Blessed Luna Rising

The cold iron bars of the Moonlit Prison bit into Selene Nightshade's skin as she sat against the damp stone wall, her arms wrapped around her knees. The air was thick with the scent of silver, laced with the bitter sting of wolfbane, designed to suppress a werewolf's strength. But it wasn't the chains that weighed her down-it was the overwhelming ache in her chest.

She had known rejection would come. Omegas like her were never meant to be chosen. Yet, the way it had happened-the betrayal, the humiliation, the loss-it still burned through her like a wound that refused to heal.

The memory replayed in her mind like a cruel echo.

---

One Night Ago – The Alpha's Ceremony

The grand hall of the Silverfang Pack had been alive with music and celebration. Wolves from allied packs gathered, all eager to witness the claiming ceremony night when Alpha King Darius Stormborn would name his mate. Selene had been there only because of her duty as the pack doctor, her presence barely acknowledged among the high-ranking wolves.

She had watched from the shadows, nursing a quiet hope she dared not voice aloud. A hope that perhaps, just perhaps, her mate would find her tonight.

Then, the moment had arrived. The Alpha's gaze had swept across the room, his wolf searching for his fated mate. And for one breathless second, his golden eyes had locked onto hers. Recognition. A pull, like an invisible thread tightening between them.

Selene had felt her wolf stir, the mate bond crackling to life in her veins. This was it. This was the moment.

But before she could step forward, another scent had filled the air. Her scent.

Only it hadn't been coming from her.

Lilith Moonbane.

Selene's heart had stopped as she saw her so-called best friend stride toward the Alpha King, bathed in the same delicate floral scent that had always belonged to Selene alone.

"Mine." The Alpha King's deep voice had rung through the hall, and the room had erupted in cheers.

Selene had felt the bond snap inside her mate bond that should have been hers.

Her breath had hitched, her wolf clawing within her, trying to reach him. But before she could say a word, Lilith had turned, meeting Selene's stunned gaze with a slow, cruel smile.

And in that moment, Selene had known her scent had been stolen.

Lilith had betrayed her, masking herself with Selene's natural scent to deceive the Alpha King into believing she was his fated mate.

The pack had called it fate.

Selene had called it a lie.

She had tried to speak. Tried to tell the Alpha the truth.

But before she could utter a single word, Lilith had let out a gasp, feigning distress. "She's lying!" she had cried, gripping Darius's arm with an air of desperation. "She's jealous, my love. She doesn't want us to be together."

Gasps had rippled through the crowd.

"She's always envied me," Lilith continued, her voice trembling with expertly crafted sorrow. "Please, don't let her ruin this for us."

The Alpha's golden eyes had darkened, his gaze flickering between Lilith and Selene.

And then he had turned away from Selene.

At that moment, everything had shattered.

Within the hour, she had been dragged through the halls of the Silverfang Pack, accused of trying to challenge the Alpha's choice. Thrown into the Moonlit Prison like a traitor.

---

The Present – Moonlit Prison

Selene clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. She would not cry. She had already lost too much status, her home, her mate. She would not lose herself.

A creak echoed through the prison as the heavy iron door swung open. A visitor.

Two guards stepped aside as a tall figure entered. Alpha King Darius Stormborn.

His presence filled the small chamber, his golden eyes glowing in the dim light. Power radiated from him, his dark hair framing his sharp features. Selene's heart twisted-he was supposed to be hers.

He said nothing at first, just watched her as if trying to understand something that eluded him.

"You," his voice finally rumbled, low and authoritative, "smell different."

Selene's breath caught. Did he sense the truth?

But before she could speak, another figure entered. Lilith.

Draped in fine silks, her eyes gleamed with victory. She stepped beside the Alpha, running her fingers along his arm in a possessive caress.

"My love, why waste time on an Omega?" she purred. "She's a traitor. Let her rot."

Selene met the Alpha's gaze. She had one chance to speak the truth.

Would he listen?

Or was her fate already sealed?

But before she could answer, Lilith stepped closer, a triumphant smirk playing at her lips. "Poor Selene," she whispered, just loud enough for her to hear. "You really thought you could be his mate? A pathetic Omega like you?"

Selene's wolf snarled inside her, weak but not broken. She lifted her chin, forcing herself to meet Lilith's gaze. "You won't be able to keep up the lie forever," she said, her voice steady. "The truth always finds a way."

Lilith's eyes flickered with something dark-anger, perhaps, or fear. Just for a moment.

Darius frowned. "Enough," he said, his voice holding the weight of authority. He turned his gaze back to Selene. "You claim she lies?"

Selene swallowed hard. "I don't just claim it. I know it."

For a long moment, the Alpha King said nothing. Then, he turned away.

"Leave her," he ordered. "She is nothing."

And just like that, the door slammed shut, leaving Selene in the dark.

The coldness of his rejection was like a dagger to her soul. The worst part was the flicker of doubt she had seen in his eyes as if somewhere inside, his wolf had sensed the truth. But he had pushed it away, believing Lilith's deception.

Her fingers brushed against the silver chain around her wrist, a shackle that ensured she remained powerless.

She would not remain in this prison forever. One day, she would make them see the truth.

Not today.

Not tomorrow.

But soon.

And when that day came, the world would know that Selene Nightshade was not an omega to be discarded.

She was the rightful mate of the Alpha King.

And she would rise.