Chapter Two

The Blood Moon Rises

Aurelia’s POV

There was a grave in the middle of Silvercrest Cemetery with my name carved into polished white stone.

Every year, on the night of the Blood Moon Festival, Alpha Cassian Blackthorn stood before it alone.

He never missed a year.

He believed the woman beneath that stone was the love of his life.

He was wrong.

Because five years after they buried me…

I was finally coming home.

“It’s starting!”

The first howl came the moment the moon appeared. It echoed across Silvercrest like an ancient hymn, powerful enough to still every conversation in the village square. One by one, wolves lifted their heads toward the crimson moon hanging above the mountains.

The Blood Moon had risen.

A hush settled over the celebration as everyone turned toward the ceremonial platform built in the center of the square. Torches blazed around it, their flames dancing in the cool night air.

The Moon Priest stepped forward, raising a silver staff toward the sky.

“Tonight,” his voice rang through the crowd, “We honor the Moon Goddess, whose light has guided our ancestors since the First Pack.”

The pack bowed their heads.

I stood beside Cassian, my fingers intertwined with his. I could feel the warmth of his hand despite the cool breeze that swept through the square.

He glanced at me with a smile. “Nervous?”

“A little.” I couldn’t even lie even if I wanted to.

His eyes softened. “You’ll do fine.”

“I haven’t even done anything yet.”

“You don’t have to.” His thumb brushed gently over the back of my hand. “You’ve already spent years proving you’re worthy.” Before I could answer, the ceremonial drums began.

Boom. Boom. Boom.

The rhythm echoed through the village as dancers dressed in flowing white robes stepped into the center of the square, moving gracefully beneath the crimson moon.

Children laughed. Elders smiled. Even the visiting Alphas watched in respectful silence. For the first time today, I allowed myself to believe everything would be alright.

Nothing bad will happen. Everyone is happy. Cassian is happy and so am I. Tonight is a perfect night and I shouldn’t let this strange thought bother me.

“The Silvercrest will remain prosperous under the protection of–“

The Moon Priest was suddenly cut off when a howl shattered the night. It was not the ceremonial call. It was a warning

Every warrior in the square froze.

Another howl answered it, but this time, it was closer. Much closer.

I felt my heart start beating wildly as I looked at the people. Their expressions mirrored my own. Confusion and…terror.

Cassian’s expression changed instantly. The warmth disappeared from his face, replaced by the calm authority of an Alpha.

“Damien.”

His Beta was already moving. “Warriors to the eastern border!”

A third howl erupted. Then another. And another. Until the forest surrounding Silvercrest seemed alive with them.

Panic rippled through the crowd. Children began crying. The musicians stopped playing. Then, someone shouted—

“Rogues!”

The word spread through the village like wildfire.

“Rogues!”

“They’re inside the territory!”

The peaceful festival dissolved into chaos. People were running in every direction, trying to get away as quickly as possible.

Cassian turned to me. “Go to the packhouse.” I couldn’t move. I felt every tremor of fear in my body, hindering me from taking any action.

Finally, I managed to say. “W-what about you?”

“I’ll meet you there.” He couldn’t meet my eyes. I instantly knew he was lying.

I shook my head, gripping on the sleeves of his shirt like my life depends on it. “No.”

“Lia.”

“I’m not leaving you.”

“You have to.” His voice wasn’t angry. It was desperate, and somehow, it made my vision blurred with tears. “If they’ve breached the eastern border, they’ll reach the square within minutes.”

I shook my head again. “I’m staying.” I can’t leave him.

He placed both of his hands on my shoulders. “Listen to me.” The sounds of battle were already growing louder. Metal clashed against metal. Wolves roared somewhere beyond the trees. “I need to know you’re safe.”

“I—”

A terrified child suddenly ran between us. “My mother!” the little boy cried. “I can’t find my mother!”

My heart aches even more seeing the child cry. Without thinking, I knelt beside him.

“It’s alright.” I took his trembling hand. “We’ll find her.” I promised before standing up to face Cassian.

He looked toward the eastern gate where warriors were already shifting into their wolves. An expression marred his face. I know that look all too well. He had already made his decision.

I know his duty was pulling him one way, and love on another. I could see it in his eyes. He was hesitant to leave.

Then Damien shouted from across the square.

“Alpha! We need you!”

Cassian looked back at me. “I’ll come back.”

Despite my heart and mind protesting, I smiled and tried to ignore the fear tightening in my chest.

“I know.” He always does.

He kissed my forehead. Like always. “I love you.”

A single tear fell from my eyes but he was quick to wipe it away. “I love you too.” I whispered back.

Then he ran toward the battle.

It was the last time either of us believed those words would be enough.

With the little boy in my hand, we ran towards the packhouse but his mother saw him on our way and took him in her arms before running away in panic. I had no choice but to go to the packhouse on my own.

The attack came faster than anyone expected. A deafening explosion shook the ground beneath my feet. The earth lurched violently as screams erupted from every direction. The roof of the western hall cracked with a thunderous groan.

“Lia!”

I turned at the sound of my mother’s voice. I could feel the lump on my throat as my frantic eyes searched through the surroundings. Then the world collapsed.

Stone. Timber. Fire.

Everything came crashing down at once and the force threw me across the wall. Pain exploded through my body as heavy beams crashed around me.

Dust swallowed the air.

I couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t see. Couldn’t move. Somewhere beyond the rubble, I heard Cassian screaming my name.

“LIA!”

I tried to answer but nothing came out.

“Help–“

A massive stone shifted above me, crushing the little light of life I had left. Then everything went dark.

The last thing I saw…was the crimson moon disappearing behind a cloud of smoke. And somewhere within the silence—

A voice I had never heard before whispered only two words.

“Wake up.”

I didn’t know it then, but before the moon reached its highest point…

Someone would make sure I never lived to become the Luna.