Ch. 601..610

Chapter 601

Arena and I were no longer on speaking terms. I refused to acknowledge her since she had sided with the High Priestess, willingly accepting the Lunar Realm as our destiny. She was adamant about staying to save the world and its people, a decision she made without my consent. The thought of her selflessness infuriated me-I didn't care about saving the world if it meant being separated from my mate and my family. Yet, Arena remained resolute, convinced it was her destiny to be the savior of the Lunar Realm and, ultimately, the universe.

The High Priestess had told me that the only way to return to my family's world was by ensuring the Lunar Realm's future was secure. Determined to reunite with Zander and my son, I pieced together a solution. If I could convince the God of Destruction to vow never to harm the Lunar Realm, the balance would be preserved, and I could go home. It was bold idea, perhaps reckless, but it was my only hope. Resolving to act, I decided to seek an audience with the God of Destruction-no matter what it took.

Goddess help me I was still not used to these arrangements. To make an appointment with a god, I had to send an invite and wait for them to respond. There were no texts, emails, or instant communications. The process was archaic, and my frustration with these outdated methods was growing by the second.

First, I needed to stabilize the Lunar Realm, ensuring its safety. But once that was done, I vowed to bring technology to this realm and others. It was high time these people had access to modern conveniences instead of relying solely on magic and miracles.

The Lunar Realm was a sanctuary of celestial beauty, bathed in perpetual moonlight that cast a silvery glow over its ethereal landscapes. Towering mountains crowned with diamond-like frost encircled lush valleys filled with glowing meadows and rivers of liquid starlight. Trees with shimmering leaves stood tall, their soft luminescence mirrored in tranquil lakes that reflected endless constellations above. The realm's inhabitants were beings of light and grace, their glowing skin and starlit eyes exuding an aura of serenity, while their flowing silver hair and celestial garments enhanced their otherworldly appearance. Sacred and harmonious, the Lunar Realm was not just a place of peace but the keystone of balance between all realms-a treasure so radiant that it tempted the greed of dark forces seeking its boundless power.

Yet, for all its ethereal beauty and divine serenity, it held no charm for me. Nothing about this place could make me forsake my Alpha mate. Goddess, I loved him so much that every moment apart felt like an eternity of anguish. Each second away from him seemed to drain the life from me, a ceaseless torment of longing. I could feel his sadness through the bond we shared, a mirror to the ache in my own heart, and it only deepened my resolve to reunite with him.

"High Luna, the God of Destruction, Almighty Kaelvor, has arrived," one of the guards announced as he entered my chamber.

I hadn't expected him to arrive so quickly, though it made sense-gods possess magical abilities and can travel faster than light itself.

"Lead him inside with honor. I'll be

there shortly replied, rising from my seat and beginning to don the royal robe and crown befitting the Luna of the Lunar Realm. The weight of the crown felt heavier today, a stark reminder of the responsibilities I had yet to fully embrace,

When I arrived at the royal guest chamber, my expectations of

เอน

Kaelvor were immediately shattered. I had imagined him as an older figure with a fearsome, intimidating appearance to match his title. Instead, he looked youthful, almost unsettlingly attractive, his aura exuding raw power and an

undeniable charisma.

"God Kaelvor, thank you for giving your valuable time and gracing us with your presence," I greeted him in my sweetest, most respectful tone, hoping to make a good impression. Though I had prayed to the gods many times, dealing with one as an equal felt surreal, even unnerving.

He rose from his seat, his dark eyes-deep and foreboding as the abyss itself-locking onto mine. His gaze felt like it could pierce through my very soul.

"It is an honor, Goddess," he said, his voice smooth yet heavy with authority. "Tell me, why have you summoned me?"

"God Kaelvor, as you know, the

I swallowed hard, gathering my thoughts and courage. This was no ordinary conversation. This was a negotiation with a god whose domain was destruction itself.

Lunar Realm is under constant threat from dark forces seeking to annihilate it, thereby disrupting the. harmony of the universe and spreading evil everywhere," began, my voice steady despite the enormity of the situation. "I need

ove

your assurance that there eed

never

be destruction in the Lunar Realm. To secure this alliance, I am willing to offer anything you require."

The God of Destruction stared at me, his expression unreadable, his dark eyes as fathomless as death itself. After a moment, he tilted his head, his gaze narrowing, and when he finally spoke, his words froze me in disbelief.

"I can assure you that the Lunar Realm will remain unharmed for eternity," he said, his voice icy yet carrying an air of finality. "But for that, you must marry me and become my Luna, ruling both realms at my side."

Chapter 602

The Choice

My eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets at his proposal. Was he not aware of Alpha King Zander Blake, my mate? How could he not know?

"I am already married to Alpha King Zander Blake," I informed the God of Destruction. "He is my mate."

"That's not a problem," he replied nonchalantly, shocking me even further. "You can reject him and divorce him. However, your marriage holds no validity in the Lunar Realm or for a goddess. You can marry me without his consent." What?!

"No," I said, shaking my head, my heart recoiling at the very thought. "I love my mate and cannot marry someone else. I will never cheat on him," I stated firmly, my voice unwavering despite the pressure of his godly presence.

God Kaelvor's expression turned indifferent as he gazed at me with unrelenting intensity. "Then I cannot promise the safety of the Lunar Realm," he said, his tone cold and impassive. "The choice is yours-your mate or the survival of the Lunar people and the preservation of the realm." Though his voice remained steady, the challenge within it was unmistakable.

Anger flared in my chest, and I wanted nothing more than to yell at him, to lash out at his audacity. But this wasn't about me or my emotions-it was about the people of the Lunar Realm and their survival. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down.

"God Kaelvor," I began, keeping my voice steady and composed, "there must be another way to form an alliance. I am willing to give you anything in return for your favor. Please consider another option."

God Kaelvor's expression turned cold and indifferent as he gazed at me with unrelenting intensity. "Then I cannot promise the safety of the Lunar Realm," he said, his voice devoid of emotion yet brimming with authority. "The choice is yours-your mate or the survival of the Lunar people and the preservation of the realm." His words hung in the air like a blade poised to strike, the challenge within them unmistakable.

Anger flared in my chest, hot and unrelenting. I wanted nothing more than to lash out, to tell this arrogant god exactly what I thought of his ultimatum. But this wasn't about my pride or emotions-it was about the Lunar people, their survival, and the preservation of our sacred realm. Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to remain composed.

