Chapter 1 The Awakening Of The Blood Moon

The Night of Marking Aeryn Blackwood remained in the middle of the holy clearing, her heart racing in rhythm with the soft drum beats that reverberated in the night. The complete Blood Moon soared above, its red light casting an unsettling crimson tint over the woods. The atmosphere was heavy with enchantment, old and mighty, enveloping her like an additional layer. She took a deep breath, her piercing eyes scanning the assembled wolves—her pack, her tribe. Hundreds gathered in a broad circle around her, their eyes shining in the moonlight, excitement buzzing in the atmosphere. They arrived to observe history. This evening, Aeryn would officially be designated as the Alpha Heir of the Blood Moon Pack, the first female to achieve this role in more than a hundred years. However, that wasn't the sole reason they had convened. This evening, destiny would unveil her destined partner. Aeryn tightened her hands into fists. The notion of having a partner had always disturbed her. For years, she had demonstrated that she could lead independently, not allowing the bond to dictate her decisions. She had witnessed the effects of the mate bond—how it could engulf, dominate, and destroy an individual when destiny was unkind. She would not show weakness. She would not submit to destiny. Yet, within her, the wolf awakened. He is close by. He is arriving. The High Priestess advanced, her silver garments shimmering in the moonlight. She raised her arms, invoking the goddess's power as the drums became increasingly louder and quicker. The event had started. “Aeryn Blackwood,” the Priestess declared, her voice resonating throughout the clearing, “this evening, beneath the watch of the Blood Moon, your destined partner will be unveiled. “The pact will be sealed, your fates intertwined.” Aeryn steadied herself. As soon as the last words escaped the Priestess’s mouth, a strong tug gripped her chest, an unseen cord constricting around her heart. He is present. Her breath caught as the audience moved. A silhouette emerged from the darkness. Kael. The Alpha of Shadows. The rebellious monarch. The audible gasps from the group filled the air as he walked into the clearing, his imposing stature radiating sheer authority. He stood above most, his dark hair ruffled by the breeze, his golden eyes gleaming with fervor. He donned no formal attire—merely a dark leather tunic and weathered trousers, a sharp contrast to the sophistication of the assembly. Aeryn's wolf emitted a growl of acknowledgment. The mate bond ignited, a scorching warmth rushing through her veins. Kael paused in front of her, his eyes fixed firmly on hers. “I already knew,” he whispered, his tone raspy, tinged with ownership. "You belong to me." Aeryn's hands clenched, her nails pressing into her skin. She wouldn't turn her gaze. Yet then—another tug. More powerful. Finer. Her knees almost gave way. That was not feasible. There can only be one. However, as the attraction grew stronger, another figure appeared from the opposite end of the clearing. Riven. The Healer Blessed by the Moon. In contrast to Kael, Riven possessed an ethereal quality, his presence nearly supernatural. He glided elegantly, his silver eyes shining in the moonlight. His garments, adorned with ancient markings, identified him as one of the Goddess's Chosen—a unique wolf, endowed with healing and prophetic abilities. Aeryn hardly had a moment to comprehend before the connection solidified. Another mate. She wobbled, a sudden breath slipping from her mouth. This was incorrect. This was unprecedented. Riven's expression became gentler as he extended his hand toward her, pausing just before making contact. His tone was tranquil, comforting, and yet brimming with conviction. “I have witnessed this moment in my dreams,” he declared. "You were not intended for just one, Aeryn." “You are destined for us.” Her heartbeat roared. However, the night still had more in store for her. Before she could comprehend what was unfolding, before the heaviness of two mate bonds could embed in her bones, the third pull arrived. More powerful than the initial two. A power so strong it shook her whole body. Then, Talon moved ahead. The Warrior in Exile. The final royal of a decayed realm. Talon embodied fire as Riven represented water, fury where Kael signified darkness. His lengthy auburn locks were secured at the back of his neck, and his piercing green eyes shimmered with suppressed rage. His body bore scars from battles, a testament to the conflicts he endured and the blood he shed. When his eyes met hers, the last connection clicked into position. Three. Three friends. Aeryn sensed the pack's shock enveloping her, their quiet murmurs saturating the clearing like an impending tempest. The High Priestess turned white, her hands quaking. "This..." she murmured. "This ought not to be feasible." Aeryn felt her heart racing in her chest. Kael. Riven. Claw. Three friends. Three bonds. The Blood Moon had branded her, yet it had likewise condemned her. And when the initial howl of alert pierced the night, Aeryn realized—her existence would forever change.