THE DEBTED LUNA

Eight years ago, the night the Luna of Blackmoon Pack was murdered, the moon turned red. The elders called it an omen. They said the Moon Goddess had witnessed the betrayal and demanded justice. They said the blood spilled that night would forever stain the history of two powerful packs. But there was one thing nobody knew. The person responsible for the murder was never discovered. And the innocent would pay for it. Luna Seraphine stood beside the tall window of Blackmoon Castle, one hand resting protectively over her swollen stomach. Below, hundreds of wolves had gathered in the courtyard. For the first time in decades, the black banners of Blackmoon flew beside the silver banners of Silverpine. Tonight was supposed to mark the beginning of peace. Seraphine smiled when her unborn child moved beneath her palm. “Easy, little one.” Another kick answered her. She laughed softly. “You're impatient already.” The door opened behind her. She turned and saw her mate, Alpha Kael Draven, walking toward her. He had spent most of his life fighting Silverpine warriors. The scars across his body were proof of the years of war. But tonight, he looked hopeful. Kael placed his hand over her stomach. “Our son is going to be stubborn.” Seraphine smiled. “You don't know that we're having a boy.” “I know.” “And if it's a girl?” Kael kissed her forehead. “Then she'll be just like her mother.” Seraphine leaned against him. For a moment, everything seemed perfect. Their child would be born into peace. Their people would stop dying. The war that had lasted for years might finally end. “Do you trust them?” Seraphine asked. Kael's smile disappeared. “The Silverpine Alpha?” She nodded. “No.” “Then why are you allowing them here?” “Because our people are exhausted.” Kael looked toward the courtyard. “Too many have died. If we continue fighting, there may be nothing left for our children to inherit.” Seraphine looked down at her stomach. “Perhaps our child will be the first generation to know peace.” “That is exactly why I'm doing this.” A knock came at the door. A guard entered. “Alpha, the Silverpine delegation has arrived.” Kael nodded. “I'll be there.” He turned to Seraphine. “Lock the door after I leave.” She laughed. “You're becoming overprotective.” “I'm serious.” He kissed her. “Don't open it for anyone except me.” “I promise.” Kael left. Seraphine watched the door close behind him. She had no idea that it would be the last time she saw her mate alive and smiling. Hours passed. The celebration continued below, but Seraphine remained in her room. Pregnancy had made her tired. She was pouring herself a glass of water when she heard footsteps outside. She froze. The footsteps stopped at her door. Knock. Knock. Knock. “Who is it?” Silence. Her wolf stirred uneasily. Seraphine moved toward the door but didn't open it. “Who is there?” A familiar voice answered. “It's me.” Seraphine's eyes widened. She knew that voice. She unlocked the door. The moment it opened, the person stepped inside and quickly closed it. Seraphine stared at them. “What are you doing here?” “Keep your voice down.” “You shouldn't be here.” “I know.” “Then leave.” The stranger didn't move. Instead, a silver dagger appeared in their hand. Seraphine's wolf growled. “What are you doing?” The attacker lunged. Seraphine screamed and jumped backward. The dagger sliced her arm. Pain burned through her body. She grabbed a chair and threw it. The attacker stumbled. Seraphine ran toward the door. But before she could reach it, the attacker caught her. A hand covered her mouth. “Don't make this harder.” Seraphine struggled desperately. Her hands moved instinctively toward her stomach. “My baby…” The attacker hesitated. Only for a moment. Then the silver dagger was raised. At the celebration, Kael suddenly stopped. His hand flew to his chest. A terrible pain ripped through him. His wolf began howling. Mate. Something was wrong. “Seraphine.” Kael pushed through the crowd and ran toward the castle. Two guards were standing outside his mate's room. “Where is the Luna?” “She is inside, Alpha.” Kael reached for the door. It was locked. “Seraphine?” No answer. His heart began pounding. “Seraphine!” Still nothing. Kael kicked the door open. The room was empty. A broken chair lay on the floor. A glass had been shattered. Blood stained the carpet. “NO!” Kael followed the blood trail toward the balcony. Then he saw her. Seraphine lay motionless on the stone floor. Her white dress was soaked in blood. One hand rested over her stomach. Kael rushed to her. “Seraphine!” He lifted her into his arms. “Open your eyes.” Nothing. “Please.” His voice broke. “Please, Seraphine.” He checked her pulse. Nothing. His hand moved to her stomach. The child was gone too. A terrible howl escaped him. Warriors rushed into the room. Beside Seraphine's body lay a silver dagger. And engraved on its handle was the unmistakable crest of Silverpine Pack. One warrior stared at it. “Silverpine.” Kael looked down at the dagger. His grief turned into fury. “They killed my mate.” His eyes burned with hatred. “They killed my child.” By morning, the entire Blackmoon Pack knew. Their Luna was dead. Her unborn child was dead. And Silverpine had supposedly murdered them. The Silverpine delegation was arrested before they could leave. Their Alpha denied involvement. He swore that Silverpine had nothing to do with the murder. But nobody believed him. The accusations became threats. The threats became attacks. And the attacks became war. For three years, Blackmoon and Silverpine fought. Villages burned. Families were destroyed. Thousands died. Neither side was willing to surrender. Eventually, both packs became exhausted. They needed peace. So the leaders created a treaty. It became known as the Blood Moon Treaty. The war would end. The borders would remain. Neither pack would attack the other. But there would be a price. Every year, Silverpine would send one unmarried young woman to Blackmoon. She would become known as the Debt Bride. Her life would be offered as payment for the blood of Luna Seraphine and her unborn child. The tradition began. Year after year, another girl was taken. And every year, Silverpine told its people the same thing: It was the price of peace. But there was a secret buried beneath the treaty. The silver dagger had been planted. The murderer had never been found. And someone had spent eight years making sure the truth remained hidden. Eight years later, in Silverpine Pack, an eighteen-year-old girl stood barefoot in a kitchen, washing dishes until her fingers were red. Her name was Elara Vale. She had lost her mother when she was young. After her father's remarriage, her life changed. Her stepmother treated her like a servant. Elara cooked. Cleaned. Worked. And learned never to complain. The only person who made her believe that her life could become better was Adrian, her childhood friend and betrothed. That evening, she secretly met him beneath an old oak tree. “You'll leave with me one day, won't you?” Elara asked. Adrian took her hands. “One day.” “When?” “Soon.” She smiled. “I'll wait.” Neither of them noticed the figure watching them from the darkness. The following morning, the council bell rang three times. The annual Debt Bride had been chosen. And the name written on the council's list was: Elara Vale. Her stepmother already knew. And she had willingly allowed it. Because this year, sending Elara to the enemy pack wasn't simply a sacrifice. It was the price of something much more valuable.