The wind howled darkly, piling up snow in drifts, blinding the ice-white night with puffs of dust.

In the battlefield, surrounded by dozens of corpses, I laid. Rogues encircled my body but it had no effect on me as my back laid numb against the dead ice grass stained red in their blood.

I gazed into their glazed over lifeless eyes frozen in horror, satisfied, before gazing at the twinkling stars in the sky.

The snow crunched underneath my blood matted hair.

It was then, I smiled. Everything is going according to plan.

He'll be so proud of me.

Years before

I scrutinized my reflection as I gazed intently at the mirror with animosity. Rosaline, if only the epithet was possessed by a being who could represent it appropriately.

I was just scarcely 14 years of age and still couldn't liberate my pores of the horrible acne that was peppered ubiquitously on my face. I looked like a savage, my once clear skin scarred with blemishes and craters of imperfection. I couldn't fathom how my mother, Adila Caster, and my father, Milan Caster, were so divine while I was antithetical.

I sighed heavily, averting my thoughts towards something with a more positive.

On the hopeful prospect, I was ecstatic that I was a year closer to the year of immunity; to the year of my rebirth.

My parents were counting down the days as they intended to step down from the royal throne and retire from their duties. Soon, they were going to entrust the responsibility of ruling the werewolf province to me as I was the eldest of my siblings, Raylin, Saturn, Rumi, and my brother, Ramsies.

Being directly linked to the royal bloodline distinguished my siblings and I from the rest of our kind.

We were accursed with distinct abilities since birth.

On the contrary, my mother is under the false pretense that it's a gift, nevertheless I abhor my "gifts" because at the end of the day, that is what's going to get us killed. That is going to lead to our undoing.

We're damned creatures.

Manipulating the weather and the minds of others in order to control their brains into seeing what I wanted them to see sounded lovely, but when you can't control it, like me, it can become quite deadly.

My family clings onto the false belief that as I mature I will be able to assimilate and apprehend my powers to the extent of being able to exert them with no difficulties. However, control seems to be out of my capacity.

"Rosaline!"

I'm jostled out of my reverie as I hear the familiar voice of Emilia, my personal servant and dear friend bellowing my name. Her footsteps echoed down the cool stone hall of the castle as get breaths grew sharp.

"That's my name, don't wear it out." I reply teasingly while chuckling at her flustered nature.

"Princess Rosaline, your parents are requesting your presence in the main hall immediately!" Emelia blubbers breathlessly.

I offered a small smile to her, sensing her apprehension, and nodded my head ruefully, " Most certainly. Emilia, inform them that my belongings are aboard the chariot and that I shall be down shortly."

She nods solemnly before turning on her heel to exit my chambers. I released the breath I wasn't aware I was holding; turning around to rest my hands on the arms of my oak wood mirror as I attempted to collect myself.

My chest constricted in fear and pain at the thought of leaving my home and everything I know behind. It was quite difficult for me to process that I'd actually be allowed to step outside the castle walls for once.

I was excited but extremely anxious for I never once left the security of the castle to discover what lay beyond, what was still unknown to me.

A bundle of nerves knotted together in the pit of my gut forcing bile to rise in my throat. I swallowed with great effort and successfully forced it back down.

"Princess?" Emilia interrupted cautiously, grateful for the intrusion I turned and gave her my full attention as I willed myself to move on.

"I've got the book you were searching for." Emilia states as she beared a concerned expression due to my slight panic attack. I nodded solemnly reassuring her that my mental affairs were now settled and after a moment under her keen observing gaze me she handed me an alluring copy of the old human classic Frankenstein by Mary Shelly.

"How on Earth did you obtain this treasure?" I questioned awestruck at it's pure magnificence and beauty. I swallowed hard and unintentionally tuned out her explanation as I admired the book in all its wonder.

It was crispy orange and tainted brown reminding me of breezy autumn mornings filled with coffee and cookies and raucous children laughing as they entertained themselves amongst the painted leaves of the trees, their relaxed manner contagious.

