Inside the study room, Ghilas faced the young man across the table and spoke with firm authority.
"In three days, you will wed a girl from the Howls Pack. This is the only condition under which they agreed to an alliance against the Eons."
Khalien frowned, staring at his father in disbelief. The Howls were the strongest pack after the Eons, known for their large population and strong warriors. But marriage?
Ghilas added casually, "Not everyone ends up with their mate, son. Tomorrow, she will visit. You can show her around."
"I can't marry her," Khalien said, his voice firm.
The moment the words left his mouth, a burning pain struck his chest, forcing him a few steps back. Ghilas had already lowered his hand after striking him.
His expression darkened, suspicion flashing in his eyes. "I should have dealt with her after that little scene in the hall… and the audacity to free her."
His gaze hardened further. "I will say this once. Stay away from that useless girl. She is just like her father. They bring shame to the Alpha bloodline." His voice turned cold. "If you think I won't remove her for standing in my way, you are mistaken. Now go. Meet Anais tomorrow."
Khalien clenched his jaw. He would never marry Anais.
But to protect Nalath… he had to meet her first.
With that thought, he turned and walked out.
---
When he returned home, Lysha was already there, sitting with her legs crossed as if she belonged.
There was a time when her presence would not have felt strange. But now, after everything, and after his encounter with his father... it only irritated him.
"What are you doing here—"
"You're getting married?" Lysha cut him off as she stood. "Don't look so surprised. I heard it from my mother. You know nothing happens in this pack without her knowing."
"What does it have to do with you?" he replied coldly.
Lysha stepped closer. "Don't treat me harshly just because you found your mate, Khalien." Her voice softened, but her eyes remained sharp. "No one in this world deserves you more than I do. Not Nalath. Not even that Anais."
Khalien narrowed his eyes at her confidence. Seeing no value in continuing the conversation, he moved past her.
But before leaving, he stopped and cast her a cold glance over his shoulder. "The next time you hurt her… you will have to face me."
Lysha bit her lip, her gaze darkening.
The more you protect her… the more I want to kill her.
---
At the same time, in one of the pack's mansions, a figure rested in a large bathtub filled with warm water.
Menelyck leaned back with his eyes closed, recalling a recent encounter.
Radella.
Her fearless eyes reminded him of a battle he once fought long ago. The scent was different, the presence entirely different… yet both stirred something within him.
The thrill of a challenge.
His eyes snapped open. What was he thinking?
How could he compare the queen of witches to that worthless—
"Menelyck!"
At the sound of his name, he rose from the bath, water dripping onto the floor. He quickly put on his robe and stepped out.
In the next room, Adrien was already seated, eating the food that had been prepared.
"As a man, why do you take so long to bathe?" Adrien said casually, not even looking at him as he continued eating.
Menelyck descended the stairs and approached him. "Where is Celia?"
"Asleep," Adrien replied. "I didn't even want her here. You're too cruel to her."
Menelyck frowned, clearly offended. "She's the one who insists on driving away every woman near me. Who's the cruel one?"
Adrien glanced at him. "And yet you still let her follow us. That's what I call cruelty."
"Don't pretend you weren't the one who allowed her to come, thinking it would be fun."
Adrien paused, caught, then set his spoon down. Honestly… it was amusing.
Silence settled between them for a moment before Adrien spoke again, his tone turning more serious.
"There wasn't any woman you felt even the slightest connection to?"
Menelyck shook his head.
Adrien sighed. "Then tomorrow, we roam the streets."
"No need," Menelyck replied. "I've already ordered their Gamma to gather every unmated woman. Even those from the streets."
He paused, his expression tightening slightly.
"If that fails… then the seer lied."
Adrien narrowed his eyes. "Or you're the one lying."
Menelyck frowned. "Why would I hide her? I need her more than she needs me."
"Alright," Adrien said as he stood. "I'll see you tomorrow."
He took a few steps, then paused.
"About that girl…" He hesitated, then shook his head. "Forget it. See you there."
With that, he left.
Alone, Menelyck exhaled deeply. If not for his pride, he would have chosen just anyone.
Then a thought crossed his mind.
Every pack had a seer.
Immediately, he headed for the exit and ordered the guard to summon her.
Not long after, Coretta entered, her head lowered.
She glanced up at where Menelyck sat, arms crossed.
Even in her old age, she still had to bow to someone who barely looked past thirty.
What did he want?
"You're a seer?" Menelyck asked, observing her.
"No," she replied humbly. "I only see glimpses of the future."
"Look at me," he ordered. "Tell me what you see."
Coretta raised her eyes.
Then her expression changed.
Her eyes widened.
Then widened further.
"Blood… death…"
Menelyck slammed his hand against the table, making her flinch.
"What do you see about my soulmate?" he demanded, lowering his voice slightly at the last word.
Coretta's brow lifted faintly.
So… even he struggled to find a mate. Perhaps karma.
"I'm sorry," she said. "This vision is too strong for me to fully see. But I have something that may help you find her."
Menelyck leaned forward, interest flickering in his eyes.
Coretta reached into her bag and placed a ring on the table.
"Sorcery," Menelyck said immediately, sensing it.
"It once belonged to a powerful witch," she explained. "When its wearer stands beside their soulmate, it will illuminate… and share half their power."
Menelyck stared at the ring.
He had always looked down on such artifacts.
But after encountering that queen… perhaps not anymore.
He picked it up and slid it onto his finger.
"If it shows no result within two days," he said coldly, "you will leave your neck here."
Coretta swallowed. "Yes."
Menelyck glanced at the ring.
Now, all that remained… was to find her.