Rain fell in sheets as Lyra knelt in the courtyard.
Blood ran down her temple. The pack watched in silence.
Above her stood Alpha Kael, the Lycan King's chosen general.
"You were warned," he said coldly. "A wolfless girl has no place beside royalty."
Lyra's hands trembled, but she did not beg.
She had already begged once.
Never again.
From the high balcony, King Rael of the Northern Lycans watched without emotion—until her eyes met his.
For a single breath, something flickered in his gaze.
Regret.
Then he turned away.
And Lyra knew.
Rejection was only the beginningThat night, Lyra tried to leave the territory.
But pain exploded in her chest.
A mark burned to life beneath her skin—silver fire twisting into the shape of a crown.
The Mate Mark.
Impossible.
She had been declared wolfless at birth.
And yet…
Her heartbeat synchronized with another.
Far away, King Rael dropped to one knee, claws tearing into stone.
"Why now…" he growled.
The bond had awakened.
And the Moon had chosen her.Rael stood before the Elder Council.
"I reject it," he said coldly.
The chamber erupted.
"You cannot reject a Moon-Bound mate!"
"She is weak!"
"She is human-born!"
Rael's eyes hardened.
"I will not let the throne fall for emotion."
But that night, when sleep claimed him, he dreamed of Lyra—
Bleeding. Standing alone. Calling his name.
He woke with a snarl.
And guilt burning through his chestLyra was imprisoned for her "crime."
Being chosen.
The chains burned her skin, but she did not scream.
Because worse than pain—
Was hope.
A guard approached silently.
It was Rael.
"You should hate me," he said.
She laughed bitterly. "I don't have the luxury."
He reached for her.
Stopped.
"Leave," she whispered. "Before you destroy me completely."
For the first time in centuries…
The Lycan King hesitated.The rebellion began at dawn.
Rogue wolves breached the walls.
The palace burned.
Lyra's cell shattered as claws tore through steel.
A monster lunged—
And died mid-air.
Rael stood between her and death.
Blood coated his hands.
"I won't lose you," he growled.
She stared at him.
"You already did."The flames from the palace reflected in Lyra's eyes as she stepped out of the wreckage. The smell of burning timber and blood filled the air. Her chest heaved; adrenaline sharpened every sense.
The rogue wolves weren't finished. Their snarls echoed through the ruins.
Rael moved in front of her, claws glinting in the firelight. "Don't hesitate," he growled. "They'll kill without mercy."
Lyra's hands trembled. But for the first time, the fire inside her answered. She could feel it. The Moonbound energy surged, silver light crackling around her body like living threads.
A wolf leapt at her. Instinct and power merged; she tore it apart before it could land. The other wolves froze.
Rael's amber eyes softened as he observed her. "You're no longer just surviving. You're awakening."
Lyra swallowed. Her chest burned with energy, her heartbeat synchronized with the rising moon. She glanced at him, breathless. "I… I feel it, Rael. This power… I feel it with you."
He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "And I will never let it destroy you alone."
A shiver ran down her spine. This bond, this power, it wasn't just magic. It was fate, terrifying and consuming.The night stretched. The rogue wolves regrouped, encircling the palace ruins, their eyes glowing crimson.
Lyra turned, fully embracing her Moonbound form. Silver markings traced across her arms, shoulders, and neck—symbols of power long forgotten by the mortal world. She could feel Rael behind her, steady, unwavering.
"This ends tonight," she whispered.
The wolves attacked. She moved faster than any human or wolf could, claws slashing, energy erupting like molten silver. Sparks flew, fire mingled with blood.
Rael followed, covering her blind spots, striking with brutal precision. Together, they were unstoppable—a storm of moonlight and claws.
When the last wolf fell, the ruins fell silent. Ash floated through the air like snow. Lyra's chest heaved, her hands slick with blood.
Rael stepped beside her, hands brushing hers. "You're terrifying."
"I didn't ask for mercy," she said.
"You don't get it. You earned it," he replied. His gaze softened, amber eyes reflecting the moonlight.
Something unspoken passed between them. A tether that went beyond words, stronger than any bond she had known.The next day, Rael led her to a hidden sanctuary deep within the Northern Forest—a place untouched by the war. Streams shimmered silver under the moon's reflection.
"You survived," he murmured, closing the distance between them. "When I doubted, I… feared I would lose you forever."
Lyra met his gaze, feeling the weight of his words. "You did lose me. Remember that."
Rael's jaw tightened. "I can't forgive myself for that. I can only protect you now. And if the world dares touch you again…"
He trailed a claw down her arm, soft yet News came at dusk: rogue packs loyal to Darius, the former Alpha, were massing at the southern border. They had heard of Lyra's awakening.
"She's claiming the throne," one of Rael's generals muttered.
"She's more than that," Rael said, eyes fixed on Lyra. "She's the storm no one survives."
Lyra clenched her fists, silver light flowing along her skin. "Then let them come. Let the world see what happens when they underestimate me."
The night grew colder. Shadows stretched across the land. Every step Lyra took left a trace of moonlight. Every glance from Rael promised vengeance and protection alike.
She dared to look at him. "I don't know if I trust myself."
He smiled faintly, amber eyes darkened with fire. "Then trust me. That's enough—for now."commanding. "I'll tear it apart."
Lyra's breath hitched. She wanted to pull away, to hide the stir of her heart—but she didn't.
"I…" she whispered. "I'm not the girl you left behind."
"I know," Rael said, his voice low, almost a growl. "And I'll spend every moment proving I won't make the same mistake twice."
The air between them vibrated with tension. Pain, desire, and fear intertwined. They didn't touch—yet the space felt electric.The next morning, the horizon was on fire. Smoke from the rebel packs mingled with the mist. Every wolf, every survivor, every soldier knew the Moonbound Queen had awakened.
Lyra stood at the cliff's edge, Rael beside her, wind whipping through their hair. The weight of destiny pressed against her chest, but it no longer terrified her.
"They'll fight," she whispered. "And some will die."
"I'll be here," Rael said. "Every step. Every breath. Every battle. You're not alone anymore."
She glanced at him, heart pounding. "Even if I fall?"
"I'll fall with you," he said without hesitation.
Lightning split the sky. Silver energy coursed through Lyra. The bond pulsed violently between them, unbreakable, unyielding.
Below, armies gathered. In the distance, Darius's banner flew—a reminder of the past, a challenge to the future.
Lyra's eyes glowed. "Then let this war begin."
Rael's claws ignited faintly with his power. "And we burn the night together."
The wind howled.
The Moonbound Queen and her King were ready.
And the world would never be the same.