Human literature was a rare commodity since mankind was no longer superior. Now each species had their own royal bloodline dominating their people's affairs, each individual under the rule of their appointed autocrat.

Although, a few don't abide by that custom and don't have their originators as their leader which in my opinion, is very unwise due to the fact that they obtain the most power by nature; well excluding the humans as they seemed to get weaker and die off in time.

Their leaders were very much mortal and consistently died off every few years or so.

"It was actually by chance that I discovered this book. We were passing by a village to reach Rexton Pack for war supplies and while scouting I tripped. Well, although nothing else survived the fires of The Reckoning this book did, and under the ashes and debris of an old human village it lay. " she said a light smile gracing her features, "It is to distract you during your excursion, my princess."

I pulled her into my embrace, my eyes brimming with unshed tears as I hugged her fragile aged body against mine, "I appreciate the gesture Emilia." my voice thick with emotion at her act of affection.

"Please, be cautious," she said pulling our body's apart and gazing into my eyes with unshed tears of her own. She held onto my forearms as warm fat alligator tears rolled down our faces simultaneously. "Stay safe." she whispered connecting our foreheads and cradling my face in her small calloused hands. "I'll try." I smiled wearily.

I clumsily took my glasses off. This was all happening too fast and it overwhelmed me greatly.

I could hear the rain pouring down hard.

Damn it, I need to get a grip.

"I will miss you." I hiccupped. "Me too, hija" and with that she turned on her heel and exited my room. This would be the last time I would see her in 6 years.

I took a few minutes to compose myself and compelled the hurricane to slow down into a mere drizzle.

I walked down when dressing in a servants outfit to encounter my parents.

I examined my father as he awaited my presence. He was whispering into my mother's ear; judging from the red coat of blush that tinted my mother's usually pale cheeks it was nothing innocent. Once I was within hearing range my father smirked arrogantly while my mother averted her gaze sheepishly, the tips of her ears red as her face was entirely flustered.

"Are you ready, darling?" my mother inquired in a much higher pitch than usual, "Yes," I replied forcing myself to smile brightly, "Let's go!" I feigned excitement.

"Ladies, adventure awaits!" my father said a cheshire grin on his face as if he knew something I didn't.

A few hours into our 'adventure' boredom mixed with anticipation was gnawing at my gut and eating me alive. The eerie silence not helping my situation.

"What pack did you mention we were visiting?" I questioned to no one in particular as I adjusted my glasses and set down my novel to rest my eyes. We'd been riding for eons and I was beginning to feel nauseated from the constant jerking movements of the chariot. I sighed deeply, slightly shaking my head in vain attempts to rid myself of the dizziness and light-headedness that plagued me.

My father's council turned their eyes from their mass load of paper work to survey me. My childhood and personal studies with each of them flitted through my mind as I appreciated their sagely exteriors. They were my mentors and would soon teach me the politics and everything I needed to be conscious of as queen.

"The Moon Warriors Pack" replied Jorge in a grave manner as he kneaded his forehead, stress evident in his features. I observed him worried about his stresses, but made no comment, if it was imperative then I'd be informed. Ignorance is bliss.

I peered out the window of the chariot. There was no sun out today. It was a cloudy, windy morning as it reflected the inner depths of my heart which seemed to be numb and nonchalant. I was slowly coming to terms about my present and future.

"Are they aware of our upcoming arrival?" I asked as I continued to look out beyond the hues of grey and blues if the nebulous sky.

"They were made aware we were arriving but not when." Jenessa replies scrolling through the papers in her hand with a scowl.

"What?!" my head snapped to glower at them both but they were each to engrossed in their labor to pay heed to my outburst.

I'm unsure which is more unsettling; the fact that every werewolf (myself included) was terrorized with the mere rumors surrounding the fierce Moon Warriors or that in just a few moments I would be encompassed by trained assassins male and female.

I frowned deeply, agitated with the news. They all ignored me as they had more pressing matters to attend to than a whining princess in disguise. I wasn't pleased with the idea of arriving uninvited, I loathed the tense atmosphere that followed the action.

