavy and luminous overhead, bathing everything in a silvery glow. When they arrived, the vast clearing was already packed with wolves from every corner of the kingdom. Nobles in fine silks and jewels, warriors in leather armor, wealthy merchants, and commoners like her family. The sacred stone circle at the center glowed faintly under the moonlight, carved with ancient symbols that told stories of bonds, power, and destiny. Lyra’s eyes searched the crowd instinctively until they found him. Kael Draven stood near the center with his family. Tall and athletic, his golden-brown hair caught the moonlight, and his charming smile was directed at those around him. Her heart fluttered the way it always did. She had loved him from afar for so long. Tonight, maybe the Goddess would finally see it too. Beside Kael stood his mother, Queen Andrea, elegant and composed as always, her auburn hair pinned perfectly. His father, King Vyctor, watched the gathering with sharp, calculating eyes. And a little further away loomed Rowan Draven. The eldest son, the feared Lycan Crown Prince. Tall and imposing with midnight-black hair and piercing silver eyes, his presence commanded silence. Even from a distance, his broad shoulders and battle scars visible at the collar of his dark tunic made him look every bit the ruthless warrior the rumors claimed. The whispers about him floated through the crowd like smoke, every woman who shared his bed died, he was cursed, the Moon Goddess had abandoned him. Lyra looked away quickly. She had no business thinking about the terrifying older prince. Her pulse quickened as she looked back at Kael. He was really handsome tonight, dressed in fine ceremonial robes that accentuated his athletic build. "You've been staring for quite a while," her grandmother, Serafine, said softly from beside her. Lyra jumped, cheeks flushing crimson. "I wasn't staring." "No?" Serafine smiled knowingly, her wise eyes twinkling with amusement. "I suppose the Moon Goddess will decide tonight." Before Lyra could answer, ceremonial drums echoed across the clearing, deep and resonant. The conversations died instantly. The High Priestess stepped into the center of the sacred stone circle, lifting her silver staff toward the glowing moon overhead. "Children of the Moon," she called, her voice carrying effortlessly across the clearing. "Tonight, destiny reveals itself." Silence fell. Every wolf held their breath. Lyra clasped her trembling hands together, her heart pounding so loudly she was sure others could hear it. Please… Just once… Let me be enough. The High Priestess closed her eyes. "Let the mate bonds awaken." For one suspended heartbeat, nothing happened. Then Kael lifted his head. Slowly. His amber eyes found hers across the crowd. And he froze.