Bound To My Forbidden Mate

Selene's POV

I shouldn't have been this close to the border.

The Neutral Territory was forbidden for a reason. This was the abandoned land between the Witch Kingdom of Lunaris and the Werewolf Kingdom of Silvermoon. No one came here except those looking for trouble.

But I needed the moonflowers. They only grew here, in the space between our worlds where magic was wild and unpredictable. My healing potion wouldn't work without them.

I kept my eyes on the ground, searching through the dead grass for the silver petals that glowed faintly in the afternoon light. My basket was almost full. Just a few more and I could leave.

A twig snapped behind me.

I froze, my hand moving instinctively to the dagger at my belt. Slowly, I turned around.

Three wolves stood at the edge of the tree line. But these weren't normal wolves. They were massive, easily twice the size of any natural animal. Their eyes glowed red instead of the normal gold. Foam dripped from their mouths.

Rogue wolves. The kind that had lost their minds and their humanity. The kind that killed anything that moved.

My heart hammered against my ribs. I dropped my basket and raised my hands, calling my magic to my fingertips. Purple light crackled around my fingers.

"Stay back," I warned, my voice steadier than I felt.

The wolves didn't listen. They spread out, circling me slowly. Hunting. I was prey to them. Nothing more.

The biggest one lunged first.

I threw a blast of magic at it. The purple light hit the wolf's chest and sent it flying backward into a tree. But the other two kept coming. One from the left, one from the right.

I spun and threw more magic. I hit one but missed the other. The wolf's claws caught my arm, tearing through my sleeve. I screamed as pain shot through me. Blood soaked into my dress.

The first wolf was already getting back up. All three of them were circling again, tighter this time. My magic was strong but I couldn't fight three rogue wolves alone.

I was going to die here.

The biggest wolf charged again. I threw everything I had at it but I knew it wouldn't be enough. The wolf's jaws opened wide, going straight for my throat.

Then something black and massive slammed into it from the side.

Another wolf. Even bigger than the rogues. Its fur was pure black and its eyes glowed silver in the dim light.

The black wolf tore into the rogue with vicious efficiency. The rogue didn't stand a chance. Within seconds, it lay dead on the ground.

The other two rogues turned on the black wolf. They attacked together, trying to overpower it with numbers.

But the black wolf moved like nothing I'd ever seen. Fast. Deadly. Beautiful in a terrible way. It dodged their attacks and struck back with precision. One rogue went down with its throat torn out. The last one tried to run but the black wolf caught it before it could escape.

Silence fell over the clearing. Three dead rogues lay on the ground. And standing in the middle of them was the black wolf, breathing heavily, blood staining its dark fur.

I should have run. Should have used the distraction to escape back to witch territory. But I couldn't move. Couldn't look away.

The black wolf turned to face me.

Our eyes met.

Silver eyes stared into mine. Not the mindless red of the rogues. These eyes were intelligent. Aware. And they looked at me with something that made my breath catch.

I felt it then. A pull. Like invisible strings connecting my heart to this creature. Recognition of something I didn't understand. A feeling that made no sense.

Fear mixed with something else. Something I couldn't name.

"Thank you," I whispered. The words came out before I could stop them.

The wolf tilted its head slightly, as if surprised I'd spoken to it. It took a step toward me.

I took a step back, raising my hands again.

"Don't come any closer."

The wolf stopped. We stared at each other. My heart pounded but not entirely from fear anymore.

Then I heard shouting. Voices calling my name. The border guards must have heard the fighting.

The black wolf's ears flicked toward the sound. It looked at me one more time, its silver eyes staring into mine for a long moment.

Then it turned and ran back into werewolf territory, disappearing into the trees.

"Selene!" Guards burst into the clearing, weapons drawn. They saw the dead rogues and their faces went pale.

"What happened? Are you hurt?"

I looked down at my bleeding arm.

"Rogues attacked me."

"How did you survive?" One guard examined the bodies.

"These are vicious kills. What did this?"

I opened my mouth. Closed it. I should tell them about the black wolf. Should report that a werewolf had crossed into the Neutral Territory.

But something stopped me.

"My magic," I lied.

"I managed to fight them off."

The guards looked skeptical but didn't argue. They escorted me back to the witch kingdom, lecturing me the entire way about the dangers of going near the border. I barely heard them.

All I could think about were those silver eyes. The way they'd looked at me. The strange pull I'd felt.

It didn't make sense. Werewolves were dangerous. Everyone knew that. They were violent creatures who couldn't control their nature. We'd been enemies for three hundred years.

