The Blood Moon Ceremony
Something was wrong the moment I stepped into the ceremonial grounds. Alpha Killian still had not looked at me, and that alone made my steps slow as though my body already knew what my mind refused to accept.
The air felt heavy against my chest. I tightened my fingers around my dress as I walked forward, even though something inside me whispered that tonight was not right.
This was supposed to be the Blood Moon Ceremony. The night my bond with Killian would be confirmed. The night I would rise as Luna.
I had trained my whole life for this moment. Everyone said it was destined. Everyone said Valerie and Killian were meant to be.
But Killian stood beneath the Blood Moon and still did not look at me. Not once.
“Killian…” I called softly.
No response.
My chest tightened. Mates were supposed to feel each other instantly, but I felt nothing from him.
I reached out mentally, focusing on the bond.
Killian…
Silence.
Then a sudden sharp pain struck my chest, forcing me to stagger.
Something was wrong.
Behind me, Mia stood too calm, watching everything like she already knew the outcome.
“You’re late,” she said softly.
I frowned. “The ceremony hasn’t started.”
“It has,” she replied with a faint smile.
Before I could respond, the drums deepened and silence fell as Killian stepped forward into the Blood Moon light.
Every head turned toward him.
But he still did not look at me.
My heartbeat grew louder.
I tried again mentally.
Killian…
Pain exploded in my chest, stronger this time, forcing a gasp from my lips as I stumbled back.
The bond was breaking.
Impossible.
True mates don’t reject like this.
“Killian,” I whispered again.
Finally, he spoke.
“Valerie.”
My head snapped up. He was looking at me, but his eyes were cold… empty.
“I have made my decision,” he said.
The pack went silent.
“What decision?” I asked.
“You are not strong enough to stand beside me as Luna.”
The words hit before I could even breathe.
“That’s not true,” I said quickly. “You feel the bond. Please—try again.”
“I feel nothing,” he interrupted.
Something inside me c***ked.
I shook my head. “Killian… this isn’t possible.”
“A Luna must be strength,” he continued. “Not weakness. Not doubt.”
Each word cut deeper.
“I will not bind my future to uncertainty.”
My chest tightened painfully.
“Please…” I whispered.
But he had already decided.
Then he moved.
One step past me.
I froze.
Because he wasn’t coming toward me.
He was walking away from me.
Toward Mia.
My sister.
The realization didn’t explode—it collapsed inside me.
This was not rejection.
This was replacement.
Mia lifted her hand as he reached her, calm and satisfied, like she had been waiting for this moment.
Their hands were about to meet—
When something inside my chest shattered completely.
I dropped to my knees as my wolf screamed in agony.
I couldn’t breathe.
I couldn’t move.
And in the silence, I heard Killian’s final command.
“Begin the Luna confirmation.”
Darkness blurred my vision, and just before everything faded, Mia turned slightly toward me and smiled…
Because I suddenly understood this was only the beginning of my humiliation.
