Rain slashes across my face as I sprint through the thorn-choked woods, the silk of my wedding gown tearing with every step. Behind me, the torches of the wedding party flicker like angry stars. I won’t be bound to a man I’ve never met—not for my stepmother’s greed.

I collapse near a silver pool beneath the blood moon, trembling—until warm hands pull me up. A man emerges from the shadows, bare-chested, eyes glowing like smoldering coals. He doesn’t speak. Just kisses me like the world is ending.

That night, we burn together—wild, desperate, true. He calls me ‘Luna’ in a voice thick with awe. I believe, just for a moment, I’m free.

Now, weeks later, I return to the pack lands in disguise. And there he stands—Kael, the alpha I fled, preparing to crown another woman as his mate. His gaze passes over me like I’m nothing.

But I felt his bite. I bear his mark. And if he won’t remember me… I’ll make him.