Heavy rain poured down on the Bloodclaw Valley, mirroring Draven Storm's somber mood. The Alpha of the Bloodclaw Pack stood motionless before a grave. On the tombstone was inscribed the name Lilith Shadowridge, Draven's first mate. No matter how fiercely the rain lashed against him, he remained rooted to the spot.

'Why, Lilith? Why did you leave me like this? Didn't you know I was dying inside when you suddenly vanished? And now, I find only your grave,' Draven wondered inwardly with a dagger-like pain.

Draven's thoughts screamed in silence, his gaze fixed on the cold stone before him.

Six months earlier, Lilith had mysteriously disappeared. Then, out of nowhere, his Beta, Adrian, had informed him of her death due to a strange illness. Now, after months of searching, he stood before the resting place of the woman he had desperately sought.

Behind him stood Elder Magnus Windspire, the man who had shared in Draven's grief and had tirelessly assisted him in the search for Lilith.

She left too soon, Magnus muttered softly, his voice nearly drowned by the rain. The wise and resilient elder was also drenched, but his focus remained on Draven.

Elder Magnus is known as the wise and most formidable elder among all the Elders of the Bloodclaw pack.

Draven offered no response. His jaw tightened, and his fists clenched until his nails dug into the flesh of his palms.

The pain of loss hit him like an unyielding storm.

Though he was an Alpha, a leader known for his strength, today he was merely a man grieving the love of his life. Even his unmatched power had been helpless to save Lilith from the illness that claimed her.

"We should go home, Draven." Magnus suggested gently.

Without a word, Draven turned and left the cemetery, heading back toward the Bloodclaw packhouse.

When they arrived, a woman approached him. It was Seraphina Moonveil, the second mate chosen for him by the Moon Goddess.

4 months ago Draven had married her and imprinted her as his Luna at the request of the Elder. Sera had always been there for him, even when her own heart broke every time her husband mentioned Lilith.

"Are you okay?" Sera asked quietly once they were inside their room, handing Draven a dry towel.

She knew he had just returned from Lilith's grave. Despite the sting of jealousy and pain, Sera continued to care for Draven, hoping that one day her name might find a place in his heart.

"Yes," Draven replied curtly.

Sera understood her position as his second mate was a challenging one. She had to remain steadfast for a husband who was still ensnared by the shadows of his past. Yet, this was not a role she had chosen—this bond was the Moon Goddess's decree, and Sera had accepted her fate with grace.

Draven retreated to the bathroom without further words. After fifteen minutes, he emerged, his body wrapped in a towel.

"Draven," Sera called softly.

He did not turn to face her. Instead, he raised a hand, signaling her to stay away. The silent rejection stabbed at Sera’s heart. Although she was now Draven’s Luna, she knew she was not truly wanted by him.

Swallowing her pain, Sera left the room. As she wandered down the hallway, Magnus noticed her distress and quickly approached.

"Give it time." He said soothingly. "I'm sorry, Sera. Had you not been chosen by the Moon Goddess, I would never have pushed you into this. But please, never leave him. He will need you, more than he realizes."

Sera nodded, though her hopes for the marriage were dim. Lilith's memory loomed so large that Sera felt like a pale shadow of the perfect woman who had come before her.

'Oh, Moon Goddess. Help me endure this pain.'

***

In the weeks that followed, Draven resumed his duties as Alpha. However, everyone in the Bloodclaw Pack noticed a change. He had grown quieter, more withdrawn, and often spent long hours alone in his den.

Sera continued to fulfill her role as Luna. She prepared his meals, encouraged him to take walks, and initiated conversations, even if Draven often responded with nothing but silence.

One evening, Draven sat in his study with Adrian, tackling pack matters. Leaning back in his chair, Draven finally spoke.

"I can't forget Lilith, Adrian."

Adrian, ever loyal, nodded understandingly. "No one is asking you to forget her," he said. "But you can’t let this loss consume you. Sera is your wife, your Luna. She has been so patient with you, despite everything. Open your heart to her. I don’t think Lilith would want to see you like this."

Adrian's words echoed in Draven’s mind. He exhaled heavily, as though grappling with an impossible task. "Alright," he murmured. "I’ll try."