"God Kaelvor," I began, steadying my voice, "there must be another way to form an alliance. I am willing to give you anything in return for your favor. Please consider another option."

He smirked, a chilling curve of his lips that radiated smugness. The confidence of his divine status cloaked him like an impenetrable armor.

"Listen, goddess," he said, his tone dripping with condescension. "I am not just any god-I am the God of Destruction, the force that ends worlds and rebuilds them anew. There is nothing you possess that I lack or desire-except one thing."

I stiffened as he stepped closer, his dark eyes gleaming with a predatory intensity that sent a shiver down my spine.

"What entices me," he continued, his

voice now softer, more dangerous, "is uniting our divine powers through the mate band. Together, we would

produce offspring of unpane

strength, beings destined to

dominate not just our Realms but all realms. With their power, we would crush any opposition and reign supreme, not as protectors, but as conquerors. The universe would bow to us, its rulers."

His words sent a chill through me, the weight of his vision for domination and subjugation striking me like a physical blow. This wasn't about securing the Lunar Realm-it was about an empire of fear and control. I swallowed hard at the fearful thought. "What you propose," I said finally, my voice trembling with restrained fury, "is the antithesis of everything the Lunar Realm stands for. It is peace we seek to maintain, not a reign of terror."

Kaelvor's smirk deepened, his expression as unyielding as stone.

"Peace," he scoffed. "Peace is a fleeting illusion, goddess. Only strength endures, and only those willing to wield it can ensure survival. The choice remains yours-align with me, or let your precious realm crumble into oblivion." Wow! He had a truly twisted mind.

"So, you want to disturb the

harmony of the entire universe?!

That's not going to happen as long as the Lunar Realm exists," I

challenged, my voice rising with net

defiance. But instead of being

deterred, he seemed amused by my confrontation, letting out a dark, mocking laugh.

"Think about it, Goddess," he said, that wicked gleam still lighting up his eyes. "It's not just for my benefit-it's for ours. Together, we would be unstoppable. You, as my queen, and I, as the king of the universe. What could be more fitting for beings like us?"

His audacious proposal repulsed me to my core. The very suggestion made my skin crawl. How could he dare propose such a thing? I wasn't here to conquer or seek power-I was here to preserve the harmony of the Lunar Realm, the delicate balance that kept the universe intact.

As I remained silent, contemplating the consequences, he spoke again, his voice laced with manipulation. "Why are you hesitating so much? After all, your purpose is to save the Lunar Realm," he said, his words designed to sway me. "It's a win-win for you, isn't it? Your realm is saved, and you gain even more power in return, making it more stable than

ever."

It didn't make sense to me to preserve the Lunar Realm at the cost of the entire universe! Who knew what else he had planned, with intentions that already seemed so dark and malicious?

I was certain of what I needed to do. I opened my mouth to refuse him outright, damn the consequences. "God Kaelvor, I—"

"She will marry you, God Kaelvor," my mother's voice rang out before I could finish, as she materialized before us in an instant.

 

Chapter 603

A Mirage

"No, Mother," I interrupted, my voice firm. "Just stop making decisions on my behalf."

Her calm expression didn't waver as she turned to me, and I couldn't help but feel both anger and disbelief. How could she remain so composed in every situation? More importantly, how could she consistently make decisions for me as if I had no agency?

She was my mother, yes, but she had left me with my father and his wife whom I'd believed to be my real mother for most of my life. Now, after all these years, she had appeared out of nowhere, assuming that a few explanations would magically erase the pain of abandonment and make everything normal again. Worse still, she thought she could control my life when I was the one destined to rule the Lunar Realm-such irony.

"Selena, believe me," my mother said in her ever-serene voice, as though her words alone could soothe away all objections. "This is for your good and the good of the realm."

"No, Mother, you have to understand this time," I argued, my voice rising in defiance. I didn't care that God Kaelvor was standing there, witnessing our exchange. "I have a mate and a son. I have a life in the other realm, and I am here only because you told me it was my destiny to save the Lunar Realm and its people. But that does not give you the right to rewrite my fate."

My tone was stern, every word underscoring my resolve.

"Selena," she said with a serene smile, her gaze shifting between God Kaelvor and me. "Your life changed the moment you came here to stay. Your old life no longer exists. The people you still care about... they don't even remember you," she declared, her voice calm but cutting.

I shook my head vehemently, refusing to accept her words. "That's not possible," I retorted with a self-assured smirk, determined to challenge her claim.

"I knew you wouldn't believe me," she replied, her soft smile unwavering, as if she weren't casually dismantling the foundation of my hope. "But will you believe it when you see it for yourself?"

Her words sent a chill through me, but I refused to let doubt take root. My mate, my son-my family-they would never forget me. It was absurd to even consider. And... and it had only been a few days since I left them. Surely, that wasn't enough time for anyone to forget someone as if they'd never existed.

I remained silent as my heart thundered in my chest, fear tightening its grip on me. I didn't know what my mother intended to make me believe, but a part of me dreaded finding out. I simply waited, unable to summon the words to question her further.

She reached out, taking my hand with an unsettling calmness, and led me to the grand dining table. At its center was a large golden bowl filled with water. With a graceful motion, she swept her hand over it, and the surface of the water rippled, transforming into a mirror- like sheen. Moments later, it became a live screen as if a movie had started playing.

I gasped. There they were my mate, Zander, and my son, Austin. They were talking and laughing together, their faces radiant with happiness.

"Austin!" I called his name instinctively, longing to hold him, to hear him respond. "Zander!" I added, hoping against hope that he might somehow look my way.

"Selena," my mother said softly, her voice steady. "They can't see or hear you. But through this, you can see and hear them across the realms."

I tore my eyes away from the screen to look at her, confused and panicked. "What is this supposed to prove?"

"Look closely," she said, gesturing toward the image. "Do they look like they miss you? No, Selena. They're happy without you. They've already replaced you."

Her words hit me like a punch to the stomach. Replaced me?

"What... what do you mean?" I demanded, my voice trembling as dread pooled in my chest.

"Keep watching," she said, her serene demeanor making her words all the more unnerving. "You'll understand soon enough what I mean. Just stay alert, Selena. It's time you saw the truth."

I kept looking at my mate and my son, my heart filling with longing and yearning to be by their side, to be part of their happy life, to be happy again.

