Selene: Marked and Forsaken

The moon hung high, casting its silver glowing over the clearing, where golden lantern swayed in the evening breeze. Laughter and music filled the air as wolves danced with so much excitement. Tonight was the Moon Festival— the sacred night when the Moon Goddess revealed destined mates. Selene Aldrich stood at the edge of the gathering, her fingered curling into the soft fabric of her white ceremonial dress. Tonight was supposed to be magical . The moment she had dreamed of her whole life and yet, an unsettling weight pressed against her chest. Something felt wrong. She swallowed, turning towards the towering figure beside her— her father, Alpha Aldrich who stood tall beside her . He appeared anxious. His eyes sharp scanning the crowd as if anticipating trouble. Selene’s wolf remained silent as she smoothed the delicate embroidery on her gown, despite a flicker of something unreadable on his face. “This is your night, Selene” he said, but his word lacked warmth . She nodded, forcing a smile. Other unmated wolves around her giggled excitedly, eagerly waiting for the mate bond to snap into place. Some had already found theirs, embracing as the crowd cheered but Selene’s wolf remained silent. Her fingers trembled as she smoothed the delicate embroidery of her gown. It was tradition for She-wolves to wear white on this night. It was a symbol of purity and hope but as she stood there, watching the full moon glow brighter in the sky, unease settled deep in her bones.. The alpha elders began chanting the sacred blessings , calling upon the moon goddess Then the wind changed. A shiver ran down Selene’s spine. The laugh faded. The air became heavy and got thickened. It felt like something ancient and pkwy had entered. The flames of the lanterns flickered wildly and a hush fell over the gathering then she felt it A sharp pull. Like an invincible thread winding around her chest, yanking hertowards the shadows and beyond the lanterns. Her breath hitched. A mate bond. Her Mate was present. Selene turned slowly. Her heart hammering against her rib. The bond was like amagnetic force, dragging her gaze to the tree line at the edge of the festival. The world around her blurred as a high fighter approached as a tall , dark figure emerged from the shadows, stepping into the flickering light. Her stomach dropped. The air around her turned rigid. Kade Valkyr. The Rogue King Gasps ripples through the crowd. Conversation stopped. Selene’s body locked in place. Clad in black with broad shoulders and piercing golden eyes, he was the nightmare of every pack— a legend of violence and vengeance. Scars marked his arms. Proofs of countless battles. His mere presence sent wave of fear and awe through the onlookers And yet … The mate bond snapped into place like a chain around her soul suffocating and unbreakable . Selene fell lightheaded. Her entire world tilted. No. No this can’t be happening. Mates were supposed to bring love, security and protection but Kade Valkyr was a monster. A rogue. A killer. A man her father swore to destroy. Selene forced herself to breathe. Her father’s voice , sharp as still cut through the silence. “You dare set foot on my land?” Alpha Aldrich growled, stepping forward. The warriors behind him unsheathed their weapons. Kade’s gaze , burning like molten gold, never left Selene’s. His lips curled into something cold. “So you are the one the Moon Goddess cursed me with?” His deep voice dripped with disdain. Selene flinched. Her wolf stirred— not in fear but in painful longing . The bond called to him, pulling her forward against her will but she fought it with nails digging into her palms. She would not submit to this. “You are not welcome here” Alpha Aldrich voice boomed “ leave before I have your head on spike”. A deadly silence followed. Kade turned his head slightly, finally acknowledging her father . His jaw clenched as if barely restraining himself Then he did something that made Selene’s blood run cold . He smirked. A slow, dangerous curve of his lips that sent a ripple of terror through the crowd. “You think you can keep me from what’s mine?” Kade murmured, taking a deliberate step forward . Selene’s heartbeat thundered in her ears. Mine. The word settled over her like a heavy weight . No. She was not his. She turned to run as instinct screamed at her to flee But he moved fast. Too fast. In the blink of an eye , he closed the distance between them. Before she could react, before her father could stop him. Kade grabbed her wrist and yanked her against him. A collective gasp echoed through the clearing. Selene’s body stiffened. His grip was iron, unyielding. His scent—earth, smoke and something untamed wrapped around her , suffocating yet intoxicating. A low growl rumbled from his chest , a dark promise of possession. “You’re mine now, little Luna” . His breathe was warm against her ear. Dangerous. Final. Selene thrashed at him but it was useless. He was too strong, too unyielding . Her father’s roar of fury shattered the air. “Let her go”! Kade laughed. A cruel and taunting sound . “She is my mate” . His voice was mocking as he turned his head slightly. His golden gaze challenging Alpha Aldrich . “Will you deny the will of the Moon Goddess?” Selene’s father lunged forward, claws unsheathed midair But before he could reach them, a deafening howl pierced the night . The sound came from the tree line. Then another. and another. Shadows moved in the darkness. Dozens of glowing eyes appeared from the trees, surrounding the clearing. Rogues. Selene’s breath caught. This was just an appearance. It was an invasion. Panic rippled through the crowd. Warriors scrambled into defensive positions. Kade leaned in, his lips brushing against Selene’s ear one last time. “You are coming with me little Luna . Whether you want to or not”. Selene’s breath came in shallow gasps. “No” — But before she could finish her word , she felt his words tightened around her Then—darkness.