The Engagement
Camilla's POV
The light of the full moon filtered through the tall trees, its glow made everything appear more magical than it was—more peaceful than I felt.
Even the winds whispered tonight, brushing against the walls of our family house like they were trying to share a secret they'd held for too long.
Inside, the air was tense with anticipation.
My twin sister Caroline and I sat side by side on the wooden bench in the sitting room, our backs straight, our long hair down in waves—hers wild, mine darker and softer.
We looked alike, but the way we carried ourselves made the difference as clear as sunlight.
Caroline tapped her long fingers against her thigh, impatient. I sat still, nervous, staring at the flame of the lantern in front of us.
Our father, Jack—respected warrior and second-in-command to Alpha Michael—entered the room with the gravity of someone who had carried a pack's burden on his shoulders for decades.
His silver hair was combed back, and though age was slowly settling into his features, his presence was as firm as ever. His wolf, like mine, had deep roots in the Moonlight Pack.
He closed the door behind him and cleared his throat.
"You've both grown into beautiful women," he began, his voice deep and steady. "And I'm proud of the daughters you've become."
My breath caught. This wasn't just another family speech.
He looked straight at me.
"Alpha Michael has made his choice. After the last full moon gathering, he came to me privately… and asked for your hand, Camilla."
My heart stilled.
I blinked. "Mine?"
"Yes," Father nodded. "He has seen the way you carry yourself—calm, loyal and intelligent. He believes you will be the perfect Luna to stand beside him."
Caroline's intake of breath wasn't subtle. She shot to her feet, arms crossed.
"You must be mistaken," she said quickly. "Michael and I have always had a connection. I thought—he flirts with me. Everyone sees it."
Father turned toward her, frowning. "He flirts with many. But it is Camilla he wants, and his word is final."
My mouth opened, but no words came. My fingers trembled in my lap. This… this wasn't something I expected. I admired Alpha Michael. He was strong, wise beyond his years, and charming in the way a future ruler should be.
I had dreamed of being a Luna one day—but I had never believed it would come so soon or like this.
Caroline's green eyes turned to me, burning. "Did you know about this?"
"No," I whispered honestly.
She scoffed. "Of course not. You just always get things handed to you, don't you?"
I flinched.
"Enough," Father snapped. "This is an honor, Camilla. Alpha Michael's formal announcement will be made tomorrow night at the Gathering Hall. Prepare yourself accordingly."
He left no room for argument. And when he turned and left, Caroline stormed off without another word.
I remained seated, my heart pounding like the rhythm of a distant drum. I wasn't sure if it was fear… or something else.
The next day, our pack buzzed with excitement. Whispers followed me through the training field and markets. Some looked at me with admiration, others with envy.
I tried to block it all out, focusing instead on the ceremony that awaited me.
At the hands of our elder women, I was adorned in a flowing white dress that shimmered like the moonlight itself. They painted soft patterns of silver across my shoulders and arms, and wove tiny beads through my hair.
I looked into the mirror when they were done, and barely recognized the woman I saw—she looked like a Luna.
But inside, I felt like a scared little girl.
The ceremony was held in the Great Hall, a circular, open-roofed structure where pack rites had been performed for generations. The moon hung directly above us, watching.
Alpha Michael stood at the center of the hall, dressed in ceremonial black with silver embroidery. His gaze met mine as I stepped forward, my father escorting me.
He looked pleased, proud. As if I were his prize.
When we stood side by side, the elder began the ritual. I barely heard the chants—my mind floated, stuck between the disbelief of it all and the weight of what it meant.
I would be marked tomorrow.
I would belong to him.
The marking ritual will be sacred. The bite on the neck would bind our souls in a way that not even death could sever. Once done, there would be no going back.
As the elder spoke the final rites, Michael leaned closer, brushing my hair aside.
"You look breathtaking," he murmured into my ear. "I can't wait to make you mine."
Something in his tone made my skin tighten. There was hunger there, yes—but also arrogance. Possession. I swallowed hard, unsure how to respond.
The crowd cheered as the elder declared the ritual complete and gave Michael the signal.
He took my hand, and we turned to walk toward the Alpha's private quarters, where the engagement bond would be sealed fully—away from public eyes.
But that's where it all went wrong.