Ariana's POV

Three sharp knocks echoed through the house, making me freeze.

Who could that be?

I was the only one home. Father and Elena had left for the pack house just minutes ago, and they weren't supposed to return anytime soon.

My heart lurched.

I reached for the wooden mopping stick leaning against my bedroom wall. As I turned, my gaze accidentally caught my reflection in the mirror.

Round cheek… thick waist… the same plus-size body everyone loved to ridicule.

I quickly looked away.

Every glance at my reflection brought back the cruel words, the mocking laughter, and the endless body shaming I had endured throughout my life… but there was one person who had always accepted me exactly as I was.

The knock came again, louder this time, pulling me from my thoughts.

Gripping the stick tightly, I hurried through the living room and yanked the door open, raising it high above my head.

My eyes widened. "Logan?"

His brows knitted together in concern. "Are you alright?"

Heat rushed to my cheeks.

I awkwardly lowered the stick and hid it behind my back before noticing the paper bag in his hand.

Logan Drake was the future Alpha of Silver Moon Pack. My best friend, and the only person who had never judged me for my size.

Whenever others laughed at me, he was always the first to stand between me and their cruel words.

A teasing smile curved his lips.

"So..." he said, raising an eyebrow. "Can I come in? Or are you planning to beat me with that stick first?"

A laugh escaped me.

"I... sorry." I stepped aside. "Of course."

He walked inside, and I closed the door behind him before joining him on the couch opposite.

"I thought Father and Elena would be at the pack house," I teased. "So, what is the future Alpha doing here?"

He smiled. "Can't I come say hello to my best friend?"

I rolled my eyes, unable to stop myself from smiling. "I suppose you can."

Logan had been the man of my dreams for years. Tomorrow was his Alpha Ceremony and if the Moon Goddess blessed me enough to make him my mate… I didn't think I could ever ask for anything else.

He extended the paper bag toward me but I hesitated.

"Go on," he encouraged softly.

Curious, I accepted it and peeked inside.

My eyes lit up instantly.

"Moonberry pastries!" A delighted gasp escaped my lips.

"I remembered they're your favorite," he said with a grin.

Father and Elena hated seeing me eat sweets. They were convinced I was already too overweight to deserve them.

But Logan never cared. Ever since college, whenever someone mocked my appearance, he'd secretly buy me Moonberry pastries just to see me smile again. It has become our little tradition.

I eagerly took one and bit into its soft, sweet filling. "Mmm… this is amazing."

His smile widened. "I'm glad you like them."

I finished one far too quickly before looking back at him. "Thank you, Logan."

He nodded before leaning forward, resting his forearms on his knees.

"Ariana..." His voice turned serious. "I need you to do something for me."

I blinked. "What is it?"

His smile vanished. "I need you to retrieve the Moon Crystal from Kasha Forest."

Everything inside me froze.

"Kasha Forest?" I whispered. "The forbidden Witch Forest?"

He gave a single nod. "Yes."

My mouth fell open.

"Logan... have you lost your mind?" I stared at him in disbelief. "Do you know how many rogue wolves roam that forest? I don't even have a wolf to protect me!"

He slipped a small silver vial from his pocket and placed it gently on the table.

"This is Shadow Scent."

I picked it up carefully as the liquid inside shimmered like silver mist.

"Apply a little to your skin before entering the forest," he explained. "It masks your scent and the rogues won't detect you."

Relief washed over me.

"If this really works..."

"It does." He answered immediately.

I smiled, believing every word.

Then, Logan dropped onto both knees before me as he clasped his hands dramatically.

"Please, Ariana. I've never asked you for anything before, I really need your help."

I stared at him, then burst into laughter. "An Alpha... begging me?"

"I'll never let you forget this." He laughed too. "So... you'll do it?"

I sighed dramatically.

"Fine, I'll go." I lifted the vial. "At least Shadow Scent will keep me safe."

The next second, Logan wrapped his arms around me. "Thank you, I knew I could count on you."

A smile spread across my face.

Nothing made me happier than seeing him smile.

He pulled away, still grinning. "And when you come back I'll buy you enough Moonberry pastries to last a month."

I laughed. "You're trying to bribe me."

"Is it working?"

"A little."

My smile slowly faded. "But… what do you even need the Moon Crystal for?"

He sat back down, his eyes locking with mine. "My Alpha Ceremony is tomorrow."

"I know."

"I want to give it to the person who means the most to me. The one person who stood by my side when everyone else turned away."

My heart skipped.

Was he talking about… me? Who else had always been there for him? Could this be the Moon Goddess's way of testing me?

If I proved how far I was willing to go for him… would she make us mates tomorrow?

"But..." His voice pulled me back. "I need you to leave today."

A knot tightened in my stomach.

If risking my life could make Logan happy, then I would do it without hesitation.

Ariana's POV

"Now is the perfect time."

I nodded to myself as I rose from the couch.

If I left now, I'd be back before Father and Elena returned home.

