Page 4

Ashmoon had always been my home.

Every tree, every trail, every howl in the distance had once meant comfort. Belonging.

But now?

It was a graveyard of memories I couldn't bear to visit.

I crossed the pack's border before dawn, barefoot and shivering. The morning mist clung to my skin, but I didn't stop. Not when branches scratched my legs, not when rocks dug into the soles of my feet.

The pain reminded me I was still alive.

Barely.

I didn't have a plan. I just needed to get away-from Jace, from the pack, from the rejection still echoing in my bones. I kept moving until my legs ached and the trees began to blur together, the scent of Ashmoon fading behind me.

I was officially rogue now.

Unclaimed. Alone.

And for the first time in my life... free.

?

By nightfall, I collapsed beside a stream, exhaustion sinking into my muscles. I cupped my hands into the cold water, letting it cool my burning throat.

That's when I heard it.

A low growl.

Not mine.

I froze, lifting my eyes to meet a set of glowing amber ones across the water.

A wolf.

Massive. Powerful. Pitch-black fur like smoke and eyes that burned like wildfire. He didn't growl again-just stared. Watching. Waiting.

Then he shifted.

And in his place stood a tall boy with broad shoulders, scars on his arms, and an expression I couldn't quite read.

"You're trespassing," he said. His voice was gravel and thunder.

I swallowed hard. "I didn't mean to."

He narrowed his eyes. "You crossed into Crescent Fang territory. That's not something we take lightly."

Crescent Fang.

The neighboring pack. Ruthless, dominant, and rumored to kill rogues on sight.

Perfect.

"I didn't know," I whispered. "I just ran."

"From where?"

"Ashmoon," I said. "I'm not... welcome there anymore."

He looked at me for a long moment. Something in his expression shifted-curiosity, maybe. Or pity. I couldn't tell.

"What's your name?"

"Luna."

His eyebrows twitched. "Of course it is."

He tilted his head slightly, like he was listening to something only he could hear.

Then his eyes locked on mine.

And in one breathless second, the air snapped.

My heart seized.

His scent hit me like lightning-cedar and storm clouds and something older than the earth.

His mouth parted slightly. "You're..."

My voice broke. "No. That's not possible."

Because I could feel it.

The bond.

Again.

He took a slow step toward me, eyes wide.

"You're my mate."