But then, the tranquility shattered.

A figure walked into the scene, and

my breath caught in my throat. My eyes widened with shock as

recognition struck me like a bolt of lightning-it was my half-sister Anne. And the person who followed her... My heart stopped.

It was my father.

He was alive.

My father, the man Zander had supposedly killed along with his entire pack, stood there, very much alive, speaking with my mate as if they had never been enemies. The casual ease in their interaction left me feeling, unable to comprehend what I was seeing.

I turned to my mother, my shock unmasked, words failing me. She remained calm, her expression unreadable, as if she had anticipated my reaction.

Before I could ask the questions that burned in my mind, she swept her hand over the water again. The screen shimmered, and now their voices became audible, the conversation slicing through the thick air.

It was my father speaking, his voice unmistakable, the sound of it striking a chord I had buried long ago.

"Alpha Zander," he said with unsettling authority, "I have made all the preparations for your and Anne's marriage next week."

My world tilted, the ground beneath me metaphorically crumbling.

"What the hell is going on?" I gasped, my voice trembling. I turned to my mother, desperate for answers, my brows furrowing so deeply it felt as if they might never smooth out. My head pounded with the weight of the revelations, each one more incomprehensible than the last.

Wasn't my father dead? Along with my stepmother, Anne, and the entire pack? Hadn't Zander been the one to end their lives? Or had it all been a lie-a mirage-this whole time?

Chapter 604

Missing Piece Of Puzzle *Zander*

"Dad! Look what I found in your drawer!" Austin exclaimed as he bounded into the room, holding up a scarf.

I took it from his hands, examining it closely, trying to recall how it could have ended up in my drawer. But no matter how much I searched my memory, I couldn't place it.

"Whose scarf is it?" he asked again, his curiosity unrelenting.

"It might be your grandmother's," I replied thoughtfully, still turning it over in my hands.

"Nope! I asked her already, and she said it's not hers either," Austin countered with a confident shake of his head.

"Okay, then it might belong to your Aunt Blair," I said, laughing at his determination. He nodded, pursing his lips with a sense of accomplishment, as though he had just solved a grand mystery.

"Well, case solved, Sherlock Holmes!" I teased, handing the scarf back to him.

Austin giggled as he grabbed it, tugging playfully to pull it from my hand. Yet, as he did, a strange tugging sensation echoed in my chest. Something about this scarf felt... familiar. But for the life of me, I couldn't pinpoint why or whose it was.

Before I could dwell on the feeling, Anne stepped into the room, smiling warmly at Austin and me. Her father followed closely behind.

"Anne," Austin said with a bright smile.

"Austin, let's go to the garden. We'll play there," Anne replied warmly, and without hesitation, Austin followed her. He had formed a strong connection with Anne in a surprisingly short time.

After my wife, Avery, had passed, Alpha Albert had come to me with a proposal for his daughter Anne to marry me. At first, I was reluctant, feeling no inclination for a second marriage. But seeing how well Austin bonded with Anne, I eventually agreed.

Yet, something about the situation was deeply unsettling. I couldn't recall any memories of Avery as my wife—our life together, our love—nothing. I only remembered the day I got married to my childhood friend. After that, it felt like everything had vanished in a blur, leaving me with no recollection of her at all. It was as though she had been erased, not just from my mind but from everyone else's too. No one in my family or pack remembered her.

"Alpha Zander," Alpha Albert's voice broke through my thoughts, laced with unsettling authority. "I have made all the preparations for your and Anne's marriage next week."

I nodded absently, my response devoid of emotion. I couldn't summon any feelings about this marriage, doing it instead as if some unseen force was compelling me forward.

Then, a strange sensation prickled at the back of my neck. It was as if someone was watching me. My gaze shifted, scanning the space around me. My heart skipped a beat as, for the briefest moment, I caught sight of hazel eyes gleaming in the void.

Those eyes amid all the strangeness-were the only thing that felt absurdly familiar. It was sensation. In fact, they had been haunting my dreams, piercing through the fog of my waking life with an intensity that defied explanation. They vanished almost as quickly as they appeared, leav me questioning whether I had imagined them.

Driven by a sudden urgency, I strode toward the corner where I thought I had seen them. My steps quickened as I reached out, my eyes searching desperately. But there was nothing there. Just emptiness.

Emptiness, much like my heart.

"What's wrong, Alpha King?" Alpha Albert asked, his confusion evident due to my erratic behavior.

"Nothing, Alpha Albert," I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose to ease the tension building inside me. "Go ahead with the preparations. However, I still doubt this is the right decision, especially when we're dealing with the looming threat of the Dark Alpha." My tone was stern, a warning veiled within my words.

The Dark Alpha—an enigma cloaked in shadows-remained a relentless threat to our kind. No one had ever seen his face or learned his name, and that anonymity made him all the more dangerous.

"I understand, Alpha King," Albert replied, concern lacing his voice. "But Damon has threatened to abduct Anne. I fear for her safety. If you marry her, she'll be under your protection, and that vampire won't dare to act."

Ah, Damon Shadowborne-wicked and ruthless. Since the death of his father, he had become the new terror of the werewolf community, even more vicious than his predecessor.

"Don't worry," I assured him, my voice firm. "He won't touch Anne. You have my word." With that, I turned and began walking toward my study, craving solitude.

Damon, Anne, the Dark Alpha—these names struck a strange chord in my mind, like a puzzle with a piece missing. Something about them wasn't fitting together properly, but what was it? Why did it feel like I was making a huge mistake, even though everything seemed to be falling into place?

'I also feel that way, Zander,' Lyon echoed through our mindlink. 'It's as if something's off, but we can't quite place it.'

If he felt the unease, then it wasn't t me. I could sense Alpha Albert's presence lingering behind me, but I wasn't in the mood for company. I thoughts were in disarray, my heart unsettled in ways I couldn't yet comprehend.

"Alpha Albert, ma yourself comfortable," I said, not breaking stride. "Feel free to order from the royal kitchen. If you wish to stay the night, inform the head and she'll arrange everything for you."

"Thank you, Alpha King. I—" he began to say something, but I didn't wait to hear the rest. My need for solitude was overpowering. My heart was heavy, and I needed to uncover the root of the restless storm raging within me.

