Chapter 4 The Mark He Tried to Hide

Selene's POV

I stared at the glowing mark on Adrian's shoulder, my heart pounding.

A werewolf mark. Silver and crescent-shaped.

"Selene-" Adrian started.

Before he could finish, he grabbed my hand and pulled me into a dark corner behind a bookshelf. His hand covered my mouth gently.

"Please, just wait," he whispered.

Guards rushed past our hiding spot, their boots loud on the stone floor.

"It went toward the east wing!"

"Don't let it escape!"

After the sounds faded, Adrian slowly released me and stepped back.

"The mark on your shoulder-"

"There's no mark," he said quickly.

"Look."

He pulled his shirt aside, showing me his shoulder.

Nothing. Just smooth skin.

I blinked. Had I imagined it? The glowing shape had seemed so real.

"You're stressed," Adrian said gently.

"The ceremony, the pressure from Morgana. Your mind is playing tricks."

Doubt crept in. Maybe he was right. Maybe I was seeing things.

"Let's get you back to your chambers," he said softly.

"You need rest."

At my door, he hesitated.

"Selene, whatever you decide tomorrow, I understand. You don't owe me anything."

"Adrian-"

"Goodnight, Selene."

He left before I could respond.

Luna appeared moments later, slipping through my door.

"What happened? The guards killed a rogue wolf in the gardens. Were you near it?"

"I'm fine," I said quickly.

Luna studied my face.

"You don't look fine."

"I just... I thought I saw something. I don't know anymore."

Luna sat beside me.

"You're falling for him, aren't you? Adrian."

I didn't answer.

"There's nothing wrong with that," Luna said gently.

"He makes you happy."

"But I barely know him."

"Sometimes you just know."

I thought about the pull I felt toward Adrian. The connection that made no sense but felt so real.

"What if he's hiding something?" I whispered.

"Everyone hides something. The question is whether you can accept it when you find out."

The next morning, trumpets announced the final trial.

The Magic Trial.

Everyone gathered in the courtyard. A platform stood in the center where each suitor would show their magical abilities.

Morgana addressed the crowd.

"Magic is the heart of our kingdom. Your chosen mate must be strong."

One by one, the suitors performed.

Lord Marcus created ice sculptures. Sir Aldwin summoned lightning. Prince Dorian made flowers bloom.

Then Thorne stepped onto the platform.

He raised his hands and dark purple magic swirled around him. He created explosions that shook the ground, summoned shadows that moved like living things.

The crowd gasped and applauded.

Morgana beamed.

"Magnificent! True power!"

Thorne looked directly at me. His message was clear: Choose me.

Finally, Adrian's name was called.

He walked onto the platform, looking nervous.

"Whenever you're ready," Morgana said coldly.

Adrian raised his hands. Purple light flickered weakly around his fingers.

The crowd murmured. This was nothing compared to the others.

He tried to levitate a stone. It lifted a few inches, wobbled, then dropped.

Whispers spread.

"So weak."

"Pathetic."

Adrian's face flushed. He tried to summon water. A few drops appeared, then evaporated.

My chest tightened watching him struggle. Everything else about him seemed so capable. Why was his magic so weak?

"Perhaps that's enough," Morgana said with contempt.

"I'm not finished," Adrian said firmly.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. This time, a small flame appeared in his palm. It flickered but stayed lit.

The bare minimum to pass.

The crowd's disappointment was obvious.

Thorne smirked.

"How can such a weak man protect anyone?"

Several people laughed.

Something fierce rose in my chest.

"Magic isn't everything," I said loudly. "Strength comes in many forms. Power without compassion is cruelty."

Morgana's eyes narrowed.

"You defend him again. Why?"

"Because he's the only one who treats me like a person instead of a prize."

The crowd fell silent.

Thorne's face darkened with rage.

That evening, I walked in the gardens. Tomorrow was the choosing ceremony.

"Selene."

Adrian stood behind me, his face vulnerable.

"I know I failed today," he said quietly.

"I'm not the strongest or most powerful."

"Adrian-"

"But what I feel for you is real," he continued.

"That's the one thing I can promise. My feelings are honest."

My heart hammered.

"I don't care about your magic," I whispered.

"I don't care about power."

"What do you care about?"

"This." I stepped closer.

"This feeling between us that I can't explain."

His hand cupped my face.

"You feel it too?"

"Every moment. Like you're meant for me somehow."

"If you choose me tomorrow," he said softly,

"I promise I'll spend every day trying to be worthy of you."

"You already are."

Then his lips were on mine.

The kiss was desperate and passionate. Heat rushed through me. My magic flared, responding to him in ways I'd never experienced.

When we broke apart, we were both breathing hard.

"Choose me," Adrian whispered.

"Please, Selene."

Before I could answer, footsteps approached.

A servant appeared.

"Lady Selene, the High Council requests your presence."

Adrian squeezed my hand once, then let go.

"I'll see you tomorrow."

I followed the servant to Morgana's chambers. She sat behind her desk, cold.

"Sit."

I remained standing.

"What do you want?"

"To give you advice. Tomorrow you'll choose your mate. Choose Thorne."

"And if I don't?"

"Then you'll make a powerful enemy." She leaned forward.

"I won't let some foolish girl destroy my plans."

"This is my life!"

"Your life belongs to this kingdom. You have a duty."

"My duty is to choose a mate. It doesn't say I have to choose yours."

Morgana's eyes flashed.

"If you choose that weak merchant, there will be consequences. For you. For him."

I left before I said something I'd regret.

Luna was waiting in my chambers.

"What happened?"

"Morgana threatened me. Told me to choose Thorne or face consequences."

"What are you going to do?"

I thought about Adrian's kiss. About the connection I couldn't deny.

"I'm going to choose what makes me happy," I said.

"Not what makes them happy."

Luna smiled.

"Good."

That night, I barely slept.

The next morning, servants helped me dress in the ceremonial gown. White silk with silver embroidery.

This was it. The choosing ceremony.

My hands shook as I picked up the enchanted flower crown. Whoever I placed this on would become my husband. The magic would bind us immediately.

"Ready?" Luna asked.

I took a deep breath.

"Ready."

I walked into the grand hall where hundreds of people waited.

My eyes found Adrian's across the room.

He looked terrified and hopeful.

I'd made my choice.

I just hoped I was ready for whatever came next.