The Fatal Engagement.

The shadow weaver as already said, is a dangerous weapon conjured from dark magic.

It traps its victims in a trance, forcing them to relive their memories while its wielder searches for a desired secret.

Most who fall prey to it become lost within their own minds, forever trapped in the echoes of the past. Those who manage to break free are not unscathed, often bound to the experience by nightmares, lingering illness, or, as in Selene's case, the terrifying emergence of her first full moon.

({TWO WEEKS AGO}

{SELENE'S ENGAGEMENT}

"You look so beautiful," Ember breathed, her hands rested on Selene's shoulders as she admired her reflection in the large mirror.

Selene stared back blankly. The gown was exquisite, a vibrant red adorned with real rubies, complemented by a matching veil that framed her face. Her earrings, bracelet, and necklace were also crafted from the same precious stones – the only color she had ever been permitted to wear.

Delicate makeup had been applied, transforming her into a flawless doll, a fact she remained oblivious to. In her own eyes, she was still the bald, cursed, and ugly princess. Yet, she managed a strained smile for Ember.

"Thank you, Ember," she said softly.

Ember's brow furrowed, noticing the lack of light in the princess's eyes. "Don't look so sad; it's your engagement," she said, her hand warm on Selene's veiled head.

"I'm getting engaged to someone I don't even know," Selene muttered, her voice barely audible. "An engagement I was only informed of this morning."

A sigh escaped Selene as the reality of her situation settled upon her once more. As a passionate reader, she was particularly fond of romance novels. She knew that for someone like her, the chances of finding true love were slim, but she had still allowed herself to dream.

"He doesn't even know me," she whispered, her voice weak.

"He will come to know you, and when he does, he will have no choice but to fall in love with the sweetest and most beautiful girl in the realm," Ember said warmly.

Selene couldn't help but smile. Ember always showered her praises, even though Selene didn't believe them, she was grateful.

"Your father will surely choose someone perfect for his favorite daughter," Ember continued teasingly.

"You mean force someone," Selene blurted out before she could stop herself.

It was still a shock that her father was allowing her to marry at all.

This morning, she had woken with a flicker of excitement – it was a New Moon! She would have her once-a-month outdoor dinner with her father. Instead, the news of engagement had been delivered.

"Princess Selene," Ember began, but the doors swung open, and Queen Ulva strode in, dressed in flamboyant attire, her maids and bodyguards flanking her.

"Is she not ready?" Ulva snapped.

Ember gently helped Selene rise. "Yes, she is!" the omega said hurriedly, her eyes twinkling at Selene. "I'll be waiting to hear all about it tomorrow morning," she whispered.

"Let's get this over with," Ulva barked, extending a hand to Selene, who took it with a slight tremor.

"If you hadn't killed your mother, I wouldn't be tasked with walking a cursed princess to her engagement," Ulva hissed, her tone low enough for only Selene to hear.

A sharp pang of pain shot through Selene, but she fought to suppress it. She was accustomed to her stepmother's cruel remarks, delivered at every opportunity. Besides, it was the truth; she had killed her mother, or so she was told.

Ulva on the other hand was filled with irritation and rage which she concealed under a poised figure as they walked to the room.

She believed her own daughter was a better bride for Lyall, Son of Alpha Kylan of Shadow Pack.

The doors swung open and Stepmother and stepdaughter entered an opulently decorated room where Selene's engagement ceremony was to take place.

Unable to focus on anything else, Selene kept her gaze fixed on her shoes, following Ulva's lead. The next thing she knew, she was guided to a chair. Only then did she lift her eyes to take in the faces in the room.

Her father, the King, sat there wearing his snarling wolf mask, Ulva settled beside him. Her step-siblings were also present: Connor, his expression as always unreadable; Coral, with a forced smile and hateful eyes And then there was a man Selene didn't recognize, with jet-black shoulder-length hair that matched his dark goatee, curious brown eyes, and robes that spoke of importance.

"We thank the goddess for bringing these two families together," a voice began. Only then did Selene notice the other two figures in the room: a priest and her fiancé, Lyall.

