Chapter 5: Marked by Destiny

Three days after the battle with Fenrir's pack, Adira still couldn't believe they had won. Thanks to her warning, Lucian had prepared their fighters just in time. The Shadow Claw wolves had retreated, leaving behind only minor injuries among their pack.

"Alpha Darius requests your presence at the victory celebration," Magnus announced, appearing at Adira's cabin door.

She looked up from the torn clothes she was mending. "Me? Why would he want an Omega there?"

Magnus grinned. "You helped save the pack. Besides, Lucian specifically asked for you."

Adira's heart fluttered at the mention of his name. Since the battle, Lucian had visited her twice, bringing small gifts—a sweet apple, a pretty stone. Each time, their conversations grew longer, their smiles more frequent.

"I don't have anything nice to wear," she whispered.

"Don't worry about that." Magnus handed her a bundle wrapped in soft cloth. "Lucian thought you might say that."

Inside was a simple blue dress, nicer than anything Adira had ever owned. She ran her fingers over the smooth fabric, speechless.

"The celebration starts at sunset," Magnus said, backing away. "Don't be late."

Adira bathed in the small stream behind her cabin, scrubbing away days of dust and worry. The dress fit perfectly, making her wonder how Lucian knew her size. She touched the silver crescent moon pendant that hadn't left her neck since Eira gave it to her. For luck, she decided to wear it tonight.

As the sun dipped low, Adira approached the main clearing. Torches lit a path to tables piled high with food. Pack members laughed and talked, already celebrating their victory.

Conversations stopped as she entered. Whispers followed her like shadows.

"Is that the Omega?" "Why is she wearing such a fine dress?" "She looks... different."

Head high, Adira walked through the crowd. She might be an Omega, but she had helped save these wolves. For once, she belonged here.

"Adira!" Lucian's voice called out. He stood by his father's side, handsome in dark pants and a crisp shirt. His smile when he saw her made her knees weak.

As she approached, he took her hand in front of everyone. More whispers erupted around them.

Alpha Darius cleared his throat. "Tonight we celebrate not just our victory, but the bravery of those who made it possible." His eyes lingered on Adira, not unkindly. "Let the feast begin!"

Music started playing. Pack members filled plates and grabbed drinks. Lucian led Adira to a table where food had been saved for them.

"You look beautiful," he said, his voice husky.

"Thank you for the dress," she replied, blushing. "But I don't understand why I'm here."

"You will." His eyes sparkled with a secret. "Soon."

They ate together, talking and laughing like old friends. Adira had never felt so happy, so normal. For once, no one ordered her around or ignored her.

Across the clearing, Selene watched them, her face dark with jealousy. She wore a tight red dress that hugged her curves, but Lucian hadn't spared her a single glance.

As the moon rose higher, Alpha Darius stood and called for silence.

"My son has an announcement," he said, motioning for Lucian to join him.

Lucian squeezed Adira's hand. "Come with me."

Confused but trusting, she followed him to the center of the clearing. All eyes focused on them—some curious, some angry, some shocked.

"Many of you have wondered why I've shown special attention to Adira," Lucian began, his voice carrying across the silent crowd. "Some have called it improper for an Alpha to befriend an Omega."

Selene pushed forward. "More than improper," she spat. "It's disgraceful!"

Murmurs of agreement rippled through some of the higher-ranking wolves.

Lucian's face hardened. "I've been waiting for the right moment to explain. That moment is now." He turned to Adira, taking both her hands in his. "From the first time I truly saw you—really saw you—something inside me changed."

Adira's pulse raced. What was happening?

"I knew then what I know with absolute certainty now." He looked deeply into her eyes. "Adira is my true mate."

Gasps erupted around them. True mates were rare—a bond created by fate itself, unbreakable and sacred.

"That's impossible!" Selene shrieked. "She's an Omega! You're meant to be with a strong wolf—with me!"

"The Moon Goddess decides our mates, not pack rank," Lucian answered calmly. "And She has chosen Adira for me."

Alpha Darius stepped forward. "Son, are you certain? This will change everything."

"I've never been more sure of anything," Lucian replied. "I feel the bond strengthening every day."

Adira stood frozen, unable to process his words. Her, a Luna? It couldn't be real.

"No," she whispered. "There must be a mistake."

"There's no mistake." Lucian's fingers gently tilted her chin up. "Haven't you felt it too? The pull between us?"

She had. Every time he was near, something inside her called out to him. She'd thought it was just a silly Omega crush, impossible dreams.

"But I'm not worthy," she protested quietly.

"You are worthy of everything," he insisted. "You are brave and kind and stronger than you know."

Selene pushed through the crowd toward them. "Prove it then! If she's truly your mate, make it official right now!"

The challenge hung in the air. To make it official, Lucian would have to mark Adira—bite the spot where her neck met her shoulder, leaving a permanent bond mark.

"It's too soon," Alpha Darius cautioned. "She needs time to adjust."

"No," Lucian said firmly. "Selene is right about one thing. No more waiting." He looked at Adira. "But only if you consent. This must be your choice too."

Adira trembled. Everything was happening so fast. Yesterday, she was nobody. Today, she could become Luna—the most respected female in the pack.

"Why me?" she asked, needing to understand.

"Because when everyone saw an Omega, you saw beyond rules and ranks to what matters—courage, compassion, and loyalty." His thumb stroked her cheek. "You make me want to be better."

Somewhere in the crowd, Eira smiled knowingly. The pendant at Adira's throat felt warm against her skin.

"Yes," Adira whispered, her decision made. "I consent."

Lucian's smile could have lit the darkest night. Slowly, he lowered his head to the curve of her neck. His breath was warm against her skin, sending shivers down her spine.

His teeth grazed her neck, then bit down gently but firmly. A burst of sensation—not pain, but something deeper—spread through Adira's body. Gasps from the crowd told her something was happening.

When Lucian pulled back, his eyes glowed with a fierce blue light. The mark on her neck tingled.

"It's true," Alpha Darius breathed. "The mate bond is real. Her mark is glowing."

Whispers of awe replaced the earlier doubt. True mates couldn't be denied—the glowing mark was proof of the Moon Goddess's blessing.

"I present to you," Lucian announced proudly, "Adira, my mate and your new Luna."

The pack knelt, one by one—even those who had scorned her days before. Only Selene remained standing, her face twisted with hatred.

"This isn't over," she hissed before storming away.

Later that night, Lucian carried Adira's few belongings to his cabin—now their cabin. The space was large and warm, with a real bed and windows that let in moonlight.

"Are you afraid?" he asked, watching her explore her new home.

"A little," she admitted. "Everything's changing so fast."

He took her hands. "We have time now. We can go as slowly as you need."

His kindness made her brave. Standing on tiptoe, Adira pressed a soft kiss to his lips. For one perfect moment, the world faded away.

As they parted, something crashed outside the window. They rushed to look, but saw only shadows retreating into the forest.

"What was that?" Adira asked.

Lucian frowned. "I'm not sure."

On the ground below lay a small dagger, its blade embedded in the dirt. Tied to the handle was a note written in blood-red ink: "False Luna, False Bond. The truth will destroy you both."

Adira's hand flew to her mate mark, still tingling with new magic. Someone wanted to tear apart what they had just found.

And she feared they were just getting started.