Lyra's POV
My festival night was already ruined.
The dress I had spent weeks preparing lay heavy against my skin, dust clinging stubbornly to the delicate fabric. Every step reminded me of that humiliating fall—and the arrogant jerk responsible for it.
I wasn't anywhere near home, so there was only one reasonable option. "Come on," I told Kiera, turning toward the nearest clothing stall. "I need a new dress before this night gets any worse." She followed beside me, her expression carefully neutral… far too neutral.
"You're still thinking about him, aren't you?" she asked. I stopped abruptly. "Why would I be thinking about that insufferable man?" I shot back. "He knocked me down, barked at me like I was the problem, and walked away without a proper apology."
Kiera raised an eyebrow.
"That sounds like someone who left an impression." I rolled my eyes and pushed past racks of dresses, pretending to study the fabrics. But the truth was… she wasn't entirely wrong. Something about the way he had looked at me earlier still lingered in my mind. That strange, unsettling stare. The way the world had seemed to go quiet for a split second.
It had felt wrong.
Too intense.
I shook the thought away.
"I just need a new dress," I muttered. The stall was crowded with festival-goers browsing colorful fabrics. Lantern light flickered overhead, casting warm glows across silk, lace, and embroidered gowns. I ran my fingers along the fabrics, searching for something… anything… that could replace the masterpiece now ruined.
Then a memory slipped into my mind. I had imagined this night so differently. I had pictured meeting someone special beneath the lantern lights. Someone charming. Someone kind. Someone who would make my heart race for all the right reasons. Not an arrogant stranger who knocked me into the dirt. "Still dreaming about romance?" Kiera teased softly. I sighed.
"Maybe," I admitted. "But not like this." Her expression softened slightly before turning serious. "You know how things work in our world, Lyra," she said. "You don't choose your mate. Fate does." I stiffened. There it was again. That word.
Fate.
I crossed my arms, my voice firm. "I don't believe in that," I said. Kiera blinked. "Everyone believes in it." "Well, I don't." My words came out sharper than I intended."How can you spend your life with someone just because some Moon Goddess decided it?" I continued. "What if you hate them? What if they're cruel? What if they're exactly the kind of person you'd never choose?"
The image of that man flashed into my mind. Broad shoulders. Cold eyes. Arrogant expression. I felt my stomach twist."We should decide who we love," I finished quietly. "Not fate."
Kiera studied me for a moment but didn't argue further. Instead, she gestured toward a nearby rack. "Try that one." I followed her gaze. A lilac dress hung neatly among the others, its soft fabric catching the lantern light. It wasn't my favorite color, but something about it felt… calming.
Hopeful.
I reached for it. "Fine," I said. "I'll try this one." The dress fit perfectly. It hugged my waist gently, the fabric flowing smoothly as I turned in front of the mirror. Not as grand as my original gown, but still beautiful. Still dignified. Still worthy of a princess. For the first time since the fall, a small smile tugged at my lips. Maybe this night could still be saved.Then
A scent drifted through the air. My smile faded instantly. A strange uneasiness settled in my chest. I turned slowly toward the entrance of the stall. And my heart dropped.
He was standing there.
Kael's POV
I had come to the shop for one simple reason.
My little sister.
Sienna loved festivals, and she loved new dresses even more. Buying her a gift should have been an easy task. But nothing about tonight felt easy anymore. Because no matter where I went, one thought refused to leave my mind.
Lyra.
Her scent still clung to my memory, stubborn and intoxicating. I could almost feel it wrapping around me again, pulling at something deep inside my chest. My wolf paced restlessly.
Agitated.
Impatient.
Demanding.
I clenched my jaw. This was ridiculous. I had already decided to avoid her. Yet here I was, scanning the crowd without meaning to, searching for her. As I stepped into the clothing stall, my eyes immediately landed on a beautiful dress.
Soft silk.
Elegant design.
Perfect for Sienna.
I reached out to pick it up. Then, I caught the scent again. My body went completely still. No. That couldn't be happening. Not again. Slowly, I turned my head.
And there she was.
Lyra stepped out of the fitting room, dressed in soft lilac silk that shimmered under the lantern light. For a brief moment, I forgot how to breathe. She looked… breathtaking. More beautiful than the rumors had ever described. My wolf surged forward instantly.
Mine.
The word echoed inside my chest, louder than before. I clenched my fists, forcing myself to stay still. I was supposed to dislike her. Avoid her. Forget her. But my instincts refused to cooperate.
"You're staring," Austin whispered beside me. I blinked, dragging my attention away from her. "I'm not," I muttered. Austin smirked.
"Sure."
Before I could respond, her voice cut through the air. Sharp. Accusing. "You've got to be kidding me." I looked up. Her eyes were blazing with disbelief.
"Excuse me?" I said coldly.
"You followed me here, didn't you?" she demanded. "What is this—another accident?" My irritation flared instantly.
"What are you talking about?" I snapped. "You think the world revolves around you?" Her expression hardened. "Then why are you here?" I held up the dress in my hand. "To buy this," I said flatly. "Is that a crime?" Silence fell between us. For a moment, neither of us spoke. Then I turned toward the cashier, determined to end the conversation before it escalated further. I paid for the dress quickly and walked out of the shop without looking back.
But even as I stepped into the night air, one uneasy thought settled in my mind. This wasn't coincidence.
And something told me, we were going to cross paths again.