Chapter 2 The Alpha who waited

Miles away from the Silver Crest Pack, the mountains surrounding Nightfall territory stood tall beneath the glow of the moon.

The land here was harsher, dense and dangerous

Wild forests stretched endlessly across the valleys, and the wind carried the scent of pine, earth, and wolves strong enough to survive in this unforgiving terrain.

At the center of it all stood the Nightfall Packhouse,

a massive structure built from dark stone and timber, overlooking the valley like a fortress.

Inside, warriors trained even late into the night.

But on the highest balcony overlooking the forest, one man stood alone.

Alpha Kael.

The wind moved through his dark hair as he stared up at the full moon hanging high above the mountains.

His silver eyes reflected the pale light.

Inside him, his wolf stirred restlessly.

Still nothing.

Kael exhaled slowly.

"I know," he muttered.

It had been years.

Years of waiting.

Years of hoping that one day, somewhere out there, the Moon Goddess would reveal the woman destined to stand beside him.

His mate.

His Luna.

But every full moon came and went without a sign.

Behind him, footsteps echoed across the balcony floor.

"Still talking to the moon?"

Kael didn't turn.

"I prefer it to talking to you, Roran."

A low chuckle followed.

Beta Roran stepped beside him, leaning against the railing as he glanced at the sky.

"You've been standing out here every full moon for the past five years."

"And?"

"And I'm starting to think the Moon Goddess enjoys watching you suffer."

Kael smirked faintly.

"That would be cruel."

Roran shrugged.

"She is a goddess."

Kael remained silent for a moment.

Then he said quietly, "The gathering is tomorrow."

Roran nodded.

"Yes."

Every year, packs across the region gathered under the full moon to celebrate peace between territories.

It was also the best opportunity for unmated wolves to meet their fated partners.

Kael had attended every one since becoming Alpha.

And every time...

Nothing.

Roran glanced at him carefully.

"You think she'll be there this time?"

Kael's wolf stirred again inside his mind.

Restless.

Impatient.

"I don't know."

Roran crossed his arms.

"You're the strongest Alpha in the northern territories. If the Moon Goddess hasn't revealed your mate yet, maybe she's waiting for something."

Kael raised an eyebrow.

"Like what?"

Roran grinned.

"Drama."

Kael shook his head.

"You've been reading too many old prophecies."

But deep down...

A strange feeling settled in his chest.

Something he couldn't quite explain.

As if something important was about to change.

Back at Silver Crest Pack, the atmosphere was very different.

The packhouse buzzed with activity.

Tables were being moved into the main hall.

Decorations hung from the wooden beams.

Omegas rushed back and forth carrying food and supplies.

The Full Moon Gathering was the most important event of the year.

And everything had to be perfect.

Lira balanced a tray of glass cups carefully as she crossed the busy hall.

"Careful with those!" one of the older omegas warned.

"I will," Lira replied softly.

She placed the tray gently on the long wooden table before stepping aside.

Across the room, Clara stood near the entrance, giving orders like she owned the place.

Which, in many ways, she did.

As the Alpha's daughter, she was already treated like a future Luna.

Even though she wasn't mated yet.

"Those banners are crooked!" Clara snapped at two young wolves.

They quickly adjusted them.

Lira tried to stay unnoticed while she wiped down the table.

But Clara's sharp eyes spotted her immediately.

"You," she said.

Lira froze.

"Yes?"

Clara walked closer, her heels tapping against the wooden floor.

"You'll be serving drinks tomorrow night."

Lira nodded.

"Yes."

"And try not to look so miserable."

Lira blinked.

"I'm not-"

"You always look like someone kicked a puppy," Clara interrupted.

Her friends laughed.

Clara leaned slightly closer.

"Remember something, Lira."

Her voice dropped just enough to sound like advice.

"Tomorrow night powerful Alphas will be here."

Lira nodded again.

"Yes."

"So stay out of the way."

Clara straightened and walked off without another word.

Lira remained where she stood for a moment.

Then quietly returned to work.

That night, long after the packhouse had gone quiet again, Lira walked to the edge of the forest.

She needed the silence.

The cool night air brushed against her skin as she stepped beneath the trees.

Above her, the moon shone brightly.

Something about it always drew her here.

She didn't know why.

Lira sat down near the base of an old oak tree and looked up.

"Why do I feel like I'm waiting for something?" she whispered softly.

The forest offered no answer.

But deep inside her chest...

That strange warmth returned.

Stronger this time.

Almost like a pulse.

A soft whisper brushed against her thoughts.

So faint she almost missed it.

Soon.

Lira frowned slightly.

"Did I imagine that?"

A sudden howl echoed across the distant mountains.

Deep.

Powerful.

Dominant.

Lira felt it in her bones.

Her heart skipped.

Because even from this far away...

She could feel the strength behind that sound.

And somewhere beyond those mountains, Alpha Kael lifted his head toward the same moon.

His wolf growled suddenly.

For the first time in years.

One word echoed inside his mind.

Mate.

Kael's eyes widened slightly.

Because tomorrow night...

The Moon Goddess was finally going to reveal her choice.

And neither of them were ready for what fate had planned.