Later that evening, Draven stepped onto the balcony of the packhouse. From there, he spotted Sera in the garden, chatting with a few pack members. Her gentle smile seemed to illuminate the chilly night.

For the first time, something stirred in Draven—not love, but perhaps hope.

Summoning his courage, Draven descended to the garden. Sera noticed him immediately and excused herself from the others. She approached him, her smile warm yet tentative.

"What’s wrong?" she asked.

"Show me around the garden," Draven requested. His words startled her; it was the first time he had asked for her company. Masking her surprise, Sera agreed. As they walked, Draven stopped abruptly. "I’m sorry," he said, his voice heavy with regret. "I know I haven’t been fair to you. You’ve been patient and kind, yet I haven’t given you the chance you deserve. I’ve wronged you as a husband and as an Alpha."

Sera turned to him, her expression tender yet resolute. "I don’t need an apology, Draven," she said softly. "I just want you to know that I’m here for you, whenever you’re ready."

For the first time in months, Draven smiled—a small, hesitant smile, but genuine.

"Starting tonight," he said, "let’s open a new chapter as husband and wife. Help me learn to love you."

Draven's growling voice echoed in the room. They had just gone through a passionate phase of lovemaking for the first time, after four months of marriage.

The touch slowly flowed with a pervasive warmth, making Sera feel like she was bewitched by the intimacy she was experiencing for the first time.

Both of them did not care about anything else, other than diving into the turmoil that continued to burn their bodies. They did not care even though sweat was pouring down between them.

“Thank you for taking me in,” Draven said, as he kissed Sera’s eyes.

“You are my husband. Accompanying you and pleasing you is my duty,” Sera replied. Her words touched something in Draven's heart.

For the first time since Lilith left, Draven felt that he was not truly alone. He didn't know if he could love Sera like he loved Lilith, but he was determined to try and live his life with Sera.

Unbeknownst to both of them, somewhere far away from the Bloodclaw pack, Lilith who was rumoured to be dead was actually alive. She lay weak in a small room, being cared for by someone who kept her whereabouts a secret.

Her eyes opened slowly, and in her weakened state, she whispered, Draven, I miss you. I want us to be like before, filling our hearts with love.

***

3 days have passed. Draven and Sera's relationship was getting better. They did not even hesitate to show their affection in front of the pack members.

“I'm glad to see they can be that romantic.”

“I'm sure, soon this pack will be bustling with the presence of the pack's future Alpha and his younger siblings.”

“I can't wait for that day to come.”

Such were the comments of several pack members who were happy to see Draven and Sera's romance.

That night the air in the Bloodclaw Pack' s great hall was warm. Many guests were present to attend Draven and Seraphina Moonveil's wedding reception.

“Darling, I'm sorry for always hurting you,” Draven said, as he looked at the beautiful Sera in her simple yet elegant wedding dress. “Only now can I give you this wedding reception.”

Sera turned her head towards her husband, then came closer. Caressing her husband's cheek, she said, “It's okay, Draven. I can understand your situation.”

Draven kissed Sera's palm as he closed his eyes. “Thank you, dear. Thank you for understanding me and not giving up on me.”

Back then, they were married in a closed ceremony, witnessed only by a few pack members. But tonight, Sera smiled broadly beside Draven. All pack members as well as invitees from other packs were coming and would know that Alpha Draven now had Luna.

After four months of hardship, Sera felt this was the end of her waiting and patience. Draven had finally expressed his willingness to move on with her, no matter how much Lilith's shadow haunted his life.

“Come on, let's get to the courtyard,” Draven urged.

Sera smiled and clung to Darven's right arm. They walked towards the courtyard where the reception would be held.

Some of the invited guests were already entering the party area. They quickly approached the handsome and beautiful couple of Draven and Seraphina Moonveil.

“Congratulations on your marriage,” said Alpha Alden of the Crimson Pack. “Here's a gift for you.”

Draven smiled broadly. “Thank you, Alden. I'm glad you wanted to come to my wedding.”

The party atmosphere was lively and festive. Draven even danced with Sera. Sera felt that she was needed by her husband, and even the hope of being loved bloomed.

The party was not over yet and the guests were still having fun in the middle of the dance, Draven had already invited Sera to their room.

“It seems like I'm getting addicted to your body. I can’t even sleep if I don't make love to you first,” Draven said.

