Chapter 1

Introduction 

"You have to learn to manage your emotions, Aria. It is not acceptable for a real Luna to display weakness.

As I stood in front of my mother, who was assessing me with her piercing green eyes, I tried to maintain a straight expression. Minutes earlier, I had shed tears, and my cheeks were still damp. The weight of my parents' expectations was crippling, even at eight years old.

"But, Mother, what if I don't want to be a Luna?" My question was hardly audible above a whisper.

My mother's face became serious. "Ariana, you'll fulfil your obligation. Our pack will be proud of you.

I nodded as I felt a wave of resolve wash over me. Like my mother, I would demonstrate my value as a Luna.

I grinned, excited to join my buddies as I heard laughing and playful growls coming from outside. My mother smiled back at me, her eyes softening.

"Ariana, go. Have a good day. But keep in mind that as you age, your obligations will only increase.

I nodded, well certain that my life will be dedicated to serving and protecting our pack. My mother's voice interrupted me as I turned to go.

"One more thing, Aria. Cassian Blackwood is scheduled to meet with you today. He may be your future mate since he is the son of an ally of our pack."

The idea of a possible partner made my heart skip a beat. The idea of discovering my mate made me shudder since I had heard tales of their close link.

As I stepped out into the bright sunlight, I saw a number of children playing in the main clearing of the pack. One of them had piercing blue eyes and jet-black hair. 

I felt as if an invisible link was drawing me to him. As our eyes met, he grinned, and I grinned back, feeling a connection.

"Cassian?" My question was hardly audible above a whisper.

His eyes wrinkled at the corners as he nodded. "Aria. I'm glad to have met you.

As we stood there, the outside world disappeared, leaving only the two of us, standing there in a moment of pure oneness.

"I've heard a lot about you," Cassian said in a smooth, low voice. "You're supposed to be the future Luna of our pack.”

His remarks gave me a rush of pride. When I said, "I'll do my best to make our pack proud," I tried to sound certain.

Cassian's grin sparkled in his eyes. "I have no doubt you will," he said. "But I have to ask, Aria... do you ever feel trapped by your destiny?”

Unsure of how to respond, I paused. However, Alpha Blackwood, Cassian's father, materialised behind us before I could reply.

He added, "Ah, Cassian, I see you've met Aria," with a spooky warmth in his voice. "I trust you'll become... close friends."

I stared straight into Alpha Blackwood's eyes and felt a chill. I started to wonder whether our encounter was more than a coincidence since he seemed odd in some manner.

Then Alpha Blackwood's face shifted as abruptly as that. His voice became hostile, and his eyes narrowed.

"I need to talk to you, Cassian. "Now."

Cassian's eyes moved to mine, and I saw a glimmer of concern. But before I could reply, he turned and went after his father, leaving me alone in the clearing.

A feeling of worry descended over me as I watched them go into the forest. What had just taken place? What was Alpha Blackwood's desire for Cassian?

There was little time for me to think. Just as I turned to go, I saw a piece of paper on the ground. There was a message written in hasty hand.

"Aria, come see me at midnight by the ancient oak tree. Come by yourself. -C.

My heart skipped a beat when I read the message. For what reason did Cassian come to see me? Why did he want me to come alone?

Anxiety and happiness surged through me as I tucked the paper into my pocket. I had a feeling that something significant was about to occur in my life.

I couldn't shake the feeling of exhilaration and curiosity as I travelled back to my house. For what reason did Cassian come to see me? Why did he want me to come alone?

When I got to my house, my mother was in the living room waiting for me. With sparkling eyes, she said, "Aria, how was your day?"

I paused, not sure how much to reveal. "It was fine, Mother," I said, trying to seem nonchalant. "I met Cassian Blackwood, and we talked for a bit."

My mother's expression became thoughtful. "Yes, in fact. Cassian. Although he is a good kid, his father—well, that's another story."

Wondering, I raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean, Mother?"

My mother stepped forward in a clandestine manner. "Alpha Blackwood is not a reliable man, Arianna. He has a reputation for being crafty and power-hungry. Even if I'm not sure what his true goals are, we should be cautious around him.

A shiver ran down my spine when I heard my mother's remarks. What brought Cassian and I into contact with Alpha Blackwood's desires?

As the night wore on, I began to check the time every few minutes. I couldn't help but feel both delighted and nervous as midnight approached.

When we met in private, what would Cassian tell me? What did he mean when he said, "Come alone"?

As the clock struck midnight, I slipped out of my house and made my way to the old oak tree. The full moon above cast an eerie glow over the forest.

As I approached the tree, I saw someone waiting for me in the shadows. There stood Cassian, his eyes glistening with anticipation and fear.

He said, "I'm glad you came, Aria," in a meek, frantic tone. "I have an important item to tell you. Something has the ability to change everything.

My pulse was pounding with anticipation as I approached Cassian. What was he trying to tell me? And what did it mean for our future?

We both froze as a deep growl reverberated across the jungle before Cassian could speak another word.

"What was that?" I muttered as I looked around the shadows.

Cassian's expression turned white. "I don't know, but I think we're in trouble."

Everything went dark after that.