The air thrummed with anticipation for the Mating Ceremony, but for me, River Williams, it was just another day of exhaustion.

I wiped sweat from my brow, the gritty feeling a familiar companion as I carried a heavy bucket of water. That's when Iris, the Gamma's daughter, and her cronies appeared, their laughter cutting through the buzz of excitement like a jagged knife.

"Look at that slave," Iris sneered, her eyes raking over my smudged face and tired frame. "Carrying that big bucket while a dark smudge of coal was all over her face. Disgusting!"

Their laughter echoed, but I bit back my retort. Today was my birthday, and I clung to the hope that tonight, everything would change. Today, I would find my mate. But Iris had other plans. She yanked my hair, a searing pain blooming across my scalp.

"Let me go!" I yelped, but I wasn't the same docile slave anymore. In a swift, desperate move, I twisted her hand, making her cry out and release me. "Forgive me, Iris, but I have no plans of getting bullied today. I have to prepare for the Mating Ceremony."

She scoffed, a cruel smile twisting her lips. "You? Attending the Mating Ceremony? You’re practically wolfless, River. You will never meet your mate. Good luck with finding him."

I gritted my teeth, but managed a fake smile. "Yeah. Thank you for wishing me luck. Now, if you will excuse me."

To my surprise, they let me pass. I hurried to my room, a sliver of hope rekindled. Tonight, I would find him. Tonight, everything would be different. Tonight, I would prove them all wrong.