Aria Moonvale - POV:
Soft golden rays of morning light brushed against my face, pulling me gently from sleep. I stirred, turning my head slightly as warmth kissed my skin, and then I sat up slowly.
Long white hair spilled over my shoulders, flowing all the way past my waist like strands of moonlight. I exhaled a small smile as I pushed it back from my face.
This was me.
Aria Moonvale.
Luna of the Moonvale Pack.
I swung my legs off the bed and stood, bare feet touching the cool wooden floor. The room smelled faintly of lavender and pine-home. My home. The packhouse my parents once ruled with pride and love.
My chest tightened, as it always did when my thoughts drifted there.
My parents died when I was twelve.
Late Alpha Ethan Moonvale.
Late Luna Mira Moonvale.
They were killed during what everyone called a rogue attack. They had gone beyond pack borders for a short walk in the forest and never returned. Their bodies were found at dawn-bloodied, broken, and cold.
The killer was never found.
The pack had mourned. I had shattered.
After their deaths, Moonvale Pack became mine by bloodright. But I was a child, too young to lead, too young to understand politics and power. So at my request, the responsibility of running the pack was handed to Victor Blackwood-my father's closest friend.
He had been there for me when I cried myself to sleep. He had guided me, protected me, and stood beside me through every council meeting.
He was also the father of the boy I loved.
Ryan Blackwood.
I walked toward the mirror and stopped, staring at my reflection. Pale skin. Bright eyes. White hair that shimmered even in dim light.
Today, I turned eighteen.
Today, I would finally get my wolf.
Excitement burst through me like wildfire.
"Today," I whispered to my reflection, grinning, "today I'll meet you."
I spun around the room, laughing softly, barely able to contain myself.
"I'll finally shift tonight," I said aloud. "I'll finally run under the moon."
I let out a small, happy squeal, my heart racing.
Then-
You seem very happy, Aria.
I froze.
My breath caught as I looked around the room.
"Hello?" I asked quietly, my voice echoing back to me.
Why are you looking around like that?
My heart began to pound.
That voice-it wasn't external. It wasn't sound.
It was inside my head.
"...Who's there?" I whispered.
A soft chuckle followed.
Oh, so you don't know me.
My eyes widened.
"No way," I breathed. "Is this-?"
Hi, Aria. I'm Aera. Your wolf.
My knees nearly gave out.
"My wolf?" I gasped.
Your wolf, she confirmed gently.
Joy flooded me so suddenly that tears burned my eyes.
"I can hear you," I said shakily. "I can finally hear you."
I've always been here, Aera replied. You just weren't ready.
"I want to see you," I said eagerly. "I want to run with you. I've waited so long."
Soon, she promised. Very soon.
Before I could ask more, a familiar voice echoed through the door.
"Sweetheart? Where are you?"
Ryan.
"I'm here!" I called back.
The door opened, and Ryan Blackwood stepped inside.
At twenty-two, he was tall, broad-shouldered, with dark hair and confident eyes. He smiled the moment he saw me and crossed the room in quick strides, pulling me into his arms.
"Good morning, beautiful," he murmured, pressing a kiss to my lips.
I placed my hand on his chest, gently stopping him.
"Ryan," I said, narrowing my eyes playfully.
He laughed, lifting his hands in surrender.
"Okay, okay."
Then his expression softened.
"You're ready, right?" he asked. "For tonight."
I nodded, smiling. "I am. I'm just... a little nervous."
"What if you're not my mate?" I asked quietly.
He didn't hesitate.
"That won't happen," he said confidently. "And even if it does, I'll reject whoever it is and choose you."
My heart fluttered.
"I'd do the same," I whispered, hugging him tightly.
A throat cleared behind us.
We turned to see Lina Stormridge standing near the doorway, arms crossed, a teasing smile on her lips.
"Well," she said, ""Looks like the romance has already started early in the morning."
My cheeks burned.
"It's not like that," I said quickly.
She laughed and suddenly rushed forward, wrapping me in a tight hug.
"Happy birthday, sweety." she said softly. "Today is huge for you."
Ryan gently pulled us apart. "Hey, I deserve a hug too. I'm the fiancé here."
We laughed together.
For a moment, everything felt perfect.
Ryan-my love.
Lina-my sister in everything but blood.
Victor Uncle-my protector.
Moonvale Pack is my family.
I truly believed that.
The day passed in a blur of decorations, laughter, and celebration. Lanterns were hung. Tables were set. The entire pack gathered as night slowly fell.
And then-
The moon rose.
It was time.
I stood in the clearing, surrounded by alphas, warriors, elders-everyone. My heart hammered as I closed my eyes and focused inward.
Aera, I called. It's time.
Silence.
I tried again.
Nothing.
Minutes passed.
Whispers began.
'She's not shifting...'
'Why hasn't it happened?'
'I knew she was weak.'
My chest tightened.
Aera, I begged. Please.
I don't know why, she whispered back. I can't shift.
Panic rose.
I'm sorry. she said. Something feels wrong.
Tears streamed down my face.
'It seems to me that she doesn't have a wolf at all-she's nothing but a weak girl.'
"No!" I cried aloud. "I have a..."
Don't say anything, Aera warned suddenly. Please. Don't tell them about me.
WHY
I don't know, Aira... my instincts say something isn't right.
Before I could respond, Ryan stepped forward, fury blazing in his eyes.
"Enough!" he growled. "Anyone who dares insult my mate will answer to me."
Mate.
The word sent a sharp pull through my chest.
I felt it then.
The bond.
My wolf whispered, MATE
Ryan was my fated mate.
He wrapped his arms around me, and for the first time all night, I felt safe.
"I've got you," he whispered. "You're not weak."
Behind us, Lina spoke softly.
"Ryan, take care of things here. I'll take Aria back to the packhouse."
I let her lead me away, my heart aching but hopeful.
I didn't know-
This was the last moment my world would ever be whole.
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