“I’m truly glad you won and became our Luna,” Belinda said with a warm laugh as she settled beside Aliyah. “It still feels like it all happened just yesterday.”Aliyah smiled and raised her glass. “It’s been a dream come true,” she replied. “But to be honest, I did it all because of Leo, because of our love. I could never imagine leaving him for anything or anyone.”Aliyah had invited Belinda to her chamber that evening. Since the trial, they hadn’t had a chance to truly talk, and tonight felt like the perfect moment to reconnect. She wanted to thank Belinda, not just for her support, but for being a good friend, even when they had been competitors.As they talked and laughed, Aliyah grew curious and asked something that had been on her mind.“Why did you never seem too concerned about winning? About becoming Luna?”Belinda hesitated, her smile faltering slightly. After a moment of silence, she finally spoke.“Honestly, I never wanted to be Luna,” she admitted. “I was forced into the
After four days of traveling through thick forests and winding paths, Elder Varin, sent by Luna Rosetta, finally reached the Lycan community to deliver his message. On his first day, the elders and leaders were wary, viewing him as a stranger. He wasn’t permitted to meet with the council immediately, but he spoke with several pack members who understood the purpose of his journey.The pack had been searching for Aliyah for some time. Rogues had spread rumors of a young woman who could shift into a Lycan, reigniting hope within the community. After hearing Elder Varin’s message, the pack took him seriously and granted him an audience with the Lycan council.An older Lycan with sharp silver eyes stood before the council. Elder Thalos watched the messenger closely, his expression unreadable.“What matter is so urgent that it brings you to our territory?” Elder Thalos asked, his voice low and commanding.“I come as a messenger from the Blood Crescent Pack,” Elder Varin replied calmly.“An
Weeks had passed. Peace wrapped around the pack like a warm cloak. Leo and Aliyah ruled side by side, strong, united, and deeply in love. The pack had never known such balance.But peace does not grow in every heart.Hidden away in her chambers, Luna Rosetta stood by the window, staring into the forest beyond. Her face was calm, but her eyes burned with old wounds and buried rage.An elderly man, one of her loyal followers, bowed low behind her."My Luna... you truly believe sending her back to the Lycan community is the best solution?"Rosetta didn’t turn. Her voice was sharp and cold."Yes. I won’t have her near my son any longer."The elderly man hesitated."But… this hatred you carry, how sure are you that she’s truly the daughter of your enemy?"Rosetta’s voice was steady but laced with old pain."The very first day she stepped foot into this pack as a child, I knew. She looked exactly like her mother did when we were young. The same eyes. The same face. The only thing that’s dif
The arena pulsed with anticipation as the final trial came to its end.At the center stood Aliyah, her breath steady while the silver runes beneath her feet glowed with quiet power.One by one, Beta Rylan and the Elders descended from their elevated seats. The crowd parted in silence, awe in their eyes. From above, Alpha Leo and Luna Rosetta observed, their expressions unreadable.The Head Elder stepped forward, his voice rich with age and power, echoing across the space.“Aliyah, daughter of moon and fang. You have fought with courage, led with instinct, and risen where others have fallen. Before the pack and the ancient spirits, we name you Luna.”He lifted a pendant—curved, carved of moonstone and bone—and placed it gently around her neck. As it settled against her skin, a single howl rang out from the Elders. Then another. And another.Soon the entire pack joined in, their voices weaving into a deep, unified cry—a song of welcome and recognition.Aliyah closed her eyes, letting th
The much-anticipated day of the final Trial of the Luna Contest had finally arrived, and the entire pack thrummed with excitement, eager to find out who would be crowned the new Luna. Aliyah, Zaya, and Belinda stood poised and ready, their nerves tight yet their hearts unwavering, bracing themselves for the challenge that lay ahead. As the sky turned purple with twilight, the pack gathered around the stone arena. Glowing symbols lit up around the edges, giving off a strong, calm feeling. Alpha Leo and Luna Rosetta sat together, looking serious and hopeful for the one they supported. High above, the Elders sat quietly, their faces hard to read. This was the ultimate trial, an experience unlike any that had ever been documented or prepared for. With an air of authority, the Head Elder rose, his long robes sweeping across the stone floor as he lifted a curved staff adorned with brilliant silver symbols. “For the final challenge,” the Head Elder declared, his voice booming across the
Leo hadn’t seen Aliyah in days. The competitions had kept them apart, and with the final one just two days away, he could hardly contain himself any longer. He’d requested Rylan to discreetly bring her to his chamber.A few moments later, the chamber door creaked open. Rylan entered, glancing around anxiously, with Aliyah following closely behind him.Leo sprang to his feet the instant he spotted her.She dashed toward him silently, and he met her halfway. They collided in a tight embrace, relief, tension, and desire enveloping them as if it were their second skin.They held each other for what felt like an eternity, savoring each other's presence.“I missed you,” she murmured, her voice muffled against his chest.“I thought I’d lose my mind without you,” he replied softly, his breath brushing through her hair.When they finally separated, their eyes locked. Time seemed to stand still. The last time they’d looked at each other like this was prior to the first trial.“You made it this