<h4>Chapter 2: Chapter Two</h4>


    I stood in front of my mirror, trying to smooth the wrinkles out of my dress. It was simple, pale blue, with short sleeves and a skirt that brushed my knees. It was the kind of dress Adah liked—"nice but not desperate," she would say.


    I didn’t feel nice or desperate. I just felt tired.


    A soft knock came at my door. It was Ma, of course.


    "Ready?" she chirped, swinging the door open without waiting for an answer.


    "Not really," I said, staring at my reflection.


    "You look pretty," she said, walking over to fluff my hair. "Maybe today’s the day."


    "Maybe," I said, even though I didn’t believe it.


    She grabbed my hand and pulled me out into the hall before I coulde up with an excuse to hide.


    Downstairs, the dining hall had been transformed. A long table was set with food and flowers. Father stood near the hearth, his posture stiff but proud. Beside him were two men, both tall, both dressed in the simple but fine clothes of Alpha sons.


    "Luciana," Father called, beckoning me forward.


    I swallowed and made myself walk toward them.


    "This is Alpha Caden of Silverrock Pack," Father said, cing a hand on the shoulder of a blond man with a strong jaw and a crooked smile. "And this is Alpha Ronan of Ironvale," he added, nodding to the second man—dark-haired, serious, his gray eyes sharp.


    They both nodded at me. I gave a small, polite smile.


    "Pleasure to meet you, Luciana," Caden said, stepping forward. His voice was smooth, easy. "Your father speaks highly of you."


    "Thank you," I said quietly.


    "And I have heard much about Thornridge," Ronan added, his tone more formal. "It is an honor to be weed here."


    Father smiled broadly, as if he had already dered the day a sess.


    "Come, sit," he said, waving to the table. "Eat, talk. Get to know each other."


    We sat. Ma and Garin sat on one side, whispering and giggling like they couldn’t help themselves. Adah sat near the head of the table, watching everything with a tight smile.


    I sat across from Caden and Ronan. Cadenunched into a story about a hunting trip his pack had gone onst month. I tried to listen. I really did. But my mind drifted.


    There was no spark.


    No heat.


    No pull toward either of them.


    They were both handsome, both kind enough. But I felt nothing.


    "Luciana, do you hunt?" Caden asked, leaning forward.


    "Sometimes," I said.


    He grinned. "I bet you’re good with a bow."


    "She is," Ma said loudly. "She once shot an apple off Garin’s head!"


    Everyoneughed. Even I smiled a little.


    Ronan studied me for a moment. "And what else do you enjoy?"


    I blinked. It was a simple question, but for some reason, it unsettled me.


    "I like... reading," I said, feeling stupid.


    Ronan gave a small nod. "There is strength in learning."


    Caden chuckled. "And in running through the woods, not stuck in dusty books."


    I smiled politely, but inside I was shrinking away from both of them.


    After dinner, Father suggested I take a walk with them. "Just a little stroll," he said, his eyes pleading.


    I couldn’t say no. Not when he looked at me like that.


    So I found myself walking through the gardens, the cold air biting at my skin.


    Caden walked beside me, talking about his pack and his ns to expand their territory. Ronan was quieter, asking questions about Thornridge’s traditions.


    I answered politely. Iughed when they expected me tough.


    But my heart was silent.


    At one point, Caden brushed my hand with his. I jerked it away before I could stop myself.


    "Sorry," I muttered.


    He smiled, but there was something stiff in it now. "It’s alright. No harm."


    We walked a little longer before heading back to the house.


    When we returned, Father was waiting in the entryway, his eyes hopeful.


    "Well?" he asked.


    I forced a smile. "They’re very nice."


    Father’s face fell. He didn’t even need me to say the words.


    Later, after everyone had gone to their rooms, I found him in his study, staring into the fire.


    He didn’t look at me when I came in.


    "I’m sorry," I said softly.


    "It’s not your fault," he said, his voice low. "I just... I worry, Luciana."


    "I know," I said. "I worry too."


    He finally turned to look at me. His eyes were tired. "Maybe you are meant for someone... different."


    "Maybe," I whispered.


    Or maybe I wasn’t meant for anyone at all.


    That night, Iy awake in bed, staring at the ceiling. The house was quiet except for the creak of old wood and the whisper of the wind outside.


    I thought about Caden’s smile. Ronan’s careful questions.


    There was nothing wrong with them.


    But I couldn’t feel a spark. No attraction they’ll say.


    I pressed my hands to my chest, feeling the hollow ache there.


    It had been there so long I barely remembered what it felt like not to have it.


    Was I broken?


    Or was there truly someone—or something—still missing?


    I rolled onto my side and stared at the window.


    The sky was ck.


    Empty.


    Just like me.


    And somewhere, deep in the pit of my stomach, the old restlessness stirred again.


    The feeling that this house, this life...


    Was not enough.


    Something was calling me beyond Thornridge.


    I just didn’t know what.