CHAPTER ONE:She is a Traitor
Selis Pov
Today has to be the happiest day of my life.
I thought to myself as I stared at my reflection in the mirror, my fingers lightly adjusting the soft curls that framed my face.
A small smile tugged at my lips as I leaned back slightly, taking it all in. The white gown draped over my body and the crown of white roses resting beautifully on my head, the traditional crown for every Midweather Luna.
I can't even believe it myself, I was going to be a Luna.
If anyone had told me that after coming back from the Gifters Academy that I was going to end up a Luna, I would have laughed so hard in their faces but here I am today, preparing for my Luna ceremony with my mate.
Alpha Kia Morcant, my life was becoming so perfect.
"Selis".
My mother's voice pulled me from my thoughts.
I turned slightly as she walked in. Her eyes softened the moment they landed on me, and for a brief second, I saw pride flicker in them.
"You look beautiful" she said quietly, stepping behind me. Her hands moved to my hair, adjusting a strand I haven't even noticed was out of place. Her touch was soft and comforting.
"Thank you, Mother". I replied.
For a moment, neither of us spoke as we stare at each other in the mirror and then she said.
"I just wish your father was here with us".
My expression dropped
" I wish the same as well”. I said
My father, Elis Darker, had been everything for Midweather pack _a Gamma, healer… a good man.
Too careful to die the way they said he did.
A poisonous plant?
No.
That had never made sense.
And today, as I stood on the brink of power, one thought lingered beneath my happiness
I would find the truth!
“Selis!”
Jemima’s voice burst into the room, bright and familiar.
Relief washed over me instantly
" I was just asking about you" I said, turning fully toward her.
"I am sorry"
she said quickly. "I was at the mating ground helping with the setup. You know everything has to be perfect for my best friend".
A small laugh escaped me. "Thank you" I said.
" I am so glad to have you by my side".
"And you always will". She replied with a smile on her face.
"Alright, girls" my mother said, stepping back. "I will leave you two to finish preparing, I need to get ready as well". She placed a soft kiss on my head before leaving the room.
Immediately the door clicked shut behind her, I turned back to Jemima.
"Have you seen Kia?" I asked, unable to hide the excitement in my voice.
"How is he? I haven't seen him in three days because of the mating tradition, I can't wait to see him".
" Oh he is alright" she said. "I am sure he can't wait to see you too”.
Something about the way she said it felt off.
but I brushed it aside.
Finally, it was time for the mating ceremony and the walk to the mating ground felt dreamy. Members of the pack had gathered from every corner to witness the ceremony.
My mother and Jemima followed behind me but then they stopped as we got to the aisle
.
it was time for me to walk alone
My heart was drumming loudly in my chest
One step.
Then another.
At the center, I stopped.
And waited.
The world seems to hold its breath.
Then_
He appeared.
Kia Morcant.
My mate. My Alpha.
Relief flooded me at the sight of him,
But it vanished just as quickly.
Something went wrong.
Kia wasn’t smiling.
He always smiled when he looks at me.
But now.
There was nothing.
No warmth.
No love.
Only cold……hard disgust.
My chest tightened.
“Kia….” I whispered as he approached. ”is everything okay?”
He didn’t answer.
He just stared at me
Like I was something he had already decided to destroy.
Fear began to creep in, curling tightly around my chest but I forced myself to stay calm.
This had to be something else,
maybe pressure from other packs or so.
Yes, that had to be the best explanation, this wasn't about me.
The elder stepped forward, his voice rising as he began the ancient chants of mating.
The familiar words echoed through the clearing, grounding and sacred. I tried to focus on them but I could feel it.
The shift in emotion
something was really wrong.
The chanting stopped after some minutes and the elder turned to Kia.
"Alpha Kia" the elder called. "Do you accept Selis Darker as your mate and Luna of the Midweather Pack?".
My heart started palpitating,
This was the moment that seals everything.
I turned to him fully, my gaze searching his face.
Waiting.
Hoping.
Begging.
He said nothing.
A murmur spread through the crowd.
Fear creeped in again.
"Kia?" I whispered.
The elder spoke again, louder this time.
"Do you accept Selis Darker as your mate and Luna?".
The silence stretched.
Too long.
Too heavy.
Too wrong.
Then
"No".
The word fell like a blade.
Everything inside me shattered,
And a loud gasp tore through the crowd. But I barely heard it.
"What did you just say?"
My voice came out barely above a whisper. "What's going on with you Kia?".
He turned away from me and faced the crowd.
" I reject Selis Darker" he said, his voice loud, cold, and final. "As my mate and Luna".
My world blurred and my knees threatened to give out, but I forced myself to stay standing.
This wasn't happening, this must be a joke
"Kia" I said again, my voice breaking now." If this is a joke stop it. it's not funny at all".
Slowly,
Deliberately,
He turned to face me.
And the look in his eyes….
It wasn’t hesitation.
It wasn’t doubt.
Raw. Unfiltered hatred.
" because”. He said, His eyes filled with so much venom and contempt "she is a traitor”
My heart stopped.
“…. what?”
“Just like her father,” he continued.
Each word hit harder than the last.
“Elis darker.”
The name echoed through the silence.
And in that moment
I knew.
This wasn’t a misunderstanding.
This was something far worse.
Something planned.
Something I didn’t see coming.
One terrifying truth settled deep in my heart.
This wasn’t the end of my life.
It was the beginning of my nightmare.
