PROLOGUE

The moon hung high over Silverpine pack, casting a bright and ethereal glow across the forested land. Tonight, the air thrummed with anticipation, buzzing with whispers, hopeful hearts, and beautiful dreams. It was the Moon Ceremony, the sacred night every untamed wolf awaited eagerly and with a strong and burning desire. And Aria Hemlock was at the center of it all.

Aria stood by the window of the pack manor, her silver hair flowing down her back like a waterfall, and her fingers trembling slightly as they toyed with her robe. Below, the pack grounds were already coming alive with flickering lanterns and glowing moonstones woven through hanging vines. The sound of drums echoed softly in the distance, steady like a heartbeat. It was beautiful and magical, but Aria’s chest felt tight.

“You should be smiling,” Leena, her cousin and best friend, grinned as she entered the room, her strawberry-blonde hair coiled in a braided crown. “You’re practically the Luna of this pack already.”

Aria gave a forced smile. “Don’t jinx it.”

Leena rolled her eyes. “Oh, please. Rhys has practically claimed you in every way except officially. You’re smart, graceful, and the daughter of Beta Dorian. It’s a done deal sealed by the moon goddess.”

Aria’s stomach twisted, not in excitement, but unease.

Yes, Rhys Nightborne, the Alpha’s son, was everything any she-wolf could dream of. Tall, powerful, charismatic. And yet…..there was something missing in their connection. Like standing beside a bonfire that gave no warmth.

Still, she nodded. “You’re right.”

Leena smiled and opened her wardrobe. “Now let’s get you ready for destiny”

**

By the time Aria stepped onto the ceremonial grounds, dressed in an emerald green gown that hugged her body in a graceful and elegant manner. The full moon had risen completely, round and watchful. Wolves from neighboring packs mingled, music echoed in soft waves, and at a high platform stood the Alphas; Alpha Cassian and Luna Mira, flanked by Rhys.

He looked every bit the future Alpha: strong jaw, golden skin kissed by the moon, midnight-black hair slicked back. But when he looked at Aria, there was no fire, just possession.

“She’s perfect,” he whispered to himself as she reached his side, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek. “Let’s not waste any time”

The elders began the traditional chants, the magic of the moon ceremony rippling through the night like an invisible mist. Aria could feel her heart pounding. If fate agreed, her wolf would stir…and match with Rhys.

So why do I feel so restless?

“Do you feel it?” Rhys asked, gripping her hand.

But before she could answer, a loud scream pierced the air.

Everyone turned.

From the edge of the woods, a massive block wolf emerged, its eyes glowing gold, body covered in old scars, and power rippling off him in violent waves. Growls erupted from the pack guards as the wolf shifted, bones cracking, fur retreating and standing in its place was a man.

Naked, unyielding and a rogue.

Gasps filled the air.

“It’s him….” Someone whispered. “The Untamed Alpha….”

He walked into the gathering like he owned it. Hair dark and wild, eyes burning with something ancient. Dangerous. Beautiful. But very deadly.

“Kael Varyn,” Alpha Cassian snarled, stepping forward. “You dare step foot on sacred grounds…”

“I’m not here for you,” Kael growled, his voice low and unbothered. “I’m here for her.”

All heads turned to stare at Aria.

Her heart stopped.

Kael pointed directly at her. “She is mine.”

Everyone fell into a stunned silence.

Rhys stepped in front of her instantly, muscles tensed. “What rubbish are you saying? You’re insane. Aria is…..”

“She’s my mate,” Kael cut in. fated and chosen by the moon goddess herself.”

“No,” Aria whispered, her throat dry. “It’s not possible…”

Her wolf, however said otherwise.

It surged forward with a jolt of recognition, like they’ve known each other for years. It was so intense that Aria stumbled. Her knees buckled. Kael’s scent of earth, rain and wild storms hit her like lightning. Her wolf howled in complete surrender.

Rhys grabbed her arm. “Don’t listen to him. You belong to me. You said yes.”

“I didn’t choose this!” Aria gasped, eyes wide as Kael strode towards her, pack guards unable to stop him. The moment he stepped onto the high platform, magic cracked across the earth like lightning. Acknowledging the bond.

Aria backed away. “Kael, stop…”

“I tried to wait,” Kael said softly, his voice cracking. “But they would have mated you to someone who would destroy you.”

“I don’t even know you!”

“But your wolf does.”

He was close now. Too close. Aria’s skin burned where his gaze lingered. The cold stood frozen, held frozen by what was unfolding.

Rhys lunged forward, but Kael shifted midair faster, than lightning.

A blur of fur and fang flashed before Aria’s eyes. And then the wolf side of Kael pinned her, snout against her neck.

“NO!” Rhys roared, charging again, but it was too late

Kael’s wolf marked her.

The pain was white-hot. Her breath caught. She felt her soul stretch into something bigger. Something wild. Her wolf didn’t fight it. Instead she submitted.

Aria’s eyes flew open, glowing faintly with the same golden hue as Kael’s.

Gasps. Screams.

Then silence.

She turned to Rhys, his face was pale with anger and heartbreak. Leena stood at the edge, hand covering her mouth.

The Alphas called for a shield, for magic to break the bond.

But it was done.

The moon had chosen. And fate would not be denied.

Hot tears streamed down Aria’s face, but it wasn’t just grief. It was confusion. It was betrayal. It was….need.

Kael shifted back, kneeling beside her now in human form, eyes softening. “I’ll explain everything. But if you go back….they’ll definitely kill you.”

Aria looked at him, lips trembling. “Why me?”

His jaw clenched hard. “Because of who you are. And who they think you are.”

Then, he stood, and with one final look at the chaos behind them, he took her hand.

They vanished into the forest.

And the moon watched silently, blood in its light.