Novel & Cerita Broken Moonlantern

It felt like something I had taken, shaped, and chosen what to do with. ## Chapter 93 – The Festival of New Moons The first New Moon Festival started as an idea on parchment. It became real the day someone strung the first lantern across Mooncrest’s main square. From my window, I watched them—a trio of apprentices up on ladders, arguing about the best way to loop the line from one balcony to another. The lanterns were simple paper and wood, in shades of white and pale blue, each with a small rune‑etched stone nestled inside instead of a live flame.

Aria's POV When I handed Ethan the Moonbreak Herb, he was busy sweet-talking his little girlfriend Lily on the phone. "Ethan, let's break the mate bond. This Moonbreak Herb will dissolve our connection over thirty days with no pain or side effects, and then I'll leave the Blood Moon Pack and we'll be done for good." He made some vague sound and took the cup without even looking, downing it in one gulp before immediately going back to cooing at the she-wolf on the other end.

Amara's POV The sacred clearing was alive, pulsating with an ethereal glow, bathed in the gentle luminescence of countless lanterns and the incandescent wash of the full moon. The air hummed with a tangible energy, the very trees whispering with a hush that felt less like wind and more like reverence, as if holding their breath for the sacred ceremony. The pack had gathered in a wide, unbroken circle, a silent, expectant ring of faces, their eyes reflecting the shimmering light, forming a protective, watchful barrier around the ancient Moonstone Altar. It gleamed in the center, a monumental slab of polished white stone, worn smooth from centuries of rituals, of vows made and bonds forged.

Maliya POV Last night was spent around a large fire, dancing, and symbols that seemed burned in my head. Something about the ritual made me feel reborn; I felt like a new woman. I danced to the flames as the moon guided over my body. And for once in my life, I forgot who I was. I forgot that I was Aeron's mate, I forgot about the pain. All I knew was the dance, and I danced with the flames until sunrise. Only then did we all fall asleep. And when I woke up, I understood what Sanna said when she said it would heal my wounds. The flames had licked at the wounds on my skin and made them disappear.

I allow my breath to caress his neck. Rough hands grab me from behind. Fucking pieces of shit! They throw me to the ground and press a boot into my back. Jack yells, “Frank, do it. Finish the ritual. It is the only way!” Frank stares, frozen. His chest heaves as sweat drips from his brow. Scarlet pushes herself up and crawls closer to Frank. She touches his cheek. She cups his face as I had done. She begs, “Do this, please. I want this. I want you. I love you.” She presses her forehead to his. “I am your Luna.”

(Selene’s POV) The moon hung low that night, its silver light spilling over the old courtyard. Everyone else had gone to bed—or at least, that’s what I told my cousins before sneaking out. They’d been hovering around me since Grandpa and Ronan left, especially Celina, acting as if I might disappear if they looked away for five seconds. I needed some air. Finally breaking free of their protective bubble felt like escaping a cage. The air outside was cool and smelled faintly of pine and wildflowers that only bloomed at night.

BLOOM’S POV As the moon festival began, the Pack was illuminated by the moon. Celestial orbs cast their glowing beams upon the surroundings. Captivating sights shimmered and came alive under their ethereal touches. Lanterns floated gracefully, illuminating the darkness with their tender radiance. The stars sparkled and twinkled in harmony, and fireflies danced in the air, casting mesmerizing glows upon the atmosphere.

"He... he knows what happened during the full moon!" Garrett let out a cold, sharp laugh, stepping closer until his massive shadow completely blocked out the single flickering lightbulb on the ceiling. "Alpha Cassian is celebrating his upcoming wedding at the high manor right now, little girl," Garrett sneered, leaning down and grabbing a fistful of my hair. "AHHH!" I shrieked as he yanked my head back violently, forcing me to look straight into his small, dark eyes.

--- Preparations and Promises Baylee spent the morning with Melody and Lilly, picking out flowers and herbs for the ceremony. “Moon lilies for purity,” Melody said, arranging white petals along a basket, “and wolfsbane for strength.” “Isn’t wolfsbane poisonous?” Baylee asked, wary. “Only if you eat it,” Melody said cheerfully. “Or set it on fire.” Baylee laughed. “Remind me to keep you away from the bonfire.” Across the room, Lilly rocked baby Lacey, humming softly. The child’s moon-shaped mark glowed faintly in the daylight.

It's hard to tell. “Not the yellow ribbons, Kyra,” she scolds gently this morning, plucking the bundle from my hands. “Those are for the blessing circle. We use the dark green ones for the torch poles.” I blink, laughing softly. “Right. Green for fire, yellow for blessing.” “Exactly.” She gives me an approving nod before moving on to oversee the carving of lantern stands. It is strange, in the best kind of way, to feel this useful again. The bonfire ritual is the first event of the Lunar ceremony, an old tradition meant to honor unity, burn away old griefs, and light the path toward a new cycle.