"We've arrived." our chauffeur announced before bringing the chariot to an abrupt stop.

My assigned servant, Noah, appeared anxious as he proceeded to open the door. I offered him what I hoped was a comforting smile before impersonating the part as maiden and pulling down the stairs of the chariot onto the concrete. No one was aware I was the heir to the throne with the exception of my parents, siblings, council, and few palace servants.

Noah and I stood off to the side as my parents stepped out. They radiated power and authority, their presence was immensely intimidating as their traditional royal garments gleamed creating an other wordly aura. They walked with pride and grace as the council followed behind.

"Ladies and gentleman, our king and queen, Adila and Milan Caster!" The head of my father's council Simon announced.

Time seemed to slow as everyone ceased their tasks to get on one knee and bow their head in submission and reverence on the other knee. A few seconds passed as my father surveyed the crowd, his power overwhelming.

"At ease." My father dismissed them with a wave of his hand and they began to resume their duties.

The beta of the pack stepped forward. The alpha's absence apparent.

"My queen, my king, the alpha sends his sincerest apologies for his absence this fine evening, he's doing something of great significance." the beta stated skittishly.

"More significant than welcoming his king and queen?" My mother probed scowling in disapproval. The beta gulped and released a nervous chuckle as my dad hummed his disappointment, "Proceed." My father scrutinized, distaste evident on his face as the beta escorted us to our temporary home.

My father had little patience for tardiness and absence, he was a very punctual man and ruled the kingdom with an iron fist. He tolerated no rebels and made sure to make an example of any barbarians who foolishly dared to challenge him.

"I've got it from here." Simon said and dismissed the beta, "Come, come your majesties." He ushered us all into a huge pack house.

We stepped inside and I realized it wasn't a pack house but in fact a castle made exclusively for royal guests. "Make yourselves at home." my dad hugged me tightly while smiling brightly, his dimples appearing on both of his cheeks. I giggled before I escaped his tight embrace and ran off to explore.
This was my first time outside the palace walls, and I was not left disappointed.

Everything was extravagant. The main room had forest g with swirls of red carpets and gold wallpaper with this red designs and a fire pit. Above me, a chandelier that made prisms of rainbows on the walls that added a magical flare to the whole ordeal. Their was a dark brown woodsy staircase that I had followed Noah to as he escorted me towards my room.

"Each door has a large room that has a conjoined personal bathroom." Noah elaborated as he opened the door to my bedroom window displayed two doors on each end.

"Ring me if you need me miss." He bowed curtly before rushing off to resume his errands.

I jumped on my bed squealing in delight as I threw myself a party. I danced and yelped and hyped myself up. My restroom was a beautiful pearl white and my closet was so spacious my plain beige maiden attire barely took up one corner. For a brief moment, I closed my eyes and envisioned what it'd be like to be queen. I replaced the rags I wore with a stunning emerald green gown making my own bright green eyes pop and my bathroom full of scented soaps, shampoos, and oils of all assortments. My closet full to the brim with ball gown dresses and shoes. I sighed wistfully averting my mind back to the present. I covered my body with the thick silk blankets and surrendered myself to the sweet oblivion of sleep.

***

I felt myself awaken from my deep slumber. I rang for Noah as I slipped my tattered rags back on and my dull worn out shoes that itched my feet from being one size too small.

"Madam?" Noah called out into the darkness of my room.

"Noah, what time is it?" I asked, stifling a yawn.

"It's nine thirty." he replied.

"Thank you, you're dismissed." I waved my hand and padded over to the main room.

My parents were both enthralled in their paper work but as I approached them they both turned to look at me.

My mother smiled at me.

"Did you enjoy your nap?" she asked as my father sipped on a cup of coffee.

I stretched my arms out, yawning, "Yes, indeed I did. I feel very well rested." I replied my curiosity and urge to explore gnawing at my stomach sending a thrill of adrenaline through my system.

"If my presence is not required, may I please explore the pack?" I asked my parents, casting them pleading glances before they could say no.

