Moonlight Falls

Luna Legacy

Kaida’s POV.

The air was thick with tension and excitement, a tangible pulse weaving through the crowd. It wasn’t every day the Alpha’s Luna Choosing Contest happened, and trust me, the energy was contagious. I’d been practically glued to Kaius all day, following his every move like a shadow that just didn’t give a damn about personal space. Not that he seemed to mind. I swear, every time our shoulders brushed, my pulse would spike like I was running laps around the packhouse.

The place was packed, shoulder-to-shoulder with bodies, the scent of adrenaline and cheap perfume making my wolf itch. Everyone who was anyone was here. Rival packs had shown up, dragging their daughters along in some desperate attempt to secure an alliance. It wasn’t just about Kaius—it was about status, power, the whole damn legacy. But I wasn’t worried.

When the MC finally stepped up to the mic, his voice booming over the chatter, he called for all the competitors to step forward and introduce themselves. One by one, they strutted up there, each one trying to outdo the last. “Hi, I’m Tasha from the Silver Fang pack. I’m a trained healer and an excellent cook.” Blah, blah, blah. It was like a beauty pageant, except with sharper teeth and way more ego.

Then it was my turn. The mic was passed to me, and I swear, every eye in the place turned my way. The silence was deafening, but I wasn’t about to let nerves get the better of me.

I grinned, the kind of grin that screamed confidence, maybe even a little cockiness. “I’m Kaida,” I started, my voice steady, a little playful. “I’m not here to give you a list of accomplishments or talk myself up, ‘cause let’s be real, I’m already the better version of everyone standing here.” I paused, letting the words sink in. A ripple of reactions swept through the crowd—some gasps, some boos, and, to my satisfaction, a decent amount of claps. My eyes flicked to Kaius, who was standing off to the side, his arms crossed and an amused smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Every time our eyes met, I couldn’t help but smile. He was my anchor in this sea of chaos, and I was dead set on proving I was the one for him.

The MC cleared his throat, breaking the moment. “Alright, ladies, the first competition is a test of intellect,” he announced, holding up a stack of old, yellowed papers. “You’ll be solving these historical werewolf puzzles. Think of it as a mix of encryption and spellwork. The first to crack it unlocks the book it’s tied to.”

Easy. My wolf stirred, her confidence mirroring mine. As soon as the papers hit my hands, I dove in. The symbols and runes swirled together like a code only my instincts could untangle. My fingers flew across the page, connecting dots, filling in gaps, and piecing the spell together. Before I knew it, the book clicked open in front of me.

“Done,” I said, leaning back in my seat. The others were still hunched over their puzzles, frustration etched into their faces.

The competitions rolled on from there—dancing, cooking, racing. It felt more like a festival than a contest, the kind of thing that makes you forget there’s a title on the line. I was in my element, laughing, running, spinning, my confidence growing with every round. I could feel Kaius watching me, his gaze like a steady hum against my skin. Every time I glanced his way, he gave me this look that said, I see you.

By the end, it was clear—it was down to me and her. Freya Owen Clair’s daughter. She was a vision of perfection, all glossy hair and a pedigree that practically screamed royalty. The MC stepped forward again, his voice slicing through the crowd. “And now, for the final round. This will determine our winner. Ladies, growl at the moon and transform.”

My heart kicked into overdrive. The full moon hung low in the sky, its glow casting an eerie silver light over the clearing. Freya’s daughter stepped forward first. She raised her head, let out a feral growl, and shifted effortlessly. The crowd erupted, their applause thunderous. Her wolf was massive, sleek, and regal, the kind of creature you’d see in a painting.

Then it was my turn. Kaius caught my eye, nodding. “You’ve got this,” he mouthed.

I stepped forward, every nerve in my body thrumming. I tilted my head to the moon, a growl building in my chest. But when I tried to let it out, nothing happened. My wolf stayed silent. I clenched my fists, forcing the growl again, but still—nothing.

The crowd shifted, whispers turning into murmurs, then outright laughter. My cheeks burned, humiliation crashing over me like a wave. I glanced at Kaius, desperate for something—support, reassurance, anything. But his expression was cold, his jaw tight. Without a word, he turned and walked away.

That was the final blow. My chest constricted, my vision blurring as I stumbled back, away from the stage, away from the mocking eyes and cruel laughter. I didn’t stop until I was outside the clearing, the cool night air hitting my face. And then I ran.

I didn’t look back.