But that wolf had saved me. Had protected me instead of killing me when it had the chance.

Why?

Back in my chambers, I cleaned the wound on my arm and wrapped it with bandages. The cuts weren't deep. They'd heal quickly.

But I couldn't stop thinking about what happened.

I walked to my window and looked out toward the forest. Somewhere beyond those trees was the werewolf kingdom. Somewhere out there was the black wolf with silver eyes.

I told myself I'd never see it again. That I should forget the entire incident.

But that night, I dreamed of silver eyes watching me from the darkness. And when I woke, my heart was racing like I'd been running.

Three weeks passed.

I tried to focus on my duties. I studied magic. I helped in the healing ward. I did everything I could to push the memory of the border incident from my mind.

Then one morning, a scroll arrived at my door.

I opened it with shaking hands, already knowing what it would say.

The official summons for the Mating Ceremony.

Every witch maiden had to choose a mate when she turned twenty-one. It was tradition. Law. I'd known it was coming but seeing it in writing made it real.

I had one month to choose a husband from the approved suitors. The scroll listed all the rules. Representatives from neighboring magical kingdoms would come. There would be trials and courtship rituals. At the end, I would make my choice.

One rule was written in bold, underlined twice: No werewolves permitted. Any werewolf who enters Lunaris during the ceremony will be executed immediately.

I stared at that line for a long moment. Why did reading it make my chest feel tight?

A knock interrupted my thoughts.

"Come in," I called.

A servant entered carrying a wooden box.

"This was left at the gate for you, my lady. No name. No message."

She placed the box on my table and left.

I approached it slowly, my curiosity getting the best of me. I lifted the lid.

Moonflowers. At least two dozen of them. The rare silver ones I'd been collecting at the border. Fresh and perfect, their petals glowing softly with magic.

My breath caught.

There was no note. No explanation. But somehow, impossibly, I knew.

They were from the wolf. The black wolf with silver eyes.

But how? Why would a werewolf send me flowers? How did it even know where I lived or who I was?

I picked up one of the moonflowers, turning it over in my hands. My heart raced. Part of me was scared. But another part, a part I didn't want to acknowledge, felt something else entirely.

I looked back at the scroll on my desk. At the rule about werewolves. At the ceremony that would seal my fate in just one month.

And I couldn't shake the feeling that everything was about to change.

And the terrifying part was that I didn't know if I wanted it to be.

Selene's POV

The Mating Ceremony hall was packed with people. Nobles from every corner of Lunaris filled the seats, all dressed in their finest robes. Banners hung from the ceiling showing the symbols of different magical kingdoms.

I stood on the raised platform at the front, feeling like a prize being displayed. My dress was beautiful, silver silk that flowed to the floor, but it felt like a cage.

One by one, the suitors were presented.

Lord Marcus from the Northern Frost Kingdom. Too old, with cold eyes that reminded me of my grandfather.

Sir Aldwin from the Eastern Valleys. Handsome enough, but he barely looked at me. His eyes stayed on Morgana, the High Witch Council leader, clearly more interested in political connections.

Prince Dorian from the Southern Lakes. He smiled too much and talked only about himself.

I was so bored I wanted to scream.

Then Thorne Nightshade stepped forward.

He was Morgana's son. Tall, with dark hair and sharp features. Handsome in a cold way. His robes were expensive, showing off his family's wealth and power.

"Lady Selene," he said, his voice smooth.

"I've waited years for this moment. The honor of courting you will be mine."

The way he said "will be" instead of "would be" made my skin crawl. Like he'd already decided I belonged to him.

He took my hand and kissed it. His lips were cold. His touch made me want to pull away but I forced myself to stay still and smile politely.

"Thank you, Lord Thorne," I said, using his formal title even though he wanted me to call him by his first name.

His eyes narrowed slightly. He'd noticed the distance in my voice.

After the presentations, there was a feast. I was seated at the high table between Thorne and Morgana.

"You look beautiful tonight, Selene," Morgana said. She smiled but her eyes were calculating.

"Thorne has been looking forward to this ceremony for months."

"I'm honored by his interest," I said carefully.

"It would be wise to choose him," Morgana continued, her voice low enough that only I could hear.

"He'll make a powerful mate. And with our families united, your position in the kingdom would be secure."

I understood what she meant. Choose Thorne or face consequences. Morgana controlled much of the Council. She could make my life difficult if I refused her son.

"The ceremony allows me to meet all suitors before deciding," I said. My voice was steady even though my hands shook under the table.

