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?

Ariana's POV

"Logan... it's you."

Relief flooded through me as a bright smile spread across my face.

Thank you, Moon Goddess.

I hurried toward him, my heart soaring.

"Stop!" His voice cracked.

I froze mid-step.

My smile faltered as I lifted my gaze to him. His jaw was clenched so tightly that the muscles twitched beneath his skin, and his silver eyes were colder than winter itself.

Why was he angry? Had something happened before I arrived?

"Logan..." I called softly.

"Ariana." He called, his voice clipped.

I smiled again, refusing to let doubt creep in.

"You're my mate." My voice trembled with excitement. "We should be thanking the Moon Goddess. Where's the Moon Crystal?"

"Ariana." This time, he said my name louder.

The entire square fell silent as every pair of eyes turned toward us.

My smile only widened.

Of course he wanted everyone's attention. He wanted the whole pack to witness him accepting me as his mate... as his future Luna.

A nervous giggle escaped my lips before I could stop it.

His expression darkened.

"Do you think this is funny?" he roared.

The sound made me flinch.

"Do you think this is some kind of joke?"

Inside me, my wolf stirred. 'Mate'

"Why are you yelling?" I asked gently. "You should hurry and accept me before I make you regret keeping your Luna waiting."

Instead of smiling... his face became even colder.

"Ariana..." he said slowly, each word sounding like a blade. "I cannot accept you as my mate… or as the Luna of my pack."

Everything around me seemed to stop.

My wolf whimpered. 'Mate... mate'

"No..." A shaky laugh escaped my lips. "You're joking."

I looked around at the crowd. "He's just teasing me."

But no one laughed or even smiled.

"There is no joke," Logan said as he took one step forward, his eyes filled with nothing but disgust. "Take a good look at yourself, Ariana."

His gaze slowly swept over my body.

"You're nothing but a fat, shameless elephant."

The words crashed into me as my stomach twisted violently.

Inside me, my wolf cried out in agony.

I forced my tears back.

"You can't be serious." My voice shook. "I sacrificed everything for you. I almost died because of you..."

I swallowed the painful lump in my throat. "...and now you want to reject me?"

"Stop making this difficult," Logan replied without a trace of guilt.

"You could never become my Luna." His lips curled with contempt. "You don't have the discipline, the dignity, or the appearance worthy of leading this pack."

He let out a cruel laugh. "If you ever became Luna, you'd probably eat the entire food supply before winter arrived."

The crowd erupted into laughter.

"But..." My voice broke. "You always told me I was beautiful... you said you loved my body... you told me I was perfect just the way I was."

"I lied." His answer came instantly. "I only said those things because I pitied you. When everyone mocked you, I defended you because it was my responsibility as the future Alpha."

He looked me straight in the eyes. "I never loved you."

My breath caught.

"So..."

The tears I had been fighting finally escaped.

"All those years... you protected me. You stood beside me. You became my best friend..." I wiped my cheeks with trembling fingers. "...and none of it was real?"

He said nothing.

"Enough of this nonsense, Ariana." My father's voice echoed through the crowd.

He stepped beside Logan.

I turned toward him, desperately searching for comfort... but there was none.

"The Alpha has made his decision," Father said coldly. "You will respect it."

My wolf growled. 'Mate'

I clenched my fists. "I went into Kasha Forest because of Logan."

Gasps spread through the crowd.

“I risked my life to retrieve the Moon Crystal for him.”

“So what?” My father's response was immediate. “Why did you return?”

My blood ran cold.

“What?”

“You were the first person to enter Kasha Forest and come back alive.” His eyes narrowed. “Why do you think that happened?”

I stared at him in confusion.

Why was he speaking as though my survival was a problem? Was he expecting me not to return?

“Father…” I took a hesitant step toward him. “I don't understand.”

“You will.”

Logan exchanged a glance with my father.

My heart began pounding.

There was something they weren't telling me.

Then Logan spoke. “Ariana, you're not a member of Silver Moon Pack.”

I blinked.

“You never were.”

My brows furrowed. “How can you say that?”

I looked toward my father. “My father is your Beta. I was raised here, I grew up here. Everyone knows me.”

Logan's lips curled into a cold smile. “That's exactly what you were meant to believe.”

My father's expression remained emotionless. “I am not your father.”

My breath caught. “What?"

“You heard me.” His voice was cold and firm. “I'm not your father, you bastard.”

My stomach twisted.

The world seemed to tilt beneath my feet.

“No…” I shook my head. “That's impossible.”

“You were adopted.”

Adopted?

I slowly raised a trembling finger toward myself.

“I… I…”

I couldn't finish.

Elena suddenly stepped forward.

A smug smile played across her lips.

“I'm Marcus Carter's only daughter.” She gave a quiet laugh. “Honestly, Ariana, haven't you ever wondered why Father always treated you differently?”

The crowd erupted into whispers.

I looked around helplessly, people were staring at me as though I had suddenly become a stranger.

My mind raced.

Was this why Father had never loved me? Why Elena had always been treated differently? Why had I spent my entire life feeling like I didn't belong?

I looked at Marcus again. “Is it true?”

But he didn't answer, he didn't need to… his silence was enough.

My heart cracked all over again.

Then Logan's voice rang.

“I, Logan Drake, reject Ariana Carter as my fated mate.”

The bond snapped as agony exploded through every inch of my body.

It felt as though invisible claws were ripping my soul apart, tearing the bond from my heart piece by piece.

"Ahhh!" A blood-curdling scream escaped my lips as my knees slammed against the ground.

My wolf howled in unbearable pain.

Then, Elena walked to Logan's side as whispers erupted.

"It's always been Elena."

"I knew he'd never choose Ariana."

"Look at them together."

"They're perfect."

"Elena is the only one worthy of becoming Luna."

Every word crushed what little remained of my heart.

Logan smiled, then ordered, "Bring the gift."

My heart skipped.

Immediately, servants carried forward a beautifully wrapped object.

That's the Moon Crystal?

So, Elena was the woman he'd been talking about. The one who had supposedly stayed by his side when everyone else turned away. The gift had never been meant for me.

As Logan reached to uncover it... strange strength surged inside me as it forced me to my feet.

I lifted my head and wiped my tears as my voice echoed across the square.

"I, Ariana Carter..." I looked directly into Logan's eyes. "...accept your rejection."

The moment the words left my lips, the Moon Crystal slipped from Logan's hands and shattered against the stone floor.

At the same instant, Logan's face twisted in agony. He dropped to one knee, clutching his chest as though someone had driven a blade through his heart.

"What..." He gasped for air. "What is happening?"

"Get her!" Father shouted.

The guards immediately rushed forward, grabbing my arms before I could move.

“Throw her into the dungeon!”

“Fa…”

I stopped myself.

Father?

The word suddenly felt foreign.

I had never truly had one and why would he suddenly care about me now?

I struggled against the guards as they dragged me away.

Then Marcus spoke, his words destroyed the last fragile piece of hope inside me.

“If you had followed the plan and died in the forest, none of this would have happened.”

I froze as tears rolled silently down my cheeks.

They had planned for me to die?

My entire body trembled.

The people I had trusted all my life had wanted me dead.

The guards dragged me toward the dungeon.

I didn't fight anymore, there was nothing left to fight for.

The iron door slammed shut behind me and I rushed toward the bars.

“Please! Let me out!”

The guards only laughed as they walked away.

My legs finally gave out.

I collapsed onto the cold stone floor.

A broken sob tore from my chest as everything I had believed about my life came crashing down around me.

If I was adopted… then who were my parents? How did I get here? Why can't I remember anything?