Asis was happy to see Berit and Anders at Aarav's Mehndi. "I am glad to see you two." Berit hugged her, "I am happy to be here." Anders smiled and thanked her for the invitation. She introduced them to her family, and her mother was glad to meet them and showed her great hospitality skills. After the event ended, she changed into her night pajamas and stood at her bedroom window, watching the moon climb above the trees. The echoes of music and laughter from the mehndi function still rang in her ears. Her hennaed hands lay gently on the sill, the fragrance of crushed leaves and jasmine heavy in the air. For a brief moment, it felt like time had stopped. But something inside her stirred uneasily. She kept remembering Karl's words at the lake."What if I told you I wasn't who you think I am?"
Those words hadn't left her mind since morning. She was used to questions, uncertainty, heartbreak—but this… this felt like a crack forming beneath her foundation. She turned when someone knocked gently on her door. It was Riya."Hey," Riya said quietly, slipping inside. "Can't sleep?" Asis shook her head. "No. Just… overthinking, I guess." Riya sat beside her. "You were glowing earlier. You and Karl looked like you were in your world."
Asis sighed. "That's the problem. I feel like I'm falling into something I don't understand. And I don't like things I can't control." Riya gave her a thoughtful look. "Do you think it's a bad thing? Not having control sometimes?"Asis hesitated. "I don't know. Maybe not. But I've already lost too much. I can't afford that again. Riya looks concerned," Then don't rush. But also… don't push away something that might be good for you."Asis looked out the window again. "I'm not even sure what I want anymore."
In the west-wing mansion near the forest, Harald Dyre paced his study, his mind replaying the voice he heard in the shadows."She belongs to no wolf, Harald. Not even an Alpha king."He knew that voice. It belonged to Sorin, a wicked vampire whom he had seen a decade ago—a vampire emperor who once challenged the rule of the Lycan High Council and had vanished without a trace. Ingolf stirred inside him, restless."He's watching her."
"I know," Harald replied aloud, though no one else was in the room. "But why now? Why her?" "Because she's ours. And because she's more than human."Harald paused."What do you mean?" Ingolf was quiet for a beat."You've felt it too. Her scent—stronger than any human. Her will—stronger than most alphas. The way she looked into our eyes and didn't flinch."Harald leaned against the window frame."She might be something more. But even if she's not… she's in danger now."
The next morning, Asis found herself pulled into more wedding prep chaos. Her mother was in one of her bossy moods, barking orders about the final decoration placements, menus, and guest logistics. But all Asis could think about was the strange look on Karl's face last night—and the odd tension he seemed to carry with him, like he was constantly on alert.
Around noon, as the sun grew hotter, she escaped the madness of the main house and wandered to the back, her favourite spot, seeking peace beneath the bench near the lake. She was surprised to find someone already sitting there."Berit?" Asis blinked in surprise. She looked serene, her hair braided over her shoulder."I miss this view," she said, smiling as Asis sat beside her. "You look stressed." Asis nodded. "There's too much going on. And also… I think I'm losing my grip on what's real." Berit chuckled lightly. "You're overthinking again. Let me guess—Karl?" Asis stared at her. "How did you—"
"Because it's obvious," Berit said. "You look at him like he's a question you want to answer and a puzzle you're scared to solve."Asis chuckled, "That's uncomfortably accurate."
Berit smiled, " He seemed a great person and you seemed very happy in his company last night." Asis wasn't sure about it, " Yeah, he is good but I didn't know him well, there is something about him that is mysterious."Berit held her hands, " You need to trust your feelings." Asis nodded her head, " Maybe."
Asis' phone rings, her mother asks her to come back since she needs her help so she says goodbye to Bert and hurriedly leaves from there. The wedding preparations were complete. Tomorrow, Aarav and Itzel would be married, and the entire mansion would be consumed in celebration.
Asis lay in her bed, her hair still damp from a late shower, her limbs aching from exhaustion. But her mind wouldn't rest. Thoughts of Karl swirled through her—his gaze, his words, the strange pull she felt around him. There was mystery in his eyes, something untold… and something in her heart whispered both caution and curiosity.
Eventually, the weight of the day dragged her into slumber. But what came next wasn't rest. She stood in the courtyard of an old house, familiar, comforting, glowing under the soft golden light of lanterns. The air felt heavy, and the silence pressed against her skin. Then she heard footsteps behind her. She turned… and froze. "Ayaan?"
He stood there, just as she remembered him—tall, kind-eyed, with that protective aura she once leaned on. But his face was pale, and shadows danced beneath his eyes. "You're dreaming," he said softly, "but this dream matters."
Tears welled in her eyes. "I've missed you so much." He stepped closer, almost close enough to touch. "I miss you too, Asis. That's why I'm here. To warn you." Her heart twisted. "Warn me?"
His expression darkened. "The man you're falling for—he's not who you think he is. Karl isn't his name. And what he is… he's dangerous." Asis blinked, confused. "What do you mean? Dangerous how?"
"He's hiding the truth from you. He's not lying about liking you—no. But he's from a world you don't understand. A world that can destroy you."A chill ran down her spine. "I don't believe he would hurt me."
Ayaan stepped forward, his voice more urgent now. "He may not want to—but that doesn't mean he won't. His life is filled with secrets, darkness, and blood. You're not ready for it, Asis. You're not safe." She shook her head. "Then why does my heart pull toward him?"
"Because destiny is cruel like that," he whispered. "But even destiny can be wrong." Asis felt the world around her shift—the wind grew colder, and the sky above the courtyard darkened.
"I need you to promise me something," Ayaan said, voice trembling. "Don't trust him blindly. Look deeper. Don't let yourself be enchanted by a mask. He has another face… and it's one you haven't seen yet." She reached for him, desperate to hold on. "Please—don't go. I still need—"
But he was already fading into the night. His last words came like a gust of wind: "Protect your heart, Asis. Not everyone who claims to love you deserves to hold it." She woke with a gasp, drenched in sweat, heart pounding violently in her chest.
The sun had just begun to rise, casting a faint orange glow across her bedroom. Her dream clung to her like frost—Ayaan's voice, his sorrow, his warning. She sat up, trembling, her eyes darting to the soft blue lehenga hanging near her closet—her outfit for the wedding ceremony. But for the first time in days, Asis didn't feel excitement or calm.She felt haunted by the past. And terrified that her heart was walking toward something dangerous in disguise.
*****