The Reborn Luna: Banished By One, Desired By Four.

Aria’s Point of View

“Long live the Luna.”

My name is Aria Thornwind, daughter of the fiercest Alpha in the North, once known as his strongest warrior. I was raised by my father and trained by him to succeed after him as the greatest warrior of his pack.

Every scar I carried told the story of battles I won, and enemies defeated, but three years ago, I laid all of that down.

I chose love.

“Daughter, please, do not give up your position for a man like Kael.” My father said to me on the night I found out that Alpha Kael was my mate.

“I can't father, the moon goddess has chosen me to be his Luna and there is nothing I can do,” I responded.

I became the Luna of the Moonfang Pack when I accepted the bond with Alpha Kael, a leader feared and respected by many. Kael was strong, proud, and commanding. He wasn’t just my mate, he was my world and I traded my weapons for a crown, my independence for a title, and I wore that Luna mark with pride.

Tonight was supposed to be a celebration.

Kael had been away on the front lines, defending our borders. Word had arrived that he was returning tonight, and I had poured myself into preparing for his homecoming. Every detail of the full moon festival had to be perfect.

“Dim the lights slightly,” I instructed the servants as I moved down the long ceremonial hall. Just enough to bring out the gold on the walls. We want warmth, not gloom.”

I passed my fingers over the fresh floral runners, duskroses and shadowfern woven together, a symbol of protection and rebirth. The scent of sage and roasted venison floated through the air, rich and comforting.

“This is exciting,” Nyra, my wolf, whispered from within.

I smiled. “It is.”

I tried to push down the nervous flutter in my chest.

Recently, Kael has been cold and distant towards me.

My fingers brushed the moonstone in my throat, a small token from Kael in our early days. That had meant something back then, and I wanted to believe it still did.

“Merel,” I called softly.

The head maid approached, clutching folded linens. “Luna.”

I paused beside her. “Do you think the alpha would notice the work that went into all this?”

She gave a kind nod. “You didn’t miss a single detail. If he doesn’t notice, someone blindfolds him.”

That made me laugh, a short, breathy sound.

“He’s been gone for a week. I just want him to come home and feel at peace.”

Merel’s smile softened. “Then go prepare, Luna, you’ve done more than enough.”

“Thank you,” I muttered with a smile.

I returned to my chambers, where the fire crackled low. My body was tired, but I moved on to muscle memory, unpinned my braids, and stepped out of my work clothes. I slipped into my chosen gown, deep midnight velvet, silver-trimmed and flowing like liquid night.

Nyra stirred again.

“Do you think he’ll be proud?” I asked, adjusting the moonstone pendant.

“He will,” she said. “He has to see what he has in you.”

I stared into the mirror. “I’m not just the Luna the council approved. I’m his equal, his partner and tonight, he’ll remember that.”

*

By the time I stepped into the great hall, it was alive with chatter and movement. Alphas and Lunas from nearby territories had arrived, along with warriors and pack elders. The air buzzed with expectation.

Maids trailed behind me as I walked toward the head table, and I could feel every gaze shift my way.

“You look radiant, Luna,” a voice murmured as I passed. I gave a small smile but didn’t slow.

My eyes were scanned around, Kael wasn’t there yet.

I stood near the center of the hall, eyes fixed on the grand doors.

One of the guards walked towards me, “The alpha is already here,” he whispered in the announcement.

Immediately, the grand doors of the hall opened.

Nyra lifted her head. “He’s here.”

My breath caught and my heart jumped.

I turned instinctively, smoothing the gown over my hips. I imagined his strong stride, the way his gray eyes would find mine. Maybe he would smile at me again, and pull me into his arms, telling me he missed me.

I stared hard and at once, my heart twisted.

Kael stepped through the doorway but he wasn't alone. His hand was clasped with a woman I didn’t know.

“What's happening?” I muttered to myself as my legs began to wobble, my eyes not leaving them.

The lady was young, wrapped in ivory silks that hugged her like light itself. Her golden hair was pinned intricately, and her head remained bowed, lashes casting shadows on porcelain skin.

But that wasn’t what made the room fall silent.

It was the scent.

Kael’s scent clung to her.

My heart slammed against my ribs and my legs refused to move. My thoughts scattered.

Nyra’s growl echoed in my chest.

“Who is she?”

“ Why is he touching her like that?” Her questions filled my ears, but I couldn't speak.

I couldn’t answer.

Kael’s eyes never met mine, he avoided my gaze as he made his way past the crowd.

He walked her through the crowd as if nothing was out of place. He stopped near the head table, still holding her hand, and when he finally looked at me, it wasn’t with warmth.

It was with cold detachment, like I was just another guest.

Then he turned to the crowd.

“Thank you for joining us tonight,” he said, his voice strong and clear. I know that everyone is surprised and very curious to know who is standing right next to me. There is something I’ve kept quiet for some time now.”

The air grew thick and I didn’t breathe.

My stomach turned like I knew what he was about to say.

Tears welled up in my eyes.

He glanced at me once more, and this time, I saw disdain, a hatred I hadn’t seen before.

“This lady,” he said, lifting their joined hands slightly, “is Lyra.”

He paused but continued immediately.

“She is the new love of my life, the one who will give me an heir, and, as of tonight, she is the new Luna of the Moonfang Pack.”

At once, the hall fell silent and all eyes fell on me.

My body felt frozen, locked in place.

The blood drained from my face and my heart cracked open.

Kael didn’t look at me again, and I knew, at that moment, that my world would never be the same.

“What?”