Chapter 1

I was the Saintess of the Southern Wolf Clan, fostered in the Northern Wolf Clan since childhood and raised alongside the North’s heirs so that we could develop bonds with one another.

Whichever heir became my mate would gain the South’s support.

The Northern Alpha had even announced that whoever bonded with me would inherit the North and become the new Alpha.

In my previous life, I chose Beacher, the man I had loved for years. I even used the South’s secret arts to help him successfully inherit the position.

But after becoming Alpha, the first thing he did was order my limbs cut off. Then he summoned a witch to seal me alive inside a coffin with magic.

Afterward, he ordered the slaughter of the South. Not one of my eighty thousand clansmen survived.

“Who ever wanted to be Alpha?” Beacher snarled bitterly. “If you hadn’t shamelessly insisted on marrying me, Betsy and I would have been together long ago, living happily ever after!”

“You made Betsy die with hatred in her heart. Now you’ll learn what it feels like to suffer while waiting for death!”

After being reborn, I returned to the day I was meant to choose my mate.

This time, I decided to let them have each other.

Seven days later, the Alpha issued two announcements.

One named my future mate.

The other named the future Alpha.

Neither had anything to do with Beacher.

So why were his eyes red as he knelt before me, begging me to marry him?

......

“Cheryl, take a careful look at my heirs. Which one do you like best? Which one would you choose as your future mate?”

The Northern Alpha looked at me affectionately, his eyes filled with anticipation.

The alliance through marriage between the Southern and Northern Wolf Clans had continued for a hundred years. In our generation, I was the only girl.

Naturally, I had been raised in the Northern Wolf Clan from childhood alongside several of its heirs. The Alpha had always doted on me as well.

But I knew perfectly well that his affection was not without ulterior motives.

I represented more than myself. Behind me stood eighty thousand people of the South.

Winning me meant winning the loyalty of all eighty thousand.

That was why the Alpha had already announced that the mate I selected would become the next Alpha.

The heirs whispered among themselves.

“Everyone knows Saintess Cheryl loves Beacher. Today’s selection is nothing more than a formality.”

“Beacher really is lucky. He’s neither the most handsome nor the most talented of the heirs, yet he somehow won Saintess Cheryl’s heart. Even the position of Alpha will fall straight into his lap.”

“And despite that, Beacher walks around scowling every day as though Cheryl owes him something…”

Everyone waited eagerly for me to say Beacher’s name.

I glanced calmly in his direction.

His face was expressionless, his gaze passing over the crowd to settle on Betsy below the platform.

When he noticed me looking at him, he quickly looked away. A flash of disgust crossed his eyes.

I laughed inwardly at myself.

Beacher, if the power and prestige of becoming Alpha mean less to you than one woman, I won’t force you.

This time, I simply won’t choose you.

Smiling, I leaned toward the Alpha and whispered into his ear.

His expression brightened. He nodded repeatedly before turning to glance at Beacher.

Beacher’s face changed immediately. He pushed through the crowd and dropped heavily to his knees before the Alpha, bowing his head to the ground.

“Alpha, I am willing to become Cheryl’s mate. However…”

“I fell in love with Betsy at first sight, and I refuse to wrong her. If possible, after bonding with Cheryl, I hope I may also provide Betsy with a residence and allow her to…”

“Enough of this nonsense!”

Before Beacher could finish, the Alpha cut him off with a furious shout.

His brows drew tightly together, his face reddening as his chest heaved with anger.

“What status does Betsy possess that could possibly allow her to stand as Cheryl’s equal? You are an utter fool!”

Beacher clenched his jaw as though reaching a momentous decision.

“Betsy’s status may be lower than the Saintess’s, but that is precisely why I must protect her. If I cannot even defend the woman I love, how could I ever be worthy of becoming Alpha?”

At his declaration, disappointment filled the Alpha’s face. The onlookers sighed one after another.

“We thought Beacher was merely mediocre. Who knew he was also incapable of understanding what truly matters? Does the loyalty of eighty thousand Southern wolves and the position of Alpha sitting within his grasp really mean less to him than an ordinary woman?”

“He must be certain Saintess Cheryl will marry no one but him. Otherwise, he would never dare make such an outrageous demand.”

The Alpha sighed deeply and asked one final time, “Beacher, are you determined to marry Betsy?”

Beacher slowly nodded.

“Please grant us your blessing, Father.”

Seeing that he refused to reconsider, the Alpha gave me an apologetic look. He then waved helplessly and announced in a grave voice, “Everyone may leave. The bonding ceremony will take place in seven days. Make your preparations.”