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Inside the pack house, they all watched Selene look around, admiring her grace. The only home she knew was the cottage she had lived in all her life. But his was something else. It has a comforting feeling, yet it looked made for a royal, with carefully chosen elements, combined to create an atmosphere of elegance and style. The walls of the house are painted in soothing hues that complements the furniture and decour. The floors are made of hardwood, polished to a shine. Sofas and armchairs are upholstered in a fabric of leather. Soft, warm lighting created a welcoming and relaxing ambiance. Natural light from large windows and skylights floods the rooms, creating a bright and airy feel. Decorative items like vases, sculptures, and art pieces were carefully selected to complement the style of the house and add interest and beauty to the space. A long, dark wood table was placed near the kitchen.

Maximus welcomed her to take a seat, asking Gen to make them all some tea. He couldn't take his eyes off Selene. What she did right in front of them was truly a sign from the Goddess. When flowers grew from the ground, they could all feel her magic. She placed her bow and arrows next to the chair. Troy, amazed at the weapon, wanted to take a closer look.

„May I?" She looked at him, as if reading his soul. They all stood there. It was a funny picture, the highest wolves in all the Kingdom, frozen to a woman. She chuckled and nodded her head. Selene found these wolves intriguing, not really understanding why they treated her like that.

Troy took the bow in his hands. It was light as a feather, made of strong wood. „Did you craft this?"

„Yes" The warrior in him found the outmost respect for his Luna. You could see from they way she carried herself, from how she scanned her surrounding very carefully for threats, that she was skilled and trained.

„Who taught you?" She looked down.

„My father". They all felt her sadness, understanding he was no longer with her.

„What happened to him, moon?" Maximus put her hand over hers, in a caring manner.

„He is with the moon now" and she smiled. Gen placed cups of tea in front of each of them and took a seat. The table was silent, all staring at Selene. She didn't flatter, but felt too exposed. She suddenly missed her trees and their shade. Thumping could be heard from around the corner and Selene carefully stretched her hand closer to her bow. Maximus caught the subtle gesture.

"No one will harm you here, moon." His hand as gently placed on hers and she looked down at it. Electricity ran through her body, small jolts. She felt alive, as if his touch awakened her heart again.

"I heard she's here. Can I meet..?" Eli found herself with all eyes on her. She blushed at the attention and took small steps into the room. Her eyes met Selene's and became still. Never in her life has she seen such beauty and grace. She couldn't get her eyes off the woman in front of her and it seemed it was hard for everyone to do so.

"Hi!" She waved her hand. "I'm Elisabeth, their sister." Selene watched the small girl. She reminded her of her teenage years, most carefree and happy. She nodded her head at her in acknowledgement, with a small curve of her lips. The young girl was happy at the gesture, appreciating her future sister-in-law. She took a seat at the table, next to Genevieve.

„Do you really live in the Cursed Lands?" Selene, stood up fast, shocking everyone, her chair scraping the floor.

„My home is not Cursed! Stop using that name!" Her power exuding in waves around her, making every wolf submit to her. Maximus watched her, so much strength. Oh, Goddess, you have brought me a blessing. Thank you.

„Ok, flower, we're sorry, there's no need to..."

„What did you call me?" She whispered to him, barely audible. Maximus looked at her angered features. He didn't feel good with himself, upsetting her. His wolf itched in annoyance. She bent down, grabbed her bow and arrows and exited through the door. They all got up and followed her.

„Wait, where are you going?"

"Home" Maximus ran to catch up to her. He touched her shoulders and she stopped.

„Please, moon, I'm sorry. Don't leave. I..I need you." Selene felt the hurt in his voice.

„What do you mean? What do you need from me? I only came here because of Mathias."

„I...You are my soulmate, Selene. The goddess made us for each other." She scrunched her eyebrows, not understanding.

„Soulmate? What do you mean?"

„All werewolves have a destined mate, their other half. You are mine, Selene."

„Your...soulmate?"

„Yes." he watched her intensely, waiting for an answer. He was hoping she felt about him how he felt for her in that moment.

„My soul belongs to the forest."

Hearing this and seeing her intention, Maximus let her arm go. „You don't understand, we're..."

„I understand perfectly." She cut him off, a tension in the air. His friends couldn't say anything, it was not their business to interfere between their king and his mate, but they couldn't stop the feeling of desperation coming from their Alpha. „My duty is to the goddess. My soul is with the forest."

She turned around, head held high and disappeared through the oaks, closing behind her, no path in sight. Maximus fell to his knees, watching the now empty trees in front of him. He felt his heart clenching.