Sera lightly punched her husband's arm while holding back a smile. “Aren't you ashamed to talk like that? Look, there are still many people here. You are indeed a naughty Alpha.”

Draven laughed and looked at his wife. “I want you right now.”

They decided to leave the event. Just as they were about to enter the Bloodclaw packhouse, a messenger suddenly approached Draven and Sera with his breath caught in his throat.

“What’s wrong?” asked Draven with a serious face.

“I ... I ...,” the messenger hesitated to relay his findings, as Sera was there.

Not just Draven and Sera, but all eyes were on the messenger.

Sera realised that her presence made the messenger hesitate to speak. “Just tell me. I won't do anything.”

The man fell silent while normalising his breathing. He looked at Draven and Sera in turn, but he had to deliver this news.

“Alpha Draven,” he said in a trembling voice, “I received word that Miss Lilith is still alive.”

The words were like a thunderbolt striking Sera's heart, while Draven stood transfixed with his eyes wide.

The world seemed to spin for Draven. His brain tried to digest the fact that Lilith, his long-sought mate, was still breathing.

“Where is she?” asked Draven in a low voice. “Tell me quickly.”

Sera turned her head towards Draven. The big happy smile Draven had shown at the wedding reception was gone. At first glance, there was an enthusiastic look on his face.

“She was found at the northern border, in a weakened condition. She has a mysterious illness. My warriors and I have taken her to a Healer, as her illness must be cured by magic.”

Sera could feel the chill of silence that came over Draven. His normally stern eyes were now filled with emotions. Draven turned his head towards Sera, as if to say something, but the words seemed to get stuck in his throat.

Not wanting to waste any time, Draven walked away leaving Sera standing transfixed, enduring the heart-wrenching pain. Apparently, the happiness and hope only lasted for three days. All the guests were silent.

Sera felt that her life would return to darkness, just like the past 4 months. Moreover, now Lilith appeared, no longer as a shadow, but in real form.

While her mood was in turmoil, Rowan, her best friend since childhood approached, placing a hand on her shoulder gently. “Sera, you're okay right? You can't be weak. Don't let this situation bring you down.”

Sera smiled faintly at her best friend, but tears welled up in her eyes. ‘I'm honestly not okay, Rowan. How could I possibly compete with the woman who became Draven's true love?’ she whispered softly, only Rowan could hear.

Meanwhile at the home of a Healer named Damien, Draven stares at the figure of Lilith, the woman he loved with all his heart.

Her once bright face now looked pale, her body thin and weak. But Lilith's eyes still had that familiar glow, triggering a storm of emotions within him.

“Lilith …” he whispered. “It's not an illusion is it?”

Lilith tried to smile while shaking her head. “It's not. I'm real, Draven,” she said weakly, her voice barely audible. “I miss you.”

Draven immediately hugged Lilith's frail body tightly, channeling the millions of longings that had consumed him for the past six months.

“I missed you more,” Draven said. The sound of sobs echoed in the room.

Meanwhile, Sera chose to be alone by the quiet lake, away from the bustling pack. The image of Draven leaving her without saying anything, kept replaying in her mind.

It reminded her of the harsh reality that her love might never be reciprocated.

“Sera! Where are you?”

Sera closed her eyes. She knew it was Rowan's voice that was looking for her.

It wasn't long before Rowan's voice was heard again in Sera's ear, even though the distance was very close.

“I finally found you, Sera,” Rowan said, then sat down next to Sera. “You mustn't give up. You are his wife. Luna is for the Bloodclaw pack. While she is just your husband's past. You have far more right to Draven.”

“What's the point?” replied Sera in a broken voice. “Lilith is back, and I won't be able to compete with her, Rowan. She is my husband's true love, while I am only a second chance.”

“Don't even think that,” Rowan said firmly. “Draven must understand that Lilith is a thing of the past and you must be firm as his wife.”

“I understand that. But I will give Draven time. Let Draven think about who he needs to be as a woman. If he chooses Lilith, I will give up.”

“So you're married, Draven?”

That one question left Draven speechless. After all, the news of Draven and Seraphina Moonveil's wedding was a hot topic on social media, including the news of Alpha Draven leaving his wife at the party for his girlfriend.

“Don't think too much. The important thing is that you get well again soon. I will do anything for your recovery,” Draven said.