Morgana's smile didn't reach her eyes.

"Of course. But I'm sure you'll make the right choice in the end."

I wanted to leave. Wanted to run from this hall and never come back. But I had no choice. This was my duty. My fate.

Then the doors opened again.

A late arrival.

A man walked in, tall and confident. He wore simple but well-made clothes. His hair was black and slightly messy, like he'd been riding hard to get here. And his eyes–

Silver. Like moonlight. Like the wolf from the border.

My heart stopped.

"Apologies for my late arrival," the man said, his voice deep and smooth.

"I'm Adrian Silverblade, merchant from the Eastern Kingdoms. I received my invitation only last week."

Morgana frowned.

"I don't recall approving a merchant for this ceremony."

"My family trades in rare magical items," Adrian explained.

"We've done business with Lunaris for generations. The Council sent the invitation to my father, but he's too old to travel. He sent me in his place."

It wasn't unusual for noble merchants to participate in the ceremony. They had wealth if not royal blood.

Morgana looked like she wanted to refuse him but couldn't find a reason.

"Very well. Take a seat."

Adrian was directed to a spot at the lower tables. But as he walked past me, his eyes met mine.

That pull. That same strange recognition I'd felt at the border. It hit me like a wave.

I couldn't breathe. Couldn't look away.

Adrian's eyes widened slightly, like he felt it too. Then he quickly looked down and continued to his seat.

I spent the rest of the feast stealing glances at him. Something about him was familiar. Those eyes. The way he moved. But it was impossible. The wolf was an animal. This was a man.

I was being ridiculous.

After dinner, guests mingled in the gardens. Thorne stayed glued to my side, talking about his accomplishments and his family's power. I barely heard him.

My eyes kept searching the crowd for Adrian.

"You seem distracted," Thorne said, his voice sharp.

"I'm just tired," I lied.

"It's been a long day."

"Perhaps you should retire," he said. But his hand tightened on my arm.

"Though first, let me show you the rose garden. I had them plant your favorite flowers."

He started pulling me toward the darker part of the gardens. Away from the crowd. Alarm bells rang in my head.

"Actually, I think I'll-"

"It will only take a moment," Thorne insisted.

"The lady said she's tired," a voice interrupted.

Adrian stood behind us. His face was polite but his eyes were hard.

Thorne's grip on my arm became painful.

"This is a private conversation, merchant."

"It didn't look very private," Adrian said calmly.

"It looked like the lady wanted to leave."

"How dare you-"

"Thorne," I cut him off, pulling my arm free. "Thank you for the offer, but I really am tired. Perhaps another time."

I walked away before he could argue. My heart pounded. I headed deeper into the gardens, needing space to breathe.

I found a quiet corner near a fountain. The sound of water was calming. I sat on the stone bench and closed my eyes.

"Are you alright?"

I jumped. Adrian stood a few feet away, hands raised like he meant no harm.

"You startled me," I said.

"Sorry. I wanted to make sure he didn't follow you."

"Thank you. For intervening back there."

He moved closer and sat on the other end of the bench. Not too close. Respectful of my space.

We sat in silence for a moment. It should have been awkward but it wasn't. It felt comfortable. Natural.

"You don't want to be here, do you?" Adrian asked quietly.

I looked at him, surprised by his observation.

"Is it that obvious?"

"You look like you're attending your own execution instead of choosing a mate."

I laughed. It was bitter but honest.

"That's exactly what it feels like."

"Why?"

"Because I don't get to choose. Not really."

The words came out before I could stop them.

"The Council expects me to pick Thorne. It's political. Strategic. My feelings don't matter."

"That's not right," Adrian said. His voice was firm.

"Everyone deserves to choose their own path. Even if it's difficult."

I looked at him. Really looked at him. His silver eyes were intense but kind. There was something in them. Something that made me feel safe in a way I couldn't explain.

"What if the path you want is forbidden?" I asked quietly.

"Then you have to decide if following your heart is worth the consequences."

We stared at each other. The pull between us was so strong it made my hands shake. I wanted to move closer. Wanted to know why this stranger affected me so much.

Adrian seemed to feel it too. He leaned toward me slightly. His eyes dropped to my lips.

Then suddenly, he jerked back. His face twisted with pain. He grabbed his shoulder like something hurt.

"Are you okay?" I asked, reaching for him.

"I'm fine," he said quickly, standing up.

"I should go. It's late."

"Wait-"

But he was already walking away, almost running. Like something was chasing him.

