Chapter 1. Glimmer of hope

Kael's eyes slowly fluttered open, greeted by the warm rays of the sun peeking through the grimy windows of his small, deserted island house. He lay still for a moment, the weight of his daily struggles already bearing down on him. He had to make a living, and that meant another grueling day of physical labor at the construction site.

With a deep sigh, Kael tossed off the worn blanket and swung his legs over the side of the creaky bed. His calloused feet dangled in the air as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. The silence of the island was a far cry from the chaos of his thoughts, which were already racing with the tasks ahead.

He shuffled to the small kitchen, the wooden floorboards creaking beneath his feet. A quick wash with cold water, a scrape of stubble from his chin, and a hasty breakfast of stale bread and canned beans later, Kael was ready to face the day.

The construction site was a short walk from his house, and as he arrived, the familiar sounds of hammering and drilling filled the air. Kael exchanged quiet nods with his coworkers, a handful of weathered men who, like him, were struggling to make ends meet.

As they worked, the men chatted idly about their lives, sharing stories of their families and struggles. Kael listened intently, his mind occasionally drifting to the one person who had captivated his thoughts for weeks – Princess Farah.

He had caught a glimpse of her at a royal event, and since then, he couldn't shake the memory of her piercing green eyes and raven-black hair. Kael's heart ached with a deep longing, a yearning that he couldn't explain. All he knew was that he had to see her again.

As the day wore on, Kael's thoughts turned to a plan. Tomorrow, he would take a chance and travel to the kingdom, hoping to secure a job at the palace. It was a long shot, but the prospect of being close to Princess Farah was too enticing to resist.

A small, determined smile crept onto Kael's face as he continued working.

The thought of Princess Farah gave him the strength to push through the exhaustion, to keep going even when it seemed like the world was against him.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the construction site, Kael felt a glimmer of hope. Tomorrow, he would take the first step towards a new life, one that might just bring him closer to the princess who had captured his heart.

As kael finished his work for the day, he let out a relieved sigh and makeshift break area. Damien,his closest colleague,was already there,sipping on a lukewarm drink from an old cup.

"Hey man, how's it going?" Damien asked,nodding in kael's direction.

"It's been a long day," Kael replied, rubbing the sweat from his brow. "But i'm hanging in there"

Damien chuckled and took a seat next to kael on the weathered bench. "I hear you,bro. I'm just trying to make it to the weekend. I've got a date with my couch and a cold beer."

Kael laughed and shook his head. "you're a true bachelor,Damien."

Damien grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Hey,someone's got to keep the single life alive. But seriously, I'll love to get married one of these days. Find a nice girl, settle down,and have some kids."

Kael's smile faltered for a moment as princess Farah's image crept into his mind once again. "Me too," he said, his voice a little softer. "To a beautiful woman who captured my heart,"

Damien's gaze snapped to kael's face, his eyes narrowing in curiosity. "Who's captured your heart,Kael? The last time i checked, you're always chasing away women who are always after you, and bedding some when you're in need."

Kael's cheeks flushed, and he looked away, trying to play it cool. "No one,Damien. Just a figure of speech."

Damien raised an eyebrow but didn't push the issue. Instead, he clapped kael on the back and stood up. "Well, whatever it is, i hope it works out for you, man."

Kael nodded, still feeling a little self conscious. "Thanks, Damien. I'll catch you later."

With that, Kael headed home, his mind still reeling with thoughts of princess farah and the possibility of future together.

He just couldn't wait, he had long dreamed of his mate. Even accepted his fate that he can't be mates to anyone.

Kael's childhood was marred by abandonment. When his parents discovered the werewolf within him, they fled in terror. People with wolf-like abilities were deemed cursed, and the consequences of being discovered were dire. Those found out would be hunted relentlessly, captured, and killed.

To survive, individuals like Kael lived in secrecy, concealing their true nature behind a facade of humanity. They blended in, hiding in plain sight, always cautious not to reveal their hidden selves. The risk of discovery was too great, the penalties too severe.

Over the years, Kael had encountered others like himself, fellow werewolves living in the shadows. But their interactions were fleeting, reduced to stolen glances and whispered scents carried on the wind. They ignored one another, feigning ignorance, adhering to an unspoken code of silence.

This was the reality of Kael's world, a world where his kind lived in constant fear of discovery, forced to dwell in the fringes of society. It was a lonely existence, one that Kael had grown accustomed to, but never truly accepted.

Despite the treacherous landscape of his world, Kael had emerged resilient and unbroken. He had faced countless trials and overcome unimaginable obstacles. His determination was unwavering, his spirit unshakeable.

Now, with the discovery of his mate, Farah, Kael's resolve had intensified. He would stop at nothing to claim her, to be with her. His love for her had become an all-consuming force, driving him to defy the dangers that surrounded them.