HER CHOSEN MATE

EIGHT YEARS EARLIER The first rays of sunlight had not yet touched Moon Shadow Pack. At the edge of the village stood a small wooden cottage surrounded by neat rows of herbs and colorful wildflowers, all carefully planted and cared for by Maren. The little home was simple, but it was always warm and full of life. Inside, ten-year-old Liyana slept peacefully beneath a patched blanket, completely unaware that morning had already arrived. Deep within the quiet space of her mind stood a beautiful silver-white wolf with bright blue eyes. Although Liyana would not physically shift until she turned sixteen, her wolf had always appeared this way. She let out a soft sigh. She was Nova. Liyana’s inner wolf. ‘Liyana…’ There was no response. Nova tried again. ‘Liyana…wake up.’ Liyana buried her face deeper into her pillow. “Five more minutes.” Nova rolled her eyes. ‘You said that yesterday.’ “And?” ‘You almost made Maren late.’ “Worth it.” Nova huffed dramatically. ‘One day I’m going to drag you up myself.’ Liyana laughed sleepily. “Too bad you’re stuck in my head.” Nova huffed. The smell of freshly baked bread drifted through the cottage. Maren was already in the kitchen preparing breakfast when she heard small footsteps approaching. She smiled as Liyana finally walked in, still rubbing the sleep from her eyes. “Good morning, sleepyhead.” Liyana smiled and wrapped her arms around her aunt in a warm hug. “Morning.” Maren looked at her knowingly. “Nova had to wake you again?” Liyana immediately pointed accusingly into the air. “She betrayed me.” Nova scoffed. ‘I saved us.’ Maren laughed softly. “I think Nova has more sense than you.” Nova looked especially pleased with herself. ‘See?’ Liyana sighed dramatically. “I’ve been outnumbered.” The three shared breakfast together while Maren explained their plans for the morning. “After we eat,” she said, “we’re taking fresh herbs to one of the older wolves.” Liyana nodded without the slightest complaint. “Okay.” Helping others had always come naturally to her. By the time they stepped outside, Moon Shadow Pack was beginning to wake. Children laughed as they chased one another through the village. Warriors made their way toward the training grounds. Thin streams of smoke curled from cottage chimneys. Merchants opened their stalls, preparing for another busy day. Liyana walked beside Maren carrying a basket filled with fresh herbs. As they passed through the village, she noticed an elderly woman struggling with a heavy basket. Without thinking twice, Liyana hurried over. “Please, let me carry it.” The older woman smiled warmly. “Thank you, child.” Liyana returned the smile as she took the basket. “It isn’t heavy.” Inside her mind, Nova watched proudly. ‘You’d help everyone in this pack if you could.’ Liyana answered quietly. “They’d do the same for me.” Nova didn’t reply. She wasn’t sure that was true. Across the village… Twelve-year-old Kael stood among the other young wolves on the training field. Inside his mind stood a large black wolf with striking golden eyes. He was Onyx. Kael’s inner wolf. ‘Again! Don’t let him touch us this time.’ Kael grinned before charging forward. Wooden swords clashed as the young wolves sparred. Within moments, Kael won once again. Onyx threw his head back proudly. ‘Too easy’ Nearby, Alpha Magnus watched in silence. He wasn’t paying attention to Kael’s victories. Instead, he watched what happened afterward. Without hesitation, Kael offered his opponent a hand and helped him back to his feet. Magnus smiled quietly to himself. That mattered more than winning. Training soon came to an end. Alpha Magnus and Kael walked back through the village together. As they passed the market, Kael noticed a familiar little girl sitting beside an elderly widow. Liyana had split her loaf of bread into two pieces. Without hesitation, she gave the larger half to the old woman. Kael frowned. “But now she’ll be hungry.” Magnus looked toward Liyana before answering. “Perhaps.” Kael looked confused. “Then why did she do it?” Magnus smiled softly. “Because kindness isn’t measured by how much you have.” Kael remained quiet. Magnus rested a hand on his son’s shoulder. “A wolf’s rank tells you what they were born as.” His eyes drifted toward Liyana once more. “Their choices tell you who they become.” Kael nodded respectfully. He listened… But he was still too young to truly understand. That evening… Liyana sat outside the cottage beneath the open sky, gazing up at the moon. Within her mind, Nova lay comfortably. ‘I can’t wait until we’re sixteen.” Liyana smiled. “So you can finally run?” Nova’s tail wagged excitedly. ‘Exactly.’ Liyana tilted her head. “What if you’re slow?” Nova looked completely horrified. ‘Have you seen these legs?’ Liyana burst into laughter. “I have.” Nova stood proudly. ‘We’re going to be the fastest wolf in Moon Shadow.” Liyana smiled warmly. “I believe you.” At the Alpha House… Kael sat beside his father after the day’s training. Inside his mind, Onyx rested quietly. Kael looked up. “Father?” Magnus met his gaze. “Yes?” Kael hesitated for a moment before asking, “Do you think I’ll be a good Alpha one day?” Magnus smiled. “You’ll make mistakes.” Kael’s eyes widened. “I will?” Magnus nodded. “Every Alpha does.” He paused before continuing. “The important question isn’t whether you’ll fail.” “It’s whether you’ll learn from your failures.” Kael looked thoughtful. Beside him, Onyx gave a quiet nod. ‘We’ll learn.” That night… Liyana fell asleep dreaming of the day she and Nova would finally run beneath the moon together. Kael fell asleep dreaming of becoming Alpha with Onyx by his side. High above them both… The Moon Goddess watched silently.