Luna.
It was my 21st birthday, and I couldn't stop smiling. This was the day I finally got my freedom.
The morning sun streamed through the windows of our small cottage, casting warm rays across the cozy living room. My father sat in his usual spot, a battered armchair near the fireplace, sipping from his old, chipped mug.
I crept up behind him, wrapping my arms around his shoulders in a playful hug. "Good morning, father," I said, resting my chin on his head. "Did you sleep well?"
He chuckled, his deep voice vibrating lightly. "As well as an old wolf like me can."
I leaned closer, grinning. "So, do you have my gift?"
He paused, setting his mug down on the small table beside him. "Gift?" he said, feigning innocence. "What gift? Did I miss something important today?"
I gasped, pretending to be hurt. "Father! It's my birthday! You didn't forget, did you?"
He turned his head slightly to glance up at me, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "Your birthday, huh? Are you sure it's today?"
"Father!" I whined, squeezing him tighter. "Come on, you're not fooling me."
He let out a hearty laugh, reaching into the pocket of his worn jacket. "Alright, alright. I could never forget your birthday, Luna." He pulled out a small box and handed it to me.
I stepped around to face him, taking the box with wide eyes. "What is it?" I asked, though I couldn't hide my excitement.
"Open it and see," he said, leaning back in his chair with a knowing smile.
I carefully opened the box. It was a silver chain with a small, shimmering pendant shaped like a crescent moon. I held it up, the light catching on its surface, and felt my heart swell with emotion.
"Father… it's perfect," I said softly, clutching it in my hand.
"Promise me something," he said, his tone suddenly serious. "Never take it off."
I looked at him, confused by his sudden shift. "Why not?"
"Just trust me," he said. "There may come a time when you'll need it more than you know. And no matter what happens, Luna, always trust your wolf. She'll guide you when the path seems unclear."
I stared at him for a moment, trying to understand his cryptic words. But this was my father, he had always spoken in riddles, never giving me a straight answer.
I smiled and nodded, slipping the necklace over my head. "I promise," I said, tucking the pendant under my shirt. "Thank you, Father. I love it."
He reached out and pulled me into a hug. "I love you, Luna," he said softly. "More than you'll ever know."
I held onto him for a moment, but the clock on the wall caught my eye, and I pulled away.
"I have to go, Father," I said, grabbing my bag from the chair. "I'm going to be late for work if I don't hurry."
The morning sun was warm on my skin as I stepped out of our small cottage, clutching the broom I used for my chores. My heart raced with excitement, Leo, the Alpha's son and my mate, was finally coming home. He had been away for years, studying abroad, and today marked his return.
We had found out we were mates when we were just teenagers, but we'd kept it a secret. Leo begged me to, due to my status as an Omega, promising to reveal it to everyone when it was time for him to become the Alpha.
As an Omega, my days were always filled with chores. Sweeping, cleaning, cooking, and tending to the Alpha's estate. Most days, I didn't mind. Today, though, I barely noticed the weight of the work. My excitement made everything feel lighter.
While I was sweeping the main hall, a group of Omegas walked past me, giggling and whispering to each other. I recognized them immediately, Jenna, Mila, and Claire.
They began picking on me after I accidentally told them my secret, about being Leo's mate. Although they never believed me.
"Hey, Luna," Jenna called out, her voice dripping with mockery. "Heard your mate is coming back today. Should we throw you a party?"
Mila snickered. "A party in the broom closet, maybe."
Claire chimed in, "You know, Luna, you should really stop dreaming. An Omega like you? With someone like the Alpha's son ? You're delusional."
Their words stung, but I kept sweeping, refusing to let them ruin my mood. If only they knew.
"Look at her," Jenna sneered. "Acting like she's better than us." She reached over and tipped the bucket of water I'd been using to clean the floor, spilling it everywhere.
"Oops," she said, feigning innocence. "Better clean that up before the Alpha sees."
I clenched my fists but didn't say a word. Instead, I grabbed a rag and started mopping up the mess. They laughed as they walked away, their voices fading down the hall.
Later, I was outside pruning the flowers in the Alpha's garden. The roses were in full bloom, their sweet scent filling the air. As I reached for a thorny branch, something hard struck the back of my head. Pain exploded, and the world went black.
