Chapter 1 The Rejection

The full moon rose over Silverclaw Pack's ceremonial grounds, casting a mystical glow on the stone circle where all the pack members had gathered for the most anticipated event of the year-the Mating Ceremony. It was a sacred rite, where the bond between a werewolf and their fated mate was sealed under the moon's blessing. Tonight, Ariana Moon would join the ranks of the pack's most esteemed, for she had always known that Alpha Kade, the most powerful and feared of their kind, would choose her as his mate.

Ariana stood at the edge of the circle, her heart pounding in her chest, her breath shallow. She clutched the silk fabric of her gown tightly, a stark contrast to the wild energy coursing through her veins. Her wolf, Nyra, was restless, eager to complete the bond. The bond that would make her Alpha Kade's.

She glanced over at him-Alpha Kade, standing tall and regal, the leader of the Silverclaw Pack. His dark hair swept over his forehead, and his golden eyes glimmered in the moonlight. He was everything she had ever dreamed of. Strong, commanding, and with a presence that made her heart skip with longing.

But as the ceremony began, something shifted. Ariana felt it first-a coldness that crept into the air. The crowd's murmurs faded as Kade stepped forward to announce his choice. Her heart raced in anticipation, her entire being waiting for him to call her name.

"I, Alpha Kade of the Silverclaw Pack, reject Ariana Moon as my mate."

Her world collapsed around her. The words pierced her like a dagger, cold and final. Ariana stood frozen, unable to comprehend what she had just heard. Her knees buckled beneath her, and she barely heard the sounds of gasps and whispers that filled the air.

"No..." she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Kade's eye s did not soften. His gaze remained firm as he turned to face her half-sister, Liana-beautiful, with perfect blonde curls and an innocent smile. Ariana had always felt like an afterthought next to Liana, but she had never imagined Kade would choose her sister over her.

"The Moon Goddess made a mistake," Kade continued, his voice laced with authority. "I choose Liana as my mate."

Liana's lips curled into a victorious smile, and the crowd erupted in applause.

Ariana's knees gave out completely, and she fell to the ground. The bond between them snapped violently, sending a searing pain through her chest. The world around her blurred as tears welled in her eyes. Her heart shattered into a thousand pieces.

No one moved to help her. No one cared. In that moment, Ariana understood that she was nothing. A discarded piece, thrown away without a second thought.

As she was helped to her feet by a servant, Ariana caught one last glimpse of Kade, kissing her sister with passion, while the crowd cheered. A cold emptiness filled her, a void she could n't escape.