Chapter 17
(Dev’s POV)
I walked through the silent corridors, my hands tucked into my pockets, my mind far from where 1 was, I had told my friends to go on ahead without me this moming. I needed some time alone.
I was still haunted by last night’s party, the missed chance, and the ache I couldn’t shake off.
When I left the human realm to stand by Lily’s side, I thought it would be simple. I had a duty to fulfill my father’s dying wish, to find and protect the daughter of King Pison. It gave me purpose, something strong to hold onto
I never thought anything would complicate that.
I always imagined my mate would be someone simple, and kind. That we’d find each other, and everything would fall into place.
No confusion, no heartache. Just peace.
There was even a time I wished it would be Lily.
knew she wasn’t mine, not truly, but the way she cared, the strength in her.. I used to wonder how differently I would have treated her. I would never have tossed her aside like the stupid brute of a prince.
But the Moon Goddess rarely answers prayers the way we expect
I never told Tobe or Arla, but for weeks now, my wolf had been uneasy. Every time I passed the junior wing of the academy, he would stir; restless and alert. There was a scent. Like sweet rain and wild roses, but it always vanished too quickly.
Even at Zion’s birthday party, my wolf had been on edge, tailing the scent like it was something sacred.
But last night it came back stronger. It wrapped around me like silk and flame, and my wolf howled so hard inside me I almost went crazy.
She’s here.
I followed it, through the music, through the crowds of unimated wolves dancing and making out like the world outside didn’t exist. The scent was everywhere, until it narrowed, pulling me across the room, past the VIP arca
And then I saw her.
“Dad and Mom are so pissed at you. You missed the elders‘ council meeting for a party!” she snapped, her voice sharp filled with irritation. She stood in front of Zion, who was slumped in a chair with a half–empty glass dangling from his fingers His eyes were barely open.
But I barely looked at him.
She was breathtaking, with long, sleek hair that spilled over her shoulders like a waterfall She wore a black fitted ouch with gold embroidery around the cuffs. Her shoes clicked as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other, her arms folded across her chest.
She was feisty, fierce…. and the second my eyes landed on her, my wolf let out a silent, resounding rout
Mate.
Zelda.
Zion’s lule sister.
My chest tightened.
She snapped her fingers. Two bodyguards appeared from the shadows and, without a word, lifted Zion off the chair and walked him toward the
She turned and walked right past me, our shoulders nearly brushing. She didn’t even glance my way.
She didn’t know me. Not yet
Her wolf was still growing and couldn’t sense her mate. I watched until she stepped into one of the cars and it drove away.
And then I turned. I walked toward the parking lot and my friends, though my steps felt heavy.
1/2
11.15 AM ct c
Chapter 17
The princess is my mate.
The younger sister of the very prince who broke Lily’s heart, and the daughter of the King who led the war that destroyed my father’s life.
She is only sixteen, and it’ll be two more years before she feels the bond.
Two more years of silence.
I had prayed so long to find my mate, and now that I had.. it was the most complicated thing ever.
I wasn’t sure if we could ever be together. I had decided to ignore her like she never existed… but just as I stepped closer to the hallway that led to the main courtyard, I heard a loud voice.
I said I’m fine. It was her, Zelda.
I tumed in time to see her storming out of a classroom with teary eyes. A boy, clearly another junior was chasing after her,
“Zel, wait! I’m sorry, okay? I didn’t mean to…..
A few more students trailed after them, I figured they were their friends. Zelda wiped a tear from her cheek and walked faster. “It’s fine. I’ve moved on. In fact, I’m with someone else now,
The blonde–haired boy laughed bitterly. “You’re bluffing. You like only me.”
She pressed her lips together and stopped walking. I caught the flash of anger in her eyes as she looked around the hallway and saw no one else but
Before I could take another step, she was already walking toward me with firm strides. My heartbeat accelerated.
“Hey,” she whispered, grabbing the collar of my jacket. She leaned in and kissed me sofily. Her lips were warm, and trembling like it was her first. My eyes widened for a second, and 1 froze.
She started to pull back, but I leaned in and kissed her gently. When she finally pulled away, her face was flushed and her breathing uneven, She didn’t say a word but just turned and walked off, leaving the stunned crowed behind
I stood there for a moment, my heart pounding-
I touched my lips, still warm from hers, the feeling lingering like something I wasn’t ready to let go of…
So much for ignoring the princess.
2/2
