Moonbound Vengeance

A Childhood of Hope

The sun was low, casting golden rays over the vast wilderness surrounding the pack's territory. Aria, barely eight years old, ran barefoot through the soft grass, her heart racing with excitement. She could feel the pulse of life around her,the energy of the pack, the promise of the full moon, and the anticipation of the day when she would finally transform.

Her small hands brushed the leaves as she sprinted through the forest, her laughter ringing through the air. She didn't need to look back to know her friends were close behind, the sound of their footsteps falling in rhythm with hers. It was a perfect day,a day that seemed to stretch on forever, filled with possibilities. Aria had always been drawn to the woods, the towering trees, and the sense of adventure that pulsed through the land.

It was here that she first imagined her future, here that she first allowed herself to dream.

"Aria! Wait up!" came a voice from behind her.

She slowed down, grinning as her best friend, Lila, caught up with her, panting but still smiling.

"One day, we'll be the fastest wolves in the pack," Aria said, her eyes sparkling. "We'll run through the forest like it's nothing, the wind in our fur, and we'll be unstoppable."

Lila laughed. "You're crazy! We'll be the strongest wolves, too! I'm going to be the Beta. You should be the Luna."

Aria paused at the mention of that word,Luna. It was a title reserved for the Alpha's mate, the future leader of the pack, a woman of strength and grace. Aria had always dreamed of that, but it was a dream she kept hidden deep inside her. She didn't share it with anyone. Not even Lila.

Lila had no idea that Aria's dreams were already tinged with the shadow of something else,the fear that she might never shift. Her wolf might never come.

But Aria pushed the thought away. Today was about joy, about the innocence of childhood dreams.

"One day, we'll both be Luna," Aria said, her voice determined, though her heart beat a little faster at the idea.

Lila grinned, her eyes glinting mischievously. "Maybe one day, we'll be Luna and Beta together."

Aria's heart skipped a beat. That was the first time Lila had ever said anything about being in charge of the pack. It felt... real. And for a fleeting moment, Aria allowed herself to picture it.

But there was something else, something always lingering in the background of her thoughts.

The Crush

As they made their way to the clearing where the young wolves gathered for their playtime, Aria's gaze fell on him. Kael. The Alpha's son. The boy who was destined to lead the pack one day. His presence had always been magnetic, even as a child. Tall and broad-shouldered for his age, with dark eyes that were always focused, always looking ahead, always taking responsibility. Kael had been the natural leader, even when he didn't yet know it.

And Aria? She was just the quiet girl on the sidelines, watching him from afar. It wasn't that she didn't fit in with the others. Aria was well-liked, kind-hearted, and always quick to help anyone in need. But Kael? Kael was the one who always seemed to shine the brightest. Aria's heart fluttered in her chest as she watched him. She couldn't help it. He was beautiful. And strong. And... out of reach.

She'd always admired him from a distance, never daring to get too close. He was the future Alpha, the one everyone expected to be perfect, always in control. She was... just Aria. The girl who wasn't sure if she had a wolf yet.

"Kael!" Lila called out, waving to him as she sprinted ahead, eager to catch his attention.

Aria slowed, watching Lila's boldness with a smile. Kael noticed them and gave a casual nod, his eyes briefly meeting Aria's. Her heart fluttered, and she quickly looked away, her cheeks flushing.

"Hey, Kael!" Lila said, standing beside him now. "We were just talking about the future. Aria says she's going to be the Luna one day!"

Kael chuckled, a warm, easy sound. "Is she now?" His gaze shifted to Aria, and for a brief moment, she felt as though he were truly seeing her. Not just a passing glance, but something more. Something deeper.

"I think we'd make a good team," Aria said, her voice a little shy but hopeful. "I'll be Luna, and you can be Alpha. Together, we'll lead the pack."

Kael tilted his head slightly, as if contemplating the idea. "You're already thinking that far ahead?" he teased.

Aria smiled, the warmth of his attention sending a ripple of happiness through her. "Of course," she said. "I've always known what I want."

The conversation was light, filled with the carefree nature of childhood. But inside Aria's heart, the seed was planted. She wanted to be strong, she wanted to be loved, and she wanted Kael to see her, to notice her as someone worthy of his attention. The idea of being Luna was far more than a title,it was the recognition of her worth, her strength, her value. If she could prove to Kael that she was capable of being his equal, then maybe, just maybe, he would see her differently.

But there was always that lingering doubt. That nagging voice in the back of her mind, the voice that reminded her that Kael would never choose her,not if she didn't have her wolf. And without that, she would always be incomplete.

The Family Bond

Later that evening, Aria sat by the fire with her parents, the pack's elders, and the other children, sharing stories and laughter. The full moon was rising, casting a silver glow over everything. Aria felt a warmth spread through her chest as she looked around, feeling the bond of the pack.

Her father, a respected warrior, spoke with pride about the upcoming shift. "Tonight, we celebrate the future," he said, his deep voice carrying across the gathered crowd. "Our children will grow, they will find their wolves, and they will become part of the legacy of our pack."

Aria's heart swelled with pride. Her father's words were always so full of hope, so full of promise. He had always believed in her, even when she wasn't sure she believed in herself. But even his words couldn't quell the knot of fear in her stomach. The fear that she wouldn't shift. The fear that she would never be able to fulfill the dreams she had built in her heart.

Her mother, sensing her unease, leaned over and whispered in her ear. "Don't worry, little one. The night of the full moon will come, and when it does, you will be ready. You will be stronger than you think."

Aria nodded, though the doubt lingered. She smiled up at her mother, trying to believe the words she said, but a part of her feared that her mother, like everyone else, would be disappointed.

She glanced toward the moon, her heart heavy. She wasn't ready for tonight. She wasn't ready for the world to see if she was truly the wolf they all expected her to be.