Betrayed Luna's New Beginning

The ceremonial white gown flowed around my body like liquid moonlight as I stood in the grand hall of Silver Ridge Pack. My fingers trembled slightly as I smoothed the delicate fabric, my heart racing with anticipation. Today was supposed to be the pinnacle of my five years with Ryan—our mate ceremony would finally bind us completely.

"Are you ready, my Luna?" Elder Marian's weathered hands adjusted my silver circlet, her eyes crinkling with maternal pride.

I nodded, unable to find words through the lump of emotion in my throat. Inside me, my wolf Aria purred with contentment. *Finally, finally, we'll be truly his.*

The hall buzzed with activity as pack members arranged ceremonial candles around the sacred bonfire pit. Flower garlands perfumed the air, their scent mingling with the woodsmoke. My father, Alpha Richard Walsh, stood tall by the ceremonial altar, his powerful presence commanding respect even in this moment of celebration.

"Victoria." His voice softened as he approached. "You honor our pack today."

"Thank you, Father." I squeezed his hand, drawing strength from his steady presence.

The crowd parted as a slender figure approached, carrying a velvet cushion. Marina Torres—the rogue Ryan had commissioned to find the perfect moonstone for my ceremonial necklace. Her smile seemed strained, but I attributed it to the natural discomfort rogues felt in established pack territory.

"Luna Victoria," she said, bowing her head with appropriate deference. "May I show you the stone before the ceremony begins? Alpha Ryan wants to ensure it meets with your approval."

My heart warmed at Ryan's thoughtfulness. "Of course."

Marina gestured toward the ceremonial fire. "The light there will show its true brilliance."

I followed her, my ceremonial gown trailing behind me. The pack elders were gathering at the opposite end of the hall, their low murmurs creating a reverent atmosphere. Marina held up the cushion, and I leaned forward to examine the moonstone.

"It's beautiful," I breathed, reaching out to touch it.

The movement came so quickly I had no time to react. A flash of silver, a burning pain in my side. Marina's face transformed from respectful to triumphant as she drove the silver blade between my ribs.

"He was never meant to be yours," she hissed, twisting the blade.

The silver burned like liquid fire in my veins. I gasped, unable even to scream as the poisonous metal entered my bloodstream. My knees buckled, and I clutched at the wound, blood seeping between my fingers, staining the pristine white of my ceremonial gown with crimson roses.

"Help," I whispered, but the word barely escaped my lips.

Marina's scream cut through the hall. "She attacked me! The Luna tried to kill me!"

Confusion erupted. Through blurring vision, I saw Ryan burst through the doors, his powerful frame tense with rage. But instead of coming to me, he froze, his eyes fixed on Marina's performance.

"She went mad when I told her," Marina sobbed, clutching her stomach protectively. "When I told her about the pup... your pup..."