The Blackthorn ceremonial hall reeked of smoke, iron, and moonlight. Wolves packed every inch of the marble floor, their growls humming like a storm beneath the chanting of the elders. Silver braziers cast an eerie glow across walls etched with the Blackthorn crest, fangs piercing a blood-red moon.
At the center, chained to a marble dais, stood Selene Blake.
Her ceremonial gown clung to her curves like a second skin, white silk embroidered with crimson threads that shimmered under torchlight. A cruel reminder of what this night meant, innocence surrendered to blood. Heavy silver cuffs bound her wrists, suppressing her wolf.
Her heart pounded, but her chin stayed high. They won't see me beg. They'll never see me break.
"By decree of the council," the elder's voice thundered, "this union shall bind two rival bloodlines. The Blake daughter, pledged to Alpha Kael Blackthorn."
A ripple of cheers and snarls filled the air.
Selene's stomach twisted. Tonight, she wasn't a bride. She was an offering.
A hush fell as Kael Blackthorn strode from the shadows.
He wore ceremonial black lined with silver, his tall frame radiating power. His eyes glowed storm-gray, cold and merciless. Even his stride carried dominance, every step echoing like a drumbeat in Selene's chest.
He stopped before her, tilting her chin up with rough fingers.
"You're trembling," he murmured, low enough that only she could hear.
"I'm not afraid," Selene snapped, though her pulse betrayed her.
A slow, cruel smile curved his lips. "Good. Fear is boring. I want your fight."
The elder presented a silver dagger. Kael sliced his palm open without hesitation, crimson spilling down his wrist. He pressed his bleeding hand against Selene's lips.
"Drink," he ordered.
The metallic tang seared her tongue as she swallowed. Fire burned through her veins, her body shuddering with the invasive bond.
Gasps spread through the crowd as Kael bent, lips brushing her ear.
"Mine," he growled—then sank his fangs deep into her neck.
Selene cried out, pain and heat colliding in her veins. Her body arched against the chains, half in protest, half in something darker she refused to name. Blood trickled down her collarbone, staining her dress.
The pack roared their approval, howls shaking the rafters.
But something was wrong.
Her veins pulsed with light. The braziers flickered violently. The dais trembled under her feet.
Selene's wolf surged awake, clawing against the silver shackles. Her eyes snapped open, blazing molten gold, brighter than any wolf before.
"She's cursed," someone whispered.
"No… she's chosen," another hissed.
Kael's fangs withdrew, blood smeared across his mouth. He stared at her glowing eyes with something like awe, and fear.
The great doors of the hall slammed open.
Gasps erupted as a figure stormed in, dust and moonlight swirling behind him.
Darius Veyra.
Kael's estranged younger brother, exiled years ago. He was taller, rougher, dressed in torn leather and scars. His eyes glowed the same fire as Kael's, but his smirk was wild, untamed.
"You shouldn't be here," Kael snarled, stepping forward, blood still dripping from his lips.
"Funny," Darius drawled, his gaze locking on Selene. "Fate doesn't seem to care what you think."
The moment his eyes met hers, Selene's body betrayed her. Heat surged low in her belly, her breath hitched, her wolf howled inside her chest.
The mate pull snapped into place again.
Her knees buckled. No. Not again.
"You… you too?" Selene gasped, clutching the dais for balance.
Darius's smirk widened. "Looks like the Moon Goddess has a twisted sense of humor."
The council erupted.
"Impossible!"
"A double bond?"
"Abomination!"
Kael's growl rumbled like thunder. "You dare lay claim to what is mine?"
He lunged, claws flashing, but Darius met him head-on. Their fists collided in a burst of sparks, the sound echoing like thunder through the hall. Wolves howled, some cheering for Kael, others drawn to Darius's defiance.
Selene dropped to her knees, blood dripping from her neck. Both bonds tore at her—heat, rage, desire. She was drowning in it.
Karl seized her by the arm, yanking her upright, pressing her against his chest. His fangs glistened red.
"She is mine. By bite. By blood. By law."
Darius wiped his split lip, eyes blazing with fire.
"Then you'll have to kill me to keep her."
They both transformed into wolf form and lunged at each other, power clashing like lightning. Selene screamed as her body convulsed, light exploding from her skin, shattering every silver chain binding her.
The council stumbled back in terror, whispering one word,
"Cursed."