Chapter 5

RARITY ARMOR

The moon's silvery glow guided my way as I fled into the unknown, leaving behind the castle that once held the promise of a princess's dreams.

I ran until my legs gave out beneath me, gasping for breath as I found myself enveloped in the suffocating darkness of the forest where my life had begun.

I stumbled, feeling the gnarled roots of a tree reaching out to embrace me like skeletal fingers. My body trembled with fear and exhaustion, but I pushed myself on, determined to put as much distance between me and that wretched castle as possible.

Finally, I could run no more. My heart pounded like a war drum, and my lungs screamed for respite. Leaning against a tree, I collapsed to the forest floor, my body trembling from both exertion and the terror that still clung to me like a relentless specter.

The night air whispered eerie lullabies, coaxing me to rest. My eyelids felt heavy as if weighted down by the burden of the secrets I carried.

The moonlight filtered through the branches, casting ghostly shadows that danced on the forest floor, making me question every rustle and movement in the dark.

Exhaustion finally overpowered my fears, and I succumbed to sleep, not knowing what the night held for me. My dreams were haunted by memories of a twisted past and visions of a future uncertain, entwined like thorny vines, choking the life out of me.

As I lay there, vulnerable and alone, the forest held its breath, as if the very earth itself sensed the weight of my shattered innocence and the gravity of the path I was destined to tread.

The forest was a witness to my anguish, the silent sentinel to my tragic tale, and the darkness became my only companion in the stillness of that night.

**

Eventually, I heard voices nearby and pretended to be asleep. "Who is that girl?" someone said with authority and a deep voice.

My heart leaped within my chest as his alluring scent wafted through the air, enveloping me in an intoxicating embrace. Even without laying eyes on him, I knew deep down in my soul that he was my destined mate.

But a torrent of emotions flooded my being as doubt and uncertainty clouded my mind. Could he truly accept me for who I am? Was he the regal king my departed father had spoken of, the one who had tenderly adopted me into his heart?

As I stood there, surrounded by the watchful eyes of the wolves, my heart yearned for a love that defied all odds. I dared to dream of a love so pure and passionate, where the whispers of destiny would intertwine our souls.

In the depths of my mind, I clung to the memory of my father's warm embrace, his loving words resonating like a guiding star. He had told me that one day, I would find my true mate, a love that transcended time and circumstance.

My mate!

As I rose to my feet, the atmosphere crackled with an electric tension, and the wolves around me recoiled in awe, their eyes fixed on me with a mix of fear and reverence. "Her eyes..." one of them exclaimed, and like a ripple in a pond, they all took a collective step back.

And then, as if drawn together by an invisible force, I collided with a Alpha. My mate.

In that moment of collision, time seemed to stand still, and the world faded away, leaving only the two of us in a universe of our own.

His eyes bore into mine, as if he could see through to the depths of my soul, and I felt a profound connection that transcended the boundaries of mere mortals.

Our hearts pounded in unison, synchronized by the ancient bonds of destiny that bound us together. As mates, we heard the rhythmic beats of love echoing between us, drowning out the sounds of the outside world. The intensity of our bond was palpable, like a symphony of emotions playing in perfect harmony.

"Who are you?" he uttered in a voice that was both tender and commanding.

With every fiber of my being, I wanted to tell him everything, to pour out my soul and share the depths of my heart. But the weight of uncertainty held me back, and I hesitated, my voice barely a whisper. "I am Rarity."

In that moment, time seemed to stretch on indefinitely, as if the universe was holding its breath. His gaze never wavered, and it was as if he saw not just the name but the essence of my very being.

He reached out, his hand trembling with anticipation, as if on the cusp of touching a rare and precious treasure. In that touch, I felt a surge of energy course through me, igniting a fire that blazed within my soul.

He placed his hands on my face and shook his head, "No. You are my mate."

I was gazing softly at the king, not uttering a single word. I had loved him from the very moment our eyes met.

But why did he claim that I was his mate?

Could it be that he truly accepted me, despite my poor appearance, my clothes soiled with mud and sweat?

At that point, I did not even know his name. My days and nights were consumed by work in the castle, leaving me detached from the normal lives of werewolves. I was worse off, having forsaken my studies and lacking the training that would make me worthy in the eyes of the king. He referred to me as an "illiterate Luna."

His eyes softened, but my mind could not comprehend the reason behind his happiness upon finding me. After all, he was the most powerful Alpha, capable of choosing any mate he desired.

Why then did he choose me?

Gently, he took my hand and bestowed a tender kiss on my upper hand. I trembled slightly, yet his touch did not repulse me. "My king, I am so confused," I blinked, trying to make sense of the overwhelming emotions surging within me.

In response, he removed his expensive jacket and draped it over my shoulders, a gesture both kind and protective. "Why, my Luna?" His voice held a tenderness that sent my heart aflutter, like a bat taking flight in the darkness, heralding the early sunrise.

"I am poor and dirty, and..." I tried to explain, my voice trembling with self-disgust.