Chapter 5 MATE

The day dawned heavy with gray clouds and a promise of storms, but Athena had barely registered the weather. Today was supposed to be special, her eighteenth birthday, the day the Moon goddess would allow her sense her fated mate the one destined to be hers.

Instead, she was handed a list of double chores by madame Ysolde before the sun had even risen.

"Since you've proven yourself so forgetful." Ysolde sneered " let see if hard-work will shake the foolishness inside your head."

Her tasks began immediately.

First, she was ordered to the laundry hall, where of the mountains of the garments, noble cloaks, soiled linens, even royal hunting leathers, awaited her.

The steaming cats of water burned her arms red as she scrubbed and rung out fabrics one by one. Her fingers stung from the soap, her wrist ached.

Next, she was sent to the garden terraces, where she spent hours kneeling on sharp gravel, pruning the thrones of the late queens private gardens. She pricked herself a dozen times, her blood mixing with dirt as she worked in silence.

After that, she was made to clean the bathroom floors, all four of them alone. Her knees were raw by the end, her arms were trembling from scrubbing the polished black marbles. She could barely lift the bucket.

Still, no one offered her water. No one asked if she'd eaten.

The only acknowledgment for her birthday came in passing whispers, a few kitchen girls who noticed her eyes glowing faintly with the promise of a coming mate. But they said nothing. There was no celebration. No hug. No rest.

Just... work.

------

Mid afternoon...

Later that day, as she carried fresh linens through the west corridor, the sound of heels echoed against the polished floors.

One of the maids whispered." She's here. Lady Celeste, daughter of Alpha Eric of Nothern peaks."

Athena turned a corner, and there she was, Celeste. Regal, tall with long wavy dirty blonde hair braided down her back and eyes like frost.

Dressed in pale blue silk embroidered moonstone threads she looked like she belonged in a fairytale.

Athena offered a pilot bow as she passed.

Celeste stopped. "You-maid."

Athena turned "Yes, my lady?"

Celeste tilted her head, studying her. "You've served here for long?"

"Yes."

Her tone was neutral, but Celeste's next question cut deeper than Athena expected.

"Do you know if Prince Lucian has a favorite flower? Or color? I wish to make a favorable impression."

Athena's heart twisted not in jealousy, but in something sharper. Still she kept her expression calm.

"I wouldn't know, my lady."

Celeste stared at her a moment longer and gave a dismissive smile then walked off, her silk trailing like mist, behind her.

Athena stood for a heartbeat.

Then she carried on. Silent. Focused.

------

By the time the sky turned purple and the palace lit its braziers for nightfall, Athena was tired with exhaustion. Her body ached, her body screamed and her stomach rumbled.

But just as she was finishing her last errand, one of the maid girls. Melina. Tapped her arm and smiled gently.

"I saved you a slice." She whispered.

She handed Athena a wrapped cloth containing vanilla honey cake baked that morning for a nobles celebration. It was barely the size of her palm, but it glistened with sweet glaze.

Athena's eyes softened. "Thank you." She said quietly.

She didn't eat it then.

Instead, she tucked it away and made her way through the servants hall to the old maids cottage,hidden just behind the west wall.

------

The warmth of the fire greeted her first followed by the scent of lavender and old wood.Mara, the retired maid who had trained Athena since she was a newborn, opened the door before she could knock.

"My sweet girl." She gasped, pulling her in. "Look at you. Stars. You've grown."

Athena laughed tiredly and placed the cloth on the table. " I brought something. Nothing much but..."

"Cake? For us?" Mara gasped

Athena nodded "For my birthday."

The old woman's eyes misted immediately "Of course... today is the day."

They sat beside the hearth, sharing the tiny piece of cake with reverence. Afterward Mara lit a small candle and pulled Athena's hands into hers.

"Let us pray to the Moon goddess." She whispered.

Together they closed their eyes, head bowed.

"Bless my child. Moon Mother, Bless her with a mate of Kindness. A wolf with a noble soul. A protector. A true companion. Let her be loved and cherished... not because she is beautiful, but because her spirit is rare."

A tear slid down Mara's cheek. She reached forward and cupped Athena's face.

"My baby has grown into a woman."

She kissed both her cheeks, then pulled her close into a soft warm hug. Athena held her close, heart full.

And then-

A loud knock ponded on the door.

They startled.

Mara quickly stood, limping slightly as she opened it.

A palace guard stood under the moonlight, torchlight glinting off his armor.

"Athena of the palace kitchens?" He asked

"Yes?"

"You are summoned. By Prince Lucian himself."

Mara paled "What for? What has she done wrong?"

The guard shook his head "We weren't told. Only that the Prince doesn't like to wait."

Athena's heart jumped in her chest.

She stood slowly. Nerves swirling. "I'll go."

Mara gripped her hand tightly " Child... be careful."

Athena offered a soft smile " I'll be fine. I promise."

------

The corridors to the Royal wing were dark, lined with classy lights and velvet drapes. The guards led her to a familiar tall double door carved with a sigil of the royal house. A crescent moon and a wolfs head howling skyward.

They knocked once.

A deep voice called from within. The sound sent shivers down her spine."Enter."

They pushed the door and Athena walked In alone.

The scent hit her.

Dark chocolate with fresh wine.

It was intoxicating. Heavy. Addicting. Her knees nearly buckled from the intensity of it.

And then she saw him.

Prince Lucian.

Standing at the far end of the room, dressed in loose black tunic, his hair unbound, falling past his broad naked shoulders in dark waves. His blue eyes were Locked on her. Intense. He eyed her body hungrily.

She froze.

His chest rose and fell, nostrils flaring as if he could smell her. But not the way she could.

And then a voice deep within Athena blurted out through her lips.

"MATE."

Lucian moved in a flash in front of her. He grabbed her by her waist and pulled her flush against himself.

Before she could even gasped he sealed her lips with a deep, long, hungry kiss.