Chapter 4 – The Claiming Under the Moon
516 Words
The music stopped.
Every eye in the gala followed us as Alpha Ryan led me to the center of the dance floor.
His hand settled on my waist, warm and steady.
My silver flames calmed the moment he touched me, curling gently around his fingers like they recognized him.
Aarav was still on his knees, fists clenched, eyes burning gold.
“Riya, don’t—”
Ryan’s deep voice cut through the air.
“Silence, pup.”
Aarav’s mouth snapped shut against his will. Ryan’s Alpha command rolled over the entire pack like a tidal wave.
Ryan leaned close, lips brushing my ear.
“Dance with me, little flame. Let them see who you belong to now.”
The orchestra started again, slow and haunting.
We moved together as if we’d practiced a thousand times.
Every step sent sparks through my veins.
Every turn pressed me closer to his chest.
Halfway through the song, Ryan spoke softly.
“I’ve waited twenty-six years for this scent. I’m not letting anyone take you from me.”
I tilted my head up.
“And if I say I don’t want another mate?”
His golden eyes darkened.
“Then I’ll spend the rest of my life convincing you.”
The song ended.
The crowd held its breath.
Ryan didn’t let go.
Instead, he dropped to one knee, right there in front of every Alpha in the region.
He pulled out a ring, black diamond set in silver, shaped like a tiny crescent moon.
“Riya of Crimson Moon Empire,” he said, voice carrying without effort.
“Will you let me stand beside you, not above you, not below you, but beside you, as your equal, your partner, your mate?”
My heart thundered.
Aarav growled, trying to stand, but Ryan’s command kept him pinned.
I looked down at Ryan, at the strongest Alpha alive kneeling for me.
I smiled.
“Stand up, Alpha Knight.”
He rose slowly.
I took the ring from his palm and slid it onto my own finger.
“I accept.”
The pack gasped.
Ryan’s eyes flashed with triumph.
He cupped my face and kissed me, slow, deep, possessive, yet gentle.
Silver flames exploded around us, lighting up the night sky like fireworks.
When he pulled back, he rested his forehead against mine.
“Mine,” he whispered.
I whispered back, “Yours.”
Behind us, Aarav let out a broken howl that shook the trees.
I turned just enough to meet his eyes.
“You wanted a weak Luna,” I said calmly.
“Now you have none.”
Ryan wrapped an arm around my waist.
“Let’s go home, Empress.”
As we walked away, the Crimson Moon guards fell in step behind us.
Aarav’s voice cracked across the silence.
“Riya… please…”
I didn’t look back.
The rejected omega was gone.
The Empress had risen.
And the Alpha who threw her away?
He would spend the rest of his life watching her shine, without him.
To be continued…
Drop a ❤️ if Riya deserves every bit of this happiness!
- Writer
