Chapter 1 - Moonlit Misgivings

RAVENHURST CLAN

Lylah gazed intently at the two figures standing in the centre of the pack as they exchanged their marriage vows. Akira and Zarek looked so happy and so much in love. Soon she would be required to say the vows as well and bond forever with Cormac, but the thought of that made her sad rather than happy.

“Why so glum, Lylah?” Kaida asked, rousing her from her thoughts.

Lylah turned to her friend, seated beside her on the low bench. Kaida’s eyes were twinkling under the full moon, and the colour of her flushed cheeks almost matched the redness of her hair.

“She’s imagining how her own wedding day will be.” Odessa chimed in from Lylah’s other side.

Lylah's voice turned pensive. "You tend to assume too much, Odessa. It would interest you to know that unlike you, I don't engage myself in petty imaginations all day." 

Odessa didn't appear ruffled by Lylah's remarks, instead, she pressed on. “Well, whether you're actually imagining it or not, one thing is certain: your own wedding is coming up soon, and it'll definitely be more grand than this. After all, you’re marrying Cormac of all persons!” 

"I can't wait!" Kaida exclaimed. 

Lylah shot them a reproachful glance, then her thoughts drifted to Cormac. Her expression faltered.

“What makes Cormac so special?” She asked, her brows furrowing. “Is it simply because he’s Alpha Asher’s son - someone I barely know or love?”

"Love will grow in time." Odessa said matter-of-factly. 

Lylah eyed her disapprovingly. "You watch too much movies. " 

Odessa and Kaida laughed. 

“But seriously,” Kaida began, “you must be a little excited about it?”

Lylah's tone remained resolute“As a matter of fact, I’m not.” 

“Gosh, girl! You’re unbelievable! Many girls would give their right paws to be chosen as the new Luna, yet you’re acting like it’s a problem.”

Lylah didn’t reply. She looked away and fixed her gaze once more on the new couple in the center of the pack. The flaming bonfire behind the them cast a glow on her oval shaped face, and the tip of her nose flared outward as her velvet, ruby red lips curved into a gentle smile.

“Akira and Zarek have been close since we were all pups.” She began. “They chose each other. It seems not everyone gets to be that lucky.”

“So what you’re saying...” Kaida began, “Is that if you were given the chance to pick your mate, you’d have chosen someone else? Someone other than Cormac?”

“Of course I would!” Lylah replied, her facial muscles tightening.

“Who would you have chosen then?” Odessa asked, her voiced laced with obvious doubts.

Lylah looked squarely at her. Her face was undecided for a moment, but then she turned away without saying a word.

“You see...” Odessa continued, triumphantly. “You don’t actually have anyone in mind, you’re just being difficult.”

“I’m not being difficult...”

“Yes, you are.” Odessa countered.

Lylah's voice took on a hint of mischief. “Actually I do have someone in mind... but he's not from here.” 

“Oh, that's very funny.” Odessa scoffed.

“No, I’m serious.” Lylah persisted, an enigmatic grin spreading across her face.

“Which clan is he from, then?” Odessa asked.

“I’m not telling you.” Lylah said, pursing her lips.

Odessa rolled her eyes. "And here I am, actually believing that you don't wallow in imaginations 'like me.'"

Before Lylah could retort, Kaida, who had been focusing on the event in front of them, nudged her and gestured forward, her hands twitching excitedly. “Look! This is my best part - they’re about to turn!”

The three girls focused once more on the couple as they received their marriage blessings from the three representatives of the Lunar Council. The atmosphere was electric, with everyone cheering as the pair prepared for their first duo transformation as bonded mates. 

Just then, Lylah felt a tug on her right hand. She turned to see Cormac beckoning her.

“Come, Lylah, I want to talk to you,” he said, his deep voice cut through the cheering that enveloped them all around.

“Can it wait, please? I want to watch this.” Lylah replied impatiently.

“Now, Lylah!” Cormac commanded, the glow of the fire conveying his hardened gaze and the corners of his mouth which twisted downwards, as if daring Lylah to defy him.

“But I don’t want to miss this turning part...” She said softly, almost like a plea.

But Cormac had already turned and was walking away towards the Oakwood tree that stood swaying majestically in the wind some kilometers ahead.

Lylah stood up dejectedly and started towards him. Her friends eyed her approvingly as she left, but Lylah wished she was in their shoes instead. At least they would have the opportunity to choose who they are paired with, someone they actually loved, not someone that would just show up and order them around.

What could Cormac possibly want with her at this very moment? And is this how their relationship will be, he ordering her about irrespective of what she thinks or how she feels?

Lylah sighed and picked up her pace. The sooner she finds out what Cormac wants, the better, that way she can at least begin to learn about what her future with him would look like.