Rejected Candidate for Luna

“I’m not going!”

The voice cut through the silence of the spacious study with a sharp edge. Aurelia stood before a black wooden desk, her fists clenched at her sides; before her lay a silver-sealed envelope bearing the Werewolf clan's emblem.

“This isn’t just any invitation, Aurel,” said the old man beside the desk. “It’s an invitation of honor for our family,” he said calmly, yet with a hint of pressure.

Aurelia picked up the envelope again, then slammed it back down in the same spot. “I know. That’s exactly why I’m refusing.”

Elias let out a long sigh. "The Human Clan doesn’t have many options after the incident at the northern border. Our relationship with the Werewolf clan has only gotten worse. We need a representative who can maintain the balance and prove our loyalty, or the situation may deteriorate further."

Aurelia’s thin lips twisted into a bitter, cynical smile. “Haven’t you always thought I was strange?” Her voice trembled, betraying the pain behind her bravado as she turned to leave.

“Every alliance has its pride!” Elias asserted firmly.

Aurelia’s footsteps stopped right at the room’s threshold. “Father, why me? You’re always bragging about your nephews to others. Why not just let them be the ones to—”

“All of this happened because they chose you, Aurelia,” Elias cut in. “You’re different because you’re special.”

Aurelia’s silence stretched, her jaw clenched to stifle the churn of emotions threatening to spill over. “Then I’m even more certain I’ll refuse this arranged marriage.”

Tension hung thick at the Gomez residence. The chandeliers filled the hall with cold, sterile light. No warmth could reach them. All immediate family members sat rigidly around the long table, faces set and eyes wary. Aurelia lingered at the room’s edge, as if invisible at her own family's gathering.

“We don’t have time for a long debate,” said Elias, the leader of the Human Clan. “The invitation from the Werewolf Clan is clear. They want a formal alliance through marriage.”

“And the candidate has already been chosen,” added a woman sitting to Elias’s right, gazing sharply at Aurelia.

All eyes turned to Aurelia. Some wondered who had been selected as the representative.

“Aurelia,” called Elias.

“I refuse this arranged marriage. I’d be happy to let one of your daughters step forward as the representative,” Aurelia replied without considering the consequences of her words.

Some were surprised. Others seemed to have expected it. Aurelia had always been very difficult to control. She wanted to be free to make her own choices.

“You haven’t even heard the explanation yet, Aurelia,” Elias snapped.

“I don’t need that, Dad. I’m not a bargaining chip for your own interests,” Aurelia replied firmly.

“You never change!” interrupted the blonde woman beside Elias.

“Since when has this family cared about my choices?” Aurelia cut in. “Ah, I know why I was chosen! It’s not because I’m special. You deliberately put my name forward because I’m strange. You deliberately want to get rid of me from here, don’t you?”

“Aurelia—“

“I’m not finished speaking, Dad!” Aurelia protested once more. “Because I’m different from the others. You saw this as an opportunity to get rid of me in the neatest way possible. Isn’t that right?”

No one answered or denied it. Instantly, the room felt deserted. Several family members exchanged glances.

“You’re completely wrong if you think this arranged marriage is a way to get rid of you,” said Grandma.

“Really?” Aurelia gave a faint smile. “If I refuse, what will happen? Will I stay here, or will I be gradually erased from the family lineage? Whatever happens, it won’t benefit me, Grandma.”

“The Mate Bond isn’t just about a couple. It’s a pact decreed by the Moon Goddess. No one can refuse it. You’re special, Aurelia. As for us? We have nothing to be proud of. The fate of our clan is in your hands now. Don’t let yourself choose the wrong path again.” Elias rose from his seat and approached Aurelia.

“You don’t want your mother to have died in vain, do you?” Elias continued in a soft but emphatic tone.

Aurelia stood stiffly, her thoughts racing. For the first time, doubt flashed in her eyes. All eyes fixed on her, awaiting the answer that would determine their clan's fate.

***

“You look worried, Christ,” said Selene, standing across from Christ.

“Are you sure this is still the same ritual?” Christ’s voice was low, but loud enough for everyone in the circle to exchange glances.

“This ritual is merely to strengthen the bond. Nothing will change,” Selene replied calmly, offering a faint smile.

“Nothing?” Christ narrowed his eyes. “The King announced revisions to the Mate Bond rules two weeks ago. Your family immediately requested a re-ritual. Aren’t you worried about something like this?”

An older man standing beside Selene stepped forward. “These changes concern the stability of the bond. We want to ensure the King’s decision isn’t mistaken.”

“We’ve been destined to be together since childhood,” Christ replied flatly. “Our bond has never been questioned.”

“The world can change. It’s not the werewolves who govern the Mate Bond. It’s the Moon Goddess who holds the power over this,” the man replied once more.

Christ didn’t answer right away. His gaze immediately shifted to his own family standing behind him. Then, the ritual circle began. A faint blue light appeared on the floor, instantly connecting the sacred symbols carved there.

“Come closer,” the Elder said, leading the ritual. “Place your hand here,” he commanded Christ.

Christ looked at Selene before finally obeying the older man’s words. He took a deep breath. Nothing should have changed since they had performed the same ritual before. Yet, in the next instant, something seemed to strike his chest.

Christ’s brows furrowed. “What is this pull?” he thought.

Selene started at Christ’s reaction. “What’s wrong with you?”

“Do you feel what I’m feeling, Selene?” Christ asked to confirm.

“What?” Selene looked confused.

That strange pull came again. This time it was stronger. Then, it was as if something was calling him from afar. Christ’s heart began to beat irregularly.

“What is this?” Christ grew increasingly anxious as his entire body shook violently.

“Focus on the ritual. You’ll soon find out who your Mate Bond is,” replied the Elder leading the ritual.

The light within the circle suddenly flickered. The energy, which should have been stable, started to become chaotic. Everyone watching looked confused. Meanwhile, Selene remained calm, following the Elder’s instructions.

“There’s someone else!” Christ exclaimed, his body already transforming into a half-werewolf.

“Christ? Stop!” Selene stepped back as Christ’s eyes turned into those of the deadliest predator.

Christ couldn’t control his body. The whisper was growing louder in his ears. Then, his body shot out of the ritual hall. From a distance, his howl echoed long and loud. In the darkness, gasping for breath, he saw someone in the moonlight.

“This bond doesn’t come from Selene. Who is that woman?” he thought, his body now fully transformed into a human.

​

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The night air felt colder than usual as Aurelia stepped out of the car. Her gaze was fixed on a spot among the trees. It seemed as though something was moving quickly into the forest. Her curiosity grew as she watched a shadow moving toward her.

“Aurelia, stay in the car,” Elias said anxiously.

“I just want to breathe some fresh air,” Aurelia replied, her gaze still fixed on the forest.

“We’re almost there. Why is the car’s engine suddenly acting up now?” Elias grumbled.

“Don’t stray too far from the group! There are plenty of wild animals around here,” the grandmother said.

Aurelia’s feet froze on the gravel, goosebumps prickling her skin as fear fluttered inside her. “Do you guys feel something moving over there?” she asked, voice trembling.

“There’s nothing there,” Elias replied. “Get back in now!”

That command left no room for argument. Finally, Aurelia stepped back. Before getting into the car, she glanced once more toward the forest. H