I sat there confused and frustrated. What just happened?

I looked toward where he'd disappeared into the shadows. For just a second, in the moonlight, I saw something impossible.

The outline of a massive wolf where Adrian had been standing.

I blinked and it was gone. Just darkness and trees.

My heart raced. I told myself I was seeing things. That I was tired and stressed and my mind was playing tricks.

But I couldn't shake the feeling.

Those silver eyes. That familiar pull. The way he moved.

"No," I whispered to myself. "That's impossible."

But as I walked back to my chambers, the question haunted me.

Who really was this man?

Selene's POV

The morning sun barely lit the sky when servants woke me. The Courtship Trials were starting today.

I dressed in a simple purple gown and made my way to the arena. Hundreds of people already filled the seats. Everyone wanted to watch the suitors prove themselves.

Luna rushed up to me, practically bouncing with excitement.

"Finally! Something interesting. I was so bored yesterday with all that formal introduction nonsense."

I smiled despite my nervousness. Luna always knew how to lighten my mood.

"Three trials over three days," she continued.

"Strength today, wisdom tomorrow, magic the day after. May the best man win your heart." She wiggled her eyebrows at me.

"Luna!"

"What? I'm just saying, that Adrian fellow seems nice. And handsome. Did you see those eyes?"

My cheeks heated.

"I barely know him."

"But you want to," Luna teased.

"I saw how you looked at each other last night."

Before I could respond, trumpets blared. The trials were beginning.

Morgana stood at the center of the arena, her voice magically amplified.

"Welcome to the first trial! Today, our suitors will demonstrate their strength and combat skills. Each will face an opponent in single combat."

One by one, suitors entered the ring.

Lord Marcus fought with brutal efficiency but no grace. Sir Aldwin was skilled but cold. Prince Dorian talked too much and nearly lost because of it.

Then Thorne stepped into the arena.

His opponent was a hired warrior, experienced and strong. But Thorne didn't just defeat him. He destroyed him.

Every hit was vicious. When the warrior tried to yield, Thorne didn't stop. He kept attacking until the man lay bloody on the ground, barely conscious.

The crowd cheered. They thought it showed power.

I felt sick.

"Well," Luna whispered beside me.

"He's certainly... thorough."

Thorne walked toward where I sat, his smile sharp.

"For you, my lady. I would destroy anyone who threatened you."

The way he said it sounded like a promise. And a threat.

I forced a smile.

"Thank you for the demonstration."

His eyes narrowed at my formal tone, but he bowed and left the arena.

Finally, Adrian's name was called.

My heart jumped when I saw him walk into the ring. He wore simple fighting clothes that showed his strong build. But he moved differently than the others. Graceful. Controlled.

His opponent was another hired warrior, younger and eager.

The fight began.

Adrian was fast. He dodged attacks instead of blocking them, always staying just out of reach. When he did strike, it was precise. Never more than necessary.

Within minutes, he had his opponent disarmed and on the ground. But instead of continuing like Thorne had, Adrian offered his hand and helped the man up.

The crowd seemed confused. Some even booed.

"Too soft," I heard Morgana mutter from her seat. .

"How can he protect a mate if he won't finish his opponents?"

Something inside me snapped.

"True strength is knowing when to stop," I said loudly enough for those around us to hear.

"Anyone can be brutal. It takes real power to show mercy."

Morgana's eyes flashed with anger, but she said nothing.

Adrian looked up at me from the arena. Our eyes met. He smiled, small and genuine, and something warm spread through my chest.

"Oh, you're definitely in trouble," Luna whispered.

That night, I couldn't sleep. I kept thinking about Adrian. About how different he was from the other suitors.

I decided to walk in the palace gardens. The moon was full and bright, lighting the paths between the flowers.

I turned a corner and stopped.

Adrian sat on a bench near the rose bushes. He looked up when he heard me, surprise crossing his face.

"Can't sleep either?" I asked.

He shook his head.

"Too much on my mind."

"May I sit?"

"Please."

We sat in comfortable silence for a moment. The night air was cool and sweet with the smell of flowers.

"You were impressive today," I said.

"In the arena."

"I lost points with the crowd. They thought I was weak."

"You weren't weak. You were kind. There's a difference."

He looked at me, his silver eyes catching the moonlight.

"Not many people see it that way."

"Then not many people are paying attention."

He smiled.

"You're not what I expected."

"What did you expect?"

"Someone more... cold, maybe? Distant? You're a noble lady about to choose a powerful mate. I thought you'd be more concerned with politics than people."