 

Chapter 605

"How's it possible?" I asked, my voice trembling with shock. "Father, Amelia, Anne, and Oliver-all of them died in the attack Zander led on the pack. I was told no one survived," I murmured to myself, the words hanging heavily in the air.

"That's what I've been trying to tell you," my mother's serene voice reached me, her words carrying a weight I couldn't ignore. "Everything you believe to be true is not. There is more to this world than our eyes can perceive."

I couldn't help but laugh bitterly at her comment.

"Then how was I supposed to be blessed with the power of the Moon goddess if I couldn't even see through the lies?" I challenged, the weight of the situation pressing on me. My very existence felt like a lie -everything I'd known, everything I'd been told, now seemed to crumble around me.

"Selena..." my mother's voice softened, sensing the doubt that swirled in my heart. She gently took my hand, the touch so tender it had an immediate calming effect, like balm for my troubled soul.

"You are powerful, Selena, and you must never doubt your existence," she said, her voice steady and reassuring. "Your presence in this world has a purpose, and you must not stray from your path. Seeing this reality was necessary so you could fully dedicate yourself to the Lunar Realm. Your duty must come first."

Her words felt like a protective shield, grounding me even as confusion swirled within.

"You will come to understand your powers in time," she continued gently. "Give yourself that time, Selena. Trust the process."

"I don't mean to interrupt your conversation," God Kaelvor interjected smoothly, his voice cutting through the spellbinding words of my mother. "But I want to remind you that my offer still stands. This marriage would grant you immense strength and power. Consider it carefully, Goddess."

I frowned, my frustration growing. So many things were swirling around in my mind, unsettling me, and I certainly wasn't in the mood to consider marrying a god right now.

Determined to refuse him firmly, I opened my mouth to speak, "God Kaelvor..."

But before I could continue, my mother tightened her grip on my hand, silencing me. She spoke instead, her tone calm yet assertive. "God Kaelvor," she said, her gaze unwavering. I stared at her, confusion and frustration evident on my face. "I will inform you when we are ready to begin preparations."

What?!

"Mother, no..." I protested, but she cut me off before I could say more.

"Selena, we will talk about it later," she said, her voice firm yet gentle. "First, I must see God Kaelvor off."

I stood there, stunned, as she guided Kaelvor out, my mind spinning with the weight of what had just happened.

I yanked the crown off my head and let it clatter onto the table, stripping the royal robe from my shoulders. The weight of authority lifted momentarily as I stood in my simpler clothes, breathing easier. It felt liberating, as though I was closer to being a normal she-wolf again, rather than a figure burdened by titles and responsibilities.

I stared at the door, waiting impatiently for my mother to return. Minutes passed, each one stretching endlessly. My restlessness grew until it drove me to pace back and forth across the room, my irritation mounting with every step.

When the door finally opened, and she walked in, I didn't hold back.

"How can you promise something like that on my behalf, Mother?" I demanded, frustration tightening my voice. My words bordered on disrespect, but I didn't care. "I'm not going to marry God Kaelvor!" I threw my hands up in exasperation.

"Selena," she said with infuriating

calm, a soft smile gracing her lips.

Her serenity grated against my nerves. "Lam your mother, and I have the right to decide what is best for you. It is your duty to protect the Lunar Realm, and for that, you must do whatever it takes."

"No, Mother!" I snapped, shaking my head vehemently. "This won't save the realm. God Kaelvor's plan will destroy the entire universe!"

She remained composed, her gaze steady. "Kaelvor is the God of Destruction, yes. He holds the power to obliterate anything in existence. But despite this, he has refrained. Have you ever wondered why?"

I hesitated as her question was unexpected, and I found myself shrugging, shaking my head, utterly clueless.

"Why?" I asked, my voice quieter now, though still laced with defiance.

"Because everything has a cycle,"

Mother began, her voice imbued with a calm that only deepened my frustration. "Whatever ends regenerates again, and whatever is born will end one day. Nothing is permanent. That is the ultimate law of the universe. Even the God of Destruction cannot alter it."

I blinked at her, trying to grasp the weight of her words.

"That's why," she continued, "if you fear he will misuse this marriage and the power it brings, know this- it's not possible. There is a supreme power above all, guiding the fate of everyone."

Supreme power? Her words felt like riddles, and the more she explained, the more confused I became. "Then why can't this supreme power save the Lunar Realm and maintain harmony in the universe?"! asked, my curiosity piqued. It seemed logical-why burden me if such an omnipotent force existed? Why couldn't they intervene directly and spare me from this mess?

Mother smiled again, that infuriatingly serene expression that always left me feeling both reassured and exasperated. Goddess, what was it with that smile?

"Because they have chosen you for this task," she said simply.

Huh?!

"But why me?" I nearly sobbed, my voice trembling with despair.

"Because you are special, Selena," Mother said gently, stepping closer and taking my hands in hers. Her touch was soft, radiating warmth that eased the ache in my chest. Her big eyes, as blue as the sky and as calm as the vast expanse of space,

bore into mine, holding me

aptive

and compelling me to focus solely on her. "You possess an honest heart, one filled with selfless

purity-exactly the power needed to

save the realm."

Her voice was calm and soft, radiating a strange, comforting peace that seemed to blossom at the center

of my heart, making me feel as though I could believe every word she said.

"Everything in the universe happens for a reason," she continued. "Trust the process, Selena, and let yourself be a part of it."

Chapter 606

Offering Rituals

*Zander*

"Zander, try this-I made it for you," Anne said as she placed a plate of roasted beef in front of me. "Thank you, Anne, but you don't have to go through the trouble," I murmured, trying to keep my tone neutral.

"I know it's your favorite," she said, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. For a moment, I was struck by her beauty, but there was something about her-something familiar. It was as if she reminded me of someone. I lowered my head, trying to force the memory to surface, but it eluded me.

'Zander, I don't feel like she's our mate. Don't marry her,' Lyon's voice echoed in my mind, filled with

unease.

'I know, Lyon,' I replied silently, my gaze shifting to Austin, who was grinning as he played nearby. 'We don't feel the bond with her, but look at Austin,' I added, watching my son as he laughed. 'He's happy whenever he's with Anne.'

"That's true-he does look happy," Lyon acknowledged, though reluctance lingered in his voice. "But something about this still doesn't feel right."

