Chapter 1 – The Dream
Aria stumbled through the dark forest, her bare feet crunching on dry leaves. She had no idea where she was or why she was here. Each step felt strange—heavy, like dragging weights, but also light, like floating in a dream. The woods were pitch-black, with only faint glimmers of moonlight breaking through the trees. She couldn't see far, but something deep inside her pushed her forward, like a voice whispering, "Keep going."
Tall trees loomed around her, their branches twisting like dark fingers against the sky. Every rustle of leaves made her jump, her heart thumping hard. Shadows danced between the trunks, playing tricks on her eyes. Was that a shape moving? Or just the wind? She felt trapped, like she'd wandered into someone else's nightmare. Her breath quickened. She was lost, alone, and scared.
Then she stopped cold.
A man stood ahead, his tall figure half-hidden in the shadows. His face was just out of sight, blurred by the dark. Aria's pulse raced. Her stomach twisted with fear. She took a shaky step back, her bare feet slipping on the damp ground.
"Hello?" Her voice cracked, barely breaking the eerie silence. "Who's there?"
No answer. The man didn't move. It was like the night itself had eaten her words, leaving only stillness. Her throat tightened.
"Can you hear me?" she called again, her voice small and trembling.
Suddenly, the man started walking toward her. His steps were slow, deliberate, each one echoing in her mind like a heavy drumbeat. Fear coiled tight in her chest, squeezing her lungs. She stumbled back, her hands shaking as she tried to keep him in sight. But the shadows seemed to cling to him, wrapping around his body like a cloak, hiding his face.
Her heel caught on a tree root, and she tripped, catching herself against a trunk. Her breath came in short, sharp gasps. The man stopped just a few feet away. He tilted his head, studying her like a wolf watching prey. His presence felt heavy, dangerous, like he could swallow her whole. Then, in one smooth, unnatural move, he leaned against a low branch, as if he'd climbed it without effort or sound.
"What do you want from me?" Aria whispered, her voice barely a breath.
He didn't answer. Instead, he raised a hand, slow and steady, reaching toward her face. His fingers caught a sliver of moonlight, pale and ghostly.
"No…" Aria's breath hitched. Her whole body trembled. She tried to back away, but her feet wouldn't move. It was like the ground held her, trapping her in place. Her heart pounded so loud she thought it might burst.
His hand inched closer, close enough that she could almost feel warmth radiating from his skin. The air grew thick, heavy with something she couldn't name. Her eyes locked on his shadowy form, searching for his face, but the darkness wouldn't let her see.
…
Aria shot upright in bed, gasping for air.
Her chest heaved as she sucked in deep breaths, trying to calm her racing heart. Her bedroom slowly came into focus. The faint glow of her alarm clock cast a soft light across the room. Tangled sheets clung to her legs, damp with sweat. Pale blue curtains swayed gently in the morning breeze, letting in slivers of dawn. The alarm blared on her nightstand, shrill and annoying.
She groaned and slapped it off, the noise dying with a click. For a moment, she just sat there, clutching her chest, trying to shake off the dream's grip. It felt so real, like the man's hand was still reaching for her.
"What was that?" she muttered to herself. "Why did it feel so… alive?"
She rubbed her face with both hands, pushing away the lingering fear. Her eyes drifted to the calendar on her wall. A small red heart was drawn on today's date.
Her eighteenth birthday.
A slow smile spread across her face, chasing away the dream's shadow. Today was special. Today, she might find her mate—the one the Moon Goddess had chosen for her. Her stomach fluttered with excitement, a mix of nerves and hope. She'd waited years for this moment, wondering who he'd be. Someone kind? Strong? A stranger or someone she'd known forever? The thought made her heart skip.
Her phone buzzed on the nightstand. She grabbed it and saw a text from Mona, her best friend.
**Mona**: Happy birthday, birthday girl! Ready to meet your mate? I'm dying to know who he is!
Aria grinned, warmth blooming in her chest. She typed back quickly.
**Aria**: Thanks, Mona! So excited. See you at school?
She tossed the phone onto the bed and hurried to the bathroom. In the mirror, her chestnut-brown hair fell in messy waves around her shoulders. Her eyes looked tired, still haunted by the dream's shadow. But nothing could ruin today. This was her day—the start of something new.
She stepped into the shower, letting warm water wash over her. It melted away the last traces of the dream, leaving her refreshed. She hummed softly, imagining her mate. Would he be tall like the man in her dream? Would his eyes hold that same intensity? The thought sent a shiver down her spine, but this time, it wasn't fear—it was anticipation.
Downstairs, the smell of fresh pancakes filled the kitchen. Her mom stood at the stove, flipping one with a practiced flick of her wrist.
"Happy birthday, sweetheart," her mom said, turning with a warm smile. She pulled Aria into a tight hug.
"Thanks, Mom," Aria said, squeezing back.
Her mom kissed her cheek. "Eighteen already. The Moon Goddess has big plans for you, I can feel it."
Aria laughed, though nerves tugged at her stomach. "I hope you're right."
She sat at the table, digging into a stack of pancakes. Her mom fussed over her, asking about her plans and reminding her to be careful. Aria nodded, barely listening, her mind on the mate bond. After breakfast, she grabbed her school bag.
"See you later!" she called, giving her mom a quick kiss before heading out the door.
The morning air was crisp, brushing against her skin as she walked through the quiet town. Cars passed slowly, their headlights still on in the early light. Aria's thoughts raced. Would she feel the mate bond today? That deep, unshakable pull everyone described? Her heart beat faster at the thought.
At school, Mona waited by the gate, waving like crazy.
"Happy birthday!" Mona said, pulling Aria into a quick hug. "So? Any mate vibes yet? Anyone you can't stop thinking about?"
Aria laughed, her cheeks flushing. "Not yet. But maybe today."
"He's gonna be amazing," Mona said, her eyes sparkling. "I know it."
Aria hoped her friend was right.
Classes dragged on, each minute feeling like an hour. Aria tried to focus, but her mind kept wandering to her mate. Who was he? What would he be like? At lunch, she overheard students whispering about something strange.
"The Lycan Alpha's coming here," one girl said, her voice hushed. "The real Lycan Alpha."
Aria frowned. She'd heard stories about the Lycan Alpha—a powerful, ruthless leader who ruled with an iron grip. But why would he come to their small town? She shook her head. Today was about her mate, not some distant Alpha. She pushed the rumors aside and headed to dance class. Dancing was her escape, where she could forget her nerves and lose herself in the music. She threw herself into every step, letting the rhythm carry her.
The day passed faster than she expected. As school ended, Aria stepped outside, her bag slung over her shoulder. But something felt different. A crowd had gathered near the entrance, their voices buzzing with excitement.
"What's going on?" Aria asked Mona, who stood nearby.
Mona pointed to the parking lot. "Look."
A sleek red car sat there, its surface gleaming in the afternoon sun. Next to it stood a man who made Aria's breath catch. He wasn't just handsome—his sharp features and dark eyes seemed to cut through the air. Her heart stopped. Everything else faded away.
Their eyes met, and Aria froze.
He started walking toward her, his steps slow and sure, like he'd been searching for her forever. His gaze held hers, intense and unyielding, with a hint of something dangerous. Her pulse raced, her skin tingling.
He stopped a few feet away, a small, knowing smile curling his lips.
"I finally found you, mate."
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