Chapter 2

Aria's POV

Instantly, brilliant silver light erupted from our joined hands, shooting straight toward the sky.

At the same time, I heard pained groans from Kael's direction.

Turning to look, I saw Maya curled on the ground, pale as a sheet with cold sweat beading her forehead. Kael knelt beside her, equally ashen-faced, his right hand trembling slightly.

"What's happening?" The Alpha King frowned as he approached.

The High Priest rushed to examine Maya's condition, his expression growing increasingly grave: "Omega bloodline cannot fully withstand an Alpha's complete marking... This forced bonding causes tremendous pain to both parties."

"Continue!" Kael gritted his teeth. "I don't care how much it hurts. We WILL complete this ceremony!"

Maya nodded weakly: "I... I can do this..."

Watching their agonized struggle, a surge of vindictive satisfaction rose in my chest.

In contrast, my mate bond with Ethan went incredibly smoothly. Warm power flowed from his hand, instantly enveloping my entire body. The sensation was...

Unprecedented harmony.

Even more perfect than my first bonding with Kael in our past life!

"How does it feel?" Ethan asked quietly.

"Comfortable," I answered honestly. "Like... finding home."

More than comfortable—it was perfect. I could sense the powerful force contained within him, that mysterious and pure aura making my wolf submit completely.

"Ceremony complete!" the High Priest finally announced. Maya and Kael's mate bond was barely established, but both were so weak they needed support to stand.

In contrast, Ethan and I stood under the moonlight, still surrounded by faint silver radiance, as if the Moon Goddess herself had blessed us.

After the ceremony, the clans began departing. When Kael helped Maya past us, he stopped.

"Very well." Dangerous flames burned in his eyes. "I hope you won't regret tonight's choice, Aria."

"I never regret following the Moon Goddess's guidance," I replied calmly.

Maya glanced at me weakly, then tugged Kael's sleeve: "Let's go..."

Watching their retreating figures, my emotions were mixed. In our past life, Maya bore an Alpha King heir, making Kael think he'd won. But this time...

Shadowpine Territory, Late Night

Ethan's dwelling radiated warmth. Orange flames danced in the fireplace, driving away Alaska's wilderness cold. Soft fur rugs covered the floor, and ancient, intricate wolf clan totems hung on the walls.

"Are you cold?" Ethan draped a thick fur coat over my shoulders.

"Not anymore." I felt the warmth from his body heat. "Thank you."

"Don't thank me." He sat beside me. "Taking care of you is my honor."

These words warmed my heart. In my past life with Kael, I'd never experienced such thoughtful care.

"Ethan." I turned to look at him. "Why did you help me? In the temple, you could have stayed silent."

He remained quiet for a long time, blue eyes gazing at the flames.

"Do you really want to know?"

"Yes."

Ethan took a deep breath and turned to face me: "Because I've been waiting for this moment for a very long time."

"What do you mean?"

"Three years ago, at the capital's celebration." His voice grew gentle. "That was the first time I saw you. You wore a moon-white gown, dancing in the moonlight, beautiful as the Moon Goddess incarnate."

I was stunned. I had indeed attended that celebration, but I couldn't remember seeing Ethan at all.

"You weren't Shadowpine's leader then," I tried to recall.

"Right. I was just an unremarkable clan member." Ethan smiled bitterly. "You didn't even notice me, but I... couldn't forget you from that moment."

My wolf whimpered softly inside me, also moved by this devotion.

"What happened next?"

"When I heard you would bond with Kael, I thought everything was over." Pain flashed in his eyes. "After all, who could compete with the Frostbite leader?"

"But you became Shadowpine's leader."

"Yes." Ethan nodded. "I told myself I had to become strong enough to protect you from afar. Even if you belonged to someone else, I wanted to ensure your safety."

This silent, devoted protection stirred waves in my heart. Someone had been watching over me from places I couldn't see.

"Tonight... when Kael rejected you," Ethan reached out to caress my cheek, "I finally had the chance to step forward. I couldn't watch you get hurt anymore."

"So you proposed to me?"

"Yes." His voice was firm. "Maybe I'm selfish, but I want to protect you and give you true happiness."

Looking into his sincere eyes, I felt an unprecedented sense of being moved. In my past life, I'd given everything for Kael but never received such pure love.

"Do you regret it?" I asked softly. "Choosing a woman who was rejected?"

"Regret?" Ethan smiled gently, his thumb brushing my lips. "Aria, you're the greatest miracle of my life. Being your mate is the most precious gift the Moon Goddess could give me."

"But people will say we—"

"Let them talk." Ethan interrupted me. "From now on, you only need to care what I think."

His dominance made my heart race. "And what do you think?"

"I think..." Ethan's voice grew low and husky, "I want you to belong to me completely."

His words reminded me of past life sufferings, but also made me feel an unprecedented desire.

"If we have children..." I blushed slightly, speaking tentatively.

"We will." Ethan's eyes blazed with heat. "And I have a feeling our children will be very special. VERY special."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because you possess the purest Alpha King bloodline." He gazed at me, his voice carrying a certain allure. "And my bloodline... may be more ancient and powerful than most people imagine."

These words made my heart race. "You mean..."

"It's not time to tell you everything yet." Ethan moved closer, and I could feel his body heat. "But tonight... tonight I want you to experience what a true mate bond feels like."

His words made my whole body heat up. "Ethan..."

"I want you, Aria." He breathed in my ear. "Your body, your soul, everything."

My breathing became rapid as my inner wolf howled with excitement.

"I want you too," I admitted softly, my voice trembling.

A flash of satisfaction gleamed in Ethan's eyes as he slowly lowered his head, his lips barely touching mine.

"Then..." he murmured against my lips, "let's begin."

With that, he kissed me deeply.

The kiss burned like fire, instantly igniting all the passion between us. Outside, the wind gradually calmed, the fireplace flames burned warmly, and we...

Tonight would definitely not be peaceful.