"I can drive you to the pack border," Logan offered as he stood.

A smile spread across my face. "Thank you."

He shook his head with a chuckle. "No... I should be the one thanking you."

A few minutes later, we climbed into his car.

Before starting the engine, he reached into the back seat and handed me a leather backpack.

"I packed everything you'll need," he said.

I unzipped it and found a water bottle, dried meat, fruit, a small flashlight, a rope, and a folded map.

He pointed at the map.

"The entrance to Kasha Forest is here."

His finger traced a narrow path.

"Follow this trail until you reach the Black Creek. Cross the fallen tree that acts as a bridge, then continue north until you find three ancient oak trees growing in a circle."

He paused before pointing farther ahead.

"The Moon Crystal Tree is hidden behind them."

I studied the map carefully, committing every landmark to memory.

"If you get lost, don't panic. Just retrace your steps."

I nodded. "I understand."

"I feel terrible asking you to do this," he admitted quietly as he started the engine.

I reached over and squeezed his hand. "You never forced me."

A small smile tugged at his lips.

"I wanted to help."

He sighed. "I should've gone myself, but with tomorrow's Alpha Ceremony, I have too many responsibilities."

"And I'm your best friend." I smiled warmly. "That's what best friends do."

“Thank you, Ariana,” He said as the car pulled away from the house.

An hour later, we reached the border of Silver Moon Pack as the trees of Kasha Forest stood ahead, their twisted branches blocking out much of the sunlight.

Even from where I stood, an uneasy chill crept down my spine.

Logan stepped out with me. "Be careful."

"I will."

He gave me one last reassuring smile before returning to the car. I watched until his vehicle zoomed out of sight.

Then I turned toward the forest.

Taking a deep breath, I uncorked the silver vial.

"Shadow Scent..."

I poured a few drops onto my hands and gently rubbed them over my neck, arms, and clothes.

The scent was strangely cool, carrying a faint aroma of pine and rain.

"If this really works..."

I whispered a silent prayer. "Moon Goddess... please protect me."

Taking out the map, I stepped beneath the trees as I tightened my grip on the map.

"Black Creek..."

After nearly twenty minutes of walking, I finally heard rushing water as relief washed over me. "I found it."

I moved across the fallen tree.

My heart leaped into my throat as I flung my arms out, barely managing to steady myself before falling into the icy water below.

"Easy..."

I muttered, taking slow, careful steps until my feet finally touched solid ground again.

I let out a shaky breath. "One landmark down."

I ventured deeper into the forest, then stopped as I unfolded the map.

Realization hit me: I had wandered in the wrong direction.

"Oh no..." I groaned. "I've circled the same tree twice."

Turning around once more, I followed a narrower trail hidden beneath tangled vines.

Minutes later, three enormous oak trees stood in a circle.

My eyes widened. "There they are!"

Just as Logan had described.

My heartbeat quickened as I hurried around them.

A silver tree stood in a small clearing with tiny crystal fruits sparkling.

"The Moon Crystal Tree..." I whispered in awe.

Walking closer, I carefully reached up and plucked a single glowing Moon Crystal from one of the branches.

The crystal was warm in my hand.

"I actually did it."

A laugh escaped my lips.

Relief flooded through me as I slipped the crystal safely into my backpack before collapsing onto the grass.

"I can't believe it..."

Had I survived? Maybe this wouldn't be so difficult after all.

Just then, a low growl echoed through the clearing.

My smile vanished as I slowly sat upright.

Another growl answered… then another.

My heart slammed against my ribs.

"No..." I whispered.

The bushes rustled as branches snapped. Heavy footsteps surrounded the clearing.

I turned slowly as a massive rogue wolf stepped from between the trees… its crimson eyes locked onto mine as its lips peeled back, revealing rows of razor-sharp fangs.

My breath caught.

"Oh, Moon Goddess..." I breathed as I slowly dropped to my knees. "Please..."

Another growl echoed behind me, then another.

I closed my eyes as I swallowed hard… when I opened them again, eight rogue wolves had surrounded the clearing.

Cold sweat rolled down my back.

They circled me slowly, their claws digging into the ground as their eyes followed my every movement.

There was nowhere to run…. no where to hide.

My chest tightened.

Was this really how my life would end? Was this how I would die… alone?

Logan… I'm sorry. I couldn't get the one thing you needed.

Tears blurred my vision as the wolves suddenly stopped circling.

My heartbeat thundered in my ears.

I wanted to run, to scream, to get myself out of here… but terror rooted me to the spot.

My trembling hands flew over my mouth as I squeezed my eyes shut.

Ariana's POV

Just as the rogue lunged at me, a massive gray wolf burst out and slammed into the rogue with enough force to send him crashing across the forest floor. The impact echoed through the trees.

My eyes widened as a gasp escaped my lips.

The enormous wolf planted itself in front of me, its broad frame shielding me from the remaining rogues.

