CHAPTER 1

AMELIA

I watch the long dress my mother has made for me. It is a magnificent piece, with soft fabric and delicate lace adorning the voluminous skirt. The dress is a reflection of her love and dedication, but for me, it is a distressing reminder of the imminent event.

I see myself reflected in the mirror, my brown eyes meeting my image. The dim light from the oil lamp casts soft shadows across the room, giving a melancholic touch to the atmosphere. I swallow hard as tears begin to blur my vision.

It is night, with darkness enveloping the exterior of the modest cottage where my mother and I live. The ball at the castle, where the Alpha King will choose his future wife among twelve young women, is scheduled for dawn. It is an ancient tradition, one that I wish I could defy.

I turn to my mother, whose eyes reflect a mixture of sadness and determination.

"I can't do this, mother.", I murmur, my voice trembling with emotion.

"I don't want to be one of the king's chosen ones."

My mother approaches, enveloping me in a comforting hug.

"I know, dear.", she says softly.

"But it's the law. You know that. We don't live in a free world; we have to follow their rules. I went through this; I attended the ball, and nothing happened to me."

I sob, feeling powerless against the oppressive expectations surrounding me.

"But why do I have to participate? Why do I have to submit to this?"

My mother steps back slightly, holding my shoulders with gentle firmness.

"Because it's what's expected of us. We are part of this realm, subject to its laws and traditions. We can't change that, but we can face it together."

I wipe away tears, struggling to find any measure of courage within me.

I know my mother is right, but it doesn't make the situation any easier to accept.

"I just... I don't want to marry a stranger.", I admit it in a low voice.

"I want to choose my destiny."

My mother smiles sadly.

"I know, dear. I wished for that too when I was young. But sometimes, our wishes are sacrificed in the name of the greater good."

I look at the dress once more, feeling a lump form in my throat. I know I can't escape my fate, but it doesn't stop me from fervently wishing for a way out.

"What should I do?", I ask, seeking guidance in my mother's eyes.

She holds my hands tenderly.

"You will wear this dress with dignity and grace. You will face the wolf king with your head held high and pray that he doesn't choose you. You will find strength within yourself that you didn't know you had, and you will get through this."

I nod, my determination strengthening. I know I can't change the circumstances, but I can control how I face them.

"I will do it.", I say, my voice firm.

"I will face my destiny with courage."

My mother smiles, pride shining in her eyes.

"Yes, my dear. You are stronger than you imagine."

I know what happens to all the girls the king chooses to marry; somehow, in a very strange and unknown way, they are all killed in the end. The tradition of choosing a girl to marry is so the king can choose his queen, but I realize that none of the girls chosen by him before satisfies him.

With one last hug, we part.

I look at the dress one last time, feeling a mix of resignation and determination growing within me.

The sun is barely rising on the horizon when I find myself before the great gate of the castle, flanked by imposing vampire guards. My steps are hesitant, echoing on the stone floor as I advance toward what awaits me.

The world around me seems distant as if I am stepping into a dark and supernatural tale where mystical creatures hold power beyond human comprehension. I feel like prey is about to be delivered to the will of a dominant king.

My heart races in my chest, and my mind is clouded with anxiety. The red dress my mother has meticulously crafted seems to weigh on my shoulders, its vibrant color contrasting with the darkness that envelops me.

I can barely remember the last time I closed my eyes to sleep. The thought of submitting to the will of a stranger has robbed me of sleep, leaving me immersed in a whirlwind of thoughts and conflicting emotions. But despite the overwhelming fear, I know I need to find courage within myself.

As I enter the castle gates, a sense of awe and opulence envelops me. Every detail is a testament to the power and wealth of the beings who inhabit it. Murals adorn the walls, depicting battles and conquests. Chandeliers sparkle in the high ceilings, reflecting the sunlight that streams through the windows.

I watch everything with wide eyes, trying to stay strong despite the trembling in my hands. The guards silently guide me through the castle's labyrinthine corridors, leading me to the grand hall where the fate of the twelve young women will be sealed.

When we reach the main hall, a tightness grips my chest at the sight of the other eleven girls already present. Each wears a dress of a different color, forming a rainbow of fabrics and colors that contrast with the dark grandeur of the castle.

I join the group, feeling small and insignificant amidst the crowd of young women awaiting the beginning of the ball. Our eyes meet for a brief moment, sharing a mixture of apprehension and solidarity. We know we are on this journey together, regardless of the outcome.

I fervently wish that we could all escape from this imposed destiny, find a way to defy expectations, and forge our paths. However, these thoughts are just fleeting illusions, lost in the grim reality that surrounds us.

As we wait for the ball to begin, I try to ignore the whispering voices of doubt echoing in my mind. I cling to the hope that somehow everything can end well.