MATED TO THE STRONGEST ALPHA
Chapter Nine

*Selene's POV

I couldn't fathom the reality that had unfolded before me I, the child of the Lycan King. Lady Malia, who had spoken with me earlier, returned to my room with a thoughtful inquiry about my needs. I assured her that I was content and had no cause for concern. She had already provided me with sustenance and tended to my wounds, leaving me with nothing more to desire. Their kindness even extended to healing my injuries.

For a brief period, Lady Malia lingered in my chamber, and we delved into discussions about my family. The Lycan King was absent, attending to urgent matters, while my mother accompanied him, as she often did during his business engagements.

"Do you truly need nothing? I could prepare any dish you desire, princess. Just tell me your culinary wishes," she said with a hint of skepticism as if she doubted my assurance of contentment.

I offered her a warm smile. "No, I assure you, I am perfectly fine. If I require anything, I shall certainly let you know. Thank you for your kindness."

Since then, I had never experienced such special treatment from anyone, except for my adoptive parents. My thoughts drifted to them, particularly Father, hoping he hadn't shed tears over my inexplicable disappearance. I yearned for his well- being and didn't wish to burden him with grief. He was also always an emotional and overbearing one; I truly wished for his well-being. My sister was not an exception. As for my rejected mate, he was probably delighted that I was no longer a part of his pack and life. My sincerest wish was for him to replace someone who would make him proud and give him joy, despite his animosity toward me.

My silence caught Lady Malia's attention, prompting her to approach me. "Are you okay, Princess?"

Before I could respond, I wiped away my tears. "I was just reminiscing about my past."

I referred to it as a past life because I viewed my new life as the Lycan King's daughter as a fresh beginning. The old Selene was no more, and I embraced this transformation, believing that I could become someone even greater.

Seated beside me, Lady Malia, with her kindness and beauty, shared that she had served the Royal family since childhood. She had witnessed the sorrows of my family on the day I went missing and revealed the reasons for my longing to meet my biological parents. She then disclosed the joyful news that my father had found and recognized me at first sight as his daughter.

"You remember your adoptive family. Were they good to you?" she inquired.

I nodded. "They were the only ones who loved me."

Investigations were carried out, and it was proposed that you jump off the cliff above us. Our lake's waterway is connected to a nearby waterfall that is slightly below the cliff. Did you jump off the cliff?

"Yes." I lowered my head in shame.

"And why did you jump off the cliff? If you don't mind sharing," her voice remained calm.

A heavy sigh escaped my lips. "Because of him." "Him?"

"My ex-mate-the Alpha of Midnight Fog Pack, Riker. He rejected me that day and wished for my demise. As a result of loving him deeply, I granted his tragic wish." I confided in her about my naivety in matters of love and how his rejection had wounded me deeply.

With a comforting tap on my back, Lady Malia said, "Love can make us act foolishly. But you can heal from this, princess."

"Thank you, Lady Malia." I smiled. "May I ask you a favor?"

"Do go on, princess."

"About this matter of Riker, may I ask you to keep the whole thing a secret from others, including the Lycan king? I have a feeling that he will not be happy to hear about this and may decide to go after Riker." I wondered why I had this feeling even though I had yet to meet the Lycan king.

Malia seemed conflicted at my request, but I pressed further until she finally promised to tell not even a single soul about it.

I yearned for my friend Rachael's presence, much like Lady Malia's, as she always comforted me during difficult times. I longed to deepen my connections with the people in the palace and forge friendships akin to the ones I cherished. Lady Malia and I continued our conversation, delving into more details about my life before and learning about my birth parents. The Lycan King had recurrent nightmares about losing me, and I couldn't help but wonder if my nocturnal visions of desolation stemmed from that fateful day.

Amidst our discussions, a knock on the door interrupted us. A woman, whom I had not met before, entered the room. She appeared to be a doctor or healer.

"Princess, I must examine you now," she declared, her eyes focused on me.

Wordlessly, I allowed her inspection, observing her attentiveness.

"Any headaches or back pain? Falling from the cliff must have had a significant impact on your body," she inquired.

I shook my head. "No, I feel no pain. I am fine." Yet, my reassurances seemed to fall on incredulous ears. The fact that I survived that fall perplexed everyone, including myself.

Lady Malia had told me earlier that I may have Lycan powers as I was the daughter of the Lycan King; maybe that's what saved me. But why haven't I seen any sign of this power? I thought to myself

"She's fine. Her wounds healed remarkably well," the doctor assured Lady Malia, who had stepped closer to us. They exchanged words about my condition, leaving me silently observing their conversation.

"The Lycan King will return soon. We discussed what I had mentioned earlier," Lady Malia confirmed. As she spoke, the doctor bid us farewell and advised me to cherish life and avoid repeating my past actions. "I didn't know it would feel like this," I confessed.

"Feel like what?"

"To be loved by so many. Throughout my life, I've strived for acceptance. I was loved by my family and pack; that may seem enough, but I longed for even more. But now, it seems everyone loves me more than I ever imagined. And... I like it— no, I love it." A sweet smile graced my lips as I embraced this newfound affection and acceptance from those around me.

*