He was the feral Alpha King buried beneath the mountain. She was the cursed girl they offered to him as sacrifice to end the famine plaguing their lands.

Ruvan, the first Alpha. Imprisoned, driven to utter madness, and starved of power.

Solenne, the packless she-wolf rumored to be cursed and bring misfortune to all who cross paths with her.

With the power of cursed speech, she is able to kill and bend the world to her will with only one word. To avoid hurting others, she hasn't spoken a single syllable since she was a child. Feared and rejected by her own people, she is given to the mountain in a forbidden ritual-sacrifice... and her scent stirs the beast that slumbers beneath it.

His mate.

Ruvan will stop at nothing to claim what's his, even if that means storming the heavens and finding the cure to her curse just to hear her speak his name.

----
She saw stars behind her eyes and felt constellations carved into her skin with every lingering touch and each press of his mouth. He painted the night sky onto her body, not with a brush, but with his lips, hands, and his insatiable hunger—until her lungs were empty and her heart soared so high it must’ve kissed the moon.

“Solenne,” Ruvan murmured, voice low and reverent, like a prayer.

She shivered; the sound of her name on his lips felt like heaven.

Ruvan pressed his palm to her stomach, anchoring her as he leaned in, mouth brushing the hollow of her throat. His hand rose, slow and shaking, tracing the shape of her jaw like it was a sight made only for him. His thumb brushed the corner of her mouth and his eyes burned as he studied her.

“You feel like the stars,” he whispered, “Mesmerizing and bright... something that I want to capture and keep to myself."

And then he kissed her; it was a deep, aching vow he couldn’t speak aloud. A promise made only in breath, heat, and need.

When they parted, he gently pressed his forehead against hers. His voice dipped lower… uncertain, maybe even afraid:

“Say my name?”

--
R18, werewolves, fated love, weak to strong... I hope you enjoy my second entry for 2025 WSA. :) give it a shot~

By the time the Citadel gates creaked open to admit the returning party, the snow had thickened into a nearly impassable veil.


Solenne stood in the inner courtyard, cloaked against the cold. She told herself it was only to greet him—as Luna should greet her Alpha—but the truth was she needed to see him the moment he returned.


Ruvan was first through the gate. Even under the gray weight of winter, he moved with that same lethal grace, the godfire in his eyes a banked ember. Thalos trailed at his side, the rest of the squad filtering in behind, snow crusting their cloaks and fur.


The rest of their squad followed behind, each carrying heavy bags of what Solenne assumed to be the Marrow.


The bond between them flared when Solenne's eyes met Ruvan's.


Chapter 72 - The Other