The Bride of the Lost Village

The Burden of Legacy

Alvin Stormrider stood by the enormous glass window of his office, staring down at the city below. From this height, the world looked small and manageable. But Alvin knew better. His world had always been far more complicated than it appeared from the outside. At 35 years old, he had everything a man could want. He was the heir to Stormrider Enterprises, a multinational corporation specialising in high-end real estate and luxury resorts, with investments across continents.

His office reflected his success: sleek, modern, and elegant. Dark mahogany furniture was paired with minimalist silver accents, soft leather chairs, and a massive desk made from imported black marble. The walls were adorned with abstract art, and a large floor-to-ceiling bookshelf held a collection of rare first editions, more for display than reading. It was the office of a man in control, a man who had it all.

And yet, something was gnawing at him. His family. His legacy. His future.

"Alvin, you're not getting any younger, you know." His mother's voice echoed in his head. She had called him just the night before, and her words still lingered. "It's time, my son. You must find her."

Find her. The words weighed heavy on his shoulders. He turned away from the window and adjusted his tie, his reflection in the glass revealing the man he had become. Alvin stood tall at 6'4", his broad shoulders filling the tailored suit perfectly. His jet-black hair was combed neatly back, but it couldn't contain the wildness in his striking amber eyes, a reminder of the beast within. His chiselled jawline, with just the faintest hint of stubble, gave him a rugged yet refined look. At first glance, no one would suspect he was anything more than a successful businessman. But Alvin Sterling was more than just a man.

He was a Lycan and not just any Lycan. He was the next Alpha in line, destined to lead his pack once his father stepped down. But his path to leadership was far more complex than taking over a business. The Lycans of the Sterling family were bound by an ancient curse—one that could only be broken through the union with a destined sorceress. The bride foretold in prophecy, could only be found in the Lost Runes, the mystical village hidden from the world.

The problem? Alvin had no idea where that was.

A knock on the door broke through his thoughts. His father, Leonard Stormrider, entered the room without waiting for an invitation. At 60, Leonard still looked like he could wrestle a bear and win. His silver hair and salt-and-pepper beard gave him a distinguished air, but his eyes—those same amber eyes Alvin had—were sharp as ever. He was a man of authority, a force to be reckoned with.

"Son," Leonard began, his voice deep and commanding, "we need to talk."

Alvin sighed. "I know what you're going to say, Dad. Mom already brought it up last night."

"And she's right," Leonard replied, crossing his arms. "You're not getting any younger. You've accomplished a lot, and we're proud of you. But there's more to life than business deals and success. It's time for you to fulfil your destiny."

Alvin ran a hand through his hair. "I don't even know where to start, Dad. I've been looking into it, but the Lost Village isn't exactly on any map."

"That's why you need to assemble a pack," Leonard said, stepping closer. "This isn't something you do alone. Take some time off from work. I'll handle the business while you're gone. Your mother and I have already spoken to the elders, and they agree it's time for you to begin the search. You need to prove yourself worthy, Alvin. You need to find her."

Alvin leaned against his desk, staring at the floor. The idea of leaving everything behind for an unknown journey didn't sit well with him. He was used to control, to knowing exactly what his next move was. This? This was different. He would be stepping into the unknown, a place where even his wealth and influence meant nothing.

"You've always known this day would come," Leonard continued, his tone softening. "It's not just about you anymore. It's about our family. Our bloodline. You can't lead the pack, you can't inherit the full power of the Alpha, without her. Without the blessing of the ancient Moonlight Goddess, our line dies with us."

Alvin exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of his father's words. He glanced around his office, taking in the luxury he had surrounded himself with. The polished floors, the pristine walls, the flawless view of the city skyline. It all seemed so hollow now.

"Take the Bentley," Leonard added with a small smile, trying to lighten the mood. "If you're going on a quest, you might as well travel in style."

Alvin couldn't help but chuckle at that. The Bentley Continental GT, his pride and joy, was parked in the private garage beneath the building. Midnight black with chrome accents, it was the epitome of power and grace, just like its owner. The car was more than just a machine to Alvin—it was freedom.

"You're serious, aren't you?" Alvin asked, looking up at his father.

Leonard nodded. "More serious than I've ever been. Gather a few trusted wolves. You'll need their strength and wisdom. This isn't just a simple search. You'll face obstacles and tests of your worthiness. The Lost Runes won't give up the sorceress easily. You'll have to earn her, just as I earned your mother."

Alvin straightened up, determination settling in. "And once I find her? What then?"

"You bring her back after you've proven yourself," Leonard replied. "But first, the marriage must be consummated under the light of the Moonlight Goddess. Only then will the bond be sealed, and the ancient power will be unlocked within you. It's the only way."

Alvin nodded, feeling the gravity of the situation. "I'll go. I'll gather the pack and leave tomorrow."

"Good," Leonard said, clapping his son on the shoulder. "You're ready for this. You've always been ready."

As Leonard left the office, Alvin turned back to the window, staring out at the city once more. His life was about to change in ways he couldn't yet comprehend. The search for his destined bride would be the greatest challenge he had ever faced, but it was one he couldn't avoid.

"Time to find her," Alvin muttered to himself, a new fire burning in his amber eyes. The Alpha within him was ready to rise.