She was like a dream.
Her long hair flowed in the wind, strands of the purest silk. Her skin was porcelain, flawless, and her eyes—electric blue. Unnatural. Otherworldly.
She wore a white dress that covered her entire body, except for her hands and bare feet. She stood in the middle of the lake as if it were solid ground, a soft white aura radiating from her.
She was stunning.
I pinched myself. Hard.
I wasn't dreaming.
A low chuckle rumbled beside me. I glanced at my mate, only to find him smirking.
"She's real," he murmured. "And she's here for us. I can feel it in my bones. Take it all in, my love."
I couldn't look at him yet.
I couldn't look away from her.
The crowd held its breath. Some people wept openly. Beside me, I could hear my mate's steady, unshaken heartbeat—a deep, solid rhythm. His scent, rich and grounding, wrapped around me like a blanket.
And then—
The Moon Goddess looked straight at me.
She stepped forward, moving across the water with a grace that was almost sensual, like a queen who knew she ruled the world.
She stopped just inches away from us. Close enough that I could see stars dancing in her irises.
I forgot how to breathe.
She lifted a hand and placed it gently against my cheek. Her touch was ice-cold, like the heart of winter.
"You are not alone anymore, Luna Aleena," she said softly. "And you are not lost anymore, Alpha Kaï. You have found each other."
Luna?
Alpha?
My mate was an Alpha?
Could we have… a pack?
As if she could hear my thoughts, the Moon Goddess smiled.
"Yes, child. You may choose those you wish to start your first pack. Be wise. Be grand."
A tear slipped down my cheek.
This had to be a dream. But it wasn't a nightmare—so I knew it had to be real.
The Goddess withdrew her hand and straightened, standing tall.
Then, she turned to the crowd.
"All of you," she said, her voice carrying like the wind itself, "be wise in your decisions. This gift is a test. A test you must pass—if you ever wish for my return."
For a split second, her eyes darkened. Midnight blue.
And then, she smiled.
She turned and walked toward the lake—fading into a shimmering mirage before vanishing entirely.
The air was thick with silence.
I couldn't move. Couldn't think.
Never in my life had I imagined this.
I had been so certain I would die alone, unwanted, unforgiven.
Slowly, I turned to Kaï. His piercing green eyes had changed—streaked with electric gold.
His jaw clenched. He curled his hand into a fist.
"What is it?" I asked.
He exhaled, his expression unreadable. "It's okay, my love. I'll be just fine."
Not a sharing type. Noted.
His body relaxed slightly, but I could still feel his tension.
Then, he turned to his people. He never let go of me.
They stared at us in silent awe—before the roar erupted.
Cheering. Howling. Crying.
It was wildfire.
One moment of celebration, and suddenly everyone broke free—howling, dancing, jumping, embracing. Some fell to their knees, overwhelmed. Others screamed in pure joy.
We had a Luna. We had an Alpha.
And then—
"ALEE!"
Mary shoved through the crowd and ran toward me.
Kaï tensed.
A deep, feral growl rumbled from his chest.
"MINE."
Mary froze.
She glanced at him, then at me.
I growled back, my entire body burning with rage.
"If you think you're keeping me from my only family," I snarled, "you are gravely mistaken. Mate or not."
Kaï looked down at me. Down, because I had just realized how ridiculously tall he was.
"You're young," he murmured. "You can't understand. I just found my mate. And we are the first in fifty years. Excuse me for being a little protective."
Then, his gaze flickered to Mary.
"You may approach," he said, voice measured. "But know this—I will protect her with my life. If you bring her harm, you will answer to me."
Mary's expression softened.
She bared her neck in submission.
"Yes, Alpha."
Then, she bolted into my arms.
I crushed her against me, holding her so tight she squeaked.
"Alee—can't breathe—"
I let go. Her eyes were glassy.
Hope.
She was hopeful.
"I'm so proud of you," she whispered. "So proud it's you."
She cupped my face, tucking a wild strand of hair behind my ear. A single tear slipped down her cheek.
I wiped it away.
I wished it had been her.
A strange look passed over Kaï's face. He was silent. Still.
Then, his lips curved slightly.
"Your beta, my love." His voice was smooth, certain. "I think you already have her."
Beta.
I was a Luna.
Or I would be—once I had a pack.
It was a no-brainer.
I turned to Mary, my heart pounding.
"Would you?"
She blinked. "What? Of course I would. I couldn't be more grateful."
I swallowed hard.
"I accept you, Mary Astreya, as my official Beta of my pack."
The moment the words left my mouth—
Mary collapsed.
A brilliant light burst from her chest, pulsing outward.
I dropped to my knees, gripping her hand. "Mary! What's happening?!"
She gasped. The glow faded. Slowly, she blinked up at me.
"I felt…" She swallowed. "A force rushing through me. And then—power. But it felt like… you."
My throat tightened. "Are you okay?"
She sat up, breathing hard. "Yeah. Just a little shaken."
I helped her up, my mind spinning.
"You—" she wheezed. "You could've warned me that it would feel like getting hit by lightning."
I blinked. "As if I knew what was going to happen?"
She groaned. "Well, he was the one who told you I could be Beta."
Kaï shrugged, smirking. "I was once a powerful Alpha," he admitted. "But I never had the ability to choose my Beta. It was dictated by the Order of Life."
I bit my lip, looking away.
Why was I so angry?
He didn't deserve it.
I should be celebrating. I should be grateful.
Kaï's voice softened.
"Look. It's a big night." He extended a hand. "Come with us to our camp. We'll talk."
I didn't want to go. But I couldn't stay, either.
Everyone would want to speak with me, and I wasn't in the mood.
"Okay." I exhaled. Then, I turned to Mary. "Do you want to come?"
She shook her head. "I'll stay a bit longer and catch up. I feel a connection. I'll follow it."
Then, she narrowed her eyes at Kaï.
"And you. Don't touch a hair on her head, or I'll come for you. I'll protect my Luna."
Kaï raised his hands in mock surrender, smirking.
"I wouldn't dream of it."
"Good." Mary grinned. "Now go enjoy."
Then—she winked.
I sighed.
What did I just agree to…?