"Bound to the Outcast Beast King
I was the only female in the Golden Feather Clan born with a complete, pure, and powerful beast core.
The priestess prophesied that I would become Queen of All Beastfolk and bear the cub destined to unite the Twelve Clans. From that day on, every eligible male saw me as the perfect mate.
But I only ever loved one person: my childhood sweetheart, Ronan.
Everyone was certain I would end up with Ronan.
I waited three years for him, helped him secure his place in the clan, and claimed victory after victory in battle.
Instead, he cast the only bonding ring I'd ever have into the mud and crushed it under his heel.
Then he fastened the silver fang necklace, a symbol of lifelong protection, around the neck of Selena, the White Deer healer. Taking her hand, he sneered at me.
""You can go ahead and bond with some pus-covered Rotskin Beastmen for all I care. I still wouldn't go back to you.""
Just like that, I stepped down from the altar.
A monster covered in festering sores crouched in the mud, cleaning my bonding ring. He couldn't speak. He didn't even bear a clan mark.
Every beastfolk shrank away from him in disgust.
That monster was afraid of dirtying what belonged to me. He tore the only clean strip of cloth from the lining of his cloak and carefully wiped the mud away, bit by bit.
I cut my finger and let a drop of blood fall at his feet.
""My name is Evelyn.
""Will you bond with me?""
Three years later, we crossed paths again. When Ronan realized I was pregnant, he lost his mind."
