Chapter One

The Bloodshed Pack buzzed with anticipation as preparations began for their Alpha’s acceptance of the oracle’s decree from the Moon Goddess. The elders brimmed with eagerness, ready to seal the union between their Alpha and the woman destined to be his Luna. She was regarded as the most ideal choice...graceful, refined, and born into a well-distinguished family whose influence commanded deep respect within the upper ranks of the pack.

Matteo, the young Alpha who had carried the burden of leadership since being orphaned at an early age, had now reached twenty-four. To the pack, this was the moment they had been waiting for—the time when their Alpha would finally tie the knot and secure the pack’s future.

Or at least, that was what everyone believed.

Inside his chamber, Matteo stood before the mirror, adjusting his suit with a heavy sigh. The weight of expectation pressed on him, yet marriage was the last thing on his mind especially to a woman from the Vanderbilt clan, the most prominent Beta family of the pack.

To him, Selina Vanderbilt was nothing more than a pampered, sheltered princess who's spoiled, naïve, and too delicate to ever stand beside an Alpha. Her gentle upbringing, wrapped in privilege and protection, only made her seem weaker in his eyes.

What unsettled Matteo even more was the shadow of suspicion that clung to her bloodline. Arthur Vanderbilt—her father—lingered in his thoughts as a possible traitor, one of the men who might have betrayed Matteo’s father during the war against the Lycans, a battle that had cost the Bloodshed Pack half of their warriors.

And now, fate demanded he accept Selina as his Luna. To Matteo, she was not a destined partner, but the daughter of a man he despised…a bitter reminder of betrayal wrapped in the prophecy of the Moon Goddess.

At the Vanderbilt manor, the household bustled with movement as helpers hurried through the halls, assisting the lady of the house in preparing the soon-to-be Luna.

“Selina,” her mother said firmly while running a comb through her daughter’s long, silky hair, “when we arrive at the Alpha’s mansion, you must remember everything I’ve taught you. Act with grace, speak only when necessary, and carry yourself in a way that pleases our young Alpha. After today, you will be hailed as the Luna. All the lessons drilled into you since childhood will finally serve their purpose to shape you into the most ideal and fitting Luna of the Bloodshed Pack.”

Yes, Mama,” Selina answered softly, her voice tinged with both obedience and restraint.

From the time she was a child, Selina had been groomed for this very destiny. The oracle’s prophecy had marked her at the age of three, when a crescent-shaped birthmark—clear and unmistakable appeared at the nape of her neck. Among all the Beta families, she alone bore the Moon’s mark, the sign that she was chosen to stand at the Alpha’s side.

The maids carefully laid out Selina’s wedding dress, their hands moving with practice ease as they helped her into it. Everything about this day had been decided long ago, every detail, every step, as if her whole life was written before she was even born. She followed along quietly, moving as her parents expected, never daring to show even the smallest sign of defiance.

Her mother always told her this was for her own good, and Selina forced herself to believe it.

She had met Matteo a few times before. He was strong, commanding—the Alpha everyone respected—and she knew well enough that fate had bound them together. But to Selina, that destiny was just a fact, nothing she had chosen, nothing she had dreamed of. She never allowed herself to think too deeply about what it meant… or about the life that came with being his Luna.

Arthur entered the room, his eyes softening the moment he saw his daughter. He walked straight to Selina and pulled her into a warm embrace. To him, she would always be his little girl, the one he had guarded with all his strength, sometimes too much.

“You are the most beautiful Luna I have ever laid my eyes on, my dear,” Arthur whispered, his voice filled with both pride and sadness. “As your father, I am truly proud of the woman you’ve become. My love for you will never change, even when you step into a new life as the Alpha’s wife.”

He pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead, lingering for a moment as if he didn’t want to let go. Then, straightening himself, Arthur waved to the others in the room. “We must hurry. We’re almost running late.”

“Papa, thank you for everything you’ve done for me,” Selina whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. “Even if I get married, you will always be the best man for me.”

She wrapped her arms around her father, holding on tightly, as if that single embrace could shield her from the fate waiting outside. It was the kind of hug she never wanted to let go of—the kind that made her feel safe, understood, and truly loved.

Arthur had always been the only one who listened to her heart, the only family who saw beyond duty and tradition to care for her feelings. The thought of leaving that behind, of walking into a future she wasn’t sure she wanted, made her chest ache. Tears welled in her eyes before she could stop them, slipping down and staining the edge of her father’s suit.

“Don’t cry, my love,” Arthur said gently, brushing a tear from her cheek. “Your makeup will be ruined.” But Selina knew it wasn’t just about ruined makeup—it was about her father trying to keep her strong, even when she was breaking inside.

A few minutes later, the family’s car finally pulled up at the young master’s grand manor. The place was already alive with chatter and excitement. Guests from different packs had gathered, along with close relatives and allies. The garden was decorated beautifully, the theme giving it a dreamlike glow—flowers in full bloom, vines wrapped around arches, and soft music floating in the air. Everyone looked regal, dressed in their finest.

But as Selina stepped out, the air seemed to shift. Every eye turned to her. Whispers broke out among the guests, some voices laced with admiration, others with sharp curiosity. She could feel the weight of their stares, the unspoken gossip buzzing around her like bees.

Her chest tightened, nerves clawing at her composure. She lowered her gaze, wishing the ground would swallow her up, but then she felt it—her father’s hand. Arthur’s strong, reassuring grip wrapped around hers, steady and warm. He walked beside her with calm dignity, as if shielding her from every judging eye.

Together, they began their slow walk toward the altar, where Matteo—the man destined to be her Alpha—stood waiting.

Selina’s heart pounded. Every step felt heavier than the last.

The head of the elder’s council, an older man with a commanding presence, stepped forward. His voice carried both wisdom and authority as he raised his hand, signaling the next part of the ritual.

Arthur gently placed Selina’s hand into Matteo’s. His touch lingered, reluctant, as if he knew he was giving away more than just his daughter. Selina’s chest tightened, but she forced herself to smile, her heart pounding in her ears.

The ceremony moved quickly where ritual words, blessings, vows of unity are expressed. Every guest watched in reverent silence, anticipation heavy in the air. Selina could feel the weight of their gazes pressing on her back, every breath in the garden filled with expectation.

Finally, the elder’s voice deepened, solemn and unwavering.

“My Lord, we present to you your Luna—she who will be your peace amidst chaos, your guiding light, and the pure love that binds this pack. Do you accept her as yours?”

The crowd leaned in, holding their breath. Selina looked at Matteo, her eyes filled with fragile hope. This was the moment. This was destiny.

But instead—

“No.”

The single word, sharp and final, cracked through the stillness like a thunderclap.

Gasps erupted from the guests. The garden, once filled with whispers of admiration, now buzzed with disbelief and shock.

Selina’s hand slipped from Matteo’s, her fingers trembling as though they had just touched fire. Her father’s face paled, his jaw tightening, but he stood frozen in place.

And Matteo—his gaze remained cold and unyielding, his voice echoing in Selina’s chest like a curse.

In that instant, Selina’s world shattered.