Cursed Luna, Rejected Mate

y

rd the old gathering stones. It's quieter here. The trees form a canopy above us, leaves whi

ps, I step

at the sky. "I've seen what the bond can d

I search his face, but I can't f

ssed me." My v

icks to min

leans forward and press

't name. The bond snaps fully into place. I feel it in my bones, in my blood. Our

ack, I'm breath

it," I whisper,

hat doesn't mean I'll l

warmth from the kiss

do you

l, yes. But it's also... chaotic. I need more than chaos. I need a Luna

," I say quick

to question fate. I need more than just a feeling. I need peace. St

I expect. The cold edge

cry. Not h

e again?" I ask, forcing

says simply. "Even if

rts mos

walk back. He doesn't touch

ill, I

is there. Becau

n is larger th

h with the scent of roasted meats, fresh bread, and herbs. A long table stretches down the center, polished wood gleaming un

alls, like a ghost that still watches over this sacred place. But now, it belongs

w guards in ceremonial gear guide everyone into order. As Selene and I walk in together, a

rise ar

he say to you?

th you three times!"

e? Did he

going to

lessons with, young warriors, even a few elder pack daughters. Some look

high, smoothing down my dress

in the world. "He told me he's choosing me.

gasps, some deligh

one girl asks, eye

er we danced. We talked alone for a while." I giv

know she's listening. When I glance back at her, she offers me a sof

ut close enough to be noticed. People part for me like water around a stone. I sit with s

whisper, "Don't be shy. T

h a goblet of sparkling drink. Her fingers

to buzz with laughter and song, I can't shake the feelin

I wait. Because Lugh

just a little

ed by two warriors. The ha

Surely he's going to claim me. I'm

't reach his eyes. His gaze moves like he is searching, scanning and when it falls on me,

dy looking

at like she wants to disappear. Lugh slows as

he says, voice low but

s awkwardly.

speak muc

ly, her voice light. "Only w

gh smiles, it is genuine this time and so

of her chair, still speaking

la. She's the one ever

e distracted. "That might be a mistak

. The nightmare comes rushing

s doing. She doesn't see how he watches her now, not the way he w

ir studies, the healers she's trained under. When she mentions

chewing through bread

his briefly as she reaches for her drink. I see the fl

t be happening. This can't

e since he came to the table. Not after ou

plicity, he is drawn to her,

peaks to her, the m