Then it threw back its head and released a deafening howl; the sound rolled through the forest, making the rogues stiffen.

Fear flashed across their faces before they turned and ran off.

I quickly pushed myself to my feet.

"Wait!" I called after the mysterious wolf.

But it only glanced back once before disappearing between the trees.

I swallowed hard as my trembling legs struggled to support me.

"I guess... I'm on my own then," I whispered.

My eyes cautiously scanned the forest, but there was silence.

Taking slow, careful steps, I made my way forward. Every snapping twig made my heart race.

Getting to the fallen tree, I crossed over. Several minutes later, I finally stepped out of the forest.

A shaky breath escaped my lips.

I made it.

Without wasting another second, I hurried back toward the pack.

By the time I reached the pack house, it was evening. As I approached, I spotted Logan talking to Elena in front of the pack house.

Just then, he turned. The moment our eyes met, his face lit up, and a bright smile spread across his lips.

"Ariana!"

He rushed toward me.

"Did you get it?" he asked anxiously, his eyes searching mine.

A smile spread across my face. "Of course I did."

I slipped the backpack off my shoulder and handed it to him.

He immediately opened it as relief washed over his face.

"You actually did it," he breathed, unable to hide his excitement.

I nodded. "Yes." Then I frowned slightly. "Your supposed shadow..."

"I'll see you tomorrow," he interrupted before shoving one hand into his pocket.

He pulled out several Moonberry pastries and placed them in my hands. "Manage these for now."

"I was almost..."

He didn't even let me finish.

Clutching the backpack tightly, he took off running.

I couldn't help smiling as I watched him.

Maybe, if the Moon Goddess had saved me from those rogues... perhaps she would finally answer my prayers too.

A small giggle escaped my lips as I turned to leave.

"Ariana." Elena's voice stopped me in my tracks.

My heart skipped.

Logan's excitement had made her notice me. What was I supposed to say now?

"Elena." I forced a smile as I walked toward her. "I almost forgot you and Father were here." The lie slipped out before I could stop it.

She frowned.

Her expression remained as cold and serious as ever as she rested a hand on her slender waist.

Elena was my younger sister. She was everything I wasn't; beautiful, confident, and smart. Father adored her. Even though I was the older daughter, I had always felt like an unwanted mistake. He never had to say it aloud but the way he treated me said enough.

"What happened between you and Logan?" she asked.

Her gaze then dropped to the Moonberry pastries in my hands.

Oh no, I had forgotten I was still holding them.

I quickly hid them behind my back.

"Have you forgotten he's my best friend?" I said with a shrug. "Of course we hang out."

Her jaw tightened. "And what are you doing with those pastries?"

Oops, she noticed.

Without another word, I spun around and ran... but unfortunately, my foot landed on a loose rock.

My balance gave out as I slipped.

"Ah!"

I crashed onto the ground with a painful thud.

"Stop running!"

"Do you want to cause an earthquake?"

Some nearby pack members shouted, laughing.

Ignoring them, I quickly scrambled back to my feet.

No one was going to ruin my mood today.

I continued running until I reached home. The moment I entered my room, I threw myself onto my bed and stared at the ceiling.

Logan's words echoed in my mind:

"You actually did it."

"He was so excited," I giggled softly.

I couldn't wait for tomorrow.

*The next day*

I dressed in the prettiest gown I owned. It wasn't expensive, but I had carefully kept it for special occasions.

After slipping on my shoes, I grabbed my small handbag and headed outside.

Just as I stepped out, Elena and Father were getting into the car.

"Wait!" I called.

They both turned, surprise written across their faces.

"Ariana?" Elena asked.

"And where exactly are you going?" Father questioned sternly.

I forced another smile. "To my best friend's ceremony."

There was no point explaining further. No matter what I said, it would only earn me another insult.

I opened the passenger door and climbed inside.

"Father, leave her," Elena said with a mocking smile. "Let her go watch her sister become the future Luna."

In your dreams.

Father simply started the engine as the car pulled away.

Not long after, we arrived at the pack's ceremonial hall. Silver banners bearing the Crescent Moon Pack's crest hung from the high walls. White flowers decorated the aisle leading to the stage, and crystal chandeliers cast a soft glow across the hall.

Pack members filled every seat, chatting excitedly as they waited for the ceremony to begin. At the center stood a beautifully decorated platform where the future Alpha and Luna would publicly complete their mating ceremony before the entire pack.

As we stepped inside, an intoxicating scent drifted through the air.

My heart skipped as my wolf suddenly stirred inside me.

'Mate'

The word echoed inside my head.

'Mate'

My breathing quickened.

The scent grew stronger with every passing second.

"Where is he?" I whispered, my eyes searching the crowd frantically.

Then, someone stopped directly in front of me.

I turned to see Logan. His scent completely surrounded me as my wolf let out a joyful howl inside me.

'Mate!'

My eyes widened in disbelief.

The Moon Goddess... had truly answered my prayer?