With newfound confidence and a sense of anticipation, I decided to dress for the day ahead. I chose a stunning white dress, tailored to perfection, with tasteful slits that revealed just enough of my legs. The dress hugged my body in all the right places, accentuating my curves and making me feel like a true queen of the day. It was a symbol of my transition into adulthood, and I couldn't wait to wear it.
After a quick shower, I let my hair fall loose around my shoulders, allowing it to cascade down like a silken waterfall. It framed my face in a halo of glistening strands, enhancing my ethereal appearance.
As I stood before the mirror, dressed in my birthday outfit, I couldn't help but smile. Today was not just about turning 18; it was about the anticipation of finally meeting my wolf, a part of myself I had yet to discover.
As I walked through the bustling marketplace, the solemnity that permeated the air caught me off guard. Whispers and hushed conversations surrounded me, forming an invisible shroud of disapproval and skepticism. The words of my fellow pack members, my peers, stung like an invisible swarm of bees.
"Can a female truly be the next heir to the throne?"
"I've heard they're hoping for a son. Otherwise, Theron might have to take another mate."
I couldn't help but grit my teeth in frustration. The audacity of some to openly question my right to inherit the throne as a female infuriated me. The gossip and rumors were nothing more than baseless assumptions, yet they cast shadows over what should have been a day of celebration.
Though tempted to retort, I knew it would be futile. Instead, I pressed on, determined to let their ignorance slide off me like water off a duck's back. I refused to let their opinions tarnish the significance of my 18th birthday.
Further into the market, I spotted a group of familiar faces – Mira, Jane, Sasha, Samuel, and Jake. They were my usual training companions, but our camaraderie had always been a bit strained. They often regarded me as an oddity, labeling me as "weird" behind my back. Today, however, I longed for some semblance of normalcy, even if it meant joining them.
With a polite smile, I approached the group, but I couldn't help but notice that their greetings lacked sincerity. Jane was passionately discussing a new threat in our territory, Alpha Lucien, who had been causing trouble.
"He's incredibly powerful," Jane gushed, her eyes gleaming with infatuation. "Rumor has it he took down three Alphas single-handedly."
Jake, on the other hand, couldn't hide his disdain. "He's ancient, Jane. You shouldn't be fan-girling over someone that old."
As I listened to their conversation, I felt a strange, inexplicable connection to the name Lucien. Something deep within me stirred, a curious heat that demanded my attention. I tried to hide my newfound interest, but my thoughts raced with questions. Why did Alpha Lucien's name affect me so? It was a mystery I couldn't dismiss, even amidst the judgmental whispers and the complicated dynamics of our pack.
I couldn't contain my curiosity any longer and had to ask Jane and Mira about Alpha Lucien and the trouble he was causing. Jane's eyes sparkled with a mix of admiration and fear as she began to explain.
"Lyra, you have no idea. Alpha Lucien is one of the strongest and most notorious Alphas out there. He leads the Red Devils pack," she said, her voice filled with both respect and unease. "They're known for their audacity—raiding other packs, causing chaos, and leaving no trace behind. Nobody knows where their territory is; it's like they're off the grid, invisible."
Mira nodded in agreement, adding, "They're ruthless, Lyra. People say they'll stop at nothing to get what they want. Crossing paths with the Red Devils is never a good sign."
Before I could process this new information, Jake chimed in with a mocking tone. "You seem so interested in Alpha Lucien and his business, princess," he spat the last word before continuing, "but did you know your parents are actually having a meeting about him right now while you're out galavanting?" he scoffed.
His words stung, and I felt a mix of annoyance and embarrassment. I hadn't expected my curiosity to land me in the middle of my parents' business. "Whatever," I said with a huff. I turned and walked away, leaving the group behind, but my thoughts remained consumed by this mysterious Alpha Lucien.
I headed back after a few hours of walking aimlessly; honestly, this was turning out to be the worst birthday ever. I had guards following me everywhere, which only made people avoid talking to me. I was like a disease, a bad plague that everyone had to avoid at all costs. To make matters worse, it was already getting dark, and I hadn't even felt my wolf.
I arrived, and my parents were apparently still in some meeting. It had to be the Lucien thing. I decided to lose my guards by lying about going to use the toilet. "Please don't follow me; that would be so weird. I will be right back," I told Jeff, one of the guards. He just nodded; they never said much.