Marked for me by Ekpedeme Deborah

It was on the eve of the lunar solstice that Luna Brightwater first felt the shift. The air in Silverwood was thick with anticipation, the kind of heaviness that settled in the bones and whispered of change. She tightened her grip on the basket of herbs in her hands, her gaze fixed on the moon as it peeked through the canopy of the ancient forest. Its light seemed brighter tonight, almost...watchful.

She exhaled sharply and shook the thought away. The moon didn't watch anyone. It was just a rock in the sky, distant and cold, no matter what the pack elders claimed.

"You're going to get caught again, you know."

The voice startled her, and she spun around, her heart thudding in her chest. It was Calla, her best friend and one of the few omegas who didn't mind Luna's defiance. Calla leaned against a tree, arms crossed and a smirk playing on her lips.

"And if I do?" Luna challenged, arching a brow.

Calla rolled her eyes. "Then Elder Gareth will lecture you for hours about tradition and obedience, and you'll pretend to listen while mentally planning your next escape. It's a cycle, Luna. A very predictable one."

Luna shrugged, her rebellious grin tugging at her lips. "Maybe I like being predictable."

Calla snorted. "You? Predictable? Please. You've been causing trouble since the day you could walk."

"And you've been following me into trouble since the day you could."

The two shared a laugh, the kind that came easily after years of friendship. But the laughter faded as a distant howl echoed through the forest, low and haunting. Calla's expression sobered, and she glanced over her shoulder nervously.

"They're patrolling again," she said quietly.

"Let them patrol," Luna replied, though her voice was softer now. "They're just scared of the solstice. Everyone gets jumpy this time of year."

"Maybe they should be scared," Calla muttered, lowering her voice. "You know what they say about the solstice. The veil between worlds thins, and the moon chooses-"

"Don't start," Luna cut her off, her tone sharper than she intended. "It's just a bunch of stories to keep us in line. The moon doesn't choose anything. We do."

Calla hesitated, then nodded, though her eyes still held a trace of doubt. "If you say so."

Luna turned back toward the path, her grip tightening on her basket. The truth was, she didn't know what she believed anymore. The legends, the prophecies, the talk of the moon's will-it all felt like chains disguised as tradition. But even she couldn't deny the unease that crept over her tonight.

The sound of rustling leaves made her pause. It was faint, almost imperceptible, but her heightened senses picked it up immediately. She froze, her ears straining to catch any further movement.

"Calla," she whispered, "did you hear that?"

Calla tilted her head, her brow furrowing. "Hear what?"

Another rustle, this time closer. Luna's heart quickened as she scanned the trees. The forest, usually a comforting presence, felt oppressive now, its shadows deeper and more menacing.

And then she saw him.

A figure emerged from the darkness, tall and broad-shouldered, his movements fluid and deliberate. His face was obscured by the shadows, but there was no mistaking the power that radiated from him.

"Who's there?" Luna demanded, her voice steady despite the knot of tension in her stomach.

The man stepped into the moonlight, and Luna felt her breath hitch. He was strikingly handsome, with dark, unruly hair and piercing gray eyes that seemed to see straight through her. His expression was unreadable, but there was something in his gaze-something dangerous and magnetic all at once.

"Elias," he said simply, his voice deep and smooth.

"And what does Elias want in this part of the forest?" Luna asked, narrowing her eyes.

His lips curved into a faint smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "To ensure no one gets into trouble. But it seems I'm too late for that."