Bound by the moon

The Submission Trial

The Submission Trial

The firelight flickered low in the lodge’s great hall, casting shadows that danced like spirits across the ancient stone walls. Rhea stood barefoot on the carved wolf-sigil floor, heart pounding as she stared at the tall wooden doors ahead of her.

Beyond them waited Lucien Thorne.

And the Rite.

Behind her, Kael’s voice was low, warm. “You still have a choice, little flame. You don’t have to go through with this.”

She turned, meeting the Beta’s storm-gray eyes. Kael wasn’t Lucien, but there was something about him—too calm, too perceptive. Like he already knew she wouldn’t run.

“I want this,” Rhea said, steadying her voice even as her fingers trembled at her sides. “I need to know what it feels like… to belong somewhere. With someone.”

Kael gave a faint smile. “Then may the moon bear witness.”

The doors creaked open.

And there he stood.

Lucien waited in the center of the ceremonial ring—bare-chested, his skin painted in ash and blood, power rolling off him in waves. The only sound was the low hum of the pack’s breath and the wind brushing through the trees outside.

His eyes locked on hers, glowing faintly gold. Hungry. Possessive.

Rhea stepped into the circle.

Lucien didn’t move. “Remove your robe,” he said quietly.

Her breath caught.

There was no cruelty in his voice—only command, calm and absolute.

She obeyed, shrugging out of the dark silk. Her skin prickled with awareness as the air hit her bare body, every nerve exposed. She stood naked before him, heart racing but unflinching.

Lucien stepped forward slowly, circling her. “You’re beautiful when you’re afraid… but even more so when you don’t run from it.”

His hand brushed her spine—just a whisper of touch, but it burned.

“You know what tonight means.”

“Yes,” she breathed.

He stepped in front of her again. “Then let me see it. Not your fear. Not your pride. Show me your surrender.”

Rhea sank to her knees, head bowed, palms open beside her thighs.

Lucien inhaled sharply, then exhaled a slow, controlled breath. His restraint was tangible, the air charged with the tension between them.

“You’ll kneel when I ask,” he said. “You’ll speak when I command. You will give everything, or you will leave untouched.”

Rhea’s voice trembled, but her resolve didn’t. “Then take everything.”

His growl was low. Dangerous. Thrilled.

“You don’t know what you’re offering,” he murmured, moving behind her. His fingers slid through her hair, pulling gently until her neck was bared to him. “But I’ll show you.”