THE CEREMONY BEGINS
Aria stood frozen near the wooden fence.
The golden eyes remained in the darkness between the trees, glowing faintly beneath the rising moon.
Her heart pounded in her chest.
For a moment, neither of them moved.
The forest was completely silent.
Aria wanted to look away.
She wanted to run back toward the pack house where the noise and light of the ceremony preparations would drown out the strange feeling creeping through her chest.
But she couldn’t.
Something about those eyes held her in place.
They weren’t wild like a rogue wolf’s.
They were calm.
Observing.
Studying her carefully.
A cold breeze passed through the trees, making the branches sway slightly.
In the next second, the golden eyes disappeared again.
Aria blinked.
The forest looked empty.
Nothing moved between the shadows anymore.
Her breath slowly left her lungs as she took a small step back from the fence.
“Aria!”
The sudden voice made her jump.
She quickly turned around.
One of the kitchen workers was hurrying toward her.
“There you are,” the woman said. “The ceremony is about to begin. Everyone is gathering.”
Aria nodded quickly.
“I’m coming.”
She cast one last glance toward the forest.
But the darkness between the trees remained still.
Whatever had been watching her was gone.
Aria followed the woman back toward the clearing.
The pack territory looked completely different now.
Lanterns glowed brightly across the entire area, casting golden light over the gathering wolves. Music drifted through the air as more and more pack members arrived.
Many of the young wolves had already changed into ceremonial clothing.
Elegant dresses.
Dark jackets.
Silver jewelry shaped like crescent moons.
Aria moved quietly through the crowd, keeping to the side as she usually did.
Her job now was simply to make sure the tables remained organized and that drinks were available if anyone asked.
Still, she couldn’t help glancing toward the center of the clearing.
The ceremonial circle had been prepared.
A large stone platform stood in the middle where the Alpha would speak before the mate bonds were revealed.
Excited whispers spread through the crowd.
“It’s starting soon.”
“I can’t believe the moment is finally here.”
“What if my mate is someone I’ve never spoken to?”
Aria carried a small tray of cups to one of the tables before stepping back again.
She preferred watching from a distance.
Suddenly, the crowd began to shift.
Several wolves lowered their heads respectfully.
“The Alpha is here.”
Aria looked up.
The Alpha of the Silver Moon Pack stepped onto the stone platform at the center of the clearing.
His presence immediately quieted the crowd.
Beside him stood the Beta and several pack warriors.
The Alpha raised one hand slightly.
The murmurs slowly faded until silence filled the clearing.
“Tonight,” the Alpha began, his voice carrying easily across the territory, “we gather under the blessing of the Moon Goddess.”
The full moon had now risen high above the trees, shining brightly over the ceremony.
“This sacred night is when our young wolves will discover the mates chosen for them.”
Excitement rippled through the crowd again.
Aria stayed near the edge of the clearing, half-hidden behind one of the lantern posts.
She watched as many of the young wolves stepped closer to the ceremonial circle.
Nervous smiles.
Excited whispers.
Some held hands with friends for support.
Others stood proudly, completely confident.
Lila was among them.
Her dress shimmered under the lantern light, and her chin was lifted slightly as if she already expected something wonderful to happen.
Her eyes briefly scanned the crowd—
Until they landed on someone else.
Aria followed her gaze.
Kael had just stepped into the clearing.
The future Alpha walked calmly through the crowd, his expression unreadable.
Wolves moved aside automatically to give him space.
His dark clothing contrasted sharply with the bright ceremonial outfits around him.
Even without trying, he drew attention.
A quiet murmur spread through the gathering wolves.
“He’s here…”
“The future Alpha will find his mate tonight.”
Aria quickly lowered her gaze.
She didn’t want to be caught staring again.
But the moment Kael stepped closer to the ceremonial circle—
Something strange happened.
A sudden tension filled the air.
It was faint.
But strong enough that several wolves paused in confusion.
Aria felt it too.
Her chest tightened unexpectedly.
Her breathing slowed.
The air around her seemed to grow heavier.
Across the clearing, Kael suddenly stopped walking.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
As if he had sensed something unusual.
For a brief moment—
His gaze slowly moved across the crowd.
Searching.
Until it suddenly landed on her again.
Aria’s heart skipped.
The strange tension in the air grew stronger.
Neither of them looked away.
And somewhere beyond the edge of the territory—
Hidden deep within the forest—
A powerful wolf lifted its head beneath the full moon.
Its golden eyes burned with quiet intensity.
As if it could feel the moment drawing closer.