When I opened my eyes, my wrists were tied, and I was lying on the cold stone floor of a small room. Panic set in as I tried to move, but the ropes were tight.
"Finally awake?" a cold voice said.
I turned to see Sophia, the Alpha's daughter, standing over me with a smug smile. Beside her was Elena, her so-called friend.
"What… what's going on?" I stammered.
Sophia crouched down, her face inches from mine. "You told my father about me sneaking out last night, didn't you?"
I shook my head. "I didn't—"
She slapped me hard across the face, her nails scratching my skin. "Liar!"
Elena stood by, looking guilty but saying nothing.
Sophia straightened up and signaled to Elena. "Hold her."
Together, they beat me. Kicks, punches, and slaps rained down on me. Pain shot through my body with every blow. I tried to scream, but my throat was raw.
"Next time, keep your mouth shut," Sophia hissed.
They left me there, tied and bleeding. Hours passed before someone finally untied me and let me go.
I stumbled to the lake to clean myself up. The cool water stung my wounds, but I didn't care. I just wanted to feel clean again. As I washed my face, a familiar scent hit me. It was Leo's scent, strong and intoxicating.
My heart leapt. He was here already? Did he find out about their actions and come to check up on me?
Excitement filled me as I followed the scent, walking towards a large tent set up near the forest edge. As I got closer, I heard sounds, moaning and whispers.
My stomach churned, but I pushed open the flap of the tent.
Inside, I saw Leo. He was on the mattress with Elena, her arms were wrapped around him, her body moving against his.
I froze, unable to process what I was seeing.
"Leo?" my voice cracked.
They both turned to look at me. Leo's eyes widened in shock, and Elena smirked.
"Luna, it's not what it looks like!" Leo said, scrambling to cover himself.
Tears streamed down my face as I backed away. "How could you?"
"Wait!" he called, running after me.
I ran, my vision blurred by tears, but he caught up to me, grabbing my arm.
"Luna, please, listen to me," he begged. "It was a mistake! She seduced me. I swear, it meant nothing."
"Just leave me be—"
"No, Luna. Please, I love you. Don't go." He begged.
I looked at his eyes and saw sincerity. I wanted to hate him, but his eyes were filled with regret. After giving it a thought, I nodded. "I… I forgive you."
His face lit up with relief. "You're my mate, Luna. Nothing will ever change that."
Later, I told Leo about my secret, the magic that was in my bloodline. Magic was forbidden in the Raven Claw pack, but Leo was my mate, I didn't want to keep anything from him.
"Magic is dangerous," he said, "but don't worry. I'll protect you."
He led me to his sister's room, handing me a beautiful dress. "Put this on and meet me at the event tonight. I'm going to introduce you as my mate."
My heart swelled with joy. This was the moment I had been waiting for.
I ran to my father to share the news, but he was less excited.
"Luna, this doesn't make sense" he said, his voice stern. "The Alpha's son won't marry an Omega, even if you're his mate. Don't go." He warned.
"You're just jealous," I snapped. "You've never believed in me!"
The argument grew heated, and I stormed out, determined to prove him wrong.
That evening, I stood in the hall, dressed in the gown Leo had given me. A smile crept up my cheek as I sauntered towards him.
However, my excitement turned to horror as he took the stage and declared, "I'm here to reveal to everyone that Luna Hale is a witch. She bewitched me into thinking she was my mate!"
Gasps filled the room and everyone followed his gaze to where I stood.
"It's a lie!" I cried.
Sophia and Elena stepped forward, smirking. "We saw her use her magic," Sophia said.
"That's not true," I whispered, but everyone began looking at me like I was a monster.
The Alpha stood, his face revealing the disdain he felt towards me. "By law, magic is forbidden and the penalty is death. Luna, Hale, you are sentenced to death."
Guards grabbed me, dragging me away.
"No!" my father's voice cut through the multiple voices and judgmental glares.
He stepped forward, offering himself in my place. "Luna is innocent, take me instead."
The Alpha agreed, but I knew it was a trick. As they prepared to execute him, he handed me a glowing orb.
"Take it," he whispered. "Run."
The last thing I saw before the orb activated was my father's head falling to the ground.
"I'm sorry," I whispered in tears.