*Selena*
I didn’t have any plan or strategy, but I knew I needed to work it out before time slipped from my hands.
“I need to do it,” I muttered to myself, feeling the weight of the situation bearing down on me.
“How are you going to do this?” Arena’s voice cut through my thoughts, tinged with frustration.
Suddenly, something clicked in my mind.
“I have a plan,” I chimed in confidently.
“What plan?” she purred through the mind link, her curiosity piqued.
“His first love!” I exclaimed, the realization dawning on me. “I mean, his first mate, Arabella. He would have loved her more, and if he finds her back, he will definitely choose her over me and eventually reject me,” I explained, the words tumbling out in a rush.
“I just need to find out about Arabella,” I whispered, deep in thought. “And let him realize that I am not her. Maybe…” I trailed off, a sense of hope flickering within me. “Maybe I can bring her back.”
“But she died thousands of years ago,” Arena countered.
My wolf was very thoughtful, yet I was desperate to alter our destiny and make it possible for me to be free from this mate bond.
“Though it was a thousand years ago, we possess that special power, don’t we?” I smirked.
“No! No, Selena, it’s a bad idea,” I could sense her shaking her head as she warned me in my mind. “Special powers can only be used when necessary, and we might lose the chance to use them again.”
“I don’t care, Arena. I am going to do it. Screw the consequences,” I huffed. “What are those powers for if we can’t use them?”
“Yes, Selena, we are powerful, and we have some special powers, but you can’t always use them. Those powers have rules, and the bearer has to follow them,” she reminded me in a serious tone.
“I understand this,” I murmured helplessly, my voice tinged with uncertainty. “I just don’t know…” I shook my head, feeling utterly lost. I had no other plan, no idea how I could possibly return to Zander. “But we’re not using it to harm anyone or the world. We’re using it to help Damon regain his love. And if Damon rejects me, at least I can be with my family,” I reasoned, attempting to convey a sense of logic amidst the chaos.
“I have a better idea,” Arena suggested, her voice resolute. “Why don’t we just escape? I’ll make sure no one can stop us,” she declared with pride. I knew Arena was the mightiest golden wolf with immense power. But she underestimated the power of the mate bond.
“No, Arena. We can’t just run away like that,” I responded firmly, though my heart wavered with uncertainty. “The mate bond with Damon is too strong. Even though I’m mated to Zander, I feel a deeper connection to Damon. I don’t understand what’s happening. Maybe I’m Arabella’s reincarnation, maybe I’m her replacement. But I need to know the truth. The only way to uncover the whole truth is to delve into what happened thousands of years ago,” I mumbled, my words heavy with the weight of uncertainty and longing.
“Now I understand why wolves fear the mate bond. It can render us utterly helpless at times,” Arena grunted, her voice heavy with resignation.
I nodded in agreement, feeling the weight of our situation pressing down on me like a mountain.
“So, our only option is to convince Damon to agree to reject us. Only then can we be free from this bond. Besides, I need to uncover the truth about how to nullify the prophecy and prevent its dire consequences,” I declared with determination, my gaze fixed firmly ahead.
“Selena, an ancient prophecy cannot be altered or thwarted. It is destined to unfold as written in the golden annals of history,” Arena’s voice echoed in my head in a somber tone.
But I refused to entertain thoughts of failure. There was no room for it in my heart. I was determined to defy fate and safeguard my Zander at all costs.
“I refuse to accept that. I will find a way to overcome the prophecy and its repercussions. It cannot dictate our future. And if any harm comes our way, I will be there to bear it before it touches Zander,” I proclaimed, my voice unwavering despite the trembling of my spirit.
“You’re attempting to defy destiny itself, Selena. It’s unprecedented,” Arena’s voice reverberated with concern. “But I stand by your side. I will do whatever it takes to protect Zander and Lyon.”
My heart pounded loudly with a mixture of determination and fear, the unknown consequences of our defiance looming ominously on the horizon.
“He cannot be taken from me, or I will die,” I whispered under my breath, a vow etched into the very fabric of my being.
Taking a deep breath, I resolved to address one issue at a time. With determination, I swung open the door and ventured out in search of help. As I strode through the corridors, a glimmer of hope sparked within me upon spotting Harper in the kitchen. The royal staff bustled about, preparing for dinner.
“Harper!” I called out, and she promptly appeared before me.
“Yes, Your Highness?” she responded.
“I’m feeling rather bored,” I confessed with a nonchalant shrug. “Allow me to assist you in the kitchen.”
“No, Your Highness,” she hesitated. “If the king were to find out, he would be greatly displeased.”
“He won’t be angry; I’ll speak to him,” I reassured. “Besides, I used to work in the kitchen with omegas in my old pack, and I thoroughly enjoy cooking. Please, let me help you,” I insisted.
She appeared conflicted, pausing for a moment before finally nodding. “Very well, my Queen. As you wish. This way, please,” she gestured, inviting me to follow her.
Step one was complete; now it was time to proceed to step two. As I attempted to mingle among them, an air of reservation surrounded the group, as though they were all apprehensive of someone or something. Only Harper seemed willing to engage with me, offering open conversation and answering my every inquiry.
“By the way, Harper, have you ever met Arabella?” I asked, my knife deftly slicing through a head of cabbage.
“Who, Your Highness?” Her tone carried a hint of surprise.
“Arabella?!” I emphasized, “The lady whose portrait adorned the king’s chamber,” I clarified, searching her face for any hint of recognition.
“Oh, I thought it was you,” she replied, avoiding direct eye contact. It was evident she was lying and concealing something.
“Come on, I assumed with your long tenure here, you would be familiar with every aspect of the king’s affairs. I had hoped you might help me in understanding the Vampire King even more,” I urged, pushing gently for her cooperation.
“Of course, Your Highness, I will do my utmost,” she replied earnestly.
“Then please, enlighten me on what you know about Arabella. I need to discern if she holds significant sway over the king,” I pressed further, eager for any insight.
“I’m sorry, my Queen, but I cannot offer assistance on this matter,” she declared, shaking her head resolutely.