MOONBOUND: RECLAIMING MY ALPHA MATE AND POWER

Cold Valley high school graduation day,..

The morning sun shone bright and golden over Cold Valley High, casting its warm light over freshly cut grass and rows of white folding chairs. Laughter and excitement filled the air as students rushed about in gowns, snapping selfies and adjusting caps.

Alison stood between Kira and Sara in their beautiful gowns, Alison's silver gown shining under the sun reflecting softly off Alison's silver eyes and matching crescent bracelet.

"You look like a literal moon goddess," Sara said, nudging her gently.

"And you, my fairy queen," Alison teased as she bowed like a royalty.

Kira grinned. "Okay, but make way. This queen's about to win best grad hair. Look at these curls!"

They all laughed as Mr. Fisher arrived, wearing a slightly oversized navy-blue suit and holding a camera that looked far too complicated for him.

"My beautiful girl," he said, tearing up the moment he saw Alison. "I can't believe you're graduating. It feels like yesterday when you started school, my beautiful girl"

"Dad…" Alison warned with a smile.

"I'm not crying yet!" he sniffed, blinking fast. "But if anyone asks, allergies."

" Allergies? That's so dramatic of you dad " Alison chuckled

"Picking on an old man, are we?" Mr. Fisher clutched his chest dramatically like he was wounded. "Heartbroken. Utterly heartbroken."

The ceremony began under the open sky, speeches were made, names were called, and diplomas were handed out. When Alison's name was announced, Mr. Fisher cheered louder than anyone else.

" Yes! That's my daughter, go Ally, go Ally " He cheered and did a small dance, making everyone look at him with a laugh

" Yep! That's my dad " Alison announced with a smile and everyone laughed it off

After the cap toss, the celebration spilled into the evening. Twinkling fairy lights danced around the gymnasium as the students twirled to music during the graduation dance.

Alison swayed with her friends, lost in the joy of the night. The music boomed, lights flashed, and for a few hours, life was just laughter and glowing memories.

Sara spun in her dress. "Okay, I love this night."

"Me too," Alison agreed as she danced to the loud music

Kira laughed. "Who knew high school would end on a magical note?"

Alison smiled. "I'm just glad we made it. All of it."

" And tomorrow we start our camping, woohoo " Sara cheered

...…

Meanwhile, in the nearby town another graduation was happening,..

Damian adjusted the collar of his black button-down shirt as the music pulsed through the school gym. His diploma was tucked inside his jacket pocket, but for once, he wasn't thinking about duty or power.

Kevin bumped his shoulder. "You're smiling again."

"I think I'm starting to like this place," Damian admitted, sipping a soda.

"Look at you. Real teenage energy. With a diploma, in a suit and jamming to a loud music, and tomorrow you'll be off to camp. What if your mate is here in this room" Kevin teased.

Damian rolled his eyes. "Shut up and enjoy the moment."

Kevin nudged him " Is she here? "

"No, she's not here but she is near. Let me dance without thinking of anything " Damian complained as he kept on dancing

They danced like they weren't hiding royal secrets. Just two boys in the glow of ordinary life.

Back in Arvendale…

Betha's green cloak fluttered behind her as she entered the royal throne room, her expression carefully crafted into sorrow.

She approached the Queen and King and bowed. "Your Majesties… I heard the news. Damian is gone."

Queen Selene rose from her seat, gently touching Betha's shoulder. "We're heartbroken too. You two were meant to lead together. I don't know what happened to him"

Betha lowered her lashes. "If… if Damian doesn't want me, I won't chase him. I only want what's best for him."

King Varkas frowned. "You are still the Luna Queen in our eyes, Betha. Unless the Moon Goddess gives Damian a fated mate, the seat beside him belongs to you."

Betha nodded slowly, her tears fake but convincing. "I will wait… if that's what it takes."

Inside, she burned with rage.

«She will not wait. She will find him.»

The Next Morning in Cold Valley town,…

The sun had barely risen when the camp bus pulled up in front of the diner.

Alison stood with her backpack slung over her shoulder, her silver bracelet peeking from under her sleeve. Sara and Kira bounced excitedly nearby.

Mr. Fisher's eyes welled again. "Do you have snacks? A blanket? A torch? Bug spray ? The emergency numbers?"

"Dad…"

"Don't forget your allergy pills! And if anyone, anyone makes you uncomfortable… "

"Dad!" she laughed, hugging him tight.

He held her close. "Be safe, Ally. You're my whole world, kid."

Sara wiped her eye dramatically. "Aww, we're going to cry."

Kira grinned. "Sir, we promise to keep her alive."

"Bring her back in one piece!" he called as they climbed onto the bus.

The girls waved through the windows until the diner faded from view.

...

Camp Ravenpine – Deep in the Woods of Cold Valley town,..

Later that afternoon, Kevin's car pulled up near the rustic wooden cabins nestled between thick pine trees.

Teenagers milled about the clearing, stretching and hauling duffel bags from buses.

"Welcome to Camp Ravenpine of Cold Valley!" a cheerful counselor called out. "Your phones will stay locked away until the final day after the two weeks end! Get ready for teamwork, survival skills, and zero cell signal!"

Damian raised an eyebrow. "Did we just step into a torture program?"

Kevin laughed. "Welcome to your wildest dream."

As the teens were gathered and grouped, one of the instructors read out the cabin assignments.

"Cabin 7, Kira Mendez, Sara Brooks, Alison Fisher…"

Alison blinked and whispered to Sara, "I didn't know we'd be with boys."

"…and paired with Damon Blackwell and Kai Rivers." the instructor announced

Kevin let out a low whistle. "Oh no."

" At least they're handsome " Sara whispered

Damian didn't react. But the second his fake hazel eyes locked with Alison's silver ones across the clearing, a strange pulse beat through the air.

A flicker.

A whisper.

Something unspoken.

Damian's gaze lingered on the silver-eyed girl. Something stirred in his chest faint, ancient.

« No… not yet. It's too weak…»

But he couldn't look away.

Alison quickly looked away, unsettled.

« What the hell » Alison muttered, her brows furrowing as she instinctively rubbed her wrist, the bracelet suddenly warm.

Later that evening, as they settled into their shared cabin space, the girls took one side, the boys another. A living room separated them with a fireplace in the center.

"Let's make some rules," Kira said, "No gross boy smells in the main area."

"And no touching our snacks," Sara added.

"Whatever," Damian muttered, tossing his duffel onto the couch. "We don't need to work with you anyway."

Alison frowned, standing with her arms crossed. "Excuse you? We're supposed to be a team."

"I don't do teams," Damian said coolly. "I lead or I leave."

Alison's temper flared. "Then maybe you should've stayed wherever your ego came from."

The room went silent for a second.

Kevin sighed and leaned toward Damian. "Great job. It's been ten minutes and you already sound like a villain."

Sara whispered to Alison, "What's his problem?"

"I don't know," Alison said quietly, "but I already don't like him."

" Me too, he's so full of himself " Kira spoke with a pout