The full moon hung high, spilling silver light across the valley. Wolves gathered in a wide circle, their voices hushed as the elders placed the glowing moonstone on its altar.
Anya stood just outside the ring, her palms clammy. Mira, her closest friend, nudged her gently.
"You're shaking," Mira whispered with a grin. "Relax, Anya. The Goddess wouldn't bind you to someone unworthy."
Anya smiled faintly. "It isn't the Goddess I'm worried about. It's Kane. He's… different."
"Different?" Mira arched a brow. "He's the Alpha. Of course he's different. But he's also young. He'll soften."
Anya glanced at Kane across the circle. He stood tall, arms crossed, jaw tight as if already burdened by the weight of the pack. His Beta murmured something in his ear, and Kane nodded curtly. Not once did his eyes seek her out.
"See?" Anya whispered, clutching her dress. "He hasn't looked at me once."
Mira squeezed her hand. "Stop doubting. Tonight's about fate. Trust it."
The elders raised their hands, their voices ringing clear. "The Goddess has chosen. Let the bond be revealed."
A hush fell. Anya stepped forward, heart pounding. The moonstone glowed brighter, and a thread of light stretched toward Kane. Gasps rippled through the crowd.
"It's her," someone whispered. "Anya is the Luna."
Kane's eyes finally landed on her. For a heartbeat, she swore the bond tugged him closer, urging him to embrace it. But then his expression hardened, his gaze unreadable.
Mira elbowed her. "Smile. Everyone's watching."
Anya forced a smile and whispered, "Alpha Kane, the Goddess has bound us. I will serve you and the pack with all I have."
The crowd erupted in cheers and howls. Wolves thumped their fists against their chests in celebration. But Kane only inclined his head.
His Beta leaned close, speaking low, but Anya caught fragments. "She's kind, Kane. The pack needs steel, not softness."
Kane's reply was barely audible. "A Luna must have teeth."
The words sliced through Anya's chest.
After the ritual, the pack surged around her. Elders touched her hands, blessing her. A group of pups tugged at her dress, eyes wide.
"Luna Anya, will you tell us stories like the old Luna used to?" one asked eagerly.
Anya knelt, smiling despite her trembling heart. "Of course. But only if you promise to behave during lessons."
The pups giggled and scampered off, chanting "Luna, Luna, Luna!" The warmth of their joy soothed her frayed nerves, if only briefly.
When she straightened, Mira was at her side again. "See? They already love you. Even the elders look proud."
But Kane… Kane was nowhere near her. He stood with his warriors, discussing border patrols, his voice firm and dismissive, as though the ceremony hadn't changed his life.
Summoning courage, Anya walked toward him. "Kane," she said softly.
He turned, eyes sharp. "Anya."
"We should—" she hesitated, "we should speak. Even briefly."
"Later," Kane interrupted, glancing at the warriors. "The pack's safety comes first. We'll talk when I have time."
One of the warriors smirked, muttering, "Our Luna's too polite to demand it." The others chuckled.
Anya's cheeks flushed, but she dipped her head. "I understand."
Kane was already turning back to his men.
When the moonstone dimmed and the ceremony ended, Anya lingered at the edge of the clearing, watching Kane laugh with his warriors. He hadn't once sought her out again.
Mira touched her shoulder. "Give him time, Anya. Bonds are powerful. He can't deny it forever."
Anya gazed up at the moon, her smile brittle. "The bond is strong. But I'm starting to wonder if his heart is stronger than fate."
The night carried on with music and firelight, but inside, Anya felt the first cracks in the bond of destiny.