Rise Of The Fallen Moon

Aria's pov. As I stood on the platform, every nerve in my body buzzed, I could feel the rough beat on my heart. My ceremonial dress felt heavy, its fabric clinging to me like a second skin, as if it could sense the weight of the moment. Two packs had gathered here today—mine, the Crescent Moon pack, and Ryder’s, the Storm Ridge pack. This union was supposed to seal the peace, a bond forged not by love but by duty. Ryder stood across from me with an unreadable expression. His dark hair caught the sunlight, making him look almost ethereal. I allowed myself to hope for a moment. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad. Maybe we could make it work. My heart was hammering in my chest, which made my body shiver, but as I extended my hand towards him, the crowd fell silent, their breaths held in anticipation. Then, Ryder’s voice cut through the stillness like a blade. “I can’t do this anymore.” The words echoed in the clearing, a cruel wind scattering my dreams. “What?” I whispered, my voice trembling. “You’re not my mate, Aria,” he said, his tone cold and detached. “Don’t worry about me anymore, I won't marry someone who isn’t destined for me.” The crowd erupted into murmurs. I felt their eyes on me, their pity, their judgment. My throat tightened as heat rose to my cheeks. “Ryder,” I hissed, stepping closer, “this isn’t just about us. This is about our packs. About peace.” “You’ve to know this, Aria; I won’t bind myself to someone I don’t belong to,” he replied, his gaze hardening. “I’m sorry, but this is over.” Over? What do you mean? The word echoed in my mind. I stood there, exposed and humiliated in front of everyone. Reflecting and contemplating then, he swiftly turned and walked away. My nails dug into my palms as I clenched my fist. The whispers among the packs were like daggers to my pride. “She’s been rejected?” “What will this mean for the alliance?” “Poor girl being humiliated.” I couldn’t stand it any longer. Without a word, I turned and stormed back to the Crescent Moon territory. Back in my room, I tore off the ceremony dress in anger and threw it to the floor. I was stung by tears as they kept rolling out of my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. The rejection of Ryder wasn't a personal blow—it was an embarrassment, a public disgrace. While I kept on thinking, a knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. “Come in,” I said, my voice sharper than I intended. My father, Alpha Eli stepped inside. His usually strong and commanding presence was laced with something else—concern. “Aria,” he began with his cautious tone. “Don't, Dad,” I interrupted, crossing my arms. “I don't need a lecture on how to handle things better; the deeds have been done. It is time to face the realities”. “That’s not the reason I am here, don't get me wrong,” he said, closing the door behind him. “There's more to this; it's something you need to know.” I frowned. What's it, Dad?.” He hesitated, his jaw tightening. “Ryder's rejection….might not have been his choice”. I froze. “What are you talking about? Then whose choice is it, mine or the pack?”. “Don't get it twisted, Aria you need to know this,” he sighed. “There's rumors of someone influencing him, can't you see for yourself” he explained. “Ryder didn't seem like himself today, did he?” I thought back to the coldness in his eyes, the sharpness of his tone. It was so unlike the Ryder I'd met before, the one who had been willing to put his pack first. “No,” I admitted. “He didn't”. Eli nodded. “This alliance was too important for him to just throw away; it's an opportunity for him, but someone might have manipulated him; Aria, we need to find out who–and why?”. I sank onto the edge of my bed, my mind racing. Manipulated? Who would go to such lengths to sabotage this union? “Do you have any idea who could’ve done it?” I asked. He shook his head. “Not yet. But I need you to stay strong, Aria. This isn’t over.” My body shivered as his words comforted me, but they only added to the storm brewing inside me. When the night dragged near I found it difficult to sleep. My mind kept replaying the events of the day, searching for clues. Ryder's rejection felt wrong, but could my father be right? I kept pondering on this issue, which made me restless, but there are more chances of causing more harm than good if I am still contemplating. I decided to get some air, hoping it would erase the memories. I could see my world gradually tearing apart, gushing out breath from its nostrils. The warmth breeze of the night kissed my skin soothing my frazzled nerves. It wasn't as easy as it was. But I still felt the accompanying weather. The eerie light of the moon hangs low in the sky, its bright light casting shadows on the ground. I wandered into the forest. But as I walked, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wasn’t alone, the familiar pine and earth grounded me heavily. “Who's there?” I called out my voice steady despite the unease creeping up my spine. Silence. I turned to head back, but a figure stepped out from the shadows, blocking my path. “Ryder?” I breathed, my heart skipping a beat. He looked at me, his expression torn. “Aria. We need to talk”. “We? Need to talk?” It looked like a dream as I kept gazing at him, “That's impossible,” I crossed my arms, narrowing my eyes. “I don't think we have anything to discuss after what you did today?” “That's why I'm here to explain this to you” he swiftly interrupted. “There's nothing to explain, your choices were made, and it is well known and clear to everyone. So let it be that way.” I said, my voice soft and calm. “What happened wasn't intentional; I’d no choice but to comply,” he said, his voice low. “You have to believe me.” “Didn’t have a choice?” I repeated, anger flaring up again. “You humiliated me in front of everyone, Ryder! You rejected me!” “I know,” he said, stepping closer. “But there’s more to this than you realize.” “Then tell me what's hidden,” I demanded, my voice trembling. What’s going on? I don't even understand you anymore” He hesitated, glancing over his shoulder as if checking for eavesdroppers. “Someone is pulling the strings,” he said finally. “I don’t know who, but they threatened my pack. If I didn’t reject you, they said they’d destroy everything I care about.” My breath caught. “Who would do something like that?” “I don’t know,” he admitted. “But I’m going to find out. I just need time.” Time? Did he think time could fix this mess?