Jasmine's POV.
I stood outside in the compound, looking up at the full moon. Today was the banquet, where everyone in this realm gathered to celebrate the moon goddess for ensuring peace and prosperity.
Also, every young maiden gets to find their destined mate. The festival was the same for the werewolf realm, but ours differed. Witches don't worship the moon goddess, we have the god we serve.
We had nothing to do with the full moon, so I possibly couldn't find my mate here, except he was a Lycan, which was impossible since I was destined to be with the werewolf king.
He was the man I had been trained to serve and be submissive to but somehow I ended up in the Lycan beast's claws. Besides, Lycans don't have mates, it was another form of punishment for them.
It was also why they sort out breeders or forcefully mate with women who didn't belong to them. Tonight wasn't just their festival but also the night I shall bed their Lycan king.
I was dressed in an off-shoulder, long gown and my hair was styled into a bun with golden, beautiful pins for the occasion.
"Fuck!" I muttered, digging my nails into my palm as I turned around to get back into the palace.
"Mi'lady, I was just about to come get you." I bumped into Jane, who was now my personal maid, along the way.
"Alpha Damon is awaiting your presence in the banquet hall." Jane smiled and I was forced to return it as she led the way. I just hope the banquet won't be eerie or creepy.
It was said the Lycan beast ruled his people with fear, so I could only imagine how this gathering would occur.
"I am sure you would melt his heart with your pure, stunning beauty." Jane gushed as we stopped in front of a huge door.
'That's if he has a heart in the first place.' I thought as the door swung open almost immediately to reveal a very grand setting.
My jaw dropped as Jane and I stepped inside. I was blown away by the luxurious, pretty decorations and the enormous statue in the corner, which people were placing flowers and bowing to.
That must be the image of the moon goddess. It was divine.
Sparkling lights lit up the place, an enchanting melody could be heard from the various instruments being played, and I could see people dancing, amidst laughter.
'What the fuck was happening?' I pondered in disbelief as I moved closer, glancing around. I looked up to notice the roof was open and the full moon was shining into the place.
Suddenly, children ran around me, giggling happily as they played with stuff.
The environment was blissful with no hint of fear.
Was it because Alpha Damon wasn't here yet?
Just then;
"You look so enchanting." I heard his deep voice behind me and a huge lump formed in my throat as I turned around to see the most beautiful man I have ever laid my eyes on.
He was dressed in an armless robe that showed his muscular arms, and his golden hair was packed into a long bun, with enough strands left out to cover his left eye.
Saliva gathered in my mouth and I gulped.
Since when did he look this hot?
He moved closer to me, and I was about to take a step backwards when I noticed his red eyes, glowing with excitement. He opened his mouth to reveal his fangs, and the most beautiful scent caught my nose.
I sniffled, captivated, and unconsciously moved forward towards him to notice that the alluring scent was from him. I shivered, especially when mixed feelings drafted through me.
I was strangely feeling like entangling my body with his.
"Mate." He growled, his eyes darkening as he reached out to pull me into him. My heart skipped a beat as I sensed the connection between us.
"Impossible." My throat went dry as I placed a hand on his chest, stopping him from getting too close. I could feel his muscles and heartbeat which was racing fast.
'Was he excited?'
"Mine." Another growl erupted from him sending shivers down my spine as he placed his head into my neck, licking the spot I should be marked.
My palms were sweaty, my hands trembling as I struggled to push him off me and ran out of the hall, ignoring Jane's panicked call.
'Could she feel it too?' I pondered as I headed towards my chambers.
Lycans don't have mates, how come I was their King's mate?
Besides, he wasn't lying. I could feel it, the forbidden connection between us that shouldn't exist.
I collapsed onto my bed, lost in thought as I sank my nails into the sheets.
"Why?" My lips trembled as I wondered if I should inform Father.
What was going on? Why this? Why him of all people?
What about the Alpha king? If I weren't his mate, why was I prophesied to be his? Was this another trick?
Who even swapped me here? Now that I think about it, Tulip might be full of hate towards me and mischievous, but she never would have done this, at least not without some help.
Should I contact Father again? But it was too risky.
Just then, a knock sounded on my door, and I stiffened, turning to look at it like it was some pathway that sealed my fate.
"C-come i-in." I stuttered and the door opened to reveal Jane.
"Mi'lady?" She called and I let out a sigh of relief. Thankfully, it wasn't the Lycan beast. I couldn't face him now, nor would I accept him as my mate.
I was a pure being, and he was from the underworld. He craved darkness, which I do not condone.
I had to find a way to escape from here, with or without Father's approval. I needed to get back to the man who truly owned me.
"Are you alright?" Jane placed a glass of water I didn't even notice she was holding on the table beside me.
I struggled to nod, taking the water and gulping it hurriedly. I was that thirsty, and the water, surprisingly, tasted delicious.
I licked the last drop on my lips, wanting more.
"Alpha Damon wants you in his chambers." Jane bowed her head and my blood ran cold.