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?

*Two days later*

Ariana's POV

I had been locked inside this dungeon for two days; no food or water.

Oddly enough, those two miserable days hadn't been entirely wasted, I had truly gotten to know my wolf: Kayla.

Her soothing voice echoed. 'We'll survive this, Ariana'

Before I could answer, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the corridor.

My body tensed.

I forced myself upright, ignoring the dizziness that immediately swept over me, and gripped the cold iron bars.

"Please!"

My voice came out hoarse and barely audible.

"Please... get me out of here!"

The footsteps stopped.

A moment later, Logan appeared at the end of the corridor.

His eyes were red and swollen, as though he hadn't slept.

My jaw tightened.

"You've got some nerve showing your face here."

He lowered his head and clasped his hands together.

"Ariana, I know I've been a jerk. I know I don't deserve to stand before you, but please... forgive me."

"Get out!"

My voice thundered through the corridor. But instead of leaving, Logan dropped to his knees.

"Please, Ariana."

For years, seeing Logan beg would have made my heart ache… but not anymore.

Kayla murmured. ‘Excellent choice’

"I want to make it up to you," Logan continued.

I stared at him, fighting the tears threatening to surface.

"You want to make it up to me?"

He nodded eagerly.

"I'll break off my engagement with Elena and make you my Luna."

My expression hardened.

So that was what he thought I wanted; the title… the position… the crown.

He still didn't understand that what had destroyed me wasn't losing the title of Luna. It was discovering that the person I'd trusted most had never loved me.

"I don't want anything from you."

"But I need your help."

A bitter laugh escaped me.

Of course I know you definitely want something.

"I'm truly sorry, Ariana."

Kayla's voice softened. ‘Hear him out first’

I inhaled slowly, forcing myself to remain calm. "Fine, what do you want?"

A faint spark appeared in Logan's eyes. "I've reached an agreement with Nightfang Pack."

My brows furrowed.

Nightfang Pack? The most feared pack on the continent? Its Alpha was infamous and ruthless.

Legends claimed no one had ever seen his true face because he never removed the black mask that concealed his identity.

"What kind of agreement?"

"Alpha Damien has agreed to a peace treaty with Silver Moon."

I narrowed my eyes.

"But there's a condition." His voice dropped. "He wants you."

My heart skipped.

"What?"

“You'll be transferred to Nightfang Pack as a servant.”

I stared at him in disbelief. “A servant?”

“Only temporarily,” he quickly added. “Alpha Damien has decided that you’ll be taken to Nightfang Pack first. You’ll stay there for seven months while you undergo your training. Once your training is complete, you’ll be transferred to his pack house, where you’ll serve as a servant.”

Seven months? What kind of servant needed seven months of training?

Logan stepped closer to the bars and lowered his voice.

“You won't be mistreated. I'll make sure of that.”

I almost laughed.

The same man who had watched me being dragged into a dungeon now wanted to assure me that I'd be safe?

“You expect me to believe that?”

His expression tightened.

“You have no idea what Alpha Damien is capable of. If you go there without my protection, he'll make your life miserable.”

I said nothing.

Then his voice dropped even lower. “But I have one request.”

Of course.

I stared at him coldly. “Go on.”

“When you arrive at Nightfang Pack, I want you to learn everything you can about them. Their defenses, their warriors, their weaknesses. Anything that could give Silver Moon an advantage.”

I already knew where this was going.

“And?”

He hesitated.

Then he finally said, “When you get the opportunity… kill Alpha Damien.”

A hollow laugh escaped me.

“So that's your real plan.” I shook my head slowly. “You're not interested in peace at all. You want to destroy Nightfang from within.”

“Keep your voice down.”

He glanced nervously down the corridor.

“Do this for us, Ariana, and I'll make you my Luna. I'll break off my engagement with Elena and give you everything you ever wanted.”

I stared at him. “No.”

His expression fell.

“I don't want to.”

“Ariana…”

“I said no.”

He stepped closer to the bars. “Please, I'll give you anything you want. Just say it, you know Alpha Damien will make your life miserable. You'll only be doing yourself a favor by helping me.”

A bitter smile touched my lips.

“Let me put it straight to you.” My voice grew colder. “I'm nothing but a fat, shameless elephant. A useless, unwanted daughter. An enemy to this pack.”

I tightened my grip around the bars.

“So tell me, Logan… how exactly can I help you?”

“Please, Ariana.”

He was still on his knees.

I stared at him for another moment before stepping away from the bars and turning my back on him.

“Ariana!” His voice suddenly hardened.

I stopped.

Was he tired of pretending?

“If you don't do this, Ariana, I'll make sure you spend the rest of your life in this dungeon without food or water until you die.”

I slowly turned around.

For a moment, hope flickered across his face, as though he believed his threat had finally broken me.

Instead, I laughed.

“And what do you think I'm living for?” My jaw clenched. “I'd rather die here than help you pick up a pin or a needle.”

