Rhiannon's POV

“Goddess….” I muttered under my breath as I stood at the edge of the cliff, by this time, the forest had already thinned into shadows and the twilight bled red against the sky.

As the wind blew, it tugged at the hem of my silk, ceremonial gown which they had forced me to wear. On the gown were gray and golden threadbare designs which was a huge contrast to the fire I felt raging deep into my bones.

The pack had said it was a necessary tradition, one that forced Lunas to wear colours related to her Alpha bloodline but to me, it felt more like a mourning attire than something to be proud of.

I already knew how this night was going to end, but I still decided to show up, because I had no choice.

The moon was still yet to rise, but her silence was making my blood turn icy and my breath hitch.

Behind me, I could already hear laughter and footsteps, all anticipating the ceremony today. When the Moonlight shone at its peak, the mating ceremony was to begin. And every member of the pack was present, they were all curious to see if my mate would accept the bond and in all honesty…..I was too.

I gulped hard, my fingers trailing the ribbon tied around my throat; this was a sign of my submission and it was so tight, it dug deep into my skin, bruising it.

I could feel my heart pounding vigorously in my chest, and my wolf…..she paved under my skin, wild and restless. For days now, Knox had been silent towards us, and she didn't like it…neither did I.

But, for years now, I've trained my subconscious mind to turn a deaf ear on her whenever she whines.

I remembered what I was told…..a Luna chosen without noble blood has to be twice as submissive….a strong flame to the Alpha. And for years, I've been trained to lower my eyes when they speak, to bend to their level, swallow my pride and instincts and force a fake smile on my lips even if my heart bled.

It was my role…..as they said, a cross I had to carry. I wasn't born of a noble or royal bloodline, but I was chosen by fate from birth, “blessed” as people called it.

But now, the blessing felt more like a curse than a blessing.

He hadn't spoken to me in more than four days, not since it was made officially that I was truly chosen by the moon, not since the bond reached its peak and I could literally feel him from miles away….his wolf howling for mine and mine replied with a similar howl…so sharp and loud my ears almost bled.

But, from a distance, he only stared at me, like I was something out of ordinary he didn't want to touch.

But still, I came. Because I was Rhiannon, born of no bloodline and forced to become the “perfect Luna” Because it was the only way I could be accepted by them.

I fidgeted with my fingers, my gaze scanning the trees where I had tracked the moon would appear very soon. It was going to glow so brightly, everyone would see it and Knox would say my name and accept the bond…..or he wouldn't.

As my gaze lingered, the ache in my chest seemed to get worse, I could literally feel my heart tightening, my breath hitching and almost immediately, a memory I had tried so hard to bury for some time resurfaced.

It was earlier that week….just farther from the war tents.

I really didn't mean to eavesdrop and was just returning from training in the forest, my boots soaked in mud, my hair in loose braids, beads of sweat dripping down my face from sparring.

I only stopped in my tracks because I heard that familiar voice…. Knox's, cold, rough and low.

“It's obvious….” I heard him say to his Beta, Garron. “I need to choose power over my instinct, over desire. The council of elders would never accept a lowly Luna”

I remembered how my stomach churned, dropping to put. The way my wolf howled, whimpering under my skin. But, I tried to lie to myself that it meant nothing.

That the council would always oppose, but what matters would be how he truly feels ... .that it didn't mean he was going to reject me or say those words I dreaded hearing.

But, reality hit harder than a fever dream. As the night slowly approached, I wondered if those words were just to fool myself, to give myself false hope.

Snapping me back to reality, a loud horn bleared, it was loud, long and passed a message; the Mating Ceremony was about to begin.

I swallowed hard, my palms becoming sweaty but I shoved it off. I wasn't supposed to show any nervousness but to hold my head up and high as soon to be Luna. Then slowly, I turned.

The pack had already gathered in a wide, big circle and in the center, I saw the ancient stone Dais. Knox was to enter from the eastern path and I, on the other hand, would enter from the west. Then, we'll meet each other at the stones, under the first peak of moonlight where finally, we would claim each other, say our vows and he'll mark me as his. Then, the magic would spark and our bond would be sealed forever…..it was supposed to be beautiful, the best experience a she-wolf would ever go through.