My father looked like he was about to reject my request but when I caught his gaze, I warped reality and made him see multiple versions of me all giving him the same pleading look.

He shook his head profusely, and I immediately stopped as I couldn't hold the vision for longer than a few moments.

"Don't do that." he gave me a pointed look and I nodded somberly and turned to walk away, disappointment marring my usual jovial expressions.

I was already outside my room door when I hard a deep sigh from downstairs, "You can go." My father said giving in and I sprinted downstairs and gave him a bear hug, "Thank You, dad! Thank you!" He laughed and shook his head at my child-like manner "Okay, now you better behave, and don't blow your cover." he stated earnestly giving me a pointed look.

"I won't! I won't!" I was practically bouncing with excitement. He sighed and looked at my mother who smirked, probably convincing him through their bond to let me go. He sighed once more, "Damn you women," my mother chuckled at my father's obvious dilemma, but we both knew if he disagreed with mom he'd be in deep trouble "Go before I change my mi-" before he could finish his sentence I had already ran off. I could hear the staff chuckle at the exchange.

I often wondered who was really the alpha and who was the luna because God help my father the day he decides to disagree with my mother on something big. I laughed at his misfortune before wandering around the small town.

All the stores were closed and I occasionally overheard snores of a few individuals. The moonlight on the town made it look otherworldly as it reflected off the shiny surfaces and seemed to cast a magical aura. I was completely star-struck by its beauty.

An hour had passed until I finally finished exploring the entire town and the edge of the forests. I spun on my heel to return home, my parents would probably be asleep by now. I was glad I chose this time so there was a less probability of risking my true identity.

Something shiny sparkled in the corner of my eye, I turned and walked towards the direction I'd seen it originate from. After minutes of eerie silence and nothingness I gave up searching for the source assuming it was just a fish from the river although that made no se-

Pow

There it was, a faint sound so low I wasn't even sure I heard it. It seemed to originate from the same initial direction the sparkle had come from. I ran blindly towards it, trusting my instincts to pave the way.

A few minutes passed until I stumbled across a concrete building. It was very dark and mysterious as it loomed over me; my curiosity peaked. The noise intensified as I cautiously opened the glass door and peered inside to reassure myself it was safe.

I heard what sounded like flesh hitting flash and ragged hard breaths filled my ears. Then like a tidal wave it hit me the second I opened the next pair of glass doors.

The scent of sweat, testosterone, and in the mist of this disgusting abyss something masculine and breathtaking.

The punching stopped abruptly and I heard someone take a deep breath, "I can smell you little mate." I heard a deep baritone rough voice say. I found myself dumbfounded, my limbs frozen, my soul unprepared while my inner wolf Bailey was howling in glee.

"Come out, come out wherever you are." I heard his predatory voice taunt me. My limbs refused to respond as I tried to tell myself to run.

I observed my surroundings in my paralyzed state, it looked like a torture center, old blood stains tainted the walls and behind me was a mass display of various weapons and torture tools. I forced myself to become mobile again until I came across a tall muscular man.

He looked like he reached his prime age already, which meant he could be hundreds of years old and I'd never know because he's stuck in time, in a twenty some year olds body. Not that having a mate hundreds of years older than you was uncommon. It was actually a common occurrence, due to our immortality we could meet our mate at any age. Some even meet their mate when they're babies and wait until they're of age to initiate the mating process.

While my mind wandered off my body went on autopilot and my wolf, Bailey, took advantage as she gained control.

I looked up at this stranger I had felt a strong connection too. Although it wasn't me controlling my own body I enjoyed this and I felt Bailey calling out to his wolf. I witnessed his internal struggle for dominance but in the end his wolf won.

My mate and I gazed into each others eyes sharing an intense moment of passion. His wolf wrapped his arms around me embracing me and Bailey returned the gesture gladly. Sparks flew everywhere. Our wolves stayed locked in one another's embrace for a few minutes before the fog cleared up and our human selves regained control of our bodies.

I immediately fell as my mate shoved me off of