Chapter 2 Tied By Destiny

The clearing stayed eerily quiet. Aeryn sensed the pressure of numerous gazes directed at her, the group in shock. Three friends. It was not feasible. The Moon goddess had never designated a wolf with more than a single mate. And still, the undeniable reality coursed through her veins—three unique connections, three separate energies tugging at her spirit. Her wolf was flourishing on the energy, moving restlessly inside her, eager to embrace them. To assert them. However, Aeryn? She sensed that she was suffocating. A soft growl shattered the quiet. Kael. He remained standing in front of her, his golden eyes filled with intensity. In contrast to the others, he appeared unfazed. Instead, he appeared… content. "I've understood for years that destiny would bind us," he remarked, his voice gravelly, tinged with an almost perilous longing. "I simply wasn’t aware that I would need to share." Aeryn became tense. Exchange. The word sparked a new surge of panic within her. Riven advanced, his silver eyes steady yet resolute. “Destiny does not err.” His voice was gentler than Kael's yet possessed just as much authority. “This connection is genuine, Aeryn.” "And you sense it exactly like we do." Talon, on the other hand, was the only one who remained distant. He stayed in position, arms folded, his green eyes ablaze with a blend of anger and disbelief. His jaw tightened, as if he was struggling to hold back. “This is a prank,” he stated icily. "A cruel twist of destiny." Aeryn made herself take a breath. She required control. She required some distance. She stepped back once and elevated her voice, her Alpha aura radiating across the clearing. "Sufficient." The murmurs and whispers ceased. Even her three friends looked at her, anticipating. "I can't accept this," she stated firmly, yet her pulse revealed her, racing uncontrollably beneath her skin. "This is an error." The High Priestess, who had remained immobile, finally moved forward, clutching her staff with trembling hands. "This... has not occurred before," she confessed, her voice tinged with doubt. "The will of the Goddess is sacred, yet three partners?" "This surpasses anything documented in our past." The pack responded immediately—some whispering softly, while others growled loudly in discontent. Aeryn caught fragments of dialogue. "This is not natural." “She is unable to lead if she cannot select a partner.” “She has to turn down two of them—there is no alternative.” Aeryn felt a knot in her stomach. The idea of refusing any of them caused a sudden, intense ache in her chest. The bond was still fresh, unrefined, yet already… The thought of breaking it felt like losing a limb. Within her, her wolf let out a whimper. This will not be tolerated," he stated. "Three friends challenge the equilibrium of the group." An Alpha is required to possess one destined bond—neither more nor fewer. "This has been the case for hundreds of years." Aeryn raised her chin. “What do you recommend?” Lucian's eyes were assessing. “Select one.” Disapprove of the rest. The pack will not allow an Alpha tied to three partners.” Aeryn's hands clenched into tight fists. How could he? As if she were an item to be handed over. As if she had any influence over how the Moon Goddess had designated her. Before she had a chance to reply, Kael issued a soft, menacing growl. "How dare you tell an Alpha what is permissible and what isn't?" His voice was soft, yet it had a lethal sharpness to it. He was now standing close to Aeryn in a protective manner, his body tense and prepared for a confrontation. Riven, always the conciliator, let out a sigh. “We ought not to hastily disregard what the Goddess has selected.” He looked at Aeryn,his demeanor gentler. “However… we should also recognize the pack’s fear.” Talon's hands tightened into fists. “I desire to have nothing to do with this.” His voice was strained with anger that was barely held back. "I never requested this bond." Aeryn felt a sharp pain at his words. She didn’t request this either. Yet, they found themselves here. Lucian's mouth formed a sly grin. "If you decline to make a choice, then an alternative exists." Aeryn slitted her eyes. "What do you propose?" The Elder moved forward with a deliberate step. “Allow them to demonstrate their value.” Quiet enveloped the scene. Kael’s face grew somber. Riven scowled. Talon's shoulders tightened. Lucian's voice sounded distinct. "Allow them to battle on your behalf." "If the Goddess really desires for you to have several partners, then allow them to demonstrate it through combat." Aeryn felt a chill run through her veins. "This is absurd," she retorted. "I am not an award to be obtained." Lucian inclined his head. "Then demonstrate it." If you manage to overcome them all in battle, you are allowed to claim all three as your partners. “But if one of them manages to beat you…” He grinned. "Then you should acknowledge them as your selected partner and dismiss the rest." Aeryn’s heart pounded against her chest. This was a setup. The Elders didn’t genuinely think she could defeat three powerful Alphas. They desired for her to fail—to be compelled to select a single partner, to conform to convention. However, they misjudged her. A gradual, menacing grin formed on her lips. “All right,” she replied, her tone steady. "I embrace the challenge." The air was filled with gasps from the group. Kael's smile was mischievous, with approval gleaming in his eyes. Riven sighed and rubbed his temple, yet he didn’t dispute. Talon? He just looked at her, his jaw tight. Lucian lifted a hand. “Then it is agreed.” In three days, beneath the full moon, the Trial of the Fated will commence.” Aeryn inhaled deeply. She had a total of three days to get ready. Three days to surpass three formidable Alphas. Regardless of the circumstances, she would not allow fate—or the Elders—to dictate her futureThe Burden of the Connection. That evening, Aeryn stood by herself at the cliff’s edge, gazing at the valley illuminated by the moonlight beneath. The fragrance of pine and soil filled her lungs, yet she discovered no tranquility. The bonds seared under her skin, each one unique. Kael's was a blaze—fierce, relentless, a powerful entity that compelled her to yield. Riven’s was a river—profound, constant, murmuring of an unyielding bond. Talon's was a tempest—fierce, erratic, brimming with fury and desire. She sensed them. Every single one of them. And that frightened her. A sound from behind her caused her to glance back. Riven remained in place, observing her. “You're scared.” His tone was soft. She breathed out quickly. "I'm scared." He angled his head. “Deceiving yourself won't alter the reality, Aeryn.” He moved nearer, his silver eyes shining. "The connection is genuine." "And whether you acknowledge it or not, you sense it as well." She gulped forcefully. "I'm unsure about my feelings." Riven grinned, yet there was a hint of sorrow in it. “Now allow us to assist you in understanding it.” Before she could respond, a different presence drew near. I'm not Kael. His golden eyes fixated on her with blatant desire. “Stop running, Aeryn,” he whispered. "You belong to me." "Belonging to us." A chill went down her back. And from afar, Talon observed from the darkness, his face an enigma.