The moon hung low and massive over the Everpine Circle, its silver glow painting the trees in quiet reverence. Torches lined the stone pathway, their flames flickering pale white—burning with lunar oil reserved only for sacred rites.
Aria stood at the center, barefoot on ancient stone, her mark glowing through the open neckline of her ceremonial robes. Her hair flowed loose down her back, adorned only with thin braids tied with silver thread. The moonlight kissed her skin, and for a moment, it felt like Selene herself was watching.
Maybe she was.
The crowd that had gathered stretched far into the woods—wolves from every corner of the valley. Even some of Hollow Fang's former warriors knelt in silent reverence.
She had bled for them.
Fought for them.
Risen for them.
Now, they rose with her.
Elder Wren stepped forward first, her voice steady and clear.
"By the light of Selene, by blood and bone, by fire and claw—we call upon the moon to witness this crowning."
A hush fell over the circle.
Alpha Theron, Luna Myra, and Beta Riven stepped forward next, each holding a ceremonial chain of silver. One by one, they laid them over Aria's shoulders—not to bind, but to represent burden, loyalty, and strength.
"She has united packs once divided. She has broken the Hollow's hold. She has been marked by the goddess," Theron said.
"Does any here challenge her right to rule?"
Silence.
Then: "I swear fealty to the High Luna," came a voice from the crowd.
Another followed.
And another.
Hundreds of voices, rising into a howl of allegiance.
Kael stepped forward last.
He held no crown. Only a single silver circlet etched with runes of protection.
He met her eyes. "You are not mine," he said softly, so only she could hear. "But I am yours."
She smiled, heart pounding, as he placed the circlet gently on her head.
And as the last rune touched her skin, the stone beneath her feet pulsed.
The entire circle lit with a wave of moonlight—every rune glowing, every torch flaring.
Wolves shifted all around her, not in rage or frenzy, but in peace.
In reverence.
Her parents watched from the edge of the crowd. Her father's eyes glistened. Her mother held her hand to her chest, whispering a prayer of thanks.
"She was always meant for more," her mother said.
"More than we ever imagined," her father replied.
As Aria turned to face her people, a silver mist rolled across the trees behind her—silent, watching, pulsing with a whisper only she could hear.
A crown earned is a crown hunted.
But she stood tall.
Unshaken.
Unbowed.
High Luna.
Sacred Flame.
Selene's Chosen.