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Fated by the Moon

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Synopsis
She was never meant to be Luna. He was never meant to love her. But under the light of the full moon, destiny doesn’t ask—it claims. When shy, strong-hearted Olivia is chosen as the fated mate of Alpha Alex, she’s thrust into a world of power, rivalry, and ancient trials. But one jealous rival will stop at nothing to tear their bond apart. In a land where the moon decides your fate, will love be enough to survive what comes next?
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Chapter 1 - The Bond Awakens

The wind swept through Moonlight Forest, carrying with it the crisp scent of pine and ancient magic. The moon hung high above the treetops, massive and glowing, a silver eye watching all. On nights like this, legends whispered in hushed tones by the fireside came alive—especially the one that declared:

> "When the Alpha stands alone, the moon shall choose his heart."

That night had finally come.

Eighteen-year-old Olivia Rivers stood at the edge of the ceremonial clearing, her heart hammering beneath her ribs. A circle of torches cast flickering shadows across her face, but it wasn't the fire that made her warm—it was the heat of dozens of eyes fixed on her. Warriors, Elders, omegas, even pups—everyone from the Northern Pack had gathered for the Bonding Ceremony.

Her hands trembled at her sides. Not from fear, but from the sheer weight of what she was about to step into.

Until yesterday, she had been nothing more than a healer's apprentice. She lived quietly, helping her grandmother prepare poultices and powders, and reading books that smelled of dust and moonlight. She was kind. Caring. Gentle.

But never once had she imagined that she was Luna-born.

The pack had been buzzing since dawn. The Moonstone—the sacred crystal that glowed only in the presence of a true mate—had shimmered white when she'd placed her hand upon it. Not for anyone else. Not even for Eunice, the Beta's daughter, the warrior trained to be Luna since she could walk.

No. It had glowed for Olivia.

And it had sealed her fate.

She looked up as the Elders began their chant in the old language. Across the clearing stood Alpha Alex Nightbane, the strongest and most feared alpha in the Northern Territories. He was everything Olivia was not—hardened, powerful, fierce in battle. His tall, broad frame stood wrapped in ceremonial black and silver. His golden eyes glowed faintly even now, not from rage—but from the intensity of the bond between them.

She didn't know him well. But in the moment their eyes met beneath the moon's light, something deep within her stirred. Her wolf—quiet all these years—rose and whispered, "He is ours."

"Step forward," one of the Elders called, voice ringing through the clearing.

Olivia's feet moved as if pulled by invisible threads. The crowd parted as she made her way to the center. She could feel the heat of resentment, envy, confusion—and worst of all, hatred.

It came from Eunice, standing stone-still just behind the circle.

Eunice had trained all her life for this moment. She was fierce, graceful in battle, deadly with a blade. Her family had told her she would be Luna. The pack believed it. Even the Elders expected it.

But the Moon Goddess had other plans.

"You're making a mistake," Eunice muttered under her breath as Olivia passed.

Olivia didn't stop. She didn't flinch. She just met Eunice's icy blue eyes and said, softly, "The moon doesn't make mistakes."

Alex's hand reached out to meet hers as she arrived at the center of the circle. His touch was warm—electric, even. She gasped softly as a jolt of heat traveled up her arm and bloomed in her chest.

He saw it, too. A flicker of surprise crossed his otherwise unreadable face. Their bond was real. Raw. Fated.

The Elders raised their staffs, and the moonlight intensified.

> "Tonight, we witness the claiming of the Alpha's heart by the Moon Goddess herself," the lead Elder declared. "Their souls entwined, their fates sealed. No force shall undo what the moon has bound."

Suddenly, the light from above poured down like a beam, covering Olivia and Alex in silver fire. The crowd gasped. Even Eunice stumbled back a step.

The Moonstone at the center of the circle pulsed once, then shattered—releasing a gentle shockwave that sent wind swirling through everyone's hair. It was done.

Olivia was Luna.

And the world would never be the same.

---

Later that night, when the celebration had died down and most of the pack had returned to their dens, Olivia remained by the lake near the forest's edge. The moon shimmered on the water like liquid silver.

She heard footsteps behind her.

"Why aren't you resting?" Alex's voice was gentler than she expected.

"I couldn't sleep," she replied. "It still doesn't feel real."

He moved beside her, arms crossed, gaze on the water. "It is. The bond is undeniable."

She studied his profile in the moonlight. Strong jaw. Thick lashes. But there was more beneath his surface—depth, grief, responsibility. Things he hid well. She sensed it, like her wolf sensed his.

"I'm not who people expected," she said quietly.

"No, you're not. You're better."

Her breath caught. She turned to him. "You don't even know me."

His golden eyes met hers, steady and unreadable. "Not yet. But I will."

They stood in silence, not speaking but feeling. Something ancient hummed between them, a current neither could explain. Their bond was more than destiny—it was spiritual, deep, and written long before they were born.

A sudden rustle from the trees made Alex stiffen. His hand went to the dagger on his belt.

From the shadows stepped a familiar figure: Eunice.

Her eyes glowed with fury, and her voice was a blade of ice. "I challenge the bond."

Olivia's breath hitched. "You… what?"

"I challenge the bond," Eunice repeated, louder. "By pack law, I invoke the Trial of Blood and Moon. I will prove I'm the rightful Luna."

Alex growled low in his throat. "This is madness."

"It's the law," she snapped. "And I will prove the Moon made a mistake."

Her gaze turned to Olivia—full of venom. "You may have a healer's heart, but this is the world of warriors. And you're not ready for what's coming."

As she turned and vanished back into the forest, Olivia stood frozen, heart pounding. Alex placed a hand on her shoulder.

"You don't have to do this," he said, jaw tight.

But Olivia's eyes narrowed, her voice steady. "Yes, I do."

The moon above glowed brighter—as if approving.

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