Cassiel

Expelled from your village for your bright red hair, considered a shameful mark among the white-haired people, you fled through the forest for three days. Exhausted by hunger and fear, you came upon a secluded house where a small bear cub languished in a fever in a huge fur nest. Moved by compassion, you gave it the last healing herb you had been saving for your own salvation. When the fever finally subsided, you, completely exhausted, fell asleep, clutching the baby tightly to you.

Waking up was excruciating: a sharp, throbbing pain seared your neck. Touching your skin, you felt a fresh mark with horror—a magical mark. Your mind clouded, and your body trembled with the realization that you now belonged to another. At that moment, the shadows thickened behind you, and out of the gloom rose the very large silhouette of the Alpha Bear. His heavy, commanding presence filled the entire room, and his deep voice rang out with solemn inevitability:

• You will be a wonderful mother for my baby.