The Lost Wolf

Ariana's POV

Just as the rogue lunged at me, a massive gray wolf burst out and slammed into the rogue with enough force to send him crashing across the forest floor. The impact echoed through the trees.

My eyes widened as a gasp escaped my lips.

The enormous wolf planted itself in front of me, its broad frame shielding me from the remaining rogues.

Then it threw back its head and released a deafening howl; the sound rolled through the forest, making the rogues stiffen.

Fear flashed across their faces before they turned and ran off.

I quickly pushed myself to my feet.

"Wait!" I called after the mysterious wolf.

But it only glanced back once before disappearing between the trees.

I swallowed hard as my trembling legs struggled to support me.

"I guess... I'm on my own then," I whispered.

My eyes cautiously scanned the forest, but there was silence.

Taking slow, careful steps, I made my way forward. Every snapping twig made my heart race.

Getting to the fallen tree, I crossed over. Several minutes later, I finally stepped out of the forest.

A shaky breath escaped my lips.

I made it.

Without wasting another second, I hurried back toward the pack.

By the time I reached the pack house, it was evening. As I approached, I spotted Logan talking to Elena in front of the pack house.

Just then, he turned. The moment our eyes met, his face lit up, and a bright smile spread across his lips.

"Ariana!"

He rushed toward me.

"Did you get it?" he asked anxiously, his eyes searching mine.

A smile spread across my face. "Of course I did."

I slipped the backpack off my shoulder and handed it to him.

He immediately opened it as relief washed over his face.

"You actually did it," he breathed, unable to hide his excitement.

I nodded. "Yes." Then I frowned slightly. "Your supposed shadow..."

"I'll see you tomorrow," he interrupted before shoving one hand into his pocket.

He pulled out several Moonberry pastries and placed them in my hands. "Manage these for now."

"I was almost..."

He didn't even let me finish.

Clutching the backpack tightly, he took off running.

I couldn't help smiling as I watched him.

Maybe, if the Moon Goddess had saved me from those rogues... perhaps she would finally answer my prayers too.

A small giggle escaped my lips as I turned to leave.

"Ariana." Elena's voice stopped me in my tracks.

My heart skipped.

Logan's excitement had made her notice me. What was I supposed to say now?

"Elena." I forced a smile as I walked toward her. "I almost forgot you and Father were here." The lie slipped out before I could stop it.

She frowned.

Her expression remained as cold and serious as ever as she rested a hand on her slender waist.

Elena was my younger sister. She was everything I wasn't; beautiful, confident, and smart. Father adored her. Even though I was the older daughter, I had always felt like an unwanted mistake. He never had to say it aloud but the way he treated me said enough.

"What happened between you and Logan?" she asked.

Her gaze then dropped to the Moonberry pastries in my hands.

Oh no, I had forgotten I was still holding them.

I quickly hid them behind my back.

"Have you forgotten he's my best friend?" I said with a shrug. "Of course we hang out."

Her jaw tightened. "And what are you doing with those pastries?"

Oops, she noticed.

Without another word, I spun around and ran... but unfortunately, my foot landed on a loose rock.

My balance gave out as I slipped.

"Ah!"

I crashed onto the ground with a painful thud.

"Stop running!"

"Do you want to cause an earthquake?"

Some nearby pack members shouted, laughing.

Ignoring them, I quickly scrambled back to my feet.

No one was going to ruin my mood today.

I continued running until I reached home. The moment I entered my room, I threw myself onto my bed and stared at the ceiling.

Logan's words echoed in my mind:

"You actually did it."

"He was so excited," I giggled softly.

I couldn't wait for tomorrow.

*The next day*

I dressed in the prettiest gown I owned. It wasn't expensive, but I had carefully kept it for special occasions.

After slipping on my shoes, I grabbed my small handbag and headed outside.

Just as I stepped out, Elena and Father were getting into the car.

"Wait!" I called.

They both turned, surprise written across their faces.

"Ariana?" Elena asked.

"And where exactly are you going?" Father questioned sternly.

I forced another smile. "To my best friend's ceremony."

There was no point explaining further. No matter what I said, it would only earn me another insult.

I opened the passenger door and climbed inside.

"Father, leave her," Elena said with a mocking smile. "Let her go watch her sister become the future Luna."

In your dreams.

Father simply started the engine as the car pulled away.

Not long after, we arrived at the pack's ceremonial hall. Silver banners bearing the Crescent Moon Pack's crest hung from the high walls. White flowers decorated the aisle leading to the stage, and crystal chandeliers cast a soft glow across the hall.

Pack members filled every seat, chatting excitedly as they waited for the ceremony to begin. At the center stood a beautifully decorated platform where the future Alpha and Luna would publicly complete their mating ceremony before the entire pack.

As we stepped inside, an intoxicating scent drifted through the air.

My heart skipped as my wolf suddenly stirred inside me.

'Mate'

The word echoed inside my head.

'Mate'

My breathing quickened.

The scent grew stronger with every passing second.

"Where is he?" I whispered, my eyes searching the crowd frantically.

Then, someone stopped directly in front of me.

I turned to see Logan. His scent completely surrounded me as my wolf let out a joyful howl inside me.

'Mate!'

My eyes widened in disbelief.

The Moon Goddess... had truly answered my prayer?