[ AURORA’S POV ]

The mattress was too soft, making me feel like I was sinking into a trap. I climbed onto the high bed, my movements jerky and stiff. 

Every muscle in my body wanted to curl into a ball, to hide, but I forced myself to lie flat on my back.

My breath hitched as I slowly parted my legs. The cool air hit my skin, making me shiver, but the shame was worse than the cold.

 I stared up at the dark canopy of the bed, a heavy, broken sigh escaping my lips. This was it. This was how it ended.

A moment later, the bed groaned.

The mattress dipped violently as he climbed on. The sheer weight of him sent a ripple through the blankets, pulling me toward his side of the bed.

 I whimpered, my eyes snapping shut as a bead of cold sweat rolled down my spine.

I tried to brace myself. I tried to imagine my soul leaving my body so I wouldn't have to feel whatever was coming next. But I couldn't.

 All I could feel was the terrifying heat of him closing in, and the sound of his ragged, animal-like breathing filling the space between us.

He was right there. I could feel his shadow falling over me, blotting out the moonlight.

The bed jolted under his weight. He didn't wait. He didn't whisper sweet words or try to ease the terror out of me.

Before I could even gasp, his body was a crushing weight on top of mine. He was solid muscle and burning skin, pinning me into the mattress until I felt like the air was being squeezed out of my lungs. 

My hands flew up instinctively to push at his chest, but it was like trying to move a mountain.

He grabbed both of my wrists in one hand, snapping them up above my head and pinning them against the headboard. 

The strength in his grip was terrifying, I felt like my bones might crack if I struggled.

"Don't fight me," he growled in my ear. His voice was a jagged mess of hunger and pain.

I felt his teeth sink into the sensitive skin of my shoulder—not enough to draw blood, but enough to make me cry out. 

His other hand dragged down my body, his touch heavy and demanding as he forced my legs wider.

There was no King left in his eyes when he looked down at me. There was only the wolf. He looked at me like I was something to be consumed, something to be broken.

My breath came in sharp, jagged sobs. I felt the rough fabric of his trousers against my inner thighs, and then the sudden, shocking heat of his skin. He moved with a raw, frantic energy, his movements jerky and desperate.

He didn't look at my face anymore. He was focused on the kill.  The air was ripped from my lungs as he shoved himself into me.

 It felt like being torn apart from the inside. A scream tore out of my throat, raw and jagged, echoing against the cold stone walls of the chamber.

I thrashed, my instinct taking over as I tried to crawl away, to get off the bed, to escape the white-hot pain. But his hand was like a vice.

 He gripped my hip so hard his fingers bruised my skin, anchoring me to the mattress. There was no escape. I was pinned under a mountain of muscle and fur-scented heat.

He didn't pause. He didn't let me adjust.

A guttural, chest-shaking growl ripped from his throat—a sound of pure, animal hunger. 

He pulled back, and for a split second, I thought he might stop. I gasped, sucking in a lungful of air, but then he slammed back into me.

The second strike was even more brutal than the first.

My head hit the headboard with a dull thud. My vision swam with black spots and tears.

 I felt my legs shaking, my muscles seizing up as he began a relentless, punishing rhythm. Every time he surged forward, it felt like he was trying to claim not just my body, but my very soul.

I squeezed my eyes shut, my hands clawing at the silk sheets until my nails felt like they would snap. I was drowning in him. 

The smell of him, the heat of his skin, and the terrifying, rhythmic sound of his growls filled the entire world.

I let out a shriek that felt like it would tear my own throat. My body was locked, frozen in a state of pure, primal terror. I was certain that if I struggled too hard, he would simply snap me in two.

"Stop... please, it hurts!" I sobbed, the words coming out as a broken, breathless mess.

But the man I knew as the King was gone. The creature above me didn't hear words, he only heard the pulse of my blood and the sound of my fear.

His massive hand shifted, his fingers digging into my backside with a grip so bruising it forced me to arch my back. He didn't slow down. He pulled out completely, a split second of cold air that made me gasp, and then he slammed back into me with a force that made the entire bed frame rattle against the wall.

