Page 3 of Moonlit Fate

Done.The word hung between us, as heavy as the clouds outside.

The revelation threatened to drag me down. I had always known that as the future alpha, finding a mate would be among my duties, a tradition written in the indelible ink of pack law. Yet, a feral part of me had clung to the hope that I might evade that particular rule with cunning and persuasion.

I was Aria, after all—headstrong, resourceful Aria who’d never met a rule she couldn’t bend to make it fit a little more loosely.

“You know how I value the freedom to make my own choices,” I said. “Surely there’s room for flexibility here.”

Ragnar’s stern face softened momentarily before the alpha’s ironclad will returned. “The spirits are restless,” he said. “Our forest has been waning. The elders speak of omens and unrest in the earth beneath our paws. We must act swiftly to regain favor.”

It was true. The woodlandhadbecome different, its once-vibrant greens now fading to muted tones, its wildlife scarce and skittish. Even the storms, like the one we experienced today, seemed angrier, unleashing their wrath and punishing the land with relentless fury.

“Aligning with Larkin is more than politics. It’s a covenant with the spirits to restore what’s been lost.” My father turned from me, gazing out the rain-streaked window. “You’ve seen it yourself. Even those fucking rogues sense the imbalance. They’re prowling closer to our borders, drawn to the chaos.”

The bluster outside brewed with increasing ferocity, mirroring the tumult inside me. The rogue from earlier flashed across my mind’s eye, a fleeting image that left an unexpected twinge. But no, it wasn’t about his presence. It was about freedom and choice—or rather, the lack thereof—that he represented.

“Survival isn’t just about strength. It’s about unity, yes, but not one that’s forced,” I argued.

“Unity through strength is how we have survived.” Ragnar looked at me, unflinching, like the trees that had guarded our territory for centuries. “And how we will continue to thrive.”

The opulence of the alpha’s quarters had always served as a stark reminder of our legacy. The walls of the room were adorned with tall bookshelves, each filled with old tomes that showcased the pack’s illustrious history. The space itself seemed to exude prestige.

Ragnar’s presence dominated the space, much like the grandeur surrounding us. His broad shoulders, cloaked in the finest fabrics, held the pack’s future effortlessly. Yet, as we facedeach other, I caught the subtle softening around his eyes, a glimpse into the caring heart of a father behind the authoritative alpha.

“Remember,” he said, “we prioritize the pack in every single choice we make.”

I nodded, his words sinking heavily into my chest, though agitation simmered just beneath my skin. With one last look at the masterful paintings of our ancestors watching over us, I turned and left him among the splendor that was more like a cage than a home.

Exiting the imposing chamber, I nearly collided with Seren, my best friend from childhood, in the hallway. Her bright smile briefly melted my frustration.

“Hey, watch where you’re going, future alpha,” she joked, although concern washed over her as she took in my troubled expression.

“Sorry.” I tried to muster a semblance of a smile. “Just lost in my head.”

Grabbing my arm, she changed direction and walked with me to my private quarters. Seren gestured toward the balcony doors, where dark clouds roiled in the distance. We stepped outside, cool droplets of rain brushing against our skin.

“Looks like it’ll be another nasty one.” She leaned on the railing beside me. Her proximity was a comfort, her familiar scent anchoring me. “This afternoon’s storm is barely finished, and a new one is already upon us.”

“Seems fitting,” I said over the distant rumbles. “Nature’s fury reflecting my own.”

Seren’s hand found mine, her grip strong and reassuring. “You’re not alone in this. Whatever comes, I’m here.”

As lightning crackled across the night sky, I squeezed her fingers, seeking comfort in the midst of the storm—the one in the clouds and the one in my heart.

“Thanks.” The heavens really opened up then, unleashing their torrent on the land. “My father has decided that I am to be mated to Larkin. For the sake of the pack and its future, my destiny has been determined.”

The words hung in the air, their significance amplified now that I’d spoken them.

“Who knows?” She raised her voice to be heard above the downpour. “Maybe you can bend fate to your will, just like you do with everything else.”

I allowed myself a small smile. In Seren’s unwavering faith, I found a sliver of hope amid the deluge, an anchor in the storm that threatened to sweep me away.

Seren turned and leaned against the balustrade, looking at me in the dimming twilight. “Larkin is a catch. He’s strong, respected... hot, even.” She offered a light-hearted chuckle, attempting to lift the oppressive tension threatening to suffocate me.

I snorted, the sound muffled by the raging storm. “It’s not about his attributes. This is about having a choice—or in this case, the utter lack of one.”

Her face softened. “I get it. It’s tough.” She reached out to brush a strand of hair from my face. “But you’re not just anyone. You have a position of privilege, responsibilities as the alpha. Sometimes, that means sacrifice.”

I shook my head, flinging droplets of rain from my silver hair. “Sacrifice shouldn’t mean surrendering the right to choose who I share my life and soul with,” I said, speaking from the heart. “I want to marry for love. To find someone who understands me, challenges me… and makes my toes curl in ways I’ve yet to experience.”

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