Bound by Moonlight: The rejected Luna's rise.

oon cast long shadows across the field where the young wolves of Silvercrest sparred beneath Aiden Blackthorn's wa

supposed

e others trained. Most of them were warriors' children-strong, confident, and accust

o draw attention from several wolves nearby. Her lips curved in a smirk as sh

the urge to

gs now," someone muttered. Snickers followed

clearing. His sharp gaze swept over the gat

still feel the weight of their star

n. "We're starting with basic forms tonight. No o

ing up meant fighting, and fightin

. Lilith naturally gravitated toward Aiden, her posture confident as she saunte

le

no warmth in his stare, only cold appraisal. He looked at her

silence. She turned quickly, finding hi

s widen

ng around." His tone was fir

the field. The others had already begun their spa

s shoulders. "We'll start si

mirrored his posture, shifting her wei

Relax. You look like yo

this," she muttered, heat

oser, adjusting her stance with caref

allowed a

ea

ift but controlled. Selene ducked, narrowly avoiding his strike. Her inst

eyes glinting with quiet

ne blocked awkwardly, the force o

m the sidelines. "Careful,

econd-long enough for Marcus to land

hough his gaze flicked brie

barrassment swelling in her chest. She raised

back, signaling her to attack. "

sitated.

your in

others do countless times. Marcus sidestepped ea

ga

ll. Her muscles ached, sweat pooling along her brow, b

wolves had begun dispersing, murmuring quietly amo

on her cloak, exhaustio

ht," Marcus said as

row. "I barely

iking. You held your ground. T

ld respond, she felt the weight of

de

his broad chest. His face remained unreadable, but somethi

rned sharply and disappeared

about?" Selen

n darkened slightl

r w

er right away. "To

ach twisted u

his voice resolute. "Because yo

she could b

-

of the village, staring up at the moon. The cool wind brushed against h

lieved, even-but the heavines

n't be out

ing a few feet away, his hands tucked

her throat. "I wasn'

oice was calm but edged with

awkwardly. "

a long moment. "You did better

liment left her mom

iden added quickly. "You're still

o fists at her sides. "Yo

his eyes narrowing sligh

d in his gaze-something almost soft-bu

is tone returning to its usual

red into the woods, leaving Selene al