Mourning Crown
Ella’s chest tightened, her eyes stinging as she felt her wolf’s pain, her longing, her hope. Then let’s do this... together...
Her body trembled, her bones shifting, her muscles stretching, her skin burning as her form began to change, her senses sharpening, her power rising.
It was painful... agonizing... overwhelming. But Damian was there, his presence steady, his words calm, his strength guiding her, supporting her, protecting her.
And then she was free.
The world exploded into color, her vision sharper, her senses more acute, her body powerful, graceful, wild. She stood on four legs, her fur shimmering in the sunlight, her breath fogging the air.
She was a wolf.
But not just any wolf...
A white wolf.
Damian’s breath caught, his eyes widening, his heart racing as he took in her form, his chest tightening with shock, with awe, with disbelief.
She was magnificent... radiant... divine. Her fur was pure white, glowing with an ethereal light, her eyes bright, wise, powerful.
She was beautiful... perfect... rare.
A white wolf... a gift from the Moon Goddess... one of the most powerful creatures in existence.
His heart pounded, his body trembling as realization dawned on him. She wasn’t just any wolf... she was special... she was meant to be his.
Mate... his wolf growled, possessive, protective, reverent.
But before he could speak, she took off, her body flowing, her movements graceful, elegant, wild. She was free... and she was breathtaking.
He chased after her, his heart pounding, his body heating as she danced through the forest, her laughter echoing in his mind, her joy infectious, her spirit unbreakable.
She was his... and he would protect her... no matter what.
\---
The Mourning Crown
Kaden stood before the altar, his heart heavy, his eyes hollow as he stared at his mother’s lifeless body. Her face was pale, peaceful, her hands folded over her chest, her hair braided in the traditional style of a Luna.
But she was gone.
His chest ached, his heart breaking, his body trembling as he reached out, his fingers brushing her cold skin. She had always been there... guiding him, protecting him, loving him.
And now she was gone.
Because of Ella... She had been serving his mother poison before he banished her...? Lila had told him of her evil actions..
His jaw tightened, fury blazing through him, his eyes darkening with hatred. It was her fault... she had poisoned his mother... she had betrayed him... she had destroyed his family.
He would make her pay.
But first, he had to secure his pack... his power... his throne.
He turned, his eyes cold, his voice hollow as he spoke to the gathered pack members, his words strong, commanding, resolute. “The Luna is dead... but the pack must live on. We need strength... we need unity... we need a new Luna.”
He turned to Lila, his eyes empty, his heart numb as he extended his hand, his voice firm. “Lila... you’ve always been by my side... you’ve always been loyal... you will be my mate... and you will be the new Luna.”
Lila’s eyes gleamed, her lips curving into a victorious smile as she stepped forward, her head bowing, her voice sweet. “I am honored, Alpha... I will serve you... and this pack... with all that I am.”
The pack cheered, their voices echoing through the hall, their loyalty unwavering, their allegiance absolute.
But Kaden’s heart was cold, his soul hollow, his mind filled with vengeance. Ella would pay for her betrayal... she would suffer for her sins... she would regret the day she ever crossed him.
And Lila watched with cold satisfaction, her fingers brushing the delicate crown on her head, her body trembling with power, with victory, with anticipation.
She was Luna.
And no one would take that away from her.
\-----
The Hollow Crown
Lila stood before the mirror, her fingers brushing over the delicate silver crown resting on her head, her reflection glowing with power, with beauty, with victory.
She was Luna.
Her lips curled into a satisfied smile, her heart pounding with triumph as she traced the intricate designs on the crown, the sacred symbol of power, of authority, of loyalty.
She had won.
She had defeated the old Luna, removed her from her path, claimed her throne, and secured her place by Kaden’s side.
Everything she ever wanted was finally hers.
But the smile faded, her chest tightening, her eyes darkening as she placed a hand on her stomach, her fingers trembling.
Empty... barren... cursed.
The healer’s words echoed in her mind, cruel and cold, shattering her dreams, her hopes, her victory.
“You will never bear an heir... you are barren... the Moon Goddess has cursed you.”
Her jaw clenched, fury boiling within her, her hands curling into fists. No... it couldn’t be true. It wouldn’t be true.
She was Luna... she deserved power... she deserved to be the mother of the next Alpha... she deserved everything.
But she was cursed.
Her chest tightened, her eyes stinging as she fought back tears, as she fought against the crushing weight of her failure.
I will not accept this... I will not be defeated.
She turned away from the mirror, her heart pounding, her body trembling as her mind raced, her thoughts spinning, her fury building.
No one could ever know... no one could ever find out about her curse, about her weakness, about her failure.
Especially not the foolish Alpha Kaden....