The impact was brutal. It was a collision that should have broken me.

But then, something shifted.

The white-hot sting of the pain began to blur at the edges. My breath hitched, and instead of a sob, a low, shaky moan slipped past my lips.

 My skin felt like it was on fire, a strange, terrifying heat spreading from where we were joined and rushing up my spine. 

I tried to swallow the sound, but it happened again, a soft, involuntary cry that sounded nothing like fear.

The sound of my moan was like gasoline on a fire.

The King snapped. A roar, deeper and more animal than anything I’d ever heard, erupted from his chest. His restraint, the tiny thread of humanity he’d been clinging to, finally disintegrated.

He lunged forward, his teeth bared as he buried his face in my neck. He wasn't just taking me anymore, he was devouring me. 

His movements became frantic, a blur of raw, unhinged power. He was a beast in a frenzy, his breath coming in hot, jagged bursts against my skin as he lost himself completely to the rut.

I was lost, too, tossed about in the storm of his madness, my own cries growing louder as the world outside the room ceased to exist.

[ AURORA’S POV ]

( three weeks ago )

Sunlight spilled through the curtains, painting golden stripes across my bedroom floor. My chest fluttered, a jittery hum running through my stomach as I smoothed my dress for the third time.

 Today was the day. The day my wolf would finally find me. And I would be announced as the pack Luna.

I moved to the mirror, smoothing my hair and taking a deep breath. My reflection mirrored my restless fingers and the tiny tremble of my lips. 

I forced them into a half-smile, straightening my shoulders, counting on the look of confidence. 

I had prepared for this day for months—the perfect dress, the carefully practiced posture, the words I would whisper when the moon called to me. Tonight, under the silver glow, I would become complete. With my mate by my side. Forever.

A soft knock at the door made me jump. My father’s tall figure and Seraphina my sister filled the doorway, my father’s gaze lingered, lingering longer than usual. 

He straightened a lock of my hair, lips pressing into a thin line as if holding back words.

“Are you ready, Aurora?” His voice was steady, but I could hear the careful note beneath it, the weight of all he hoped for me.

“Yes, Father,” I said, eager and bright. My hands gripped the edges of my dress as though holding onto my courage. “I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life.”

He stepped inside, his gaze sweeping over me as if measuring the distance between the girl I was and the woman I would become tonight. 

“Your wolf will come tonight at the ceremony,” he said softly. “Trust yourself. Trust the bond. Don’t rush it. Let it find you, and be ready when it does. Tonight changes everything, Aurora, but it is only the first step of who you are meant to be.”

I nodded quickly, swallowing hard. My throat felt tight, my stomach tickled with anticipation, a warmth that made my fingers tingle and my feet tap against the floor, nearly spilling over. 

I wasn’t just Aurora, his daughter, a member of the pack. Tonight, I would stand at the center of it all. Tonight, I would meet the part of me I had been waiting for my entire life.

“I’m so happy for you, Aurora. I can’t wait for your wolf to appear tonight so the whole pack will respect you as their Luna.” Seraphina said, running her eyes over my dress.

“Thanks Seraphina,” I said.

My eyes found my reflection again. I studied the way the light caught my hair, the way my dress fell softly around me, and the hint of color in my cheeks. 

There was something different today, something in the way my shoulders felt lighter, my heart sharper, my mind focused. I could feel the anticipation like electricity under my skin.

My father smiled briefly, pride softening his features, then stepped back. “Go forward with courage, Aurora. The moon watches. The pack watches. Tonight, you step into who you are meant to be.” he said softly.

And like that. He was gone but Seraphina stayed. Helping me make arrangements for tonight.

————————-

By late afternoon, the clearing was alive with anticipation. The sun sank low, gilding the pine trees in gold, while the moon began its slow climb, pale and luminous. 

My heart pulse hammered against my ribs, a frantic drum that made my breath catch. I wanted to run forward, and yet stay rooted at the same time.

Excited voices filled the air. 

The teen who would be shifting tonight and their families were gathering at the ceremony ground. Pack members filled the space.

The crowd parted as I walked forward, my steps purposeful, my dress swaying lightly around my knees. And then I saw him, my mate.

