Bound by Moonlight: The rejected Luna's rise.

The moon hung high over the Silvercrest Pack's territory, its pale light spilling over the dense forest that cradled the village below. The air was thick with the scent of pine and the distant howl of wolves patrolling the borders. But none of it felt comforting to Selene Winters as she hurried along the worn dirt path leading to the packhouse.

Her thin frame was wrapped tightly in a faded cloak, more for comfort than warmth. Spring had come early this year, but Selene's skin still prickled with a cold that had nothing to do with the weather.

"Selene!"

She stiffened at the sound of her name. The voice, sharp and teasing, belonged to Lilith. Selene's half-sister stepped out from the shadows near the packhouse steps, her long raven hair falling in elegant waves around her shoulders. Lilith was everything Selene was not-strong, beautiful, and confident. The pack adored her, and she made sure to remind Selene of the fact at every turn.

Selene lowered her head, hoping to slip past without another confrontation, but Lilith's hand shot out, gripping Selene's arm.

"Don't ignore me, little sister. It's rude."

Her eyes flicked up briefly, locking onto Lilith's amber gaze. "I wasn't ignoring you. I just-"

"Just what? Trying to disappear like usual?" Lilith's lips curled into a smirk. "It's too bad you can't vanish like the ghost you resemble. Honestly, you're embarrassing to watch. Even the omegas have more presence than you."

Selene didn't answer. There was no point. She knew how this ended-with Lilith's laughter and Selene's shame.

Lilith's grip tightened before she released Selene with a scoff. "You know, the Alpha is hosting a training session this evening. All the young wolves will be there. You should come. Maybe if Aiden sees you trying, he'll stop pretending you don't exist."

Selene's stomach twisted painfully. Aiden Blackthorn-the Alpha. He had been leading the pack for two years now, ever since his father passed. Strong, cold, and impossibly distant, Aiden hardly acknowledged her existence. She doubted her presence at the training ground would change that.

"I'll think about it," Selene mumbled, brushing past Lilith and ascending the steps to the packhouse.

Lilith's laughter followed her inside.

---

The packhouse was warm, the smell of roasted venison filling the halls as Selene made her way toward the kitchen. Omegas bustled about, preparing meals and tending to chores, but none paid her any mind.

She preferred it that way.

Selene slipped into the corner near the hearth, curling into the oversized chair that had become her sanctuary over the years. The fire crackled softly, and for a fleeting moment, the warmth settled the unease curling in her chest.

"You shouldn't let her get to you."

Selene glanced up, startled by the voice. Darius, the pack's oldest healer, stood by the fireplace, his weathered hands clasped behind his back. His silver hair reflected the firelight, making him look more ghost than man.

"It's not that simple," She replied quietly.

He lowered himself into the chair opposite her, eyes kind but sharp with unspoken knowledge. "You know, Selene, strength comes in many forms. The problem is you've spent too long believing yours doesn't matter."

Selene's gaze dropped to her hands. "I don't have strength."

"Perhaps not yet. But the moon sees all things, child. Even those that the rest of us overlook."

Before she could respond, the door to the packhouse swung open with a loud creak, drawing every gaze in the room. Aiden strode inside, his presence commanding immediate attention.

Selene stiffened.

He was flanked by his Beta, Marcus, and a handful of warriors. The air shifted with their arrival, heavy with the scent of blood and pine. They had returned from patrol, judging by the mud caked to their boots.

Aiden's icy blue eyes swept over the room-and passed right over Selene as if she wasn't there.

Selene forced herself to breathe.

"Alpha!" Lilith's voice chimed from the hallway, her tone soft and sweet. She approached Aiden with a smile that Selene knew too well. Lilith was good at charming her way into his attention, though Aiden never seemed to reciprocate the affection she flaunted.

Still, it didn't stop Lilith from trying.

Selene shifted deeper into her chair, praying the fire would swallow her whole.

"Another rogue attack near the southern border," Aiden reported to Darius, ignoring Lilith's attempts at small talk. "We've pushed them back for now, but they're getting bolder."

Darius nodded gravely. "I'll prepare more salves for the wounded."

"Good." Aiden's gaze flickered around the room. "Make sure everyone stays close to the village tonight. I don't want any lone wolves wandering the outskirts."

His eyes finally landed on Selene, but it wasn't recognition that crossed his face-only indifference.

"Even the weak ones."

Selene's breath caught in her throat. The words, so casually spoken, hit harder than she expected. Aiden turned and strode toward the back of the house, Lilith trailing after him like a shadow.

Selene stared at the fire, the flickering flames dancing in her vision.

Darius leaned closer. "Ignore his words, Selene. The strongest trees grow in silence."

She nodded, but the weight pressing on her chest refused to lift.

---

Later that evening, Selene slipped out of the packhouse, unable to bear the noise and lingering gazes. The forest beyond the village was quiet, the soft rustle of leaves the only sound as she walked along the narrow path leading to the cliffs.

This was her place-the one spot no one bothered to follow.

The cliff overlooked the valley below, where the Silvercrest wolves would often hunt during full moons. Tonight, the valley was bathed in silver light, the distant shadows of wolves moving along the border barely visible.

Selene wrapped her arms around herself, staring out at the expanse.

"You're late."

Selene spun around, heart leaping into her throat. Marcus, Aiden's Beta, leaned casually against a nearby tree, his sharp gaze watching her.

"Late for what?" she asked, masking her surprise.

Marcus pushed off the tree, stepping closer. "Training."

Selene blinked. "I wasn't invited."

"Lilith said she mentioned it."

Of course, she had. Lilith's idea of an invitation was more mockery than kindness.

Marcus sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. "You should join. Even if you're not strong now, the pack could use more bodies during patrols."

Selene swallowed hard. She wanted to refuse, but something in Marcus's gaze held her there.

"Fine," she relented softly. "Tomorrow."

Marcus nodded. "Good. Aiden may not see your worth, but not everyone in the pack is blind."

His words lingered as he disappeared down the path, leaving Selene alone once more beneath the watchful eye of the moon.