The dawn light seeped gently through the tall windows of the grand chamber, painting golden streaks across the polished floors. Aria woke with a start, her senses overwhelmed by unfamiliar scents—the rich aroma of sandalwood, fresh flowers, and faint traces of musk. She blinked against the brightness, her body wrapped in a silk sheet, the soft fabric unlike anything she'd ever known.
She sat up slowly, every movement revealing the unfamiliar luxury that surrounded her. The room was vast, with high ceilings and walls draped in deep crimson tapestries embroidered with silver wolves. Heavy curtains framed the windows, and a roaring fireplace cast a comforting glow.
A knock sounded at the door, soft but deliberate.
"Come in," Lucien's voice rumbled from the doorway.
Aria's heart pounded as he entered, his imposing figure filling the threshold. His silver eyes held a softness that contrasted sharply with his usual commanding presence. He moved closer and placed a warm hand on hers.
"Good. You're awake," he said simply.
"I… Where am I?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"This is my palace—the heart of the Lycan Kingdom. From now on, it's your home."
Aria swallowed hard. "I don't belong here. I'm not—"
"You're my Luna," he interrupted gently. "Your birthright is far greater than you know."
She looked away, memories of the rejection ceremony flashing painfully in her mind. "I'm just a broken wolf from a small pack. How could I ever be worthy of a king?"
Lucien's gaze locked onto hers. "Worthy isn't about status or wealth. It's about soul. And the Moon Goddess marked you as mine long ago. Your bloodline carries secrets, strength, and power that have been hidden even from you."
Aria's brow furrowed. "Secrets? What kind?"
Before Lucien could answer, the heavy doors opened abruptly and a slender woman entered, her sharp eyes immediately fixing on Aria.
"Your Majesty," the woman said with a curtsy, "I'm Isolde, your personal advisor. It's an honor to serve you both."
Aria's fingers tightened around the silk sheet. She had never met anyone like Isolde before—there was an icy edge to her presence that made Aria instinctively wary.
Lucien gave a rare smile. "Isolde is my most trusted counsel. She'll help you understand the responsibilities and privileges of your new position."
Aria nodded slowly, still absorbing everything. Her life had been turned upside down in just two days—from rejection and pain to being claimed by a Lycan King and living in a palace.
She took a deep breath. "What happens now?"
Lucien stepped forward and extended his hand. "Now, you rest. Heal. Soon, we begin your training. You will learn to harness your power, claim your place beside me, and face those who dared to reject you."
A flicker of determination sparked in Aria's heart. She wouldn't be the broken wolf anymore.
"Training?" she echoed.
Lucien nodded. "You're not just any mate. You're the Luna Queen. And every queen must be strong enough to rule."
The days that followed were a whirlwind of new experiences.
Aria was introduced to court etiquette, taught to walk in silken slippers, and dressed in gowns that shimmered like starlight. She learned to mask her fear beneath graceful smiles and polite nods.
But the palace was more than a beautiful prison. It was alive with secrets.
Whispers of ancient wars, hidden powers, and a prophecy that spoke of a Luna who would unite all packs under one reign. The prophecy hinted at a bloodline lost to time—and Aria's mysterious birthmark, a silver crescent moon on her wrist, was said to be the key.
She couldn't help but wonder if Lucien's claim was more than just desire—that destiny had chosen her for a reason far beyond the pain of rejection.
One evening, as twilight draped the kingdom in soft purples and blues, Lucien led Aria to a secluded garden filled with blooming nightflowers that glowed faintly in the moonlight.
"Your first lesson," he said, his voice low and commanding, "is to feel the bond between us. The mating bond."
Aria's heart thundered. The memory of Caleb severing their bond still haunted her, but this… this was different.
Lucien reached out and took her hand. His touch was electric, sending warmth rushing through her veins. A wave of calm washed over her, and she felt her wolf stir, purring softly.
"The bond connects our souls and strengths," Lucien explained. "It's not just about mating—it's about trust, protection, and power. You will grow stronger because of it."
Aria nodded, tears pricking her eyes. She wanted to believe. She needed to believe that she could rise from her brokenness.
Lucien smiled, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "You are not alone anymore."
In that moment, beneath the glowing nightflowers and the endless sky, Aria felt a spark of hope bloom inside her heart.
Back in the shadows beyond the palace walls, eyes watched with envy and suspicion.
Not everyone welcomed the Lycan King's new Luna.
Selena Voss, the woman who had stolen Aria's place once before, clenched her fists. "She thinks she can take what's mine? We'll see about that."
The battle for power, love, and survival was only beginning.