Luna's Revenge: Kill or be killed

The moon hung high and full over the Emberfang Packhouse, casting pale light across the frosted grounds. Every window glowed softly with candlelight. The pack was gathering for the annual Harvest Ceremony-one of the most sacred nights of the year.

Oliver adjusted the silver clasp on her ceremonial cloak, fingers trembling slightly. The wool fabric draped over her shoulders, heavy with tradition. Her dark curls were pinned up, revealing the slender line of her neck where Jason had once placed tender kisses, whispering that she was everything he needed, fated or not.

That was before.

Before the silence. Before the distance. Before her.

The oak doors creaked as she stepped into the main hall, the scent of burning sage and pine filling her nose. Familiar faces turned toward her-some smiled politely, others quickly looked away. But she walked with her chin up, spine straight, the way a Luna was meant to.

A pair of warrior wolves opened the inner doors without speaking. The great room beyond was a feast of golden light and autumn colors. Long tables were arranged in a U-shape, food steaming on silver platters. At the center, raised slightly above the rest, stood the Alpha's table. Jason sat at the head.

And Astrid Blackwood sat beside him.

Her hand rested lightly on his forearm, her lips curled into a smile that didn't quite reach her cold green eyes. The way she leaned into Jason-just enough to show closeness, not enough to spark scandal-made Oliver's stomach knot.

Still, she approached.

"Luna," one of the young servers murmured, bowing slightly.

Oliver nodded. "Thank you."

Jason stood when she reached the steps to the dais. "Oliver," he said, voice formal, but soft. Like she was an old friend. Like she wasn't the woman who had shared his bed, healed his wounds, led his pack in his absence.

She hated how her heart still stuttered at the sound of his voice.

"Alpha," she replied coolly, turning to address the table. "Pack members. I'm honored to join you all tonight."

Astrid's eyes gleamed as she tilted her head. "What a stunning cloak, Luna. It's almost as if you knew people would be watching."

"I'm always watched," Oliver said calmly, "especially by those who pretend they aren't."

A few warriors at the side table tried-and failed-to hide their smirks.

Jason cleared his throat. "Why don't you sit, Oliver? The ceremony begins shortly."

The chair beside him used to be hers. Now it was Astrid's. Oliver walked around the table and sat two seats away, beside Beta Elias, whose jaw tightened in solidarity.

"She's making a move," Elias whispered, pouring her wine. "In case it's not obvious."

"Oh, it's obvious," Oliver said, watching Astrid brush nonexistent lint from Jason's collar. "She's not even subtle."

"She doesn't need to be. She's got the Alpha's attention."

Oliver smiled bitterly. "For now."

They sat through the ceremony in silence. When Jason stood to make his speech, Oliver studied him-not just his words, but his posture, his voice, his gaze. He didn't look at her once.

Not during the toast.

Not during the ritual.

Not even when Astrid slipped her hand into his beneath the table.

After the last prayer to the Moon Goddess, Jason signaled for the musicians to begin. The hall shifted into a celebration-wine, laughter, dancing. Oliver remained seated, swirling the liquid in her goblet as the scent of warm pine and lilac reached her nose.

Jason approached.

She didn't look at him until he said her name.

"Oliver."

She met his eyes. "Yes?"

"Can we talk?"

She considered refusing. But instead, she rose.

He led her through the side corridor, away from the crowd, into the small moonlit atrium behind the hall. It was quiet here, save for the rustling leaves and the slow drip of a fountain.

"You're avoiding me," he said finally, turning to face her.

Oliver blinked at him. "Is that a joke?"

"No. I mean-" He ran a hand through his hair, the way he always did when he was frustrated. "You've been cold."

"And you've been gone," she snapped.

Jason exhaled. "I didn't expect you to welcome Astrid with open arms, I get that-"

"No, Jason." She stepped closer. "You don't get it. I stood beside you for five years. I gave everything to this pack. I was your mate in all but name. And then you show up with her, claim she's your fated, and expect me to just...what? Smile and sit beside her?"

"She is my fated-"

"And what was I, then?" she asked, voice shaking. "Convenient?"

His jaw clenched. "You were never just convenient."

"Then what was I?"

Silence.

Jason didn't answer. He looked away, jaw tight, breathing sharp.

Oliver's heart broke in real time.

"Do you love her?" she whispered.

A pause. A long, brutal pause.

"I don't know," he said.

She staggered back a step, wounded worse by that than any betrayal.

"Then we're done here," she murmured. "Enjoy your destiny."

She turned, but he caught her wrist.

"Oliver. Don't walk away like this."

Her voice was low and dangerous. "Let. Me. Go."

When he released her, she didn't look back.

That night, Oliver stood on the edge of the cliff behind the packhouse, overlooking the forest she once called home. The wind tangled in her curls, cold and sharp.

Elias found her there.

"You planning to jump?" he asked gently.

"No," she said. "Not yet."

He walked to her side. "You don't have to stay. You could leave. There are other packs. Other lands."

Her hands clenched. "I won't run. I'll rise."

"You sound like someone with a plan."

"I don't have a plan," she said, eyes dark with grief. "I have revenge."

Elias nodded. "Then I'm with you."

And just like that, the Luna who once healed the pack was gone.

In her place, something new was born. Something sharper. Something that wouldn't rest until the ones who cast her out knelt at her feet, begging for mercy.

Mercy she would never give.