When I opened my eyes again, the Lycan was fast asleep beside me.

Did I really succeed in using him as my donor?

Carefully, I lifted the heavy front paw he’d draped over my body, terrified of waking him. The moonpetal pollen would keep him knocked out for a while, but I still had to leave before he came to.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered. “I only used you because I had no other choice. Please don’t hold it against me.”

With that apology, I slipped out of there as fast as I could, leaving Moonshine Heart.

The moment the tension left my body, I felt lighter. Even the mountain path felt easier. However, just yesterday, these trees had been withered and lifeless, yet now they were sprouting fresh buds. We weren’t even in spring.

As I continued down the path, more dead trees revived around me, blooming back to life. I could feel the energy of the land slowly returning, but I didn’t have time to stop and investigate. I sprinted all the way home.

“You little brat! Where did you run off to for the past two days?”

I had barely reached the doorway when Father appeared, making me jump.

I quickly explained myself, “Father, I only went out to clear my head. I wasn’t doing anything improper.”

Trying to placate him, I began massaging his shoulders.

“Alright, alright. You don’t need to stay upset about the bonding ceremony anymore,” he added. “The council has sorted it out.”

“Sorted what out?”

My hands stopped.

He cleared his throat. “You’re not getting any younger. The council has selected a few Omega Black Werewolves for you to meet.”

“What? You want me to go on blind dates?”

Werewolves were scarce, so the Alliance prioritized pairing and producing heirs.

“Your bloodline may not match theirs,” Father admitted, “but with the situation you’re in, you can’t afford to be picky.”

“No. I’m not doing it.”

“That’s not up to you!” he barked. “You’re not leaving this house. You’ll wait here until they arrive.”

He stormed off, and the guards “escorted” me inside.

“What is happening to my life…”

I groaned and plopped down on the stone steps as the gate slammed shut.

“You’re back?” Lilith poked up from the soil, stretching lazily. “You were gone so long, I thought you died.”

“It came really close to that,” I muttered, grabbing her vine and giving it a shake.

“Ow! Stop shaking me! I’m getting dizzy. So? Did you see the Golden Lycan?”

“Yup, and everything went smoothly.”

“S-Smoothly? Did you take my fertility leaf?”

“I did. Do you think I’ll actually get pregnant?” I placed a hand over my stomach.

“Are you doubting me?” Lilith huffed. “My leaves are potent! You might already have a little werewolf pup in there.”

I sighed and lay back on the steps.

“What’s wrong? Isn’t this what you wanted?” she asked.

“It is… but the council wants me to pick a mate and get married soon. If I really am pregnant, there’s no way I can marry someone else.”

Lilith saw my furrowed brows and smoothed a leaf over my forehead.

“Isn’t this the perfect opportunity? A child like that needs a proper identity before it can be born.”

We both fell silent.

Two days later, the council summoned me. Inside the ancestral hall, several council elders sat at the head. Father and Stepmother were there too, along with that annoying werewolf couple who never liked me.

“Elara,” one of the council elders said, “this is Kaelen Stone. He may be a low-rank Omega Black Werewolf, but his family is wealthy. Marrying into that household wouldn’t be beneath you. For an Omega, he has excellent conditions.”

“He’s all?” I asked. Father had said several to choose from.

Before the council elder could answer, mocking laughter burst out beside me.

“Hahaha! Elara, in your situation, who would even want to marry you? One is already more than you deserve.”

Chloe covered her mouth, exchanging smug looks with her husband, until Father shot her a murderous glare. She immediately quieted down.

“Elara,” Stepmother added in a soft, concerned tone, “as your mother, I must say. An Omega may not be handsome, but if he’s suitable, you should accept it.”

She always acted like a loving mother in front of Father and the council elders, but she never cared about me when no one was watching.

Omegas lacked strength and rarely possessed the striking looks of Alphas. Their appearances were usually plain at best.

“Where is he?” I asked.

The moment the words left my mouth, a familiar aura washed over me.

A figure stepped out from behind the screen. He was breathtakingly handsome but in a wild, untamed way. His messy black hair fell over his forehead, casting shadows across storm-gray eyes. His features were sharp—high cheekbones, straight nose, a firm jawline—and the slight upward tilt of his eyes gave him a rebellious, challenging air.