Two( Damon’s POV)

From the back of my room, I could hear drums echoing through the corridors, low and distant like a heartbeat. The whole city was preparing for the Moon Ceremony, and as usual, I was expected to smile, dress in my expensive wear and gold, and also pretend I cared.

Underneath, wolves were setting lights between the trees, hanging silver balloons, and lunar symbols carved with stones. Children played around the firewood, their laughter rising with the smoke. To them, the Ceremony was sacred, but to me, it was a mask.

I leaned against the wall, breathing into the cool evening air. For two minutes, I let my eyes close. The silence in my head was rare these days. “Alpha Damon,” a voice snapped behind me. Not Gemma, my Beta,this voice was sharper and older. I didn't even have to turn to know who it was. “Elder Kyle,” I said slowly.

He approached like always, slow and measuring every weight of his steps. His trousers rustled like dry leaves. “You weren’t at the council meeting this morning.” “Yeah, I got busy,” I replied, looking across his shoulder. He frowned. “Yet, the moon draws closer and your Luna seat remains empty as always.”

“Here we go again,” I murmured. “I have told you, I’ll not choose a Luna because a council paper says I must,” I said, still not looking at his face. “That paper,” he said, stepping beside me, “has protected our people for many generations. Every Alpha finds his Luna under the Moon’s blessing. Without her, you are half-formed.”

I finally gazed at his eyes. “Well, better half-formed than falsely bonded.”

His gaze tightened. “And if the moon doesn't give you a mate this year either? What will you do? Will you rule alone forever? You're strong, Damon, but even a tree needs branches.”

“I’ll wait,” I said sharply. “However long it takes. I won't fake a bond.” Kyle clenched his jaw. “Damon, your father believed in tradition.” “My father died following it,” I snapped. “Tradition didn't even save him.” Elder Kyle’s expression darkened. “Be careful, Damon. The moon does not take well to arrogance.”

“I'm not arrogant,” I said, my voice cold now. “I'm being honest. I won’t sit beside someone I don't feel a thing for just to make you sleep better at night.”

A silence passed between us. Then to my surprise, Elder Kyle let out a soft chuckle. “You’re stubborn,” he said, not in a harsh tone. “Just like your mother.”I blinked.

“She said the same thing, once. That she would not be forced. And yet, she met your father under the same moon you now spit at.” I said nothing.

He placed his hand on my shoulder. “Maybe it’s not tradition you hate, Damon. Maybe you're just afraid it won’t happen to you.” Then he left slowly, his robes trailing behind like shadows.

I stood there after he was gone. Was I afraid? Maybe. But not of rejection or loneliness. I feared something emptier than silence. Emptiness. I couldn’t stop imagining standing under that moonlight, hearing wolves howling in joy as they found their destined partners… and feeling absolutely nothing.

Yes, that’s what I feared. I heard footsteps again. They were lighter this time. “You’re scowling again,” came a familiar voice. I looked over my shoulder. Gemma stood in the doorway, her braids falling over her shoulders, her smile wide as ever. She was holding two cups. She was one of the few wolves in my circle who dared speak to me like that and get away with it.

“Council Elder again?” she asked, waiting for a reply. I took one cup from her without asking. “He thinks I’m broken,” I muttered. “You’re not broken… just, uhmm, highly selective,” she snorted. I raised my cup to my warm lips, spiced as I always wanted my coffee, and sweet. “I don’t want a Luna who fits a cast, Gemma. I want someone who fits me. Even if that sounds stupid.”

“It doesn’t, Alpha. It sounds like someone who’s waiting for the real thing,” she said teasingly, her face lighting up. I turned slightly just as the door cracked, and Asher, her mate, stepped into view. The way Gemma’s face lit up at every sight of him amazed me, just like sunlight breaking through storm clouds. She practically jumped into his arms, and he wrapped his arms around her like she was his entire world.

He was tall, blue-eyed, and always calm, exactly the kind of wolf people liked instantly. He walked straight to her, his eyes softening as he approached. “Here you are, Gemma,” Asher said, brushing a strand of hair from her forehead. “I have been looking everywhere. I couldn’t sleep without seeing you.” He kissed her forehead.

I looked away. The intimacy between them felt new to me. Asher gave me a respectful nod. “Alpha.”

“Asher,” I returned, my voice flat. “Hope we’re not disturbing you,” he said. “Uhmm, just a little,” I murmured, walking towards the window. Gemma giggled, clearly unaffected by my bitterness. “We’ll leave you soon. Just wanted to make sure you weren’t thinking too hard.” As they shared another quiet laugh and whispered words meant for only each other, I found myself holding the window frame a little too tightly. Not in jealousy, hell no.  But something about their bond hit differently, something I couldn’t name.

Asher brushed Gemma’s hair behind her ear, murmuring something about how she still smelled of sweet berries. She blushed and leaned into him, reaching for Asher’s hand as they turned to the door.

But before stepping out, she turned back to me. “Maybe you don’t need a Luna, Damon. But maybe your soul does.” The door shut behind them. I was alone again.

I sat back in the chair, staring at the ceremonial invitations lying on my desk. Dozens of alphas and betas would fill the hall of The Thorne soon. Some seeking peace, others a mate, and many just showing face. I closed my eyes briefly.

My wolf stirred, restless and hungry. I rose and walked back to the window, looking at the distance. Thunder flashed faintly, lost behind the trees. The wind carried the scent of pine, smoke… and something else I couldn’t name. Something sharp and magnetic.

Somewhere out there, the moon was watching. And for the first time, I felt like someone was watching me too. I didn’t know her name. I didn’t know she existed. But our paths were about to cross, and when they did… nothing would ever be the same again.