"I am concerned with people. That's why I hate the politics."

He laughed. It was a warm sound that made my heart beat faster.

We talked for hours. About everything and nothing. He told me about his travels, the places he'd seen. I told him about my studies, my work in the healing ward.

With every word, I felt the pull between us growing stronger.

At one point, our hands touched on the bench between us. Neither of us pulled away.

"Selene," he said quietly. My name sounded different when he said it. Important.

"I-"

Then he jerked back like he'd been burned. His hand went to his shoulder, face twisting in pain.

"Are you hurt?" I reached for him.

"No, I'm fine. Just an old injury. Acts up sometimes." He stood quickly.

"I should go. It's late."

"Wait, Adrian-"

But he was already walking away, his steps fast and uneven.

I sat there frustrated and confused. Every time we got close, something stopped him.

What was he hiding?

The next day was the wisdom trial.

We gathered in the great library. Each suitor had to solve complex magical riddles.

Most of the suitors struggled. Thorne got through by using logic, forcing answers instead of finding them elegantly.

Then came Adrian's turn.

The riddle master asked: "What creature walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon, and three legs in the evening?"

"A human," Adrian answered immediately.

"A baby crawls, an adult walks, an elder uses a cane."

"Correct. Next riddle: A werewolf and a witch are trapped in a burning building. They are enemies, but only one can escape. Who survives?"

The room went silent. It was a trick question.

Thorne had answered earlier: "The witch, obviously. She has the intelligence to save herself while the beast panics."

The crowd had laughed and agreed.

Now everyone waited to see what Adrian would say.

"Neither," Adrian said quietly.

"If they're truly trapped and only one can escape, the survivor carries guilt forever. Better they work together and both survive. Enemies can become allies when survival depends on it."

The crowd murmured. Some looked impressed. Others skeptical.

But I saw Thorne's face go red with anger.

"That's ridiculous," Thorne snapped. "Werewolves are mindless beasts. They can't be reasoned with or trusted. Everyone knows that."

Adrian's hands clenched into fists. For just a second, his eyes flashed silver, brighter than normal, almost glowing.

Then he blinked and they were normal again.

My heart stopped.

No. It was impossible.

"Some believe that," Adrian said, his voice tight.

"But believing something doesn't make it true."

The tension in the room was thick. Morgana stepped in before it could escalate.

"Both answers show different kinds of wisdom. Let's move on."

But I couldn't move on. I kept staring at Adrian, my mind racing.

Those eyes. That flash of silver.

The black wolf that saved me had silver eyes.

Adrian had silver eyes.

I was being ridiculous. Werewolves couldn't dare enter the witch territory.

The magic trial was announced for the next day.

I saw Adrian's face when they announced it. He went pale. His hands shook before he hid them in his pockets.

He was scared. But why?

That night, I couldn't sleep again.

I went to the library, thinking a book might calm my racing thoughts.

The library was dark except for one lamp burning in the corner.

Adrian sat there, surrounded by books. He was so focused he didn't hear me approach.

I saw the title of the book he was reading:

"Forbidden Magics: Cross-Species Transformation."

My blood went cold.

He looked up and saw me. His face went white. He quickly closed the book and stood up.

"Selene. I didn't know anyone else was awake."

"What are you reading?" My voice came out shakier than I wanted.

"Just studying for tomorrow's trial. You know, making sure I'm prepared."

"That's a book about transformation magic. Why would you need that?"

"I-" He stopped. Started again.

"It's complicated."

"Then uncomplicate it." I stepped closer.

"Adrian, what are you hiding from me?"

He looked torn. Like he wanted to tell me but couldn't.

"I can't," he finally whispered.

"You wouldn't understand."

"Try me."

"Selene-"

Suddenly, bells started ringing throughout the palace. Loud and urgent.

Guards rushed past the library, their voices panicked.

"Werewolf spotted in the east wing!"

"Lock down the palace!"

"Find it before it hurts someone!"

My heart stopped.

I looked at Adrian.

His face had gone completely white. His eyes were wide with fear.

And on his shoulder, visible through his thin sleep shirt, I saw something glowing.

A silver crescent mark. Shining with moonlight.

A werewolf mark.

"No," I whispered.

Adrian looked at me, and in his eyes I saw everything. Guilt. Fear. Love. Desperation.

"Selene, please, let me explain-"

But I was already backing away.

The guards' shouts got closer.

And all I could think was: The man I was falling for was the thing I'd been taught to hate my entire life.