“Selena, what's wrong?” I asked, my voice laced with concern as I sensed her turmoil through our mindlink. “Since this morning, you’ve been acting quite differently,” I inquired.

"I don't know, I just have this feeling like something's coming. Something significant will happen," she replied.

"A feeling?" I pressed, my curiosity piqued.

"Yes, and there are these other feelings. I don't know how to explain them. It's like my senses are on high alert, and I feel like I'm walking on edge."

"Nothing's going to happen, Selena. Just breathe and relax. Let's go for a run. It might clear your mind," I suggested, trying and hoping to calm her down. But as I spoke, a shiver ran down my spine was Selena's intuition trying to warn us of something?

“yes, I’d really love that,” she responded, her eagerness radiating through our bond like a spark of electricity.

With that, I stepped out of the grand palace, into the twilight's embrace. The sky was a deep indigo, studded with stars that shone like diamonds scattered across the velvet expanse. I made my way to the secluded woods, and shifted into my wolf form under the cover of the night. The cool air danced across my fur, invigorating my senses. The forest invited me to run through it, a familiar forest surrounding the palace.

The forest beckoned, familiar and alive with the whispers of leaves, the soft rustle of small creatures in the underbrush and the breeze of nature enveloping us in a protective shroud. As we ran, the trees blurred around us, and I felt exhilarated, my paws pounding the earth.

We reached our favorite spot, a serene clearing bathed in the silver glow of the moon. A small pond shimmered, surrounded by lush greenery that swayed gently in the breeze.

Once there, I shifted back into my human form the night cool against my skin. I settled beside the pond, dipping my legs into the water that sparkled like diamonds under the starry sky. The soothing water enveloped my legs, and I stirred the surface, creating ripples that expanded outward, washing away my tension.

“How was the run? Are you feeling any better now?” I asked Selena through our bond, seeking reassurance.

“Not exactly” she replied, her unease still evident through our link. “Don’t fret about it,” she added.

“Alright,” I replied, but I couldn't shake off the knot of dread that lingered in my heart. I wondered if her distress was linked to the recurring nightmare I'd been having and I made a mental note to consult the seer for guidance once we returned from the Lycan Empire .

With tomorrow's departure to the Lycan Empire looming, I’d spent the morning researching and packing my belongings, ensuring I was ready for whatever lay ahead. After a moment of solitude by the water, I stood up and headed back to the palace, ready to rest before the impending journey tomorrow.

The next dawn broke with an electric energy, a potent mix of excitement and trepidation pulsed through the air. Yet, beneath it all was an inexplicable feeling, as if something was calling to me from the depths of the unknown.

Once dressed and prepared for the day, I stepped outside to find Amelia waiting, her face radiant with anticipation. “Hey, are you ready for our adventure?” I asked, trying to match her enthusiasm. But as I looked at her, once again I couldn't shake off the feeling that our journey was about to change everything.

“Yes! I can hardly contain myself!” Amelia exclaimed, her eyes shining like morning dew with excitement. “I’m so eager to see the empire and all its wonders!”

"You're not alone in your excitement," I replied, trying to temper her enthusiasm with a dose of reality. "Everyone's probably feeling the same way."

"Well, I speak only for myself. I'm just focused on my own excitement," Amelia said, her energy infectious. "Let's get going! Time to head to the parking lot!" she urged, already moving ahead. I followed, matching her pace as we walked together, the anticipation building between us.

Upon arriving and reaching our destination, I noticed the dedicated workers had already loaded our luggage into the sleek car, its polished surface gleaming in the sunlight.

But a flicker of anxiety crept into my thoughts as Amelia's words caught my attention. "Davina, just so you know, you'll be sitting next to Jayden during the entire ride," she said, a playful smirk dancing on her lips.

"I'm really not looking forward to that," I admitted, reluctance washing over me like a cold wave. "You'd better go have a word with him about it," Amelia nudged me, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"I'll try," I murmured, my heart sinking at the prospect of dealing with Jayden.

