THE ALPHA'S MISSING BRIDE

The moon hung high, a perfect silver disc casting its glow over the Black Moon Pack’s territory. The night air shimmered with excitement as hundreds of pack members gathered in the courtyard, their whispers filling the darkness like rustling leaves. Torches burned bright, the scent of pine, earth, and wolf magic mingling in the air. Tonight was no ordinary night. Tonight, Alpha Damian Blackwood would claim his bride. He stood tall at the center of the ceremonial ground, broad shoulders squared, his piercing grey eyes scanning the crowd. Power radiated from him like heat, his presence both feared and revered. Every wolf in the pack bowed their heads as he passed, acknowledging their leader — a warrior, a protector, and soon… a mate. But his heart wasn’t on the crowd. It was with her. Aria Mooncrest. She was unlike anyone he had ever met — quiet but fierce, with eyes that held secrets she never spoke of. She had arrived at the pack only a year ago, a lone wolf with a past cloaked in mystery. The moon had chosen her for him, and from the first moment he’d laid eyes on her, Damian had known she was his. The ceremony was set to begin. The Elder lifted his staff, chanting ancient words as the pack fell into a reverent silence. All that was left was for the bride to appear. But she didn’t. Minutes passed. Then more. A murmur rippled through the pack. Damian’s wolf stirred restlessly beneath his skin, sensing something was wrong. He turned toward the path that led from the bridal chamber to the ceremony ground — empty. “She’s late,” Beta Marcus whispered, frowning. “That’s not like her.” Damian didn’t answer. His heartbeat had changed. It was faster, sharper. Something in the air shifted, the scent of danger creeping in like fog. Without waiting for another second, he strode toward the chamber, his guards following behind. The room was empty. The bridal gown lay on the bed, untouched. The window was open, the breeze making the curtains dance like ghostly figures. But there was no Aria. Only a faint scent — wolf, fear, and something else he couldn’t place. “She’s gone,” Marcus said in disbelief. “She wouldn’t have left. Not tonight.” Damian clenched his fists, his wolf howling in rage inside him. “She didn’t leave,” he growled, voice low and dangerous. “She was taken.” From outside, the ceremonial bells tolled — a haunting sound that marked the union of mates. But this time, the bells rang for no one. Under the full moon, the Alpha’s bride had vanished. And Damian swore, as his wolf eyes glowed silver in the darkness: whoever took her would pay with blood.