 The Alpha of the stone moon pack. My eyes lit up, and a bright smile spread across my face. 

He stood near the stone platform, golden light from the moon glinting in his hair, aura calm and steady, as if he had been waiting for me all this time.

I rushed to his side, unable to contain my joy. It was radiating off me.

“Aurora,” he murmured, lifting a hand to smooth my hair back, his touch warm and grounding. “You look radiant tonight. Like always.”

“I’m always ready for you my love,” I said, my voice full of confidence. “Tonight…I can’t wait so I can finally be your Luna.”

He smiled, a flicker of pride in his eyes. “I know and I’m eager as well,” he said softly, his gaze lingering on me.

Seraphina stood frozen, her fingers brushing against each other before she raised a slow wave. My lips curved without thinking, returning her silent encouragement.

The sun sank below the horizon. The moon rose, full, bright, watching. I lifted my face despite myself, wondering how its light would reflect off my fur when I turned.

Elder Mariam stepped onto the platform.

“ Children of the silver moon pack,” she said,” tonight you’ll stand at the threshold between youth and destiny. When I call your name, step forward and offer yourself to the moon.”  

Names rang out. 

One by one wolves emerged, a massive black wolf. A sleek gray female. A smaller she-wolf marked with silver. Each shift was met with cheers, applause, and proud embraces.

“AURORA VALE.”

 My name cut through the clearing. I leave Alpha Mabel’s side after he pecks my cheeks softly.

My pulse slammed against my throat, loud enough that I was sure the wolves closest to me could hear it. Each step dragged, my feet sinking into the earth as if the ground itself were resisting me.

I lifted my face toward the moon and closed my eyes and pressed my hands against my chest. Nothing happened. 

My heart hammered wildly, the rhythm uneven, my vision blurring at the edges as I swayed on my feet. My lips barely moved as the words slipped out, fragile and desperate.

 Please, moon goddess, let me belong.

I reached inward again. And again. Pushing past the steady rhythm of my heartbeat, past the echo of my own breathing, into emptiness.

Still nothing.

The silence stretched, thick and suffocating, pressing against my ears. 

Whispers broke out behind me, sharp, uneasy sounds that crawled up my spine.

I glanced at Elder Mariam, my jaw tight, shoulders tensing. Please…do something, my eyes begged.

I stole a glance at my mate. His face gave nothing away. His eyes met mine for a heartbeat…then slid toward elder Mariam

A cold hollow spread through my chest, squeezing my lungs. I swallowed, but no words came, only the frantic pounding of my heart.

It had to be a mistake…my hands clutched the folds of my dress, knuckles white. I stepped forward, voice trembling.

“Please…check me,” I whispered to Elder Mariam, the words barely escaping as my knees threatened to buckle.

[ AURORA’S POV ]

“Elder Mariam,” my father called sharply.” Check her. Aurora can be dumb at times.”

A few snickers flickered at the edge of the crowd.

Elder Mariam approached. Her presence was heavy as she placed her hands on my shoulder, and heat shot through me, curling up my spine and prickling my skin. My chest fluttered, I sucked in a sharp breath, hoping, praying, for the spark to ignite.

This was it.

I reached inwardly desperately.

There was nothing.

The warmth passed through me without resistance, like a light passing through glass.

Elder Mariam's brow furrowed.

Her hand pressed more firmly. Seconds dragged. The Mummurs grew louder.

My knees weakened. I swayed,  and caught myself before anyone could notice.

Then her hand withdrew.

The cold rushed back in, sharp and unforgiving.

I turned towards my family.

My mother stood perfectly still. My father’s jaw is tight, his disappointment unmistakable,  in public, burning.

Elder Mariam straightened.

“There’s no wolf,” Elder Mariam said. 

My hands dropped to my sides. The space in my chest stretched, hollow and aching. I swallowed, but my thirst refused to make a sound.

I opened my eyes slowly, and I let my breath hitch. My vision blurred and I blinked hard until tears spilled over.

I grabbed the elder Mariam’s hand, gripping it tightly.

