Chapter 2 – My Savior

Elara

My heart nearly stopped at the sight of those red eyes. The Dire Wolf's black fur seemed to swallow the moonlight, making it look like a piece of living darkness. Everyone knew about these cursed creatures - they weren't like normal pack wolves. They were monsters.

I gripped my bike handles tighter, trying to stop my hands from shaking. The beast was blocking the path to the palace, its massive body coiled like a spring ready to strike. Think, Elara, think! I might not have a wolf, but I knew things. Mom taught me about surviving.

"Stay calm," I whispered to myself. "Don't run. They chase if you run."

But the Dire Wolf made that choice for me. It lunged forward with frightening speed, jaws snapping where I'd just been. I jerked my bike to the side, pedaling harder than I ever had. My legs burned as I swerved between trees, branches whipping at my face.

The monster's growls got closer. I could hear its heavy paws pounding the earth behind me, getting nearer with each second. Tears of terror blurred my vision. Without a wolf, I was helpless against this creature.

A fallen log appeared in my path. In desperation, I yanked the bike sideways, sliding under the log just as massive claws raked the air above me. The bike spun out from under me, and I rolled across the ground, gasping.

The Dire Wolf's red eyes found me again. It stalked closer, lips pulled back to show fangs longer than my fingers. This was it. I was going to die here, alone in the dark.

Suddenly, a shadow dropped from the trees above. A man landed between me and the beast, his broad shoulders blocking my view. The Dire Wolf snarled, but something about the stranger made it hesitate.

"Leave." His voice was deep and commanding. The word seemed to carry power, making the air itself vibrate.

The cursed wolf's ears flattened. It backed up a step, then another. With a final bone-chilling growl, it turned and vanished into the darkness.

What!

Just who is he?

My heart was still racing as the stranger turned to face me. My breath caught - he was the most handsome man I'd ever seen. Dark hair fell across eyes that seemed to glow like amber in the moonlight. A scar ran down his left cheek, somehow making him even more striking.

"T-thank you," I stammered, trying to stand on shaky legs. "I don't know what would have happened if-"

But he was already walking away, his movements graceful as a predator's. Over his shoulder, he called out: "Stay away from the woods at night. It's dangerous."

Then he disappeared, leaving me alone with my pounding heart and a thousand questions.

I retrieved my bike, grateful it wasn't badly damaged. My hands wouldn't stop trembling as I gripped the handles. Who was that mysterious man? Why could he command a Dire Wolf? I wanted to know more about him, but he was gone like a dream.

The palace lights still beckoned. I couldn't give up now, not after coming so far. But I couldn't go to a royal ball looking like this - my dress was torn and dirty from the chase.

A small dress shop caught my eye, its windows dark for the night. I bit my lip, guilt twisting my stomach. Stealing was wrong. Mom would be disappointed. But I thought of Misty in my mother's ruined dress, of years of cruelty and pain.

"Just this once," I whispered, finding a loose board at the back of the shop. "I have to try."

Inside, moonlight revealed racks of beautiful dresses. My fingers trembled as I selected one - midnight blue silk that seemed to catch every hint of light. It wasn't my mother's dress, but something about it felt right.

I changed quickly, heart racing at every small sound. The dress fit perfectly, like it was made for me. For the first time in years, I felt beautiful. I left what little money I had on the counter - not enough, but better than nothing.

The palace took my breath away as I approached. Towering white walls seemed to glow in the moonlight, windows blazing with warmth and light. Music drifted out, making my heart beat faster. Somewhere inside was my chance at a different life.

Other girls arrived in fancy cars, wearing expensive jewelry and perfect makeup. I touched my plain face, doubt creeping in. What was I thinking? I didn't belong here. I was just a wolfless nobody in a stolen dress.

But Mom's voice whispered in my memory. "You have magic in your heart, Elara. Don't let anyone tell you different."

Taking a deep breath, I climbed the grand stairs. My borrowed dress swished around my feet as I moved through the crowd. Everything sparkled - the chandeliers, the marble floors, the jewels adorning the wealthy pack members. I felt like I was walking in a dream.

Butterflies danced in my stomach. Somewhere in this crowd might be my mate, someone who would see past my missing wolf to who I really was. Someone who would love me despite my flaws.

Lost in these thoughts, I didn't notice the solid wall of muscle in front of me until I crashed right into it. Strong hands steadied me before I could fall.

"I'm so sorry, I wasn't looking where-" The words died in my throat as I looked up.

Amber eyes stared down at me, filled with recognition and something else I couldn't read. It was him - my mysterious rescuer from the woods. Up close, he was even more breathtaking. A strong jaw, full lips, and that scar that only added to his dangerous beauty.

"You..." he said, his voice sending shivers down my spine. His grip on my arms tightened slightly. "What are you doing here?"

The way he looked at me made my heart race. But before I could answer, his expression darkened.

"You shouldn't have come." His words were harsh, but his eyes... was that fear I saw in them? "You need to leave. Now."

"But why-"

A commotion at the entrance cut me off. Guards were shouting, people screaming. Through the grand doors stalked a massive black shape with glowing red eyes.

The Dire Wol

f had found me.

And it wasn't alone. Fuck! It's all my fault. I'm doomed.