Sunlight streamed through the kitchen windows, spilling golden warmth across the pinewood floor. Aria stood barefoot at the stove, flipping pancakes with a light hum under her breath. Her mother bustled nearby, pulling fresh berries from the cooler while her father polished the same mug for the third time at the sink—still trying to process everything, she suspected.
"You've been glowing since last night," her mother said, grinning. "My baby girl, all grown up. And fated to a mate who's already in love with her."
Aria smiled, though a strange flutter rippled in her chest. "It still doesn't feel real."
Her father chuckled. "It is. And Dorian's a good man. Solid. Humble, for an Alpha."
"Even if his pack is tiny," her mother added quickly, catching herself. "Not that it matters, of course. You were always meant for something greater."
She paused to hand Aria a plate, then hesitated. "That mark on your shoulder—it's darker today, isn't it?"
Aria glanced down at the crescent-shaped birthmark curling just below her collarbone. She hadn't noticed. It did look richer somehow, almost glowing beneath her skin.
"Maybe the bond awakened it," she said, brushing it absently.
Her mother frowned, but said nothing more.
Later that day, Aria walked with Dorian through the woods bordering her family's territory. Their fingers were laced together, but she felt strangely tired. Like the bond was pulling something from her slowly, subtly—just enough to notice.
"I had dreams last night," she murmured. "Flashes. Of silver light, and whispers. A woman's voice, I think."
"Dreams?" Dorian's grip tightened just a little too much. "Did she… say anything?"
She looked up, surprised by the intensity in his tone. "No. I mean—I can't remember. Just a feeling."
Dorian exhaled, the tension melting into a practiced smile. "You're just adjusting. The bond can stir up emotions."
Aria nodded, though her wolf stirred uneasily.
That night, as she slipped into bed, she caught Dorian watching her from the doorway. His expression was unreadable—almost… mournful.
"You okay?" she asked.
He hesitated. "Yeah. Just… lucky. To have found you."
Then he was gone.
Old magic clung to the air.