But at this moment, it felt more like a funeral to me.

I took a deep breath and stepped forward when I heard the horn blow the second time. My feet were bare, the cold, damp air biting into my skin.

Just then, I felt the wind shift and almost immediately, I felt him….Knox.

His scent hit me first….storm rain and pine, something wild trapped. Then my body started reacting, buzzing under my skin. My wolf side woke up, wanting and hurting. It wanted its mate, its leader. I saw him then.

He was big and tall, with a strong jaw. He wore dark clothes for a special occasion. His eyes were cold, his mouth firm. He didn't smile or move to touch me. But he walked closer, step by step. We met at the stone platform. I stood in front of him, tall and still, with the ribbon still around my neck.

The pack watched. Knox's wolf showed under his skin, I felt it. His eyes flashed gold, the air moved, and a low growl started in his chest. For a moment, I thought, Maybe he'll choose me. Maybe our connection will matter. Maybe the moon's choice will be more important than what he wants or fears or who his family is.

Then I saw his mother. She stood near the front, cold and fancy in silver furs, her lips tight with disapproval. She nodded once.

It was a small movement. But Knox saw it. And he stepped back. The connection between us hurt. I felt it break, saw pain in his eyes , just for a moment, but it was gone before I could catch it.

He spoke, his voice sharp and controlled, but mean. "I, Alpha Knox of Stormfang," he said, "reject you, Rhiannon, as my mate and future leader." The words felt like a knife to my chest.

The pack gasped. Some moved back. Some looked away. I stood very, very still. The bond inside me broke, like ice cracking underfoot. I didn't cry, I didn't fall; at least, that's what I was taught, to hold my head up high and act like my emotions didn't matter.

The wind stopped. Knox didn't look at me. I watched him. I saw how tight his jaw was, how his fingers moved. I could smell that he was lying. His wolf was screaming inside him, but he hid it because of his duty.

He chose power over our bond. He chose fear. And I... "I hope it was worth it," I whispered. He looked up, surprised. My voice was too calm. I stepped closer, so only he could hear. "You'll regret this," I said. "And when you do... I'll be gone."

Then I turned away. And our connection broke. It felt like my soul was torn apart. My wolf cried out, a long and sad sound. My body shook. My knees gave way, but I didn't fall completely. Not yet, the ground shook under me.

And then it happened, the burning. My chest hurt extremely badly. I gasped, scratching my skin as a silver light burned through me, leaving a mark over my heart. The air smelled like metal. My screams were quiet, trapped behind my clenched teeth. The Moon had seen me. The Moon had chosen me.

But she hadn't chosen Knox. She chose me. The silver mark glowed. My bones cracked. Something old and strong moved through my blood, fire, storm, and anger.

Wolves moved back. A few changed shape out of instinct, growling in fear. And then the stone Dias broke. A rough crack went through the middle, shining with moonlight fire. The old leaders cried out.

“Cursed! She's cursed I said!”

“She's tainted”

“Stone her!”

I gasped, stumbling to my feet as I slowly looked around. My wolf howled, but this time, it wasn't out of grief but raw, unfiltered rage.

My veins were coiled with Moonfire…a gift of pain and a promise carved out of betrayal.

Knox stood tall, staring down at me as though he didn't know who I was, as though I never mattered to him.

Well, maybe he didn't.

But, I didn't beg neither did I kneel to them.

The Elders moved, chanting the rite of exile.

I saw as Garron hesitated for a brief moment, his eyes meeting mine, a slight hint of regret flickering. “This….this isn't right, Knox” he muttered.

But Knox said nothing.

I laughed painfully, straightening my spine, spun my heels and began walking towards the Dais.

The mark on my chest still shone silver, burning through my shirt. The pack moved away from me like darkness moving away from light. At the forest edge, I turned around one last time. Knox looked at me. His eyes were wide.

His hands were shaking. And I made him one last promise. "I gave you my heart," I said. My voice was quiet, but everyone heard it. "You'll pay with your soul.”