They were currently on their way to the Bloodclaw pack. Draven was sure Sera would understand. After all, Sera knew that Draven loved Lilith.

“Of course I thought about it. I am only the third person in your marriage with your wife.” Lilith seemed to wipe her tears.

They arrived at the Bloodclaw packhouse. Sera, who happened to be in the courtyard distributing tasks to the workers, turned her head towards the car. She saw Draven getting off and carrying a woman.

Sera's gaze immediately met Lilith's sad eyes. This was the first time Sera knew Lilith, a woman who had a very beautiful face. It was only natural for Draven to be downcast.

The silence as well as the silence was immediately felt. Draven was actually confused, but he had no choice.

Days passed, and Draven's attention was fully devoted to Lilith. Every day he made sure Lilith ate well, checked her body condition carefully, and even stayed with her at night until she fell asleep.

Sera could only cry at how much Draven cared and loved Lilith. She increasingly felt unneeded by Draven, even beginning to feel the growing distance between herself and Draven.

Every morning she woke up hoping that Draven would see her, share some news, or just say hello. However, Draven was too busy in Lilith's room. It was as if Draven's world was now only centred on Lilith.

Meanwhile, Draven actually felt guilty for Sera, but didn't know how to express it. Sera's presence was starting to bother his life, but he couldn't just ignore Lilith.

***

That night, Sera was seen walking with Rowan in the courtyard of the Bloodclaw packhouse. A cold wind swept across her face, bringing with it a chill in her heart.

She thought of how Draven, a few days ago, tried to build their relationship even though his heart was still haunted by Lilith's shadow.

Sera did not complain. As a loyal Luna, she understood Draven's desire to take care of Lilith. But behind that loyalty, she could not deny the pain that was slowly tearing her heart apart.

“Sera,” Rowan said as they walked in the garden next to the Bloodclaw packhouse. “You are the Luna to Draven that the Moon Goddess chose. You must be firm and not let your position be weaker than that woman's.”

“I know,” Sera replied quietly, “But it feels like it's all for nothing, because in the end he will always choose Lilith.”

Rowan did not want to see Sera hurt. “Then, make a decision as soon as possible. You should also think about your happiness, Sera.”

Sera turned to Rowan. “Are you asking me to leave Draven?” asked Sera.

Rowan stopped his steps and made his position opposite Sera. Slowly, her hands came up and held both of Sera's shoulders. “Sometimes, people only realise when something is no longer by their side. I think you should give Draven some time and space. Let him contemplate everything alone.”

From the direction of the second floor balcony, Draven saw Sera and Rowan's interaction with heated eyes, but that did not make him move to meet Sera. He was completely confused about his feelings.

Draven instead chose to go to Lilith's room. He sat beside Lilith. Lilith turned her head towards Draven. She broke the silence with a soft voice.

“Draven,” she said, looking into the eyes of the man she had always loved, “I know you did everything for me. But I want to know something, am I still happy like I used to be?”

The question shook Draven. He did not answer. Instantly his mind was full of memories and feelings that collided. Lilith was his first love, the woman he dreamed of living with forever. But Sera had become an important part of his life, filling the void Lilith had left behind. Even earlier he was annoyed to see Sera talking to Rowan.

“I don't know, Lilith,” Draven finally replied, his voice full of confusion. “I'm happy to see you back, but I don't know what to do.”

Lilith smiled weakly. “I understand,” she said. “Your life has gone on without me, and I can't blame you for that. But Draven, I have to be honest. I don't know how much longer I have. My body is too weak, and I can't give you the happiness I used to.”

Lilith's words left Draven speechless. He felt trapped between two hearts. His old love that he always longed for and Sera's existence that always accompanied him when he was down.

While he was confused like that, the door to Lilith's room opened quietly, and Sera appeared there. She saw Draven sitting beside Lilith, holding her hand lovingly.

Her heart was breaking, but she knew that she could not let herself be paralysed by pain.

“I just wanted to see if there was anything I could help you with here?” she asked, her voice calm despite her heart.

Lilith smiled at Sera, albeit weakly. “Thank you, Sera,” she said softly. “I owe a lot to your care.”

Draven looked at Sera. The guilt was growing in his heart. He felt like he had to find an answer to this situation immediately. There was a fear that Sera would get angry and leave him.