Chapter 1: You Two Are Perfect Match

Aria's POV

Standing in front of the magnificent gates of Crescent Valley Royal University, I unconsciously touch the moonstone necklace around my neck. The ancient wolf totem glitters with silver-blue light in the morning sun, reminding me of that morning before I left home.

"Remember, if you feel lonely or can't adapt there, go find the Blackstone family's kids," Dad's voice echoes in my mind. "Marcus and I are old friends. His eldest son Ethan is your age and studies at the same university."

Mom's gentle words follow: "About the marriage arrangement from the older generation, if you two can develop feelings, that's naturally best. But if they don't like you... then there's no need to force it. My daughter deserves the best."

I tighten my grip on the suitcase handle and take a deep breath, straightening my clothes. The university before me is even more luxurious than I'd imagined.

Aria Silvermoon. That's me. Seventeen years old, the only daughter of the Silver Moon Pack's Alpha. My parents send me to this top werewolf institution in North America for better training, hoping I'll become a future leader of our pack.

Only problem is... I let out a bitter laugh internally. As an Alpha's daughter, I am born without manifesting Alpha bloodline. I'm no different from ordinary werewolves, except for slightly better physical condition. No special abilities whatsoever.

Thank goddess my parents never make me feel like this is a problem. Hell, I don't even know about this destined mate thing until the day I decide to come here.

Whatever. I'm not here to find someone to depend on. The whole arranged marriage thing sounds old-fashioned anyway, but since my parents mention it, I might as well meet this guy. At least I can ask how life works around here, then I'll carve out my own path.

I lift my head, determination flashing in my eyes as I walk through those intimidating gates.

The campus is even more opulent than I'd expected. Classical architecture perfectly blends with modern facilities, and everywhere I look, well-dressed noble students strut around like they own the place.

"Excuse me, do you know where I can find Ethan Blackstone?" I ask a passing student.

"You mean Ethan Blackstone? He's usually around the central training grounds. That guy loves showing off in public," the girl replies.

Another student whispers, "Another one trying to climb up to the Blackstone family..."

I drag my suitcase across campus, asking for directions here and there. I notice the curious and judgmental looks from other students, but it doesn't bother me much. The noble atmosphere here is thick as hell. Everyone looks like they stepped out of a fashion magazine. But hey, I clean up pretty well myself.

Finally, I find Ethan in a group of students near the training ground's rest area. Golden-brown hair, custom uniform, laughing loudly with his friends. Definitely fits the stereotype.

"Excuse me, are you Ethan Blackstone? I'm Aria Silvermoon, from Silver Moon Pack," I say politely.

He turns around, looks me up and down, and suddenly his face lights up with recognition.

"Oh, you must be that little princess from Silver Moon Pack my family mentioned." The condescension in his voice is crystal clear.

"My parents said our families have some kind of..."

"Marriage arrangement, right? Of course I know about that," he cuts me off.

His friends start whispering and some even chuckle. I can sense the mood shifting, but I keep my polite smile. This guy seems pretty arrogant, and honestly, I feel zero attraction to him. Better ask about something else.

"Since that's settled, I wanted to ask what I should know about living here independently? After all..."

"After all what? You actually think that marriage arrangement still counts?" Ethan interrupts again.

Is this guy seriously that full of himself? I just want to ask about living in the Royal Territory for the first time.

Then comes the moment that changes everything.

"A common she-wolf without even Alpha bloodline thinks she's worthy of being with me?" Ethan's voice gets deliberately louder. "I'm Ethan Blackstone, heir to Beta bloodline. How could I possibly mate with a..."

He pauses, smiling maliciously. "A she-wolf with absolutely no bloodline value?"

Students start gathering around us. Some pull out phones to record, whispers growing louder by the second.

I'm about to say something when his words hit me like a slap. Pure rage boils in my chest. My moonstone necklace seems to flicker in the sunlight, as if trembling for its owner's humiliation.

But the worst is yet to come.

Ethan points toward the training ground. "See that Rogue King's son over there? That guy in the corner. You two are perfect match. A rogue king's son paired with a bloodline-less she-wolf. What a fucking perfect combination!"

I force myself not to lose it in front of all these people. Following Ethan's pointing finger, I look toward where he indicates.

In the corner of the training ground, a dark-haired guy is practicing alone. His movements are fluid and powerful, every strike carrying wild beauty, but there's an obvious empty circle around him. Nobody wants to get close.

Some of Ethan's lackeys start yelling toward that direction.

"Hey, Rogue boy! Have you paid off your father's debts yet?"

"I heard the Blackstone family made you their servant. How's that working out?"

The dark-haired guy doesn't respond, just keeps training, but I can see his clenched fists trembling slightly.

He has these deep, dark green eyes, and even facing mockery, he maintains this heartbreaking kind of pride. His strength is obviously formidable, so why is he enduring this shit?

I find myself stepping forward, wanting to see more clearly. He seems to sense something and turns to look in my direction. The moment our eyes meet, I feel my heart skip a beat.

That feeling of being looked down on, I know it too damn well. In elementary school back in our pack, classmates always whisper behind my back: "Look, that Alpha's daughter doesn't even have Alpha bloodline," "So embarrassing," "Her parents must be so disappointed."

Back then, I used to think if only I had powerful bloodline, then I wouldn't disappoint my parents. Until they tell me over and over that they love me as a person, not my bloodline.

But this guy Kael... does he have anyone telling him these things? The rogue king's son, being bullied like that with such great power? He must be carrying way more than I ever did.

Bloodline means shit. Character is what matters. This guy is a hundred times stronger than Ethan, yet he has to endure this kind of humiliation. For what?

I look at the jeering crowd, then at the solitary figure, shake my head, and start walking toward what looks like the dormitory area.

"So? How do you like the 'perfect match' I introduced you to?" Ethan catches up, his voice dripping with smugness.

I turn around, my voice weary but steady. "Ethan Blackstone, do you know what real nobility is?"

"What do you mean?" He looks confused.

"Real nobility isn't about bloodline. It's about character. From that perspective..." I pause, looking him up and down. "You're not worth a single hair on that so-called 'rogue prince's' head."

Ethan's face goes through several shades of pale and red. Clearly doesn't expect to get hit back. I turn and walk away, my back straight, showing no weakness.

The crowd starts murmuring, and I can feel the atmosphere shifting subtly.

Walking toward the dorms, I glance back at Kael, still training alone in that corner. Something tells me this is just the beginning.

Since I'm here, I'm gonna live by my own rules. That Kael guy looks like he needs a friend, and I... I need a friend worth respecting too. As for all this bloodline bullshit, like Dad would say, it can go to hell.