Chapter 7
2101words
Too much had happened tonight—the succession ceremony, my engagement to Liam, Ethan's outburst, the Blood Moon threat. These scenes kept replaying in my mind, especially Liam's declaration before everyone.
"From this moment forward, I, Liam Nightfall, belong to you forever."
Those words made my heart flutter anew. An Alpha never lightly promises to "belong forever" to anyone—it's the ultimate surrender of autonomy. Yet Liam had spoken those words without hesitation before the entire assembly.
My thoughts were interrupted by a gentle knock at the door.
"Selena, are you awake?" It was Liam's voice.
I rose to open the door and found him standing outside, concern in his eyes.
"I sensed your unease," he said. "Want to talk about it?"
This was the telepathic bond between Alpha and Luna—we could sense each other's emotions. I stepped aside to let him in, and we settled on the small sofa by the window.
"Are you worried about Blood Moon's threat?" he asked.
I shook my head. "Not just that. So much happened today... I need time to process everything."
Liam gently took my hand. "I understand. But remember, you're not alone anymore. I'll always be by your side."
His hand was warm and strong, offering immense comfort.
"Thank you," I said softly. "Thank you for what you said in front of everyone today."
Liam's gaze softened. "I was only speaking from my heart. From the first moment I saw you, I knew you were special."
"The first time you saw me?" I asked, confused. "You mean at the engagement party three years ago?"
Liam shook his head, a mysterious smile playing at his lips. "No. Before that."
He pulled a small box from his pocket. When opened, it revealed an exquisite silver bracelet with a moon-shaped pendant.
"Do you remember this?"
I stared at it in surprise. "This is... the gift I received on my fifteenth birthday."
It was the most beautiful gift I'd ever received. I'd treasured it until I accidentally lost it when I fled Moon Shadow three years ago.
"I was the one who gave it to you," Liam said. "I had just become Alpha of Shadow Pack and was visiting Moon Shadow for a meeting. In the garden, I saw a silver-haired girl standing in the moonlight, beautiful as a moonlit spirit."
My heart raced as memories flooded back. On that birthday, I had indeed spent hours in the garden because Father was too busy with meetings to celebrate with me.
"I didn't dare approach you," Liam continued. "But I wanted to leave something for you. So I had this bracelet delivered, with my initials engraved on it."
I examined the pendant carefully and found tiny "L.N." letters engraved on the back.
"I never knew who sent it," I whispered. "Thank you, Liam."
Liam fastened the bracelet around my wrist, his fingers brushing against my skin, sending shivers through me.
"Three years ago, when I learned you were to become my fiancée, I was overjoyed," he said. "But you seemed so resistant, and then you left. I respected your choice, but I've been waiting for you to return ever since."
My eyes welled with tears. "I had no idea... I thought it was just a political arrangement."
"It was never that for me," Liam's voice was deep and sincere. "From that night under the moonlight, I knew you were my destiny."
Our eyes met in the moonlight, and an indescribable feeling welled up in my heart. Liam leaned closer, and I closed my eyes as his lips gently pressed against mine.
The kiss was gentle and restrained, full of respect and tenderness. When we parted, I saw the red glow in his eyes—evidence of his tremendous effort to control his instincts.
"I should go," he said softly. "There's much to prepare for tomorrow."
I nodded, though reluctance tugged at my heart.
Liam stood but paused at the doorway. "Selena, about Blood Moon's threat—we need to be vigilant. They won't give up easily."
"I know," I said. "We'll face it together."
Liam smiled and nodded before leaving.
I returned to bed, my heart now filled with warmth and reassurance. The bracelet on my wrist caught the moonlight, glimmering like a promise that had transcended time.
Early the next morning, I was awakened by urgent knocking.
"Luna, something's happened!" It was Kane, captain of the Moon Shadow guards.
I quickly rose and opened the door. "What's wrong?"
"The border's been attacked. Blood Moon has allied with several smaller packs," Kane's expression was grim. "Alpha Liam has already led a response team, but the situation looks bad."
My heart sank. "Are there casualties?"
"More than a dozen pack members injured, but no life-threatening wounds so far."
I quickly dressed and followed Kane to the council hall. The elders had already gathered, their faces etched with concern.
"Luna," the Grand Elder began, "Blood Moon has come in full force this time. They seem well-prepared."
"What's their objective?" I asked.
"You," another elder replied. "They claim to challenge Moon Shadow's succession system, declaring you unworthy of being Luna."
I nodded calmly. "I understand. I need to go to the frontline."
The elders exchanged worried glances. "It's too dangerous, Luna."
"I am the Luna of Moon Shadow," I said firmly. "When my pack is in danger, I cannot hide in safety."
Seeing my determination, the elders relented. Kane led a squad of guards to escort me to the border.
The border had become a battlefield. Werewolves clashed throughout the forest, snarls and howls filling the air. I quickly spotted Liam locked in fierce combat with the Blood Moon Alpha.
Liam fought with lethal grace, each strike executed with perfect precision. But the Blood Moon Alpha was a formidable opponent, matching him blow for blow.
Just then, I spotted a figure creeping behind Liam, clutching a silver knife—a werewolf's bane.
"Liam, behind you!" I screamed.
Liam spun around, but too late. The knife was already plunging toward his heart.
In that critical moment, a dark figure lunged forward, placing himself between Liam and the blade.
It was Ethan!
The silver knife plunged into his chest, blood immediately spurting from the wound. Ethan staggered but remained standing, seizing the attacker's wrist and hurling him to the ground.
"Ethan!" I rushed forward to catch him as he began to collapse.
He looked at me, forcing a weak smile. "Selena... I... I know the truth..."
