Chapter One
Melody dropped the book she was holding when she realized who stood at the door.
"Mira. Father is asking for you."
"I'll be there," Melody replied quietly.
"If you like, don't come," Mira said, her tone dismissive as she walked away.
Melody couldn't explain why her father wanted to see her. She hadn't seen the man in days, more like months. He usually didn't even remember she lived in the castle.
She left her room and headed toward the throne room, where her father held his meetings. As the second daughter of the King of Lyrius, Melody was often overlooked. Her father seemed to have forgotten she existed altogether.
She had two older brothers and an older sister. As the youngest child and second daughter, she was treated like an afterthought, a shadow in the royal family.
The continent of Deveria was divided into four kingdoms, though now only three remained. There was Lyrius, home to the fae and fairies, which was her home. Kaelinor, inhabited by sea people and mermaids. And Tharenos, where the wolves resided.
A fourth kingdom, Valkor, had once been home to the vampires, but it had mysteriously vanished, leaving behind only stories and legends that grew more absurd with each passing generation.
Melody approached the throne room, ignoring the guards who, as usual, paid her little attention. She was merely decoration, an afterthought.
Tomorrow was her coming-of-age ceremony, and she wondered if her father even remembered.
She had never received a birthday gift or even a kind word from him.
Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the doors to the throne room.
The dim lighting adjusted slowly to her eyes. The room was grand, with high ceilings and towering windows that allowed sunlight to spill across polished stone floors. Her father sat upon the throne, his expression stern and unyielding.
He was tall and imposing, with a strong jaw and piercing blue eyes. His hair was gray, threaded with white, cut short to reveal sharp, unforgiving features.
Melody's gaze swept the room, taking in the courtiers and advisors standing nearby. Familiar faces, all of them. None acknowledged her presence. It was as if she didn't exist.
"Father," Melody said, lowering into a respectful curtsy. "You sent for me?"
The king's gaze flicked to her. "Yes, Melody," he said, his voice deep and firm. "I have a task for you."
Confusion stirred within her. Her father had never asked anything of her before.
"It's more of a request," he added, his eyes locking onto hers.
A shiver ran down her spine. He had never looked at her like that.
"What do you want from me, Father?" she asked.
The king's men stared at her, their expressions unreadable.
"What I need you to do is attend the coronation of the new Alpha of Tharenos tomorrow."
Melody's eyes widened. "Why?"
"You're coming with me," her father said.
Fear surged through her. She had never left the shores of Lyrius before. Tharenos was rumored to be brutal and unforgiving.
"Why must I go?" she asked, forcing her voice to remain steady.
"This is for the kingdom," he replied gravely.
"What do you want from me, Father?" she asked again, desperation creeping in.
The king sighed. "Now is the time for you to repay the duty this kingdom has given you."
Repay what? Was it a crime to be born?
She waited in silence as he continued.
"You are going to marry the new Alpha of Tharenos."
Melody felt as though the air had been knocked from her lungs.
What?
Was this some kind of cruel joke?