The First of Her Kind

The night air was brisk, its cool touch a soothing caress against Amani’s skin as she stood on the balcony, watching the sun dip below the horizon. Today marked her eighteenth birthday, and anticipation hummed in the air as preparations for the celebration unfolded. Among the esteemed guests were several high-ranking packs, including the exalted Royal Kingdom, Blackclaw.

Amani’s parents had never entertained such gatherings at their manor, nor had they granted her freedom beyond her pack’s borders, but this night was different. Amani’s father aimed to gather all the distinguished packs for a significant purpose: to formally declare her as the future Alpha of Bloodmoon, a tradition that echoed the customs of their kind since ancient times.

“Alpha of Bloodmoon,” she kept repeating in her head.

It was a title she didn't believe she was worthy of, burdened with unwanted pressure, especially for her. Throughout the existence of her kind, there had never been a female Alpha until her. Born with the mark like every Alpha before her, tonight she would undergo her first shift. Lycans typically shifted at midnight on their birthdays, anywhere between sixteen and eighteen years old. Alphas usually shifted younger than their peers, but Amani's wolf had not yet emerged. No Lycan had ever shifted after eighteen, so her parents were certain that this would be her night for sure.

Amani’s parents hoped she would find her mate, but that was the least of Amani’s concerns. She wouldn’t sense her mate anyway, not without her wolf. But if her mate had his, he’d sense her long before that hour arrived. Amani was too distracted and nervous about being in the presence of so many Lycans she’d never met before. She would come face to face with the Alpha King, Zander Savage, who she’d heard was just that - a savage. To him, all was fair in love and war. The Luna Queen, Cara, was known to be a feisty she-wolf, and their son, Prince Malakai, had a mentionable reputation to say the least.

Amani had heard stories of Prince Malakai’s unmatched strength and skill in battle, second only to his father’s. At twenty-one years old, he is well acquainted with his wolf, making him a true force to be reckoned with. Known for his dark, menacing demeanor, it’s uncertain whether he’s respected for his title or because his very presence demands it. Men wouldn’t dare look him in the eye, and she-wolves fall at his feet.

Amani couldn’t escape the relentless chatter about the Prince’s mesmerizing looks—some even dubbed him the most handsome Lycan alive. His reputation with the ladies was notorious; he followed a predictable cycle of seduction, rejection, and repeat. Yet, despite knowing his ways, she-wolves still lined up, eager to be his next conquest. “Idiots,” Amani muttered to herself, utterly perplexed by their desperation. The mere idea of succumbing to his charms made her scoff; she knew her own iron-willed resolve would never falter in his presence.

Suddenly, a wave of overwhelming unease washed over Amani, stirring in the pit of her stomach. While her nerves about the party were expected, this particular sensation felt ominous and inexplicable. Her gaze pierced the darkness of the garden down below, where she found herself transfixed by the most captivating pair of blue eyes she had ever seen. Squinting, she strained to confirm what she saw, wondering if it was a trick of the light. But those piercing blue eyes held her in their grip, their intensity igniting a fire within her. Locked in a silent exchange, it was as if they had forged an unbreakable pact to never look away again.

“Amani, there you are!” Her mother’s urgent tone shattered Amani’s reverie, demanding her immediate attention. “I’ve been searching everywhere for you. The guests will be arriving any minute now. What are you doing out here?”

“Sorry, Mother, I…” Amani’s gaze darted back to the garden, but the enigmatic blue eyes had vanished, leaving her to question her own senses. “I needed a moment alone before the chaos of the party,” she explained, turning back to face her mother, who was momentarily speechless at the sight of her daughter.

“What is it?” Amani asked, noticing her mother’s emotional reaction.

Tears shimmered in her mother’s eyes as she beheld Amani’s radiance. “You… you look absolutely breathtaking.”

Amani suppressed the urge to roll her eyes as she assessed her attire. She felt utterly out of place in the strapless, fiery-red satin gown her mother had insisted she wear. Her long, dark caramel curls were elegantly swept up, adorned with a dazzling diamond accessory, while her maid had skillfully applied makeup to accentuate her radiant, emerald green eyes. Despite her upbringing as a proper lady, Amani’s personal style had a bit of an edge to it that typically veered away from lavish gowns and pearl necklaces. However, for the sake of her mother’s happiness, she reluctantly embraced the moment.

"Does the dress suit me?" Amani asked, her smile forced.

Her mother nodded, fanning away tears to prevent her makeup from smudging. “It looks gorgeous… You look gorgeous, like a mature and esteemed lady. When did you grow up so fast, and how did I miss it?”

Amani smiled tenderly at her mother as she embraced her warmly. “I’ll always be your baby girl, Mother.”

They basked in the sentimental moment until their tranquility was shattered by the piercing sound of bloodcurdling screams echoing around them.

Amani and her mother rushed inside to find the place on the verge of being entirely ambushed. The curtains were now drenched in blood spray, and dead bodies covered the floor. Beta Darius and a few other guards were defending House Constantine with their lives. When the Beta spotted Amani and Luna Selene, a look of relief flashed in his eyes.

“We’ve barricaded the doors and windows. We need to get you two out of here now!” Darius’ voice was overwhelmed with urgency.

“What’s happening, Darius?” Selene demanded, her voice trembling with panic. “Where’s Saul?”

"We're under siege, Luna," Beta Darius urgently briefed, firmly gripping both of their arms. "The Alpha and his guard are fending off the attackers. We must get you and Amani to the Rogue Lands at once. We'll use the underground passage."

Selene jerked her arm away. “Who’s attacking us, Darius?! What’s happening?!”

“It’s the Alpha King… We’ve got no time to waste. We need to leave immediately, Luna!”

Darius and the three other guards eyed the main doors. Wolves on the other side hammered against them, causing cracks to spiderweb across the wood. It was evident the bolts wouldn’t hold much longer.

Selene took Amani’s hand, and they hurried to the concealed floorboard leading to the underground passage. The guards dropped in first, followed by Amani, whom Darius lowered as they supported her from below. Selene descended next, and finally, Darius dropped in last, pulling the hidden floorboard shut just moments before the bloodthirsty wolves burst through the doors.