Chapter 1: The Moon’s Cruel Gift
621 Words
POV: freya
The full moon gleamed above me like an accusing eye, casting silver light on the sacred circle. My breath hitched as I stepped into formation with the other unmated wolves, hands trembling.
I wasn’t like the others. I didn’t wear silk or diamonds. My dress was simple, stitched with trembling hands. But I came here with hope.
My heart pounded with one thought: Tonight, I find my mate.
Around me, the clearing buzzed with excitement. Chatter, giggles, perfumed scents. Everyone was glowing—some literally. The Elders began their incantations, calling upon the Moon Goddess to reveal our destined bonds. Silver light shimmered around newly fated pairs as mates found each other under the goddess’s watchful eye.
But I didn’t look at them.
I looked at him.
Alpha Kade.
Tall, broad-shouldered, cold-eyed. Power clung to him like a second skin. His midnight-black suit sculpted his body like he was carved from stone. His presence was overwhelming. And his scent—warm spice and cedar—hit me like a storm. My wolf stirred instantly.
I had always known.
It had always been him.
My heart skipped a beat.
Then it happened.
A jolt shot through my body like lightning. My knees buckled slightly. A pull, deep and primal, connected me to him.
Kade.
His head snapped around.
His dark eyes collided with mine.
And for one glorious moment, the world stopped.
I saw the flicker of recognition. Felt it in my soul. My wolf howled with joy, clawing to get closer to him.
I stepped forward slowly. “Kade…” My voice was soft, breaking.
He stared at me. Blinked once.
Then frowned.
He took a single step back.
And laughed.
Not a kind laugh. Not even confused.
A cold, mocking sound that pierced me to the core.
“No,” he said, “I can’t be with you” he said again only this time his voice carried, low and brutal.
My heart dropped. “You feel it, don’t you? The bond. You know it’s real.”
His lips curled in disgust. “The Moon Goddess must be playing a joke.”
The entire crowd looking all puzzled and quieted. Eyes turned toward us.
I have never felt so cold in life , My hands began to shake. “Kade… I’m your mate.”
“No,” he growled. “You? You’re nothing. A weak omega who doesn’t belong at my side. The bond may exist, but I reject it.”
His words hit a lot harder than a punch to the chest.
My lips trembled. “Don’t do this. Please.”
He stepped forward this time, towering over me. His voice turned sharp and cruel. “You’re not Luna material. You never were. I, Alpha Kade Thorne of the Nightfang Pack, reject you, Freya Nightfall, as my mate.”
I have never felt so humiliated and ashamed. Pain exploded through me,
It wasn’t physical—it was worse. My wolf shrieked inside me, clawing at the rejection like she could undo it. I doubled over, gasping, clutching my stomach as if that could stop the searing agony ripping through my soul.
Kade turned his back on me like I was filth.
Around us, whispers turned to open laughter. Pitying stares burned holes in my skin. I caught the smirk on Elena’s face—his Beta’s daughter—triumphant and satisfied.
I stood slowly, vision blurring with unshed tears. Every step I took away from the circle felt like walking through fire.
Not a single person stopped me.
Not one hand reached for mine.
Not even his.
I walked into the forest, alone, broken, humiliated.
And the bond I had prayed for my whole life shattered into dust.
- Writer
