I stared at my reflection in the moonstone mirror, adjusting the silver ceremonial cloak that shimmered like starlight against my dark skin. I looked every inch the Luna bride the Moon Goddess had called me to be–yet inside, I felt hollow.
A bitter smile curved my lips.
I was about to mate with a stranger–a powerful, ruthless Alpha I barely knew. Killian Nightborne the feared Alpha of the Ashfang pack, and rumored leader of the Shadow Circle. All of this… for
vengeance.
Was it worth it? For a moment, doubt clawed at my chest. Was I throwing myself into more destruction, more loss?
I pulled out the faded moonstone locket from around my neck and opened it with trembling fingers. Inside was a tiny portrait of Ethan–my baby boy–forever preserved in enchanted ink. His wide eyes and bright smile stared up at me, and my throat tightened.
Richard had tried to justify his betrayal–said Ethan’s bloodline was cursed, that his heart had been failing, that ancient magic was the only cure. But that didn’t excuse what he and Ashira had done. They’d stolen my son’s final years… and the life growing inside me.
I clutched the locket until it bit into my skin, anger surging anew. This wasn’t just revenge–it was justice. For Ethan. For the pup I lost. For the life I had been robbed of.
There was no turning back.It was time to bond. The moon was full overhead, casting its blessing down on the sacred glade where our mating ceremony would take place. Pack wolves gathered in solemn silence, their forms shimmering with partial shifts as the air thickened with magic and expectation.
Killian stood at the other end of the stone circle, flanked by his most loyal warriors. His tall frame was wrapped in dark ceremonial armor etched with runes of protection and blood–oath markings. His silver eyes met mine, unreadable but steady.
I walked forward, heart pounding in my chest. Every step echoed with purpose and pain. The moment I reached him, he extended his hand. I hesitated just a second before placing mine in his. His touch was warm, steadying.
“Do you accept the bond?” the Moon Priestess asked, her voice echoing through the glade like a song on the wind.
Killian nodded, speaking his vows in the old tongue. His voice was deep, sure, and every word tugged at the bond forming between us. I felt the magic stir around us like silver threads binding soul to soul.
Tears burned my eyes as he spoke. Not because I believed the words–but because I remembered hearing them before. From Ronan.
He, too, had sworn to love me. Protect me. Cherish me. And then he murdered my son.Killian squeezed my hand gently, grounding me.
I inhaled and opened my mouth to repeat the vows. “I-”
23
4:39 am 6DDD
BOOM!
A deep, thunderous growl rumbled from the forest, silencing everything. My heart seized.
Killian immediately stepped in front of me, his entire body tensing as he scented the air. His eyes narrowed. “We’re under attack” he growled, low and lethal.
Another crash–trees snapped, and magic crackled. Before anyone could react, wolves in blood red armor burst through the clearing, snarling and attacking. Screams rang out as guests shifted mid air, scrambling to fight or flee.
1 barely had time to shift my footing when the unthinkable happened.
Ronen He stormed through the glade with a pack of rogue wolves at his back, his golden eyes burning with rage. He was in half–shift, his claws long and fangs bared, his presence commending and deadly.
“Step away from her, Killian” he snarled, eyes locking onto me. “She belongs to me!”
Katter’s laugh was cold and mocking “She belongs to no one. Least of all, you.”
Roner’s lip oured. “We’re blood bound! You can’t break that!”
Killian bered his fangs. “She already did.”
The cigle erupted into chaos. Killian’s guards surged forward, clashing with Ronan’s rogue wolves. Magic flered. Claws tore flesh. Blood stained the sacred ground.
1overed behind the moon after, heart pounding wildly, I watched as Killian moved like a shadow through the bene–graceful, deadly, precise. Every strike was lethal, Ronan’s forces were Barang He had no ides the strength of the Alpha he’d challenged,
086 19 ex vowed a siter place, but suddenly–A low growl behind me.
Wyk Signs
Ove me, shirtless, blood streaking his face and chest. His eyes were
*g with me, Luners he growled. “Before it’s too late.”
MOOK MY YOKA, young but defiant. “Too late for what? You already destroyed everything.” Beck sweet to end like this.
you We had
discapped “You murdered Ethan. You and Ashiral”
on the Gugger at his waist. “I loved him. I loved you. But you don’t understand
Moor&dated beating hard. “Td rather die then be yours again”
*** gipsed rough my side, and i gasped, stumbling back. My hand flew to my
My Body spread like wildfive I fell to the ground, gasping
******** me before but the earth fully, cradling me close. His voice
og
4:39 am G D D D
shook as he pressed his hands against the wound. “No–no, no, no–don’t do this. Stay with me, amore. Please.”
My vision blurred. My body trembled violently as the cold set in. I could hear wolves howling, fighting, screaming. I could hear Ronan being dragged away, snarling my name.
But all I could feel was Killian’s heartbeat pounding beside mine.And then–Darkness.
4:39 am G D DI
Lunara’s POV