I responded with a noncommittal hum, slicing a small piece of the roasted beef and placing it in my mouth. It was, undeniably, my favorite dish-or at least it used to be. Yet, as I chewed, I realized something unsettling. The flavor, while well-prepared, didn't stir the usual satisfaction. In fact, it felt almost alien, as though the joy I once associated with it had vanished.

Why was this? Why couldn't I remember why it was my favorite in the first place? And more disturbingly, why did I find it so unappetizing now, despite Anne's effort?

"I'm full," I said abruptly, standing up and pushing my plate back with more force than intended.

Anne's concerned voice followed immediately. "What's wrong?" Her eyes searched mine, her worry evident.

"Nothing," I replied hastily, my tone clipped. "I just remembered I have some pending files to review." The excuse felt weak, but I didn't wait for a response.

I needed to get out of there. My legs carried me toward the sanctuary of my study though I could feel the weight of their gazes-Maddox, Blaire, my mother, and Austin-all lingering on my retreating figure. What was wrong with me? I couldn't even articulate it to myself, let alone to them.

Maddox remained silent in front of our guests, Alpha Albert and Anne.

Instead, his voice came through our mindlink. 'Are you okay?'

'Yes,' I replied curtly, shutting the mindlink before he could press further. I wasn't ready to talk. Not now. Not when I didn't have answers.

Maddox knew me too well, better than most, and I was certain he had sensed something was off. He always had a way of picking up on the things I tried to hide the reason he was my closest friend since childhood. But even he couldn't help me if I couldn't make sense of what was eating away at me.

I went straight to my study and locked the door, craving solitude and silence. I needed to think. Settling into my chair, I opened my laptop, diving into the reports on the Dark Alpha. Strangely, he had been inactive lately a fact that didn't comfort me but instead deepened my unease. Men like the Dark Alpha weren't known for enjoying peace and harmony. They thrived in chaos, finding pleasure in the cries of the innocent.

Though I had issued alerts across all borders and to every pack in the North, the absence of any activity from him felt ominous, not reassuring. My instincts screamed that this quiet wasn't normal.

After poring over a few more reports and finding nothing new, I shut the laptop with a sigh of frustration. Rising from my desk, I walked to the window, sliding the curtain aside. The moon hung in the sky, but its light was muted, far less radiant than it should have been. Its dull glow stirred a fresh wave of unease in my chest, a gnawing feeling I couldn't shake.

Something was off-terribly so. I could feel it in my bones. I only hoped, for once, that my instincts were wrong.

Suddenly, a mindlink broke through my thoughts, sharp and urgent. 'Alpha, we need you at the eastern border immediately!' The voice of one of the guards was strained, tinged with panic.

*Selena*

'What's wrong with you, Selena?' Arena's voice echoed in my mind, attempting once again to provoke a response. I refused to acknowledge her. When I needed her the most, she was reluctant to help. Now, when I was willing to follow the process, she suddenly had a problem. Wow!

'Come on, Selena, talk to me,' she pressed, her tone insistent.

I could have blocked her mindlink

entirely, but I didn't. I wanted her to feel the sting of being ignored by her other half. She needed to

understand what it felt like. Butunet

dismay only deepened as I

continued to deny her the ability to shift. Without my permission, her powers were rendered useless. Hah. Tit for tat.

Keep begging, ancient wolf.

Her persistent voice continued to

ring in my head, but I focused on the task at hand, ignoring her entirely. I carefully adjusted my ceremonial attire as was preparing for the offering session, an important ritual where the people of the Lunar Realm gathered around the castle. They would present their grievances and offer gifts-precious things like silk, pearls, honey, or rare lunar fruits they had cultivated themselves-as tokens of gratitude and respect.

Though I disliked taking offerings from the innocent people seeking my help, Mother insisted it was necessary. She said accepting their gratitude served as a reminder: everything in life came with a price, and this ritual reinforced the understanding that bad karma would also demand its due punishment. 'You can't marry God Kaelvor,' Arena rebuked sharply.

I only snorted in response, silently thinking, Says who?

But I forgot she could hear my thoughts.

'Okay, I'm sorry for being harsh,' she backtracked, her tone softening. 'I wanted to save the realm, but I've never wanted us to marry someone who isn't our mate."

I rolled my eyes. 'Isn't it a little too late for that, Arena?' I retorted with mockery. 'The wedding is fixed. I'm doing this to save the Lunar Realm, not because I want to. Isn't that what you always wanted to protect the realm at all costs?'

"Selena," her voice wavered, tinged with panic, 'we can save the realm, but who will save our mate?' I froze, my heart skipping a beat. 'What do you mean?'

Chapter 607

Their Goddess

'He is the Alpha King; he doesn't need us to save him. He is invincible and can take down all his enemies alone,' I reminded my conceited wolf, whose confidence often blinded her to reason.

'However, if you were truly worried for our mate, don't you think it's a little late to start now?' I challenged, my tone sharp with suppressed frustration.

'I know how powerful our mate is,' she whispered, her voice tinged with both admiration and something softer.

I could feel her blushing, recalling the sheer strength and commanding presence of our mate. Goddess, he was truly unmatched.

'But right now,' she continued, her voice lowering with unease, 'I can feel he is in danger.'

'Danger?' I echoed, the word catching in my throat. My heart skipped a beat as dread began to coil in my chest. 'How?'

'Let's find out,' she urged. I could feel her resolve was stronger than ever.

'But we can't leave the realm-' My words were abruptly cut off as a strange sensation gripped me.

It felt as though my very essence was being tugged from my body. A moment of weightlessness followed, then a sudden grounding sensation.

When I opened my eyes, the familiar atmosphere of the Moonglow Pack surrounded me. I didn't get time to contemplate what had just happened because the scene before me was nothing short of horrifying. The air was thick with the metallic tang of blood, and the ground was littered with fallen guards. Vampires swarmed the border like a relentless tide, their crimson eyes gleaming with hunger as they tore through the defenses. Then my eyes landed on a familiar figure, surrounded by a group of vampires. My heart skipped a beat as I saw his handsome face for the first time in what felt like an eternity.

Zander. He was fighting alone against the vampires. But why hadn't he shifted?

As I watched, I noticed the vampires wielding crossbows, and it suddenly dawned on me they were using enchanted bolts, likely designed to block their targets from shifting. The realization hit me hard; the vampires had become far more vicious ever since Damon had started this war against the werewolves. I couldn't just stand there while my mate was fighting alone, surrounded by those wicked vampires. My heart raced as I saw one of the vampires sneaking up behind him. Zander was still grappling with three of them at once, unaware of the attack coming from behind. The vampire grabbed him from behind, attempting to sink its fangs into his neck.

