The Blood Moon Twins

CHAPTER - 3

The courtyard erupted into chaos.

Selena’s wrist burned where Lucienne’s wolf had marked her. The crimson sigil glowed like molten fire beneath her skin, throbbing with power she didn’t yet understand. Gasps, whispers, murmurs spiraled around her. Eyes widened. Heads turned. All at once, the world felt too small, too loud, too judgmental.

“Impossible!” Seraphine screamed, clutching her ruby necklace like a shield. Fear and fury wove through her words. “This… this cannot be happening!”

Luna Alara’s silver eyes snapped toward Selena. “Selena! Step forward! Do not hide!” Her voice cut through the murmurs like a blade. “The Goddess watches.”

Selena froze, gripping the silver pendant Darius had dropped the night before. This wasn’t supposed to happen. She was meant to fade into shadows while Seraphine bloomed under the Moon’s favor.

Lucienne descended the grand staircase. Every step was precise, powerful, and commanding. The golden hue of his eyes caught the moonlight, pulling every gaze toward him. Whispers followed:

“Look at him… so commanding…”

Even with admiration swirling around him, Lucienne’s focus was singular. His gaze locked on Selena. His wolf growled, low and primal, a sound only she could feel vibrating through the courtyard stones.

“She’s marked?” His voice was calm, but the weight behind it silenced the murmurs. “Tell me… you are the supposed Luna twin?”

Alara’s hands trembled. “Yes… but this…this is a curse! She..”

Lucienne’s eyes pierced her words. “She is not a curse. Tell me her name.”

“Selena,” Darius said, stepping forward, keeping a protective hand near her. “She’s more than what they say.”

Seraphine turned to the boy beside Lucienne. “And who are you?”

“Darius Blackthorn,” he said. “Lucienne’s brother. She’s under my protection tonight.”

Seraphine’s nails dug into her palms. “Alpha… you can’t, she isn’t..”

Lucienne’s wolf growled beneath his calm exterior. “Step back, Seraphine. She stands where fate placed her.”

Alara’s face darkened, fear and fury warring in her gaze. “No! She cannot, this is my Luna! My chosen!” she said pointing at Seraphine.

Lucienne’s voice cut through the crowd like ice. “The Moon decides, not you, Luna Alara. She is marked. That is truth. All of you will see it.”

The crowd’s murmurs became gasps. Selena’s pulse raced. The mark throbbed, fiery under her skin. She felt the wolf in Lucienne’s soul stretching toward her, claiming her even before she could comprehend it.

“Alpha… you must be mistaken!” Alara’s voice shook with desperation. “My daughters cannot… it’s impossible!”

Lucienne’s gaze shifted from Alara to Seraphine, then back to Selena. “Do you deny what your eyes see?” His voice dropped, icy and commanding. “Because my wolf has already chosen.”

Seraphine’s face twisted in rage and panic. “No! You cannot take her! I am the Luna! I am the blessing!”

Lucienne’s hand lifted slightly, not touching, but commanding. “Step aside, Seraphine. The Blood Moon does not lie.”

Darius stayed close to Selena. “Alpha… she didn’t ask for this,” he murmured.

“She didn’t ask for this,” Lucienne repeated, almost whispering, yet everyone felt the weight. “Neither did I. But this is the Moon’s will.”

The ceremonial horn sounded… deep, echoing, shaking the night. Guests froze. Lanterns swayed, spilling crimson light onto shocked faces.

Lucienne extended his hand toward Selena. The mating process was about to begin.

Selena’s fingers trembled. She looked at Darius. He gave her a subtle nod, the tiniest reassurance. Somehow, she would survive this.

Her heart leapt as her fingers grazed Lucienne’s hand, but then Alara’s voice tore through the moment:

“Enough!” she shrieked, silencing everyone. “This ends now!”

The courtyard froze. Even Lucienne’s wolf growled low and dangerous.

Alara stepped forward, silver gown shimmering like molten ice. “Selena, Seraphine… both of you will live with Lucienne from tonight until this… madness is settled. You understand?”

Selena’s chest tightened. “Mother… I…”

“No arguments,” Alara snapped. “Your place is with him, where the Moon has marked you. Do not test me.”

Lucienne’s eyes softened fractionally. “If that is what you wish, Luna, then so be it. But she is mine. You cannot stop the Moon’s decision.”

The crowd slowly dispersed. Servants whispered, guests muttered, the tension lingering like smoke. Seraphine’s fury simmered, jaw tight, fists clenched. Darius stayed by Selena’s side, her anchor in the storm.

As the courtyard emptied, Lucienne’s golden gaze softened for Selena. “You are marked. Do you understand?”

Selena nodded, throat tight. “I… I think so.”

“Good,” he said, voice low. “Stay close. Tonight, nothing can harm you that I cannot stop.”

Darius squeezed her shoulder. “See? You’re not alone.”

Seraphine hissed, teeth clenched. “This isn’t over. He is supposed to be mine!”

Lucienne’s wolf growled beneath his calm exterior. “The mark does not lie, Seraphine. This is not about choice. It’s about destiny.”