CHOSEN BY THE MOON GODDESS

Chapter 1

LYLA'S POV

I could barely believe it. " I, Lyla Lockwood was to be married to the great Alpha of Silver moon pack. Is this even possible?" I said slowly to myself.

I felt like I was walking on eggshells around so many prominent women of the pack who are worthy enough to be Luna but the moon goddess chose me.

I felt it was more of a punishment than a blessing. I wondered why I was picked out of all the powerful clans in the pack. " You should be happy. Do you know how many people wanted to have him? You are not going to be looked down on anymore. Many would respect you." Diane said, trying to comfort me.

My footsteps echoed in the quiet morning as I walked through the village square. My heart was racing with excitement. Tomorrow, I’d be married to Alpha Thorn. Tomorrow, I’d finally belong. No more whispers, no more loneliness. I’d be the Luna of the Silver Moon pack.

But that feeling didn’t last. The pack members stared at me, their eyes colder than I’d ever seen. My smile faded as whispers started to ripple through the crowd.

“There she is, the ‘chosen’ Luna,” someone muttered with a laugh. “An orphan Luna? What a joke.”

My cheeks burned as I realized they were all looking at me. Every word they said felt like a slap. I could feel their gazes on me like daggers.

“Can you believe it?” a woman sneered. “Our Alpha could have anyone, and he picks her? A girl without even a family name?”

“Maybe he just feels sorry for her,” someone else snickered. “I am sure the moon goddess must have picked her out of pity."

I tried to stand tall, but my heart pounded so hard, I thought it might burst. I’d always known I was different—no family, no noble blood—but I thought that once Thorn chose me, things would change. I thought they’d finally accept me,at least that was my thoughts."

But I was wrong.

Then I saw her. Georgina. Her family belonged to the most powerful pack. She glided toward me in a beautiful dress, looking at me with disdain. I could see the hatred in her cold blue eyes. She walked towards me with no ounce of love.

“Look at you,” she said, circling me like a wolf sizing up prey. “You really think you’re good enough to be by Thorn’s side? You’re nothing. A nobody. And tomorrow, everyone will see it. Do you honestly think Thorn wants you?"

My hands shook, but I forced myself to look her in the eye. “The moon goddess chose me,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

I haven't wolfed out, I had a three more days for me to bind with not just my wolf but also for my wolf to pick her mate.

The moon goddess made it all easy. I don't need to find my mate,she had already chosen for me but I wasn't comfortable with being the Luna to the silver moon pack. I was a nobody.

Georgina laughed—a sharp, mocking sound. “The moon goddess? Please.” She leaned in closer, her eyes full of hate. “The moon goddess made a mistake. Thorn only chose you because he feels sorry for you.”

I felt my eyes sting, but I bit back the tears. I wouldn’t let her see me cry.

“I’ll prove I’m worthy,” I whispered, though my heart felt like it was breaking.

Her smirk grew wider. “You think you belong here?” She looked around, and people laughed, some even pointing. “You’ll always be an orphan. The pack’s burden.”

Just then, Thorn walked over. I thought, for a moment, that he’d stand up for me, that he’d tell everyone to stop. But he just looked at me, his face full of pity. Then he turned away, saying nothing. His silence was like a knife in my chest.

My heart shattered. Even Thorn, my mate, wasn’t going to defend me.

The crowd’s laughter got louder, and I felt my face go hot with shame. Without another word, I turned and walked away, my head down, my vision blurred by tears. I wanted to scream, to tell them they were wrong, that I was more than just the orphan they saw. But all I felt was an empty ache in my chest, like something had died inside me.

I walked into the grand opulence mansion and I was greeted by Thorn's father. I was meeting him just a day before my wedding with Thorn. As I approached his chambers, I could hear his laughter. I froze and looked at the clothes I had on. Was I really befitting as Luna to this great kingdom?

The door was opened and I was welcomed with the open hands of Alpha Derrick. “Isn't she beautiful?” he said with a soft smile on his face.

Alpha Derrick looked at Thorn who looked away. “ Are you ready to be the next Luna of this great pack?” He asked looking at me

I was short of words, I could only nod my head like an agama lizard. “ I am sure you just be tired try to get some rest”

The door opened and Georgina walked in. “ I will take it from here,father.” She said beaming with a smile on her face. I was lost for a second, here for as the same woman who had spoken ill of me and told me I was nobody. She was laughing and smiling like she didn't mean a bit of her words.

I saw the gentle smile on Thorn’s face as they both looked at themselves. “ Follow me.” Georgina dragged me along with her. It almost looked like the palace was her home. She knew every nook and cranny of the hallway.

We entered a room and the door was closed behind us. Georgina went to the shelf and brought out a glass of whiskey. “ We should celebrate and toast to you getting married to your mate.” She said slowly pouring the content into a wine cup.

My face went pale, I knew I couldn't say no to her and I also need to drink what was inside the wine cup. “ What? Do you think I was going to have you poisoned?” Georgina said and collected the glass cup from me. She drank the whole content and poured me another. In a flash, I gulped down the liquid and smiled cheaply.

After a few seconds, I suddenly felt dizzy. I looked at Georgina who was standing over me with a smiling face. And with a final glance at her, “ You don't deserve to be the Luna to this pack. I do.” She said,looking at my face as every went blank