Lyall sat beside her, dark-haired, handsome, and impeccably dressed. The emblem of the Shadow Wolf of the Shadow Pack was imprinted on the left side of his tunic. As Selene glanced at him, she noticed the striking resemblance he shared with the unfamiliar man. He must be his father, she thought.

Lyall caught Selene's gaze and offered a warm smile. Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly looked away.

The ceremony passed in a blur of rituals: both families rinsing their hands in a sacred bowl, Selene and Lyall exchanging engagement rings. After the brief event, Lyall and Selene had only a very short moment of interaction.

"It's an honor to marry a beautiful princess like you," Lyall said, offering a polite bow.

Selene's eyes widened slightly, and she returned a curtsy. "The pleasure is all mine," she said softly.

Lyall smiled kindly, his handsome features lighting up. "I can't deny that I was a little nervous about the arranged marriage, but having met you, I have no regrets."

His words warmed Selene. Perhaps Ember was right; perhaps things could work out after all.

"I was nervous too," she admitted.

"I understand that you might feel a little sad today, seeing as your biological mother is not present," Lyall said in a low, considerate tone.

Selene looked up in surprise.

"I lost my mother to the war when I was only three years old. I understand your pain. I miss her every day," he said comfortingly.

A wave of deep gratitude washed over Selene. She longed to tell him that she missed her own mother every single moment, but then a gentle tap on her shoulder interrupted her thoughts.

"Mother wants to walk you back to your room, Selene," Connor informed her.

Selene nodded and curtsied to Lyall again. "See you soon, Alpha heir."

"Yes, my princess."

Feeling a lightness she hadn't experienced in a long time, Selene walked to Ulva, who linked her arm through Selene's and led her back towards her chambers.

As they reached the door, Ulva turned and snarled at Selene. "Don't be foolish enough to think he actually likes someone like you," she spat angrily before letting out a harsh cackle and continuing down the hall.

Selene stepped into her room, the fragile joy she had just found crumbling into dust.

She had barely removed her veil when the door opened again. She turned to see her father entering.

She was surprised; he hadn't been in her room for years. Given their lack of interaction, however, she understood.

"Good evening, father!" she said.

"Good evening, my love," King Hati greeted. "I hope you're not angry with me for spending the only time we get on an impromptu engagement," he said as they moved further into her room.

"I was a little upset, but not anymore," she said truthfully. "How are you, Father?"

"Very well," Hati said with a chuckle.

"So, what do you think of your fiancé?" he asked.

A shy smile crept onto her face. "Well, he is nice and handsome," she said with a giggle.

Surprisingly, King Hati hissed. "More handsome than your King?" he demanded.

Selene chuckled. "Even though you've never let me see your face, I am sure that no one is as handsome as you, Father," she said.

"And you are the most beautiful…" he said, stepping closer to her.

He gripped her arms, pulling her roughly towards him. Selene felt a prickle of unease, unsure of what was happening.

"What's wrong, Father?" she asked softly.

"Call me your King!" he roared, his grip tightening as he began to smell her aggressively.

Alarmed and confused, Selene started to struggle. "Father, Father, what's wrong?" she asked in a panic.

"I said call me your King!" he roared again, and then he ripped her dress.

Selene screamed and cried as his hands grabbed at her tights, pushing her against him. "Father, please! Please!" she begged.

"I'm your King!" he roared once more, and then he struck her face with a brutal slap. She stumbled backward, looking up to see his eyes glowing with a terrifying red light.

She whimpered, hugging herself as she shook uncontrollably. "Please. Father. Please," she begged, tears streaming down her face.

Hati stood breathing heavily for a moment, then turned and left the room.

Selene collapsed onto the floor, sobbing. She felt utterly shattered by what had just transpired. "My life just keeps getting worse," she murmured, desperately trying to understand why her father would do such a thing. She lay there and wept for what felt like an eternity before weakly pushing herself to her feet and dragging herself to the small glass window in her room.

"Oh, goddess, I have no desire to live anymore."

With a final, despairing thought, she threw herself out the window.