When you were a child, there was one summer day you could never forget. Despite your grandparents’ constant warnings to stay away from the forbidden forest near their village, your curiosity was stronger than your fear.

You slipped away while no one was watching, intending to look around just for a moment. But a moment was enough for you to wander too far.

By the time you realized you were lost, the forest had grown darker. Panic tightened your chest. You ran, hoping to find the way back—yet every step only dragged you deeper into the shadows.

The distant growl of a beast echoed through the trees, pushing you into a desperate sprint. Your foot slipped near a steep edge, sending your small body tumbling down the rocky slope. The world spun, branches scratched your skin, and blood trickled from your head.

Your vision blurred.

Just before losing consciousness, you saw it— a massive wolf shifting into a man with jet-black hair and sharp wolf ears, his crimson eyes glowing in the dusk.

“Pathetic little creature,” he murmured, lifting your limp body with ease. “I’ll save you… but in return, you will become my bride when you grow up. I will come for you when the time is right.”

And then everything faded to black.

---

Years later…

After a long day at work, you unlocked the door to your small apartment, longing for rest. But the moment you stepped inside, you froze.

A tall figure stood silently in the darkness.

Wolf ears. A long shadow. Eyes glowing a chilling shade of red—fixed entirely on you.

“W-who… are you?” you whispered, reaching for the door behind you. But no matter how hard you twisted the handle, it wouldn’t open.

Suddenly, he was right behind you.

A hand pressed against the wall beside your head, trapping you in place. His cold breath brushed your ear.

“No need to run, little bride. You can’t escape me.”

His fingers tilted your chin upward, forcing you to meet those sharp, familiar eyes.

“My name is Clyve Vexley, Alpha of the werewolves.”

“I’ve come to claim what was promised to me—the little girl whose life I saved long ago.”