Lunara Vale's lungs burned as she stared at the figure in front of her. Every instinct screamed fight, but her wolf's power pulsed unpredictably, threatening to consume her entirely.
The Alpha stepped closer, and the silver glow around her flared like wildfire. His eyes, molten gold, seemed to pierce through her very soul.
"You are stronger than I expected," he said softly, almost teasing. "But that doesn't mean you can escape me."
"I—I'm not yours!" Lunara snapped, raising her hands, trying to summon the power that had just awakened.
Her claws glimmered in the moonlight, and a low growl escaped her throat. The forest itself seemed to lean in, sensing the tension.
The Alpha smiled. "Oh, but you are. Whether you like it or not, our bond is formed. The Moon Goddess has chosen you… and I intend to keep what is hers."
Lunara's mind spun. A bond? She barely understood the surge of energy inside her. How could a bond form with someone she had never met?
Before she could respond, a sudden howl echoed through the forest. It was not hers. Nor the Alpha's. It was deeper, angrier—Kael's wolf.
Her eyes widened. He had sensed her awakening from miles away. The ex-Fated Mate. The one who had rejected her.
Lunara's heart pounded. She couldn't run forever. And now two powerful Alphas were coming for her.
The dark Alpha's grin widened. "Relax, little wolf. Let's see what you can truly do."
With that, the forest around them seemed to shudder. Trees bent as if alive. Shadows twisted. The silver glow from Lunara's wolf exploded outward, illuminating the figures of the two Alphas—one in shadow, one approaching fast.
Her wolf roared. A bond had awakened, yes—but which Alpha would claim her heart?
And then a crack of lightning split the sky, throwing the forest into chaos. Lunara stumbled, falling to her knees as the power inside her surged uncontrollably.
Her hands glowed, her claws extended, and her senses screamed: fight or die.
The dark Alpha's shadow fell over her completely, eyes glowing like molten gold.
(Lunara must face the first real test of her awakened wolf power… while Kael closes in from the distance. Who will truly claim her?)