I spotted Jayden waiting nearby, his presence was commanding, exuding warmth and confidence. “Good morning, Jayden,” Amelia and I greeted in unison, our voices blending excitement and nervousness.

“Good morning! How was your night? And did you enjoy your run last night?” he asked, his tone warm and inviting.

“It was good. But how do you know I went on a run?” I asked, surprised.

"Well, I saw you heading into the woods. It's not exactly a secret spot," Jayden replied matter of factly. "Okay Jayden, could I please sit with Amelia during the journey? We have a lot to talk about," I implored, hoping he'd understand.

“You two have always been together. What more is there to discuss? You’re riding with me” Jayden stated firmly, his authoritative tone brooking no argument.

“Please, I'd really like to sit with Amelia” I pleaded softly, desperation creeping into my voice.

“No, that’s not happening,” he replied, his expression unyielding.

Just then, Amelia intervened, “How about I sit with Davina in the car on the way to the airport, but then switch to sit with you once we're to board the plane?”

Jayden's demeanor softened slightly at her suggestion. “Okay, that works for me,” he relented. “Thank you!” I exclaimed, feeling a wave of relief wash over me

Before long, the king and high-ranking members of the court arrived in a grand procession, accompanied by my parents and their loyal attendants. We climbed into the luxurious vehicles designated for our journey, their plush interiors inviting and enveloping us in comfort.

As I entered the vehicle with Amelia, I could feel my parents' disappointed look, wishing I had been in the same car with Jayden, but I ignored it, for once they should let me do what I want.

“I haven’t even mated with him yet, and already I’m feeling like my life is being dictated by commands first my parents, now him” I confided in Amelia, frustration simmering beneath the surface. “It’s all a bit overwhelming”

"You need to remember, he isn't trying to control you, Davina," Amelia reassured me, her voice calm and soothing. "He genuinely wants to spend time with you and deeply cares about your happiness. I'm not saying this just because he’s my cousin; I've seen how he treats others, and he's truly good."

"I know, I just need time to adjust," I admitted softly, my heart heavy with uncertainty.

Once we arrived at the king’s private airport, we boarded the luxurious plane, where Jayden took a seat beside me. The elegant cabin, designed just for him, adorned with rich woods and plush upholstery inviting relaxation.

The luxurious plane soared through the skies, the scent of polished leather and fresh coffee wafted through the cabin. As soon as we were settled, Jayden focused on his laptop, typing away with a hint of intensity. “Why do you keep avoiding me?” he asked, his eyes fixed on the screen, but his voice laced with concern. “Since I talk to you that night, I’ve noticed you pulling away,”

“It’s not like that. I’m not intentionally distancing myself,” I replied, wishing desperately that I could articulate my feelings about our bond.

Jayden's gaze shifted to mine, his eyes searching for answers. "Good, I don't want my mate distancing herself from me," he said, his voice low and husky. "Since you've accepted to be my mate, you should embrace it willingly. We've discussed this before, and you said you were okay with it. I don't want any problems to arise."

"Yes, I'm fine with it, and there won't be any problems," I assured him, though a hint of uncertainty crept into my voice.

How did he sense my unease, I wondered if Amelia had shared my doubts with him. Jayden's eyes seemed to bore into my soul, as if searching for the truth. After a moment, he returned to his work, leaving me to my racing thoughts.

The nagging sense of unease lingered, deepening as Selena remained unusually quiet since I woke up. Exhaustion eventually overtook me, and I longed for the plush bed inside the cabin, a haven of comfort amidst the uncertainty. “Davina, wake up. We'll be landing in 20 minutes” a gentle voice stirred me from my slumber.

As I blinked awake, yawning and rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I sat up and smoothed my outfit. My mind began to whirl with thoughts of the Lycan empire and the unpredictable future that stretched ahead.