Kaida's POV While I was standing in my small, crowded bedroom, where the smell of old books and old furniture filled the air, I couldn’t stop feeling restless.

Four months past my 18th birthday and with every day, my anxiety got stronger.

I was supposed to meet my mate, the one person destined to complete me, but so far, nothing.

I had returned to my pack to celebrate my birthday, hoping that he'd be there, waiting for me with open arms.

But the days turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into months, and still, nothing.

I had visited my home pack, too, but the silence was deafening.

It was as if the moon goddess had forgotten about me.

My health condition weighed heavily on my mind.

I was born with a rare illness that made me vulnerable to illness and injury.

Many told me that as soon as I found my mate and they marked me, I would be healed entirely.

Just thinking about becoming healthy and free from pain made me want to escape with hope and I felt more desperate than ever.

I walked across my room many times, being careful not to make noise on the old carpet.

Thinking I was stressed, my wolf began talking in a deep angry tone.

"Stop worrying about everything, Kaida. The person you’re looking for is already out there, waiting for you."

My doubts were still there, though.

Could it be that I would never meet him?

What if my life was set from the beginning to include illness and suffering?

I tried to ignore those thoughts and concentrate on what was taking place around me.

I tried to keep a good attitude and trust that the moon goddess was leading me somewhere.

When I was seated on my bed in the quiet of my room, I felt strong and decided.

I would do anything necessary to find my mate. I would stay patient, but I wouldn’t stop trying.

***

The sudden light from the sun shining on my face through the window woke me up very fast, so I used my phone to turn off the music.

I noticed on the incoming call that Ayla was the one ringing and that made me both surprised and curious.

A lot of time had passed since our last conversation, so I couldn’t understand why she was calling me this early.

I called out, "Hey," feeling a bit drowsy and still trying to wake up.

"Good morning too," Ayla said cheerfully, sounding as bright as the sun on a stormy day.

"Guess what?" She couldn’t get the words out fast enough and I could easily tell how excited she was.

I rubbed my eyelids, hoping to make the sleepiness go away.

"What’s happening right now?" I was puzzled and wanted to ask for more information.

My screen exploded with her screaming excitement and she announced she had been assigned to the Moonlight Shadows pack for her training.

I pulled the phone away from my ear, feeling uncomfortable.

Moonlight Shadows packs?

The pack that was such a source of stress while I was training?

I had to ask myself what made Ayla so happy about being assigned to that post.

What I experienced during my time in the pack started playing in my mind and I felt a bit uncomfortable.

When we talked, I started to think about Alpha Kairos, who is the mysterious leader of the pack.

I found myself thinking about him, hoping he would ever recall me.

The idea made me feel something in my chest, but I quickly dismissed it since it seemed only natural to wonder about it.

It took me a little while to answer Ayla when she asked me if I was still part of the pack.

I sighed and said, "Regretfully, it is so."

Since I had missed the deadline for relocation, I had to wait in this place for the next few months.

It felt like moments passed as we talked and Ayla asked if we could meet sometime.

"Don’t be worried, I’m positive you’ll have a good time at camp," I said, trying to sound reassuring.

"It’s possible I’ll come and visit your place too."

Ayla answered straight away.

"It’s very thoughtful of you to mention it, dear. “You’re just the best,” she told me, sounding truly thankful.

I smiled at the memory of my childhood friend and how happy I was to be with her.

When the call was over and it was time to begin my day, I couldn’t stop feeling slightly anxious.

What difference would it make if Ayla joined me?

Could it act as a pleasant break from the usual routine in the pack or would it end in problems?

I shrugged off the thought I went about prepare for work for the day.

***

Two weeks after that, I was in front of the training camp and everything I saw made me reflect on what I had felt before.

Even after all the time I had spent there, the clinic hadn't changed and I was overcome by nostalgia.

As I walked out, I hit Orion by accident, the kind and wisest man who had helped me during my time there.

His eyes bulged with surprise and he gave me a warm grin back.

"Finally, destiny has made its mark once more," he said, smiling with deep knowledge.

I smiled even though my mind was wondering about so many things.

Did he have something special in mind when he said this?

What did he mean by destiny?

He looked serious and moved closer to me, as if what he was going to say was important.

"Following your chosen path will not be simple for you, Kaida. However, it will eventually help you find your life’s true meaning. You have begun and the universe is starting to shape things your way."

Goosebumps ran up my body while he kept speaking.

There was a deep impact in what he told me. Just as I was about to ask more, I was enveloped by a scent I’d never smelled before but that made me feel calm.

The smell of pine blended with the clear wind coming from the ocean calmed me and made me feel refreshed.

I looked back and there was someone there that made me feel a sudden burst of excitement.

Alpha Kairos was in front of me and his eyes held mine firmly, giving me a strange feeling. I noticed different feelings rising in me, surprise, curiosity and just a hint of being cautious.