of the Mooncrest Pack was alive with music, laughter, and the scents of newly bonded

the edge of

waist. Aria sat nearby, glowing with the quiet pride of someone who carried new life within

voiding the curious sta

l unm

Moon Goddess must h

gh for her to notice. He had bonded at eighteen. Eighteen. Meanwhile, she

too long. Her uncle leaned toward him, whispering words Luna knew were meant to soften his edges. It wouldn't ma

eyes lingered a little too long, filled with a longing he never voiced. "Ig

lieve him. But as she stood there - surrounded by warmth she

sn't c

t

ybe...

ealt kindly

among the first casualties. Luna had been only fifteen, forced to grow up too fast, forced to bury the one person who shielded

to Luna, his gaze had only sharpened with disappointment as the years dragged on and she remained mateless. He never said

was one name that stained

Night

e very man whose warriors ha

e fear it stirred, the way wolves whispered it like a curse. She hat

ded or worse, Damian's shadow loomed larger in her mind. He wasn't just an enemy Alph

had mates, l

respect, strengt

ad loss. Loneli

dered if the Moon Goddess had denied her a mate b

me easily anymore. Nightmares plagued her: the scream of her mother as the Silverfang warriors stormed their lands,

ed against the wooden posts, until she could barely stand. B

but strength witho

aches twenty-one and st

Goddess has cu

thought whispers carried lightly,

with pride, to act like she was above such gossip. But his silence cut deep

rived, she felt their eyes on her, their curiosity mingled with pity. Some even tried to mas

to smile and drink and pretend the sting didn't reach her heart. Aria, already swollen with new life, offered

aord

d taste

y night, when she lay awake staring at the ceiling, Luna wondered if

past the laughter, past the warm glow of torches and music that didn't belong to her. Alone, she wa

ld light over her. She tilted her head back, eyes b

e. "Why them and not me? Why did you tak

answered. Onl

liar, relentless hatred. Hatred for the wolf who had s

e night as she whispere

ever forg

natural breeze swept through the trees, carrying with it the

eptible... but enough to send a

y. She shook her head, swallowing the unease. She turn

n't kno

er life had alrea

e swore to hate fore