His eyes widened. “Ariana…”

“I can't be a servant for Nightfang Pack!” I yelled, my voice reverberating through the dungeon. “Find someone else!”

I turned my back on him and lowered myself onto the cold floor.

Logan stood there for several seconds, then he walked away.

*The next day*

My stomach growled loudly, dragging me from an uneasy sleep.

I clutched my abdomen and slowly sat up.

Hunger had become a constant ache.

But I had made my choice. If this was the only way I could keep my dignity, then so be it. I'd rather die here than become Logan's weapon.

Footsteps suddenly echoed through the corridor.

My jaw tightened.

What does he want now?

A figure appeared at the end of the corridor.

My eyes first caught sight of his black boots before slowly traveling upward.

He was dressed entirely in black.

My gaze finally reached his face.

For a brief moment, something about his eyes felt strangely familiar.

“Hi, Ariana. It's good to finally meet you.” The stranger said.

I narrowed my eyes. “Who are you?”

“My name is Aiden.” He paused. “I'm the man Alpha Damien sent to train you.”

So he was from Nightfang.

“I heard you refused to go to Nightfang Pack for your training,” he continued. “So Alpha Damien decided your training would take place here. Once you've completed it, you'll be taken to Nightfang.”

“I'll never go to your pack.”

“My pack?” He arched his brow. “Ariana, you don't even know which pack you're truly from.”

I frowned. “What are you talking about?”

Aiden took a few steps closer. “Ariana, you're from Nightfang Pack.”

My heart skipped.

“You might be confused, and I understand why. But the truth is, you're one of us.”

He reached behind his neck, pushed his hair aside, and turned around.

A strange crescent-shaped marking was visible on his neck. The crescent was surrounded by three small, claw-like lines.

My stomach twisted as I forced myself to my feet.

I knew that mark. I had the exact same one, but my mother had always told me it was something she'd placed on me as a child so I'd always remember to be a good girl.

The memory hit me:

“Mum, am I not a good child? Why don't I have one?” little Elena had once asked.

Mother had immediately carried her away.

At the time, I didn't understand why.

“You see?” Aiden asked as he turned back toward me.

“No.” I shook my head. “This is just a coincidence.”

I couldn't be connected to them.

“Ariana.” His voice softened. “Your father is still alive.”

I froze.

My breath caught in my throat.

“Father?”

Aiden nodded. “He's been searching for you for years. He's in Nightfang Pack, and he's waiting for you.”

I stared at him.

“You'll meet him after you complete your training.”

I shook my head again.

No, I couldn't let myself believe this. I had already lost everything. This had to be another lie designed to manipulate me.

“No!” I screamed. “Leave me the hell alone!”

Kayla whispered. ‘Calm down, Ariana’

I turned away from him.

“It's your choice,” Aiden said quietly. “Think about it.”

His footsteps slowly faded as he walked away.

The moment he disappeared, my strength left me as I dropped to my knees.

No, I couldn't go with him. I should just stay here and die.

Hours passed before another set of footsteps approached.

I turned toward the corridor, then I saw Elena.

A mocking smile spread across her face.

“Hi, sister.” She paused. “Or should I say… foster sister?”

I closed my eyes briefly, forcing myself not to break down.

“You knew?” My voice trembled. “You knew all this time that I was adopted, and you never said anything?”

“Of course I knew.” She shrugged. “Father told me but I had to promise to keep it a secret.”

She chuckled. “You have no idea how difficult it was to keep something like that from you.”

I lowered my gaze.

All those years, I had been too blind to see the truth.

“And the mark…” Elena laughed softly. “Don't tell me you actually believed what Mother told you all those years ago.”

My eyes snapped toward her.

“She only said that so you wouldn't ask questions.” She paused.

“When she took me outside that day, she told me never to compare myself to you because you'd always have that mark. I didn't understand what she meant back then.”

Her smile faded slightly. “But now I do.” She pointed toward my neck. “You didn't have that mark by accident. Everyone born into the Nightfang bloodline receives it shortly after birth. It's their birthmark. It identifies them as members of the pack.”

My heart pounded.

Aiden hadn't been lying? He really knew my father?

A strange strength surged through me.

I pushed myself to my feet and grabbed the iron bars.

“Get Aiden!”

Elena took a step backward.

“He should be gone by now.” She chuckled.

“Get him!” I thundered.

She laughed as she walked away. Her footsteps faded down the corridor.

I tightened my grip around the bars.

Moments later, another set of footsteps approached as Aiden appeared before me.

He studied my face.

“So,” he said calmly, “what do you say? If you still refuse, I'll leave, and…”

“I'm in.” I cut him off.

His brows lifted.

“I want to see my father.”

For the first time, Aiden's expression softened.

“Then prepare yourself, Ariana.” He paused. “Because once you begin this journey, you'll finally learn who you really are.”

Who really was I?