Almost pleading through tremor, “No, no please check again. There must be a mistake. Touch me. Check it again, I could feel your power wash over me. There must have been a mistake. I can’t be empty.”

I held her hand tightly, placing it over my chest. She took her hand away from me. And stepped back slowly. She looked back at my parents and shook her head with pity.

“I’ve checked three times,” she said gently.” There’s no wolf. The child is….Empty.”

The word echoed once in my head, hollow and loud. My vision blurred, and the floor rushed up to meet me.

I looked at my mother, desperate for something. The surprise on her face lasted only for a moment. Then her lips curved into relief. I was shocked.

“Aurora darling,” she said loudly for all to hear.” Having no wolf doesn’t diminish your worth. Some of us are meant to serve others in some ways. So I say we go home and get a good rest huh?”

My father's expression hardened into a cold calculation.” I looked away, couldn’t look at him.

“Mother,” I whispered, stumbling toward her .” Please, there must be a mistake.” I said, holding onto her manicured hands.

She pulled her hands away from me roughly.” Go home,” she said. Turning away from me.

Her words burned me. It hit me like fire along my skin. My chest tightened, and I staggered a step, breath catching in ragged gasps.

“Go home,” perhaps next year, the goddess might decide to bless you with a wolf.” my father said before I could reach his side.

My hands balled into fists at my sides, nails digging into my palms. Every warmth, every sparkle of hope drained from me. I rushed forward to my mate’s side, heart full of panic, I reached his side and placed my hand over his.

But he’s not the same man I knew. Something in his expression shifted. His hand fell from mine, and his gaze hardened.

I blinked, confused.

“I… I thought” I began, but he stepped back.

“Don’t touch me with those dirty hands of yours. You’re not worthy enough.” He said.

The word rang in my head. Heavily.

“What…what do you mean?Mabel, it’s me. Aurora.”

But instead of telling me it’s okay. Instead of telling me he would help me find a solution. His voice rang out.

“I, Alpha Mabel,” he boomed, his voice echoing across the clearing, “will not choose Aurora Vale as my mate.”

My heart skipped a beat, and the bright certainty in my chest wavered. He was joking. I keep saying to myself 

His eyes swept past me, landing on my sister. Seraphina stepped forward, her expression triumphant, her hand brushing against his chest with ease.

“I choose Seraphina as my Luna and wife,” he declared.

Gasps rippled through the crowd. My knees trembled.

“No…no, Mabel. You can’t do this to me. What about what we shared?”

“We share nothing, Aurora. I chose you because I thought you were stronger than your sister and now that I know you’re not. You’re of no use to me any longer.”

I step back. My ears couldn’t believe what it’s hearing.

“And Seraphina is also pregnant with my child. The future Alpha of the pack.” He added.

My gaze moved to Seraphina who was holding on to Mable tightly. Her lips stretch into a broad smile.

That was when I knew that he was not only rejecting me, but he had been cheating on me with my sister. And she’s carrying his pup. Hot tears streamed down my face, blinding me. I couldn’t stop them, they spilled in a steady, burning river.

“That’s a good choice, Alpha,” my mother said, her voice calm and approving, eyes shining as she looked at Seraphina.

“Aurora. Now that the  Alpha has chosen your sister as his Luna. You wouldn’t mind would you?

Her question landed like a stone in my chest. My legs gave way, and the world tilted, the ground rushed up to meet me as vision streaked with tears and pain.

“My word is law, and it is final, Mable’s voice thundered across the clearing. “From this moment on, you will all respect Seraphina as your Luna. Her words must be obeyed.”

Seraphina’s lips curved slowly, deliberately. She stepped closer to him, her fingers spreading over his chest, stroking as if she owned the very heartbeat beneath her palm. Her eyes never left mine.

She smiles wider.

Mabel turned, guiding her away, and the pack moved without hesitation, bodies shifting, heads bowing, a path opening before them. They passed through the crowd hand in hand.

I stayed where I was.

My ears rang. The clearing blurred faces melting into shadows as they walked farther away. My fingers twitched, useless at my sides, as if my body hadn’t caught up with what my eyes were seeing.

Darkness swallowed me.