Chapter 3 Moonmark

It started with an itch.Luna had been tossing and turning all night, her shoulder tingling like it was sunburnt, even though she hadn't seen the sun in days. At first, she thought maybe it was a bite or rash. But when she finally gave up on sleep and dragged herself out of bed, what she saw in the mirror made her heart skip.Right over her collarbone, just where her skin met the edge of her tank top, a mark had appeared.It was pale silver, like a shimmer under her skin, almost like a tattoo but somehow not. The shape reminded her of a crescent moon surrounded by swirling lines.

It glowed faintly in the dark-like it had its own light.Her fingers trembled as she touched it. It wasn't warm or cold. Just there, like it had always belonged to her. And yet she knew it hadn't been there before. Something had changed.She quickly covered it and went out into the cool morning air, heart racing. She had to find Kael.He was already at the training field, watching the younger pack members spar with dull blades. His eyes always seemed distant, like he was tracking a storm only he could see. When Lyra approached, he noticed immediately. His gaze sharpened, focused just on her."I need to show you something," she said, trying to sound calm.Kael gave a small nod and gestured for her to follow him away from the others. They stopped near the edge of the trees, far enough where no one would overhear. Lyra hesitated, then pulled the collar of her shirt down to reveal the mark.Kael went still.His eyes locked on the Moonmark, and she saw something flicker across his face-shock, recognition... and maybe fear?"You know what it is," she said softly.Kael looked away, jaw tight. "It's nothing. It'll fade.""Don't lie to me," Luna said, heart pounding. "You know what this means."He didn't answer right away. Then, finally, he said, "It's the Moonmark. It only appears on those tied to the prophecy." Luna frowned. "What prophecy?"Kael hesitated again. Then in a low, unreadable voice, he added, "It marks the True Mate."The words hung in the air between them. Lyra's breath caught."Me?" she whispered. "But that would mean..."Kael didn't answer. He turned and walked back toward the field like nothing had happened, leaving her standing there alone and confused. Like he couldn't or wouldn't it. And just like that, things between them changed.Kael became more distant. He didn't meet her eyes when they crossed paths. He threw himself into training, into planning, into anything that let him avoid being near her for too long. Luna didn't understand why he was acting like it was a curse instead of something important. Something beautiful.She had so many questions, but no answers.She barely had time to think about it before the attack happened.The rogue wolves struck just before dusk. It started with a howl on the wind-long, deep, and wrong. Then the sentries at the border raised the alarm, and everything went into motion.Kael was shouting orders, organizing defenses, and Luna found herself shoved into a group of younger fighters, clutching a blade she barely knew how to use. "This is real," she thought. "This is actually happening." Her heart thundered as the rogues broke through the treeline. They moved fast-lean and scarred, teeth bared and snarling. Chaos exploded around her. People shouting, growling, metal clashing. Luna tried to remember what Kael had taught her, but everything became instinct.One of the rogues lunged for her. She barely dodged, slicing its shoulder before it could tear into her. She stumbled, caught her balance, and then swung again, her blade connecting this time. It wasn't clean. It wasn't pretty. But it worked.Something inside her rose up. Not rage-something older. Deeper. She could feel the Moonmark burning on her skin, hot with power, like it was awake. Luna fought with everything she had.When the dust settled, the pack had managed to hold their ground. Several were injured, some badly, but no one had died. The rogues retreated into the woods, snarling curses as they vanished into the shadows. Luna stood in the field, chest heaving, blood on her arms-not hers. Her legs shook. She didn't even realize Kael was beside her until he spoke."You did well."She turned to him. "I was terrified."Kael looked at her, his eyes soft for the first time in days. "That's what makes it brave."She swallowed hard. "Why are you pushing me away?"He didn't answer right away. The silence stretched.Then, quietly, he said, "Because the Moonmark changes everything.""I didn't choose it. I didn't ask for this.""I know. That's why I can't let this happen. If we... if we accept it... the bond forms. And that comes with risks.""Do you feel it?" she asked, voice trembling.Kael nodded. "Every second."He stepped closer. Too close. She could feel the warmth of him, smell the pine and smoke scent that always clung to him."I think about you all the time," he said, almost like he didn't want to. "And it scares the hell out of me."She looked up at him. Her heart was pounding, but not from fear. "So do something about it."He stared at her like he was battling himself.And then he kissed her.It was sudden and fierce, like he'd been holding it back for weeks. Luna felt everything in that one moment-his pain, his longing, his fear. Her whole body buzzed, and her Moonmark flared hot against her skin.But as quickly as it happened, it was over.Kael pulled away like he'd been burned, stumbling back a step, eyes wide with panic."I'm sorry," he said, voice rough. "I shouldn't have-this is a mistake."And then he turned and walked away again, leaving Lyra stunned and breathless.This time, her heart didn't just ache. It broke.