His Enemy's Bride, His fated Luna

Ariana I never wanted to be Luna. While other girls my age had fantasies of grand ceremonies, royalty and ending up with a handsome and powerful wolf being their mate, I dreamed of something else–freedom. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, seeing myself like living ornament in a spotless gown, prepared to tossed away like a trophy. I truly hated having no control over my life. The maids flocked around me like frantic butterflies, adjusting my makeup, adjusting the hem of my gown, tying my hair and making sure that none of my curls were out of place while I just stared at my reflection in the enormous mirror. The woman that looked back at me looked… ethereal. Strange. I felt like an item about to be handed out more than a bride. My auburn curls draped over my shoulders and my blue eyes looked even more dazzling than before. By all accounts I was beautiful. “You look breathtaking my lady,” a maid said, forcing a smile out of me. “Alpha Lucian won’t be able to take his eyes off you,” another added. “You’ll make a great Luna…” I was about to respond when I felt a familiar touch on my shoulders. I turned around and saw Elira–one of the oldest maids in Mooncrest pack. “You look very beautiful my lady,” she said with a smile. “Are you ready to get married?” I sighed. “As ready as I’d ever be.” “Don’t talk like that my lady,” Elira said quickly. “It’s a celebration. You should be happy. You’re getting married to Alpha Lucian. He’s a very good man. He’ll take care of you.” “I suppose,” I muttered to myself. In a few seconds, the grand doors opened. A hush fell over the initially noisy crowd. I stepped into the aisle, my heart pounding against my ribs like a caged bird. The hall was a sea of opulence — golden candelabras, tapestries of silver and midnight blue, walls carved with ancient sigils of the packs. Hundreds of eyes watched as I moved forward, my gown trailing on the stone floor. Beside the flower bushes at the stage, stood the priest and next to him stood Lucian. He looked regal, almost unreal, in his ceremonial black and silver robes. His icy blue eyes warmed the moment they landed on me, and a genuine, soft smile curled his lips. He was truly happy to have me as his mate. For a heartbeat, I felt a pang of guilt. He really cared for me. Maybe even loved me and all I wanted to do was to find a way not to wed him. I adjusted my posture and walked down the aisle, avoiding the stares from the audience. When I got to the stage, Lucian extended his arm. After a slight hesitation, I placed my hand in his. His grip was firm but gentle. The priest started the sacred rites. “Before the goddess of the moon, before the packs gathered here, we unite two souls in sacred bond…” I straightened. “Ariana, do you accept Alpha Lucian as your mate and Luna, to lead and protect beside him, to honor the ancient code of the packs?” I opened my mouth. The words “I do” perched on the tip of my tongue but didn’t get the opportunity to come out before chaos erupted. A dense, swirling fog suddenly appeared across the hall, limiting our vision. The guests gasped and shouted. Chairs scraped against stone as people rose to their feet in alarm. Lucian’s hand tightened around mine protectively, his head snapping around, eyes narrowed. From the mist, shadows emerged — dark, swift figures in masks and cloaks. They moved with terrifying precision, weaving through the crowd. Screams echoed. Our guards were overwhelmed in seconds. “Stay behind me!” Lucian snarled, yanking me closer. But it was too late. Rough hands seized me from behind. A cloth was pressed over my mouth — sharp with the bitter tang of sleeping herbs. I struggled, kicking, twisting, but the world already started spinning. Through the haze, I saw Lucian fighting — throwing punches, howling orders — but the masked figures were relentless. In minutes, they had Lucian on his knees. One figure, taller than the rest, wearing a black mask with silver markings, stepped forward. He stared straight at Lucian, his voice calm but mocking. “Come find her, Alpha.” He said before hitting the side of my neck. Slowly, darkness crept into my vision.