Marked for Ruin, Chosen for Rebirth

The night grew darker, the bonfire crackling bright as fireworks lit up the sky above. Shadows danced among the flames, laughter, drums, and distant howls blending into one wild celebration. It was the kind of warmth that almost made you forget the cold.

I stood on the edge of the crowd, a faint cramp tightening in my stomach. It wasn't much, but enough to remind me—

I had to be careful.

This pup growing inside me… was the one thing I couldn't afford to lose.

That's when Selene appeared at my side, her smile sweet and too-perfect. The firelight turned her golden hair soft and glowing, but her voice carried the faintest edge of cruelty.

"Luna's so quiet tonight," she said lightly, adjusting the sleeve of her draped shawl. "Is it because you're used to not being noticed anymore?"

I didn't answer. I shifted away, keeping distance between us.

But in that small motion, I felt it—fabric rustled at my waist, too light to be coincidence. Her fingers brushed against my side pouch, then retreated, her smile still gentle.

A chill ran through me.

Too late to stop her.

Moments later, a sharp cry broke through the festival's joy.

"My bracelet! It's gone!" Selene cried near the bonfire, her face painted with worry. "The Moonlight Chain—passed down from the North Wind royal line. My mother's gift. It never just disappears!"

The crowd buzzed in confusion. North Wind enforcers rushed to her, fanning out to search the area.

"Selene, there are no outsiders here," Elder Drake said with a frown. "Are you sure it's not in your tent?"

"I'm sure!" Selene shook her head, tears glimmering as she wiped her cheek. "I still had it when I spoke to Luna just now."

Her gaze fell on me, then she hesitated before adding, "Maybe… we should check everyone's belongings. Just to clear things up."

Kieran stood behind her, his face unreadable. He said nothing, but his silence was its own agreement.

I felt anger coil in my chest as I held back the urge to snap. "You're suggesting that I—your pack's Luna—stole from you?"

"Of course not," Selene replied, stepping back like I'd struck her. "It could've just… slipped into your pocket by mistake. We all know where you came from, Luna. Things happen."

Her tone was soft. Her words were poison.

Kieran finally spoke, calm and cold. "Raelyn, would you be willing to prove your innocence? Publicly?"

I looked up at him.

Five years of the mate mark between us… and now, nothing.

He couldn't even meet my eyes.

"You really doubt me?" I asked quietly.

"I just need to calm the others," he replied, still avoiding my gaze.

I laughed, bitter and cold. Then slowly reached into my cloak pocket. A few enforcers moved closer. Selene stayed back, a tragic look on her face.

I opened the pouch with my own hands.

A silver chain slipped into the firelight, its gemstones gleaming like drops of ice.

The crowd gasped. Then silence.

"This… can't be," I whispered. My face turned pale.

"That's it! My bracelet!" Selene cried. "I didn't want to believe it was you, Raelyn. But… my mother always said—the Moonlight Chain never chooses wrong."

I stared at the chain. I remembered the brush of her fingers.

She planted it.

She planned this.

She wanted a reason. A public excuse to shatter me as Luna.

"This is a setup," I said, my voice steady. "You put it in my pocket."

Selene's eyes filled with innocent sorrow. "Why would I ever do that to you, Luna?"

Kieran's face tightened. "Just admit it. Apologize to Selene. You shouldn't be fighting during a night meant for unity."

"Apologize?" My voice cracked. "I'm the one being framed. Why should I apologize?"

"The chain was found on you. What more do you need?" he said flatly, as if my truth meant nothing.

I looked around—at him, at the crowd's cold eyes. Something inside me broke.

"I won't bow for something I didn't do," I said, every word sharp. "Even if you strip me of the Luna title."

The air turned heavy. No one spoke.

Then Selene smiled. She lifted a silver cup from the table, offering it to me.

"If you're truly innocent," she said sweetly, "drink this. Let's put the misunderstanding behind us. For the sake of tonight's alliance."

I stared at the drink.

My nose caught the scent.

Bayleaf wine.

My heart stopped.

Poison to any she-wolf with a pup.

"I didn't steal. Why should I drink?" I stepped back, shielding my stomach. "This is your trap!"

Selene blinked slowly. "Can't you show even this much sincerity?"

I turned to Kieran, pleading silently.

But he only said, "Don't make a scene, Raelyn. Just drink it."

I didn't even get the chance to answer.

Selene grabbed my jaw and forced the cup to my lips.

The bitter wine burned my throat. My belly twisted in agony.

"No… no…" I gasped, collapsing to my knees.

Blood slid down my thighs, soaking the earth beneath me.

And at that very moment, fireworks burst above—

lighting the sky…

and my final shreds of hope.