THE LUNA HE REJECTED

“You cheated.” Aurelia Vale pointed at the empty space on her plate. Adrian Voss glanced at the strawberry in his hand, then gave her the most innocent expression he could manage. “I did nothing.” “You took my strawberry.” “You weren't eating it.” “I was saving it.” “For what?” “For later.” Adrian smiled. “Then I saved it for you.” Aurelia stared at him for a moment before chasing him across the garden. She had been eight years old that summer, and Adrian had been ten. He was already taller than her, already carrying the name of the boy who would one day become Alpha of Blackthorn Pack. Adults often interrupted their games to remind him to behave properly, listen carefully, or prepare himself for the responsibilities waiting ahead. But around Aurelia, Adrian forgot all of that. He laughed when she chased him. He climbed trees when she told him not to. He stole fruit from her plate simply because he knew it would make her angry. Most of all, he made her forget that he was supposed to become someone important. To her, he was just Adrian. As the years passed, their friendship changed without either of them noticing exactly when it happened. The boy who once stole strawberries became the teenager who waited outside Aurelia’s training sessions. He walked her home when darkness fell and remembered every small detail she mentioned, even the ones she assumed he had forgotten. At seventeen, their first kiss changed everything. They had been sitting beneath an old apple tree after training. Aurelia had complained about a difficult lesson, while Adrian listened with his usual half-smile. “You're staring,” she finally said. “So are you.” “I am not.” “You are.” She turned away, embarrassed. Adrian laughed softly, then reached for her hand. The teasing disappeared from his face. “I've wanted to do this for a while,” he said. Before she could ask what he meant, he leaned closer and kissed her. It was awkward and brief. When they pulled apart, their foreheads bumped. They both laughed. After that, there was no going back. Their friendship became a quiet romance that belonged mostly to them. They met away from curious eyes, shared secrets beside the river, and stole moments whenever Adrian's responsibilities allowed him to escape them. Aurelia never questioned whether he cared about her. He showed it in small ways. He remembered how she liked her tea. He noticed when she was tired. He could tell when she was pretending to be fine. And whenever the weight of his future became too heavy, he came looking for her. One evening, they sat beside the river near the border between their territories. The moon reflected across the water, and Aurelia rested her head against his shoulder. “When you become Alpha,” she asked, “will everything change?” Adrian looked down at her. “Some things will.” She lifted her head. “Like us?” “Never.” Aurelia smiled. “What if your council wants you to make a political match?” “They can want whatever they like.” “What if they find someone better?” Adrian frowned. “There isn't anyone better.” Her cheeks warmed. She tried to hide her smile. “You're avoiding the question.” He took her hand. “When I become Alpha, you'll still be beside me.” Aurelia looked at their joined hands. “Are you really going to claim me?” “Yes.” “When?” Adrian's mouth curved into a teasing smile. “When the time is right.” “That isn't a date.” “I know.” She nudged him. “You're impossible.” “And you're impatient.” He lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles. “One day, Aurelia. You'll stand beside me.” She believed him. Years later, she still did. Now, at twenty-three, Aurelia stood before her bedroom mirror, adjusting the silver pendant at her throat. Her long dark-brown hair fell over her shoulders, and her warm golden-brown eyes looked back at her with an excitement she was trying unsuccessfully to hide. Their relationship was no longer the uncertain affection of teenagers. They had shared enough to know each other's habits, tempers, fears, and hopes. Aurelia trusted Adrian with the parts of herself she showed no one else, and that trust made their future together feel almost certain to her now. A soft knock came from the door. “Come in.” Mara entered and stopped. “You're still getting ready?” Aurelia glanced at the clock. “I have time.” “You've had time for the last hour.” Aurelia laughed. Mara walked closer and studied her dress. “You're nervous.” “No.” “Yes.” “Maybe a little.” Mara smiled knowingly. “The Moon Gathering?” Aurelia looked away. “Maybe.” Everyone in Silver Moon knew the annual gathering was important. It was held in Moonstone Valley, a sacred neutral territory where no pack could claim authority over the others. Once a year, wolves from powerful packs traveled there to discuss alliances, territory, trade, protection, and matters that affected the supernatural world. This year, Silver Moon would travel there alongside Blackthorn, Ravenna, and several other packs. Aurelia had spent the entire day pretending it meant nothing. She knew better. Adrian would be there. And something about the timing made her wonder whether he had finally decided that the waiting was over. Mara adjusted a strand of hair near Aurelia's cheek. “Do you think he's planning something?” Aurelia's heart skipped. “I don't know.” “But you hope he is.” Aurelia smiled. “I've been hoping for a long time.” She touched the pendant again. Her mother, Elena, had given it to her years ago and told her never to lose it. Aurelia had never understood why the old silver pendant mattered so much, but she had always kept it close. Tonight, it felt unusually warm. She lowered her hand. Probably nerves. Outside, Silver Moon was preparing for departure. Families gathered near the main road, while warriors checked the wagons and transport vehicles. Elders carried ceremonial belongings, and children ran between the adults despite repeated warnings to stay close. Aurelia stepped outside with Mara. She looked toward the road. A group of Blackthorn warriors would travel separately, joining the other packs at Moonstone Valley. Then she saw him. Adrian stood near the edge of the road, speaking with several Blackthorn warriors. He wore a dark formal jacket, his black hair neatly arranged, his posture carrying the confidence of someone born to command. As if sensing her gaze, he turned. Their eyes met. His expression softened immediately. Aurelia's heartbeat quickened. He excused himself and crossed the short distance between them. “You're ready,” he said. “I've been ready.” He smiled. “That's dangerous.” “Why?” “You might actually arrive before me.” She laughed. For a moment, neither spoke. The sounds of preparation continued around them, but Aurelia barely noticed. Adrian reached for her hand. His thumb brushed gently over her fingers. “You look beautiful.” “So do you.” “Only beautiful?” “Don't push your luck.” He laughed. Aurelia studied him. “Are you nervous?” “About the gathering?” “Yes.” Adrian's expression became thoughtful. “There's a lot happening tonight.” Her heart gave another nervous beat. “Important things?” “Very.” He didn't explain. Aurelia waited for him to say more, but he only squeezed her hand before releasing it. “Mara's waiting,” he said. Aurelia glanced back. Mara was standing several steps away, watching them with an amused expression. Aurelia smiled and turned back to Adrian. “See you there?” “Of course.” He walked away toward his delegation. Aurelia watched him until he disappeared among the Blackthorn warriors. The words from the river returned to her. One day, Aurelia. You'll stand beside me. But tonight, for the first time, she wondered if Adrian had chosen the moment himself. The thought followed her as she climbed into the transport waiting to take Silver Moon to Moonstone Valley. The journey would take several hours. By the time they arrived, the moon would be high above the sacred valley, and packs from across the region would already be gathering. Aurelia rested her head against the window. She told herself not to expect anything. She failed. She opened her eyes again. Across the road, through the passing trees, she caught sight of the Blackthorn convoy traveling toward the same distant mountains. Adrian was somewhere inside. Soon, they would meet beneath the full moon at Moonstone Valley. Aurelia touched the pendant at her throat. Then she looked toward the darkening sky and allowed herself one dangerous thought. If Adrian had truly chosen tonight, everything between them would change before the moon disappeared. And for the first time, Aurelia wondered if the boy who had promised her a place beside him was finally ready to make that promise before the entire supernatural world.