Chapter 3 CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER THREE

Sienna Valerius’ POV

This couldn’t be real.

Mate.

Why is it happening so soon?

The word whispered through my soul, sending chills down my spine. No. No, this was impossible. I wasn’t supposed to be here at all. How come I am meeting my mate the first night I could sense him?

I have always wished for this but not this fast.

And yet, here I was.

Standing frozen in a masquerade ball, staring at a man who felt like fate itself.

Immediately he moved.

Panic seized me.

Run.

I didn’t think of anything. I didn’t hesitate. I did the only thing my instincts screamed at me to do.

I turned and ran.

Pushing through the crowd, my heart slammed against my chest. I could hear my own ragged breathing, feel the rapid thudding of my pulse. My dress was too long, too tight for running, but I didn’t care. I lifted it slightly, slipping between the dancing bodies desperate to escape. Run away.

I didn't know why I was running but I needed to run.

I could still feel him.

The heat of his presence.

And then I heard heavy footsteps behind me.

My lungs burned, my legs ached with the heels I had on, but I pushed forward, running through the crowd of people. The air outside was my only escape, my only chance to breathe.

I reached the grand doors of the mansion and burst outside.

And that’s when I felt it.

A firm hand catching my wrist.

The sudden contact sent a jolt through my entire body, fire and ice colliding in my veins. I gasped, twisting around, but I was already trapped.

His grip wasn’t harsh, but it was strong

I turned, breathless, heart hammering in my chest, only to find him standing mere inches away, illuminated under the soft glow of the Moon.

I couldn't take my eyes away from him.

I didn’t even know his name, but I knew him.

His mask was still on, but up close, I could see his strong jawline, the curve of his lips, the tension in his body. His black hair was styled perfectly, his piercing grey eyes burning into mine like fire.

Neither of us spoke. The world around us faded.All that was left was him. And me.

Under the moonlight.

Slowly, he reached up, his fingers brushing against the edges of my mask.I didn’t stop him. I couldn’t.

His touch was careful, almost reverent, as he pulled the mask away, revealing my face completely. I felt exposed, vulnerable, but for some reason, I didn’t care.

I could hear him taking a deep breath upon seeing my face. I should have stepped back. I should have fought this.

But instead, my fingers moved on their own, reaching for his mask.

He didn’t resist either. I took the mask off, my breath hitching the moment his face was fully revealed.

Good God!…Was he human?

He was breathtaking.

Chiseled cheekbones, strong jaw, a mouth that looked both cruel and sensual at the same time. His gray eyes were fierce, intense, stormy.

A shiver ran down my spine. His fingers brushed against my cheek, tilting my chin up slightly. My lips parted, a soft breath escaping as his thumb traced the curve of my jaw.

I should move. I should say something.

But I didn’t.Because in the next second, he closed the distance between us.

And then—

He kissed me.A gasp got caught in my throat as his lips captured mine. It wasn’t gentle, but it wasn’t harsh either. It was something else entirely desperate. Consuming.

Like he was trying to devour me.

Like he had been waiting for this his entire life.

Heat exploded inside me, curling through my veins, setting my soul on fire. I didn’t even realize my hands had gripped his shirt, pulling him closer.

His other arm wrapped around my waist, securing me against him, as if he was terrified I’d disappear again.

I melted into him.

For a moment, there was nothing on my mind.

Just us.

Fate.

The moon cast its light upon us, illuminating the moment like it had been waiting for this moment.

When we finally broke apart, my breath was shaky, my lips swollen, my mind in a serious dilemma.

His forehead rested against mine, his hands still holding me like I was his entire world.

“What’s your name?” His voice was low, rough, laced with something I wanted to consume all day.

I hesitated, my mind screaming at me to be careful. To lie. To walk away.

But my heart?

It betrayed me.

“…Sienna,” I whispered.

His lips brushed against my temple. “Sienna,” he repeated, like he was branding the name into his soul.

Then, he pulled back slightly, his piercing grey eyes searching mine. “I’m Kieran. Kieran Lucian.”

A cold shiver ran through me.

Lucian.

As in Alpha Kieran Lucian. I've heard that name somehow but my brain failed to recollect from where. Probably from my father

Oh shit!

My father!. I have to be home now. It's too late

I took a shaky step back, reality crashing down. I needed to leave.

Lyra’s voice echoed in my mind. She was waiting for me. I had to go.

But Kieran didn’t stop me. He just watched me, his expression unreadable, as I turned and ran outside the mansion.

~~~~~~~~

By the time I reached Lyra, my lips were still tingling, my heart still racing.

She took one look at me, her eyes widening. “Sienna, what happened? You’re different—”

“Let’s go.” My voice was barely above a whisper.

She hesitated, but nodded, quickly guiding me toward the car.

I didn’t speak the entire ride back.

Still feeling the imprint of his lips on mine.

And when we arrived home, I got down of the car, running inside and igno

ring Lyra's calls, the moment I stepped through the front doors—

My father was waiting.

His expression was thunderous.

And I knew.

I was in trouble.