"Aria," he said softly. "Today is your birthday."
It wasn't a question, but I nodded nevertheless.
"The moon is full tonight," he added, his voice quiet. "You will attend the ceremony."
"Of course, Elder," I replied, puzzled. All eighteen-year-olds attended the ceremony. It was essential.
He leaned in, smelling gently. "You already feel it, don't you? "The change."
My heartbeat skipped. "What change?"
Elder Malin's eyes narrowed. "Interesting. "Very interesting." He reached inside his pocket and retrieved a little pouch. "Wear this tonight."
I accepted it hesitantly. Inside was a simple moonstone pendant with a leather cord.
"But this is for—"
"Wear it," he interjected. "Hide it under your clothes if you must, but wear it."
Moonstones were precious. They aided our connection to the Moon Goddess during ceremonies. However, they were only given to wolves from influential families (Alphas and Betas). Not Omegas like me.
"Why?" I questioned.
Elder Malin glanced at Mira before returning his attention to me. "Because someone is harboring secrets about you, child. And tonight, those secrets may be revealed."

~

I never mattered in our pack. Omegas like me serve, submit, and survive. We don't dream of love. We don't dream of power.

She was the future Luna. I was just the girl who watched from the shadows.

But everything changed on my 18th birthday.

I felt the bond. I met my mate.

One of the Alpha's sons.

But the Alpha has triplets, and I felt the mate bond with all three and it seems the three of them felt it too — three perfect warriors, three powerful Alphas, three secrets buried beneath the surface.

One of them is my destiny.

One of them is lying.

And one of them might be the death of me.

The Moon Goddess doesn't make mistakes... but this time, I think she might've given me too much to handle.

"Run!" I screamed, shoving my mates toward the secret tunnel as another explosion rocked the pack house. Smoke filled the room, burning my eyes and lungs.


I had made my choice the moment Emma showed her betrayal. I couldn't save both the pack and the town. But I could buy time.


"Get everyone to the safe caves," I ordered. "I'll distract them."


"Absolutely not," Kael growled, grabbing my arm. "You're coming with us."


"I have a plan," I declared, pulling away. "Trust me."


Before any of them could stop me, I darted in the opposite direction, toward the chaos instead of away from it. Behind me, I heard Kael screaming my name, but I didn't look back.


Minutes later, I slipped through the forest alone, moving as quietly as possible despite my big belly. The twins kicked frantically inside me, feeling my fear.


"It's okay," I whispered, touching my stomach. "We'll be safe soon."


Chapter 81 - Chapter 81: Whispers of the Past