Without thinking, my body moved instinctively. In a split second, I was behind the vampire, yanking it away from Zander and delivering a hard punch that sent it crashing to the ground, a few feet away.

It hissed and now it was ready to attack me. My eyes darted to a broken wooden post nearby. Grabbing it, I drove the jagged end into the vampire's chest. The creature convulsed, its mouth twisting into a snarl before it disintegrated into ash.

Another vampire lunged at me from the side, its claws swiping dangerously close to my face. I acted on instinct, ripping the makeshift stake from the ashes of the first vampire and hurling it with precision. The wood impaled the second vampire's chest mid-air, and it collapsed into dust before it could reach me. A deafening growl rumbled through the chaos, cutting through the snarls and growls that filled the air. I turned to find Zander looking directly at me, his eyes blazing with fury. My breath caught in my throat as confusion flooded my mind. Why did the sight of me make him so angry? Didn't he recognize his mate? It meant... It meant he really forgot me!

I barely had time to process the

emotions surging through me before everything happened in a blur.

Zander let out a thunderous growt

and leaped toward me. His movements were swift and primal, and for a fleeting moment, thought he would tear me to pieces.

Instead, he soared over my head, landing with a thud behind me. My body twisted instinctively, and I turned just in time to see him clamp his powerful jaws around a

tel.né

vampire's neck. The creature struggled, hissing and clawing in desperation, but Zander's strength was unmatched. With a brutal tug, he tore its head clean from its shoulders, the body collapsing into a heap of ash.

Realization dawned on me. That vampire had been moments away from ending my life, and Zander had saved me.

He was soaked in blood, his body trembling as he turned to look at me again. The confusion in his eyes broke my heart. He stepped toward me with urgency, his voice rough but still so familiar as he asked, "Who are you?"

His deep voice was like music to my

ears. Oh, Goddess! I had missed it more than could put into words. The pain of not knowing why he was so confused stabbed at me, but before could respond or react, more warriors arrived with Maddox. The balance had shifted, and the vampires were now outnumbered.

But I didn't stay to see how it all unfolded. The next moment, I found myself returning to the Lunar Realm, standing before the mirror I had stood in front of earlier.

"What just happened?" I asked, my voice filled with confusion as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. "I sent you there while keeping your physical form here to avoid alerting anyone in the Lunar Realm about your teleportation," Arena explained through our mindlink, her voice steady but tinged with a hint of urgency.

"Then why didn't you let me stay there and talk to him?" I asked, pain and frustration lacing my voice.

"Selena, you helped him, saved him, and saw him," Arena replied, her tone calm but firm. "We can't do more than that."

"But why?" I argued, the confusion gnawing at me.

"I don't have all the answers right now," she said, her voice tinged with mystery. "But if you had stayed there, the High Priestess would have found out about it."

"I don't care," I hissed, my emotions rising.

Arena didn't respond. Sometimes, it felt like she knew more than she let on, yet she chose to withhold the truth from me. It only made me more frustrated and uncertain about everything.

Then the door opened, and Mother entered, her presence commanding the room. "Selena, your people are waiting for their goddess," she announced, her trademark smile lighting up her face. "Let's go," she gestured toward the door.

My people... my realm... their goddess. The weight of the title settled heavily on my shoulders as I sighed. Wearing my crown, I stepped toward the door, but my heart still lingered in that moment with Zander-the moment when I met my mate, and he didn't recognize me. The pain of that memory echoed in my chest, clouding my thoughts as I walked forward.

Chapter 608

Illusion *Zander*

"Who are you?!" I called out, still confused by the sudden appearance of that beautiful woman in the middle of the battlefield. She had helped me when I was all alone fighting those bloodthirsty vampires, but before I could get a proper look or a response, she vanished into thin air. It was as if she had never been there at all.

I stared at the empty space where she had stood, my mind racing. Was I imagining things?

My thoughts were cut short when a vampire lunged at me from the side. I barely dodged in time, his claws missing me by inches. Grabbing his neck, I twisted hard, the sharp crack of bone echoing in the chaos. Without pausing, I tore his body apart and tossed the pieces in opposite directions, ensuring he wouldn't get back up.

"Alpha!" Maddox's voice called out, snapping me back to reality.

"Are you okay?" he asked as he approached, his face tight with concern.

I took a quick look around. Our warriors had turned the tide. With weapons in hand and the ability to shift now restored, they were taking down the remaining vampires efficiently. I noticed two of the creatures being restrained-clearly alive and meant for interrogation.

"Yeah," I said with a short nod, turning back to him.

"Here, take this," Maddox said, holding out a small vial.

I took it and glanced at the shimmering liquid inside.

"It'll break the spell keeping you from shifting," he explained quickly.

I ordered, "Take every guard to the hospital and call all the healers and doctors immediately to tend to them."

Maddox nodded, and I saw that they had already begun carrying the injured guards while he barked orders to hurry up. Without wasting another moment, I uncorked the vial and drank the potion, feeling my wolf returning. However, seeing the casualties caused by the vampire attack, my heart burned with vengeance. I would make Damon pay for this.

"Interrogate the captured vampires thoroughly and find Damon's location as soon as possible," I commanded before walking toward where the injured guards were being taken.

"Did you see that woman when you arrived?" I asked Maddox, hoping he had also seen her and that it wasn't just an illusion.

"No, Alpha. I didn't see any woman there," Maddox said, shrugging with uncertainty. "Why? What happened?"

"Nothing," I replied, waving it off dismissively.

But it couldn't have been my imagination. She was there. She saved me.

Who was she? An illusion? A witch? Or... a goddess?

I went to the hospital with the

injured guards to ensure they received proper treatment. While I was there, I met their families as well, reassuring them that the

Bel

guards would be rewarded for thet

bravery and given the best care to recover as quickly as possible.

After a long day, I headed to the dungeon where Maddox was interrogating the captured vampires. The

air was thick with tension, and the faint sound of cries echoed down the cold stone halls.

When I arrived at the cell, the

vampires were being whipped with an enchanted lash by the pack's

witch. A guard hurried to place anet

chair in the center of the room for me, positioning it so I could oversee everything clearly.

