“Among werewolves, there is an old saying…” “Your wolf will know your mate long before your heart does.” The forests of Noctharis stretched endlessly beneath a sky washed in silver moonlight. This was the Alpha King’s territory. No hunter entered without permission. No beast dared challenge its ruler. Whenever the burden of the crown became too heavy, Kael would leave the castle behind, shift into his wolf, and disappear into the ancient woods, where only instinct remained. Tonight… Was no different. A massive black wolf raced silently between the towering trees, the cold wind rushing through his thick fur. The forest welcomed its king. Until… A scent drifted through the night. Wildflowers. Fresh rain. And something so gentle it made every instinct inside him freeze. His paws stopped. His ears lifted. His heart pounded once… Twice… Then, after twenty-seven years of complete silence… A familiar voice echoed through his mind. ”…Mate.” Kael narrowed his eyes. “You’re certain?” His wolf answered without hesitation. “I’ve never been more certain of anything.” Before Kael could reply— A deafening roar echoed through the forest. Something was hunting her. Without another thought… The King of Noctharis ran toward the sound.

Not far away… Guest stood in the middle of a narrow forest path, her breathing uneven as she slowly backed away. She had entered Noctharis that afternoon, hoping only to pass through the kingdom before sunrise. Travelers often spoke of its forests with fear, but they also whispered that rare herbs bloomed beneath its ancient trees. She had underestimated just how dangerous the forest truly was. A corrupted Dire Bear blocked the only path forward. Nearly four meters tall, its body was covered in blackened fur streaked with glowing crimson veins. Thick saliva dripped from its jaws as it let out another earth-shaking roar. Guest tightened her grip around the small satchel hanging from her shoulder. Running was impossible. Fighting… Even less so. The beast lunged. Its massive claws tore through the air. She instinctively shut her eyes— Then… A blur of black crashed into the monster with terrifying force. The impact shook the ground beneath her feet. The enormous wolf drove the beast several meters away before both disappeared into the trees, their growls echoing through the forest. Branches snapped. The earth trembled. The battle lasted only moments. Then… Silence. A moment later, the black wolf emerged from the darkness. Not a single sound escaped him. His fur was stained with fresh blood—not his own—as he walked toward her with slow, measured steps. Under the moonlight, he looked almost unreal. Larger than any wolf she had ever seen. Majestic. Beautiful. His silver eyes never left hers. Inside Kael’s mind… His wolf practically purred. “There she is.” “Our mate.” Kael remained silent. “I can see that.” “She’s beautiful.” “Control yourself.” “Go to her.” “She’s a stranger.” “She’s OUR stranger.” Kael ignored him. He stopped a few feet away, studying her carefully.