Chapter 1

The familiar scent of pine and wildflowers that once welcomed me home now felt like a slap across the face. Five years abroad managing pack alliances for the Shadowmoon territory, and this was my welcome? Not a single pack member waiting at the border. No ceremonial escort to the Alpha's mansion. Just silence and the distant sound of celebration from the pack grounds.

I straightened my spine, a habit from years of royal posture training that I'd tried to break. "They're probably just busy with preparations for the mating ceremony," I told myself, though my wolf, Selene, growled in disagreement.

*Something's wrong,* she whispered in my mind. *Where is our mate?*

"He's probably surprised we arrived early," I murmured, trying to ignore the knot forming in my stomach.

As I approached the main gathering area, the sounds grew clearer—music, laughter, cheers. Through the trees, I could see dozens of pack members dressed in their finest clothes, surrounding a raised platform where a figure stood in a flowing silver dress.

"—and to celebrate our Alpha's choice of mate!" A beta's voice rang out, followed by thunderous applause.

I froze mid-step, my luggage forgotten at my feet.

"Our future Luna, Sariyah!"

The woman turned, her dark hair cascading down her back as she waved to the crowd. I'd never seen her before, but something about her predatory smile made my skin crawl.

"Our Alpha has chosen wisely," the beta continued. "A mate who will strengthen our pack with her—"

I couldn't listen anymore. My ears were ringing, drowning out everything except the pounding of my heart and Selene's furious growls.

*He wouldn't dare,* she snarled. *Our mate wouldn't betray us.*

But the evidence was right there, in front of the entire pack.

I slipped away from the celebration, my diplomatic training kicking in despite my inner turmoil. No sense causing a scene before I understood what was happening. The Alpha's office was in the east wing—I remembered the layout perfectly.

The corridors were empty, everyone outside for the impromptu celebration. I reached Archer's office and knocked once before pushing the door open without waiting for permission.

He looked up from his desk, surprise flashing across his handsome face before settling into something harder, colder than I remembered.

"Bellamy." My name on his lips sounded like a stranger's. "You're back early."

"Clearly," I said, keeping my voice steady despite the tremor in my hands. "I thought we were finalizing our mating ceremony this week."

Archer leaned back in his chair, studying me with eyes that had once looked at me with love. Now they assessed, calculated.

"Circumstances have changed," he said, as if discussing a minor schedule adjustment rather than our sacred bond. "I've chosen Sariyah as my mate."

The words hit like physical blows. I felt Selene recoil inside me, whimpering in confusion and pain.

"That's not possible," I said quietly. "We're fated mates, Archer. The Moon Goddess herself blessed our union."

He waved his hand dismissively. "Fated mates are convenient for politics, Bellamy. But I've found something... more suitable."

I stepped closer, letting my Luna aura—the one I'd carefully controlled for years—flare slightly. "What exactly are you suggesting?"

Archer's eyes narrowed as he sensed my power, but he didn't back down. "You have two options. Accept a position as secondary mate in this pack, or return to your father and find another alliance."

The door behind me swung open before I could respond. The woman from the platform strode in, her scent—vanilla and something sharper—filling the room.

"Alpha," she purred, ignoring me completely as she approached Archer. "The celebration is waiting for you."

"Ah, Sariyah." His voice warmed as he looked at her. "Perfect timing."

She finally turned to me, her eyes gleaming with triumph. "So you're the Luna who's been away. I've heard so much about you."

"None of it good, I imagine," I replied coolly.

Sariyah laughed, the sound like breaking glass. "Actually, nothing at all. It's almost as if you never existed here."

She turned to Archer, placing a possessive hand on his shoulder. "Tell me, Alpha, why should we acknowledge her claim when she's been absent for years? She has no connection to this pack. No strength. No place here."

I felt my Luna aura flare again, stronger this time. "Be careful, Sariyah. You're challenging the wrong—"

"She's right," Archer cut in, his voice hardening as he stood. "You've been gone too long, Bellamy. And if you can't accept Sariyah as my chosen mate, perhaps it's time we discussed rejection."

The word hung in the air between us, sacred and terrible.

"You would reject our fated bond?" I whispered, disbelief making my voice crack.

"I would," he said coldly. "Unless you submit to my decision."

Sariyah smiled, victory written across her face as she pressed herself closer to Archer. "The pack has already accepted me as their Luna. Why shouldn't you?"