Bab 1: 1. Mate!
Olivia felt her mother's grip tighten in her hair as she was dragged from the kitchen to the living room. Wincing from the pain, she was pushed roughly onto the cold floor. Tears streamed down her cheeks as her mother's words pierced deeply.
"Just look at how useless you are! The moon goddess should have ended you at birth," her mother spat with venom. "You're mute, unable to form a correct sentence. You're nothing but a burden. I regret having you as my daughter!"
Olivia wondered how a mother could be so cruel. None of this was her fault—being mute was beyond her control. She tried to speak, to defend herself, and to plead for even a shred of affection.
Her life had been a relentless struggle. Today, she turned eighteen unnoticed and uncelebrated. She had endured years of mistreatment and comparison to her younger brother, each day a reminder of her perceived worthlessness.
"I'll make sure you starve for breaking that dish today, Olivia," her mother's voice echoed as she left the room.
With a heavy heart, Olivia dragged herself to her bed, accustomed to the familiar ache of hunger. She felt utterly alone, abandoned by hope and love.
If her mother was cruel, Olivia had hoped her father and brother might offer solace, but they too contributed to her anguish. Stripping off her clothes, she wept silently.
Her only hope lay in finding her mate at the Golden Arc Pack's mating ceremony today, on her eighteenth birthday. Perhaps he would rescue her from this torment, offering a chance at a better life and healing for her mute condition.
Rushing through her bath and donning simple pink gown, Olivia looked at herself in the mirror with a determined smile.
Olivia stood before the mirror, tracing the freckles on her face with gentle fingers. A natural blush adorned her cheeks, contrasting with the turmoil inside her. Her thick brown hair fell around her shoulders as she combed through it, squinting slightly with her large, cat-like eyes as she studied herself.
"Today is the day, Olivia," she whispered to her reflection, her voice barely audible. Despite the hardships and neglect she endured, a glimmer of hope shone in her eyes.
Turning eighteen today was a milestone she clung to, hoping it would bring change. The mating ceremony at Golden Arc Pack offered a chance for a fresh start, away from her mother's cruelty and her father and brother's indifference.
Taking a deep breath, Olivia straightened her posture, willing herself to believe today would end her suffering.
Adjusting the worn fabric, she imagined a future where her worth wasn't defined by her perceived flaws.
Pushing aside the ache in her heart, Olivia left her room with determination. Downstairs, the aroma of breakfast lingered, a reminder of the meals she often missed due to her mother's punishments. Suppressing her hunger, she focused on finding a mate who would understand her silence.
Outside, the morning sun painted everything in a hopeful glow. Olivia felt anticipation building within her as she hailed a cab that would take her to the mating ground.
Her eyes widened as she took in the throng of people gathered for the occasion. When Olivia entered the venue, all eyes immediately turned toward her, filled with disdain. She was the useless mute, an outcast in their eyes—hated and disregarded. But today, none of that mattered because everything was supposed to change.
Ignoring the stares that bore into her, Olivia observed the intricate rituals of the mating ceremony unfolding before her. She couldn't help but smile at the wolves sniffing out their destined mates. However, as time passed without any sign of her own mate, nervousness crept in. How long would it take? And would he even accept her?
Anxiety mounted within her as she waited expectantly, but as the ceremony concluded and people began to disperse, Olivia remained untouched by the transformative magic she had hoped for. Tears welled up, cascading down her cheeks as hope evaporated. What did it mean? Did the moon goddess truly forsake her?
Seated in the aftermath of shattered dreams, Olivia knew returning home empty-handed meant enduring another round of abuse and insults. Yet, with nowhere else to go, she wiped away her tears and stood, resigned to face her fate.
As she rose, a strange sensation washed over her, altering the atmosphere around her. Olivia glanced around, sensing a shift in the energy. Clutching the hem of her dress, she moved to leave, only to freeze as the male wolves in attendance suddenly transformed before her eyes.
Their once-human features contorted into something primal and frightening. Reddish eyes gleamed with predatory intent as elongated fangs protruded from their mouths. Fear gripped Olivia's heart, her instincts screaming danger as they closed in on her. Panic surged through her veins.
"Mate!" They growled in unison, advancing toward her menacingly. Olivia staggered back instinctively, confusion and terror warring within her.
"What's happening?" she managed to gasp, voice barely above a whisper.
Their savage gazes locked onto her, hungry and possessive. She turned to flee, but strong hands seized her, pulling her into their midst. Olivia struggled against their grasp, desperation lending her strength as she tried to break free.
"Mine!" Their voices echoed around her, their grip tightening.
With a surge of determination, Olivia wrenched herself loose and bolted. Panic fueled her steps, but they were faster, closing the distance with ease. Just as she felt their hands about to seize her again, a chilling voice pierced the chaotic scene.
"What the hell is going on here?"
Everyone froze at the sound, startled into silence. Olivia turned to see a figure stepping forward, his presence commanding attention and respect. Something stirred deep within her as their eyes locked.
In that electrifying moment, Olivia knew.
This man was her mate.
Hadiah
-- Hadiah diterima Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone