Chapter 2
372words
The elders gasped in unison.
"Silver... she's a silver wolf..."
"The Moon Goddess's blessing..."
A week later, they escorted me to the central hall of the Silver Moon pack.
That's where I first met Karl.
The Alpha of Silver Moon—twenty-five, powerful, with piercing gray eyes that seemed to cut right through me.
"Is this her?"
"Yes, Alpha." The elder bowed his head. "She is your destined mate."
Karl stalked toward me and tilted my chin up with one finger.
"Your name?"
"Ella."
"From today, you are Luna of Silver Moon."
He turned and walked away without asking if I consented.
That night came the marking ceremony.
Karl's teeth broke through my skin, branding me with the Alpha's mark.
No pleasure came with it—only searing pain that nearly made me black out.
When it was done, he dressed and left without a backward glance. I lay alone, clutching my wounded neck, staring numbly at the ceiling.
My ascension to Luna—a ceremony colder than any business transaction.
For four years, I served the pack with unwavering dedication.
Every full moon, I'd journey to the sacred grounds to commune with the Moon Goddess.
She favored me, this goddess of silver light.
Game flooded our hunting grounds. Cub survival rates jumped forty percent. Our warriors grew stronger, faster, more fearless.
Silver Moon rose from obscurity to become a dominant force in the Western Territory.
The elders couldn't have been more pleased.
"All credit to our Alpha," they'd say, nodding sagely.
Karl basked in their praise.
No one noticed how each communion left me bedridden for days.
Communing with the Moon Goddess drained my life force like a slow bleed.
Eventually, I collapsed—unconscious for three days and nights.
I woke to find Karl sitting beside my bed.
"You're awake. Good. Don't forget next month's full moon ritual."
I stared at him, stunned.
"The pack needs the Goddess's blessing."
"I understand," I finally whispered, tasting bitterness on my tongue.
"Good."
He left without another word. I curled into myself, silent tears tracking down my cheeks.
Karl had never loved me.
He only needed what I could provide.
