—Noah, come read this —said Caleb as he handed the book he was holding to his best friend.
The young man with sky-blue eyes fixed his gaze on the worn, dust-covered pages. His snow-white hair fell in messy waves over his forehead, framing his pale, delicate face. With a slow movement, he tucked a strand behind his ear, making the long earring he wore there jingle softly as he began to read in a low voice.
It was a book about an ancient legend that spoke of the Kitsunes, which made sense since they were in the oldest library in the city.
'Kitsune' is the name given to the nine-tailed fox spirits. Mystical creatures that dream of attaining human form, for those who succeed will become the most powerful beings in the world. It is said that a Kitsune can only complete its transformation when it finds its 'fated mate', the only being capable of balancing its wild essence and giving it a purpose in the world of men.
Noah blinked and looked at Caleb with a raised eyebrow.
—So? —asked Caleb with excitement—. Isn't it fascinating? I think your destiny is tied to a Kitsune. Once he becomes human, he'll be the most powerful man in the world.
Noah burst into laughter, quickly covering his mouth with both hands so as not to make too much noise in the silent library.
—Don't be ridiculous, Cal. Kitsunes don't exist anymore. This city is modern, it's just an old legend.
Caleb rested his chin on one hand and smirked.
—If it's not a Kitsune, then who will be your mate? An alpha capable of defeating your father and younger brother? Pftt… Those two are the most feared duo in the business world!
Noah laughed even harder. People saw his father, Black, and his brother, Daiki, as terrifying and ruthless alphas in the business world, but to him, they were just overprotective. They loved him too much—so much that they would do anything to keep him safe, even assigning him two bodyguards who followed him everywhere.
At that very moment, those two bodyguards in black suits and stoic expressions were watching him from another table, making sure no one got too close.
Noah sighed. Because of his guardians, no alpha dared to court him. At 21 years old, he was still single, despite being a beautiful omega from a prestigious family. His pheromones were soft and addictive, but anyone who dared approach him was immediately shut down by his family's or bodyguards' killer glares.
—Enough already, let's go. We have to get ready for tomorrow's trip.
—Yes! You're right, I'm so excited about it! —Caleb replied cheerfully.
The next day, Noah, Caleb, and their group of classmates would begin their vacation climbing Lunar Mountain, the highest and most sacred mountain in the city.
The hours passed quickly, and finally, the long-awaited day arrived. Thirty students stood at the entrance of the Lunar Mountain forest, where a local guide awaited them with a serious expression.
—Listen carefully —said the guide firmly—. These are the rules you must follow at all times:
—Do not stray more than three meters from each other and always maintain proper distance between yourselves.
—Do not pick plants or harm any animals. This is a protected forest, and all flora and fauna are under the State's custody.
—And lastly… This is the month of May, the period when solar eclipses frequently appear in the forest. It is said that the forest's ancestors manifest during each eclipse, so be respectful and stay safe. Darkness will be absolute at times, but in that gloom you'll find many beauties: the birdsong, the glow of fireflies… And if you're lucky, you may even see a unicorn, the only creature that shines in the forest's darkness.
—We'll only spend one night at the mountain's peak, so make sure you're in good shape for both the ascent and descent.
—Understood!
—Yes, sir! —the students replied in unison.
Before starting the hike, they made a brief prayer, bowing their heads in search of protection. Then, one by one, they began to enter the forest in a line.
Noah didn't know it yet, but the moment he stepped onto that sacred ground, his fate was sealed.
A pair of golden eyes watched him from the shadows with an intense, predatory gleam. From the top of the tallest tree, Theo, a Kitsune, observed the omega who had just entered his domain with great interest.
The wind carried a heady scent to him, sweet like honey, soft like jasmine, but with an exquisitely pure undertone that made him shudder with pleasure.
Noah's blood was not ordinary.
It was pure… Sacred.
An omega with that essence was a unique treasure.
Theo narrowed his eyes, watching every movement of the young omega with fascination. His instinct cried out to claim him, to mark him, to make him his immediately.
—Mmm… So beautiful… —he murmured in a deep, gravelly voice, still staring intently.
He had waited centuries for this omega.
And now that he finally had him in front of him… he wasn't planning to let him go.
....