I sat down, crossing one leg over the other as I leaned back in the chair. My eyes locked onto the scene before me as my heart grew impatient with each passing second. I needed the information quickly.

A few minutes later, Maddox stepped out of the cell. His breathing was heavy, and his face was flushed with anger. His knuckles were bloody, and his clothes were disheveled.

"Did you get any information?" I asked as Maddox took water bottle from a guard. He uncapped it and poured the water into his mouth, gulping it down quickly.

"Yes," he replied, wiping the water from the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand. "They confirmed that they're working with Damon and came here on his command."

"That coward," I muttered in disgust. "He doesn't have the guts to face us himself, so he sends his pawns instead.'

"I tried to get his location," Maddox continued, his tone frustrated. "But they don't know where he's hiding. Either they're clueless or too scared to betray him.

"Are you sure they're telling the truth?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.

"Yes, Alpha," Maddox said with a

าวเ

firm nod. “I think they are. After everything we put them through, they would've spilled if they knew anything. Damon is very clever We can't underestimate him," he added wisely.

I considered this for a moment before nodding.

"Then what do we do with them now?" Maddox asked in a steady but expectant tone.

"Kill them. They're useless to us now," I ordered, standing up and heading toward the exit. "Yes, Alpha," Maddox responded behind me.

As I reached the door, a piercing scream reverberated through the dungeon. It was cut off abruptly, replaced by an eerie silence that settled over the space.

Damon Shadowborn, you can't hide for long. I'll find you, and you'll pay for hurting my people.

Chapter 609

Unmasked

When I arrived at the pack house, the first thing I did was ask for Austin. Guilt gnawed at me for not giving him the time he deserved, especially when his mother was no longer in this world. But the weight of my responsibilities as the Alpha King left me with little choice. I had to protect the entire werewolf community from the growing threats of the dark alpha and the vampire, Damon.

My mother told me that Blair had put Austin to bed after ensuring he'd finished his dinner. I didn't ask about Alpha Albert and Anne, but my mother mentioned they had left earlier in the evening as Alpha Albert had some urgency in his pack. I didn't press further and made my way to my room.

After a warm shower and changing into fresh clothes, I sat by the window, letting the cool night air soothe my restless mind. My gaze shifted to the moon, its soft light casting a calming glow. But as I stared at it, something strange happened it felt like the moon turned into a mirror, reflecting the face of that mysterious woman.

Who was she? And why couldn't I forget her?

I ran a hand through my hair, trying to make sense of why she felt so familiar. Could it be possible she was my... mate?!

The thought hit me like cold water poured over my head, jolting me awake from a deep slumber. But I couldn't be certain. At that time, Lyon had been blocked, and I couldn't sense the mate bond.

'I could feel you,' Lyon's voice resonated in my head through our mind link. 'I wish I could have helped you and seen that lady. She must be special if you're thinking about her this much.'

'Yes, she was something,' I admitted. 'I feel like she came to help me, to save me because she knew me. But why couldn't I recognize her?'

'So, it means you're not going to marry Anne?' he asked, leaving me speechless.

The wedding arrangements had already started. What could I say to Alpha Albert and others who were waiting for the Alpha king's wedding? That a mysterious woman I'd only seen for a fleeting second was the reason I was considering breaking the wedding?! I hadn't even confirmed if she was real or just a figment of my gloomy imagination.

When I stayed silent, Lyon spoke again. 'I still don't feel the bond with Anne. Don't marry her.'

Goddess, if he kept pushing me to cancel the wedding while Mother kept pressuring me to get married soon, I was going to lose my sanity, torn between the two.

*Selena*

I stood atop the pedestal as the people gathered around me. Their chants of holy words echoed in the air, their voices rising in reverence as they hailed me. They bowed deeply, clasping their hands together, gazing at me with an intensity that made me feel like a goddess in their eyes.

I glanced at my mother, who stood beside me, her expression calm and reassuring. She nodded, silently urging me to proceed. Taking a deep breath, I raised my hand, sweeping it gently over the crowd, silently blessing them. This ritual had become part of my daily routine, yet I still couldn't shake the awkwardness that accompanied it.

Some moments, however, were beyond my understanding.

A woman stepped forward, clutching the hand of her son, who looked no older than nine or ten. His frail frame trembled with sickness, his wounds raw and bleeding. The woman wept before me, her anguish reaching straight to my heart. I felt a wave of empathy and pain swell within me, almost overwhelming. Closing my eyes, I reached out and placed my hand gently on the boy's head. Warmth spread from my fingertips, and when I opened my eyes, the boy stood upright, his wounds healed, his vitality restored. A gasp of astonishment swept through the crowd. I didn't fully understand how it happened. Perhaps it was the piece of the Moon Goddess in me, carried as her descendant, that made this miracle possible. One by one, people approached, seeking blessings or sharing their burdens. I listened to their pleas, offering them the solace and solutions they sought. Each left with their wishes fulfilled, their faces shining with gratitude.

Yet my heart remained empty, weighed down by the one wish I couldn't fulfill-the wish to be with my mate and son. The irony was not lost on me; I could grant miracles for others, but not for myself.

The royal maids gathered the offerings brought by the devotees and carried them to the castle. Once the offering rituals were complete, it was time for me to go to the temple-my temple. Strange, isn't it? I never imagined I would be worshipped as a goddess. It wasn't something I ever desired, but Mother insisted it was my destiny.

Accompanied by her and the other priestesses, the ritual began. I was seated at the e center of the temple on a round mat wrapped in soft silk cloth. Devotees gathered around me, clasping their hands in prayer and chanting reverently. Their collective thoughts flooded my

mind-desperate wishes, whispered hopes, and unspoken pleas-all echoing loudly. The weight of their emotions bore down on me, and I felt a sharp ache building in my head as if my mind might burst from the sheer intensity.

I granted their wishes immediately, and as the echoes of their pleas began to fade, a calmness settled around me. I sat there with a neutral expression as the priestesses poured holy water, milk, and scattered flowers over me, along with draping a pure silk shawl. Strangely, none of it seemed to touch me-it all flowed over my skin as if I were made of wax.

I waited patiently for the rituals to conclude. Once finished, I was offered a selection of delicious food prepared by the temple cooks. The food was flavorful and satisfying, and after I had eaten, the remaining portions were distributed among the devotees. They accepted the small pieces with joy and gratitude, cherishing even the simplest blessings.

