PRIME APEX

Edee's presence shifted the energy in the room. The murmurs of the werewolves died down, replaced by an eerie silence as she stepped forward.

Though her body was frail, there was an undeniable strength in her—a weight of knowledge that demanded respect.

Her clouded eye lingered on me, as if she were seeing something beyond the physical.

"So… it has come to this." Her voice was low, rough with age, but filled with certainty.

I swallowed.

"You know about the Prime Apex."

"I know more than you do, child."

She lifted a gnarled hand, gesturing for me to come closer.

I hesitated, glancing at Dylan, but he gave me a small nod. Carefully, I stepped forward.

Edee reached out, her fingers brushing my wrist. A strange warmth spread through me at her touch, like an unseen force stirring beneath my skin.

She hummed softly, closing her eyes.

Then, she spoke again.

"Five marks. Five bonds. A leader born once in a millennium."

She exhaled slowly.

"And yet, among infinity, the blood has chosen you."

A chill ran down my spine.

"What do you mean?" I asked, my voice quieter now.

Edee's good eye opened, sharp and knowing.

"The Prime Apex bloodline does not simply pass from parent to child. It may have run through your ancestors' veins long ago, but it does not move in a straight line. It chooses. It seeks the one who meets the conditions—who will restore balance when the world teeters on the edge of chaos. And you, Leighton… you are the chosen one."

A heavy silence settled over the room.

My pulse quickened.

"And the marks?"

"They will bind you," she said, glancing at Dylan.

"More deeply than you realize."

Dylan tensed, gripping his chair.

"Explain."

"The Alpha's mark is more than power—it is allegiance. A bond that cannot be broken by time or death. Once given, it ties the Alpha and the Prime Apex together. You will feel each other's pain, sense each other's presence, and—if needed—call upon each other in battle."

Dylan's jaw clenched.

I exhaled slowly.

"And the others? The vampire, the longest undead soul, the nature spirit?"

Edee studied me.

"Each will mark you in their own way. But the Alpha's mark… is unbreakable."

I turned to Dylan. He didn't meet my eyes, staring at Edee instead.

"What happens if I mark her?"

Edee's lips pressed together.

"Then she will not only be your mate—she will be your Queen. As the Prime Apex, she will command the pack, and you will serve her."

The words hung between us.

Dylan exhaled sharply.

"So should I… mark her?"

Edee scoffed.

"It is necessary. She is the Prime Apex. Why hesitate?"

Dylan's face reddened, but he said nothing.

Edee turned to me, her expression grave.

"Understand—this is no ordinary ritual. You are not his chosen mate. You are not even a werewolf. But the Alpha must accept you because you are the Prime Apex."

She paused, then continued.

"To be his mate, you two must be bonded in every aspect."

Dylan frowned.

"What do you mean?"

Edee's gaze darkened.

"The ritual begins with the Alpha's bite. His fangs must pierce his mate's skin, leaving a permanent mark—signifying ownership, bonding, and protection. The location varies: the shoulder, wrist, or even the neck. The Alpha chooses."

"I know that," Dylan muttered.

I stayed silent, listening.

"Next, scent marking. The Alpha must rub his scent onto his mate, claiming them as his own."

I stiffened, hoping it was just a simple touch—nothing more.

Dylan listened intently.

"Then, the final step: an ancient ritual performed under the full moon. Incantations, sacred objects, and moon ceremonies will create a psychic bond. You will be able to sense each other's emotions and communicate telepathically."

Edee turned to Dylan with a solemn expression.

"But there's something you should know."

Dylan straightened.

"What is it?"

"Once you mark her, you will never find another mate. Your heart and soul will belong to her alone."

Dylan's eyes darkened.

"Then what's the point of being Alpha if—"

"There is nothing to fear," Edee interrupted.

I hadn't expected this to weigh so heavily on him.

But I lifted my chin.

"If that's the case, I accept the ritual."

I turned to Dylan.

His eyes snapped to mine, searching for hesitation.

"But—"

"I'm sorry, Dylan," I cut him off.

"I understand the weight of this—for both of us. But if I don't take these marks, I die. Even I don't fully grasp the reason why, something about balance."

Edee studied me, then nodded.

"Very well. The full moon is in five nights. If you are to be marked, it must be then."

I let out a shaky breath.

"Five nights. I can do that."

But Edee wasn't finished.

She turned to Dylan, her voice heavy with warning.

"Know this, Alpha—once you mark her, her fate will be tied to your pack. If she falls, your people will suffer."

Dylan's fists clenched.

I saw the war in his eyes.

Finally, he exhaled sharply.

"Then we better make sure she survives."

Edee gave a small nod.

"I will return before the full moon to guide you."

Then, without another word, she disappeared through the back door, leaving behind an air of finality.

I turned to Dylan. "Who exactly is she?"

His gaze lingered on the door before he answered.

"She's Edee—our Tetha."

I frowned. "Tetha?"

Dylan leaned back.

"I am the Alpha, but I go to the Tetha for wisdom. Edee is the eldest, the wisest, and our strongest healer. The pack respects her as much as they respect me."

I nodded slowly. "I see."

Then, I met his gaze, my voice steady.

"So… are you still willing to help me?"

Dylan hesitated, his expression unreadable. Then, finally, he gave a slow nod.

"I'll do whatever Edee tells me to."

Suddenly, the door burst open with a resounding crash.

A pack member rushed in, their face tight with fear.

"Dylan!" they panted. "The lycans are here! The whole pack is coming. And their leader—"

Their eyes darted to me.

"He demanded to see her."

I stiffened.

"If not, they won't back down. The two vampires outside are ready to fight them."

Tension flooded the room.

Dylan's hands tightened.