's voice was a hoarse whi

ver. "Confirmed. Nine potential mates. The matching

ine. It was an incredible number, offering her a vast range of c

n to recite the rules, a familiar

iod.' During this time, you hold absolu

soul, a promise of the powe

'Beast-Mark Contract' with any number of the partners. Those not chosen will have t

. The trial period was the fem

by your partners will be automatically transferred to your account.

her lips. This was the control she c

waiting for sounded. "Partner

r voice firm despit

her, showing nine simple folder icons arranged

scanned

Stry

Vanderb

n Ste

s Th

n Beau

n Ha

hi Th

Reyn

s Kow

to ancient, powerful noble families, names whispered with awe and fear throughout

r, she tapped the firs

playing the most basic

on Stryker

. The rest of the screen

ng as such a coincidence in the world, and did not associate

cond folder: Alis

me. "Name: Alistair V

ch folder was a carbon copy of the last. A name. An age

a cold, creeping disappointment. The triumph she ha

e wasn't just a risk; it was a

nformation?" she demanded,

el males, only basic identification is provided

ped, her hands clenching in

te. All further information must be discovered by you during the trial

he door to the booth sl

ents leaving her reeling. She felt like she'd been tos

to choose, to control her own destiny. And what had she

sting grounding her. She would not be de

ing. The bright sunlight of the capital city felt harsh and unforgiving. The

needed, then she would get it herself. She would u