“Bound by the Alpha’s Curse”

Chapter One — The New Girl in Ravenshade The rain hadn’t stopped since Luna Hart crossed the “Welcome to Ravenshade” sign. It wasn’t the soft, gentle drizzle she was used to in the city — this was heavier, colder, and somehow… ancient. As her small car rolled through the foggy road, she couldn’t shake the feeling that the town itself was watching her. Ravenshade was small, tucked between thick pine forests and steep mountains. A single road wound through it, dotted with old houses that looked more like secrets than homes. Every window glowed faintly, like eyes peeking from the dark. Luna sighed. A new town, a new beginning — that was the plan. After her parents’ death in a car accident three months ago, she needed a fresh start. Somewhere quiet, far away from memories that hurt too much. When she found a teaching internship offer in Ravenshade’s local school, she took it without thinking twice. But as the car turned into the main street, she wondered if she’d made a mistake. The people who walked past her car barely looked up. Those who did, quickly looked away — as if they knew something she didn’t. Her phone had no signal. The GPS had stopped working an hour ago. And the forest that surrounded the town seemed to whisper her name whenever the wind howled. --- The inn she booked online was a cozy-looking place called The Silver Pines Lodge. Or at least, that’s what the faded sign said. She parked, grabbed her bag, and hurried through the rain. Inside, warmth and the scent of pinewood filled the air. An older woman behind the counter smiled — though the smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Room for Luna Hart?” she asked. The woman hesitated before flipping open the register. “Ah. You must be the new teacher. Welcome to Ravenshade, dear. It’s rare to see newcomers.” “Thanks,” Luna replied, forcing a smile. “It’s a beautiful town.” The woman looked up sharply, as if testing her sincerity. “Beautiful, yes. But dangerous at night. Lock your doors after dark. You’ll hear things… best to ignore them.” Luna blinked. “Things?” The woman slid the key across the counter. “The woods have their own music here. Don’t listen too closely.” Before Luna could ask what she meant, the front door creaked open behind her. The wind swept in — cold, sharp, and carrying a scent of wild rain and pine. Then he walked in. Tall. Broad-shouldered. Dressed in black from head to toe. His hair was dark and slightly damp, his jaw shadowed with stubble, and his eyes — Silver. Not gray, not blue — but silver, like moonlight trapped in human form. He didn’t look at her right away. But when he did, it felt like the entire room held its breath. For a moment, Luna forgot how to breathe. “Kael,” the innkeeper said quietly, almost reverently. “Didn’t expect to see you tonight.” His voice was deep, calm, but carried a quiet authority that made the hairs on Luna’s neck rise. “You have a new guest.” “Yes. Miss Hart. She’s the new teacher at Ravenshade High.” Kael’s silver eyes flickered to Luna again. “Then she should be careful,” he said softly. “The forest doesn’t take kindly to strangers.” He brushed past her and disappeared into the rain before she could respond. Luna stood frozen, staring after him, her heart pounding for reasons she couldn’t explain. --- That night, sleep refused to come. The inn was quiet, too quiet. The ticking of the clock felt unnaturally loud. And outside, the rain had stopped — leaving only the rustle of the forest beyond her window. She rolled over, pulling the blanket tighter around her. Then she heard it. A long, low howl. It wasn’t close, but it wasn’t far either. It echoed through the night — haunting, powerful, filled with pain and rage. Goosebumps crawled across her skin. She told herself it was just a wolf. Or maybe a dog. But deep down, she knew it wasn’t. Because when the sound faded, a whisper followed it through the wind — faint, almost like a sigh. > “Luna…” She sat up, heart hammering. No one was there. But somewhere deep inside the forest, something had called her name.