Finally, the ceremonies were over, and I could return to the quiet of my chamber.

Once inside my chamber I locked the door and quickly shed my clothes, changing into a white silk nightgown. Its smooth fabric felt cool against my skin. In this realm, everything around me seemed to be drenched in white, as if all the vibrant colors of life had been drained away, leaving behind an eerie serenity. It felt as though the realm existed solely to absorb the pain and despair of those who sought me, offering them peace and comfort in return for my own growing emptiness.

I sighed, letting my gaze wander around the room. The walls were crafted from gleaming white marble, their polished surfaces catching the faint moonfight that seeped through the tall, arched windows. The floor mirrored the same pristine marble, cool underfoot, while the ceiling rose high, its intricate patterns blending into the purity of the room. Every furnishing followed the same motif: curtains of flowing white silk, a vanity carved from pale stone, and a bed adorned with delicate white embroidery. Even the comforter that lay across the bed was soft and

luxurious in snowy hues.

Despite the visual perfection, the room felt lifeless, its tranquility more stifling than soothing. I sank onto the bed, the mattress so plush and inviting it could have been spun from clouds. Yet, even in such comfort, I felt restless, my heart seeking a solace it couldn't find here.

My thoughts again began occupied with memories of my son and my mate and the time we spent together and before I realized it, sleep overtook me. In an instant, I was no longer in my chamber. I stood

in the midst of a moonlit forest, the silvery glow of the moon casting an otherworldly light over the serene landscape.

Suddenly, a shadow appeared, and

my heart raced when I saw him

under the moonlight-tall, broad, and dangerous. His long black leather coat shimmered faintly, silver buckles gleaming on his shoulders A dark cloak swirled behind him, and his black boots thudded heavily as he approached. The demoni@mask of blackened iron obscured his face, leaving only glowing eyes visible, and the smile he wore was sinister and bone-chilling. Then, he lifted his hand and slowly removed the mask. My eyes widened in horror as I

realized that the man before me was Zander Blake, standing there as the Dark Alpha.

Chapter 610

A Flicker Of Hope

I woke up in my bed, panting and breathing heavily. My heart raced so fast that I could feel it pounding in my ears. What was that I just saw? Was it another vision? And what did it mean?

Sitting on the bed with my legs bent and knees pulled close to my chest, I rested my arms on them, trying to steady myself. I took a deep breath to calm my mind, running my fingers through my hair, but nothing seemed to help. My entire belief system felt fragile, teetering on the edge of uncertainty, leaving me questioning what was real and whom I could trust.

Author's POV

Unknown to Selena, the High Priestess observed her through the narrow creak of the door. She slowly shut it, but the slight motion caught Selena's eye. Her gaze darted to the door, only to find it still and empty. Convincing herself it was just her imagination, she lay back on the bed, pulling the covers up to her chin. She clutched the fabric tightly, as if it were her only anchor in a storm of uncertainty, staring blankly at the ceiling. Slowly, exhaustion overcame her, and her eyelids grew heavy until they finally closed.

Outside Selena's room, the High Priestess lingered for a moment before retreating silently down the corridor. She stepped out of the castle and continued walking until, with each step, a glowing staircase appeared in the air, leading her upward into the dark sky. The steps behind her vanished as she ascended toward a luminous spot in the heavens. Finally, she stood before the ethereal presence of the Moon Goddess.

"Goddess, how long do I have to see my daughter suffer?" the High Priestess knelt before the Moon Goddess, her voice heavy with emotion. "Is it truly necessary to put her through all this?"

"It is necessary," the Moon Goddess's serene voice echoed softly, like the rustling of leaves. "And you knew it from the beginning."

The High Priestess lowered her head, her expression shadowed with sorrow. "I've known it since the day she was born. But sometimes, a mother's heart struggles to bear the weight of watching her child endure so much."

"It is her destiny," the Moon Goddess replied with calm certainty. "She was born to save the universe and the Lunar Realm. For that, she must make the ultimate sacrifice."

The High Priestess felt her heart sink, the weight of truth pressing down on her chest. Sensing her inner turmoil, the Moon Goddess spoke again, her tone gentle yet resolute. "Are you having second thoughts? Remember, it was you who offered your firstborn to bear my powers. You knew she would be my chosen descendant and the sacrifice needed to save us all."

"But we can at least tell her the truth," the High Priestess pleaded, her voice trembling with desperation. The Moon Goddess remained silent, her expression calm and serene, as though unmoved by the plea. "Say something, Goddess," the High Priestess begged, her voice breaking under the weight of her emotions. The Goddess looked at her with compassion.

"The ancient prophecy foretold that when doomsday descends, only the supreme sacrifice of a goddess with lunar powers can save the universe," the Moon Goddess explained more as she had told the high priestess countless times to remind her "At first, I intended to sacrifice myself. But as the gods and goddesses convened, a new possibility emerged-my descendant

could fulfill the prophecy in my stead."

Her luminous eyes softened, betraying a flicker of sorrow. "That is why Selena was born. Her birth was not by chance but induced and meticulously planned to align with the prophecy. Every moment of her life has been controlled to prepare her for the ritual."

The High Priestess listened in

silence, her heart heavy with the truth she had known since Selena's first breath. In fact, she was the one who erased Selena from the memories of her mate and her family, from the minds of everyone who had once known her. Now, she no longer existed in their world Èven after her ultimate sacrifice, there would be no mourning, no remembrance-her life reduced to a void as if she had never been. This thought plunged the High Priestess deeper into the abyss of guilt, the weight of her decision suffocating her with each passing moment. Yet, she had accepted this cruel reality. No mother could be as heartless as she was destined to be. But it was for the world. For the realm. For the people. A selfless act demanded of her.

However, as the time drew nearer, guilt gnawed at her, and desperation took root. She looked at the goddess with pleading eyes, her voice trembling. "There must be a way to delay this process," she begged. "Just a little more time... so she can live."

“Let time decide her fate," the Moon Goddess finally declared, her gaze shifting upward to the endless void. "I, too, wish to see how a pure soul like hers can alter the course of destiny.

The High Priestess's lips quivered, her hands clenching tightly. "If she can change our fate," she murmured softly, almost to herself, "then why can't she change hers?"

A flicker of hope, fragile yet desperate, ignited in her heart as the Moon Goddess's silence left room for the unknown.