"Don't talk," I urged. "We need a healer!"
Liam quickly subdued the Blood Moon Alpha, then rushed to our side. He examined Ethan's wound with a grave expression. "Silver knife wound. Ordinary healing won't work."
"The power of Moon Shadow," I said suddenly. "I could try."
I placed my hand over Ethan's wound, closed my eyes, and concentrated. I felt moonlight power flowing through me, channeling into Ethan through my hands.
Silver light enveloped his wound. Slowly, the bleeding stopped, and the torn flesh began to knit together.
Ethan's breathing steadied as he opened his eyes, looking at me in wonder. "You... you saved me."
"Why would you save me?" he asked weakly. "After everything I did to you."
"Because it was the right thing to do," I answered simply. "And because you just saved Liam."
Ethan looked at Liam, and the two exchanged a complicated glance.
"I owe you my life," Liam said. "Thank you."
Ethan shook his head. "I was just trying to make amends."
He struggled to sit up. "Selena, I need to tell you something—about Vivian and Blood Moon's conspiracy."
In the Moon Shadow medical ward, Ethan told us everything.
Vivian was working with Blood Moon, planning to drug Liam at today's celebration so he would lose control and attack me. Today's border attack was merely a diversion.
"She gave me the same drug," Ethan explained. "That's why I've been having those uncontrollable rages lately."
Liam and I exchanged worried glances.
"Is the celebration still happening?" I asked.
Liam nodded. "Yes. To avoid panic, the elders decided to proceed as planned."
"Then we have a chance to catch her," I said. "But we need to be careful."
We devised a plan: pretend everything was normal, but switch the drinks to make Vivian believe her plan was working.
"I'll help you," Ethan said, "but please let me do one last thing."
He looked hesitant but finally steeled himself. "I want to apologize to Selena. Publicly."
I looked at him in surprise. "You don't have to do that, Ethan."
"No, I must," he insisted. "I once held the most precious treasure in the world and failed to recognize it. I need to own my foolishness."
I glanced at Liam, who nodded in understanding.
"Alright," I said. "If that's what you need."
The celebration proceeded as scheduled. The hall was elaborately decorated as pack members gathered to celebrate their new Luna's succession.
Liam and I sat at the main table, receiving blessings from pack members. Ethan was also present but kept his distance, his eyes filled with complex emotions.
Just as servers brought out drinks, I spotted Vivian approaching stealthily. She looked nervous yet expectant, her eyes fixed on Liam's glass.
Following our plan, Liam pretended to drink from his glass, then began showing signs of distress. His eyes glowed red, his breathing quickened, and his body trembled violently.
"Liam?" I asked with feigned concern. "What's happening to you?"
Liam didn't answer, only emitted a low growl. He suddenly lurched to his feet, knocking over the table and causing gasps of alarm.
"He's losing control!" someone shouted.
Vivian's face briefly showed a smug smile before she quickly masked it with an expression of terror, backing away.
Liam lunged at me, eyes wild with rage. I feigned panic, but at the last moment, he suddenly pivoted and seized Vivian as she tried to slip away.
"Game over, Vivian," he said coldly. "We know about your plan."
Vivian's face drained of color. She struggled to escape, but Liam's grip was like iron.
"Let me go!" she screamed. "You can't do this to me!"
"You conspired with Blood Moon to harm Luna," Liam's voice was ice. "That's a capital offense."
Just then, Ethan stepped forward. He looked at Vivian, his eyes filled with disappointment and pain.
"Why?" he asked. "Why would you do this?"
Vivian saw Ethan and panic flashed across her face before her expression hardened again.
"Why?" she sneered. "Because I've had enough! Enough of being looked down on by you so-called 'noble' werewolves! I wanted to prove I'm stronger than any of you!"
Her eyes gleamed with maniacal light, all trace of her usual beauty and elegance gone.
"You drugged me," Ethan said calmly. "Made me act unlike myself, all for your revenge scheme."
"You were pathetically easy to manipulate," Vivian mocked. "Your arrogance and obsession with Selena made you the perfect pawn."
Pain flashed across Ethan's face, but he quickly composed himself.
"I once thought I loved you, Vivian," he said. "But now I understand that was just self-deception. True love means respect, support, and being there when someone needs you."
He turned to me and Liam, bowing deeply.
"Before everyone gathered here, I, Ethan Silverstone, apologize to Selena Moonlight and Liam Nightfall. I'm ashamed of my foolishness and arrogance. I bless your union—may moonlight forever guide your path."
The hall fell silent, everyone stunned by the scene. Ethan, the proud Silver Claw Alpha, was actually bowing his head and admitting his mistakes before everyone.
I stepped forward and gently took his hand. "Thank you, Ethan. I accept your apology."
Liam nodded, also signaling his acceptance.
Vivian was taken away to face pack justice. Ethan chose to temporarily stay with Moon Shadow, helping us against the Blood Moon threat.
As night fell, Liam and I stood on the mountaintop, overlooking our territory. Moonlight bathed us in its gentle, silver glow.
"Do you think Ethan's apology was sincere?" I asked.
Liam considered for a moment. "I believe it was. Sometimes people need to lose something precious before they understand its true value."
I leaned against his shoulder, drawing comfort from his warmth and strength.
"Thank you, Liam," I said softly. "Thank you for waiting for me all this time."
Liam gently kissed my forehead. "I would wait for you forever, no matter how long it takes."
In the moonlight, our shadows merged into one, just as our hearts had become inseparable.
However, in the distant forest, a pair of red eyes watched us coldly. The Blood Moon threat was far from over, and an even greater crisis loomed on the horizon.
