The Forsaken Luna

A warm surge rushed through her body. Her heart raced faster. This was different from anything she had felt before. It was like a pull, like something was drawing her in.

She gasped for air. Her silver eyes locked onto Zephyrion.

A hush fell over everyone there.

Nyxara's body shook, and her heart threatened to burst. She felt it-the bond forming between them. Deep down, she realized the Moon Goddess had picked him for her.

Alpha Zephyrion was her mate.

Tonight was a big night. It was the Revelation Ceremony. This was when the Moon Goddess showed everyone who their mates were. All the pack members were there, their fur shining under the bright moonlight. They were buzzing with excitement, but Nyxara felt alone, her fists tense at her sides.

She had never really fit in. Born without a normal wolf form, Nyxara was different. While the other wolves turned into strong, powerful beings, she stayed stuck in a weak, half-formed body. To the pack, she was a disappointment. They viewed her as someone who brought shame to their bloodline.

But tonight had a chance for change. Maybe, just maybe, she would find a true mate. Someone who would finally recognize her worth.

In the center of the circle stood Alpha Zephyrion Draven. He was tall and strong, his presence overwhelming. His storm-gray eyes looked over the crowd. Every female wolf in the pack wanted to be chosen by him. He was the strongest, the best among them.

Nyxara swallowed hard.

The ceremony kicked off. One by one, the Moon Goddess revealed mates to the wolves. It was always a special moment-two souls coming together, creating a bond that was powerful. Wolves gasped as they found their partners, unable to ignore the magic of it all.

She couldn't believe it.

Alpha Zephyrion was her mate?

For the first time in ages, something inside her sparked. Hope flickered. Maybe fate hadn't thrown her away. Maybe she wasn't just an outcast.

Taking one shaky step forward, she tried to say, "Zephyr"

But he cut her off.

"No."

His single word hit Nyxara like a blow.

She froze. Confusion swirled in her chest. Zephyrion's stormy gray eyes were not warm but cold, like ice.

'You are not my mate," he said, his voice empty. "You will never be my Luna."

The words shattered her.

Gasps spread among the other wolves. Murmurs began, filled with mockery, pity, and disdain.

Nyxara's lips quivered. "But... the bond..."

"You're weak," Zephyrion interrupted, his disdain clear.

"I do not want a mate like you."

Those words crushed her spirit.

Laughter rang in the air, and Nyxara turned to the source. It was Vespera Nightbane. Tall and beautiful, she stood next to Zephyrion with a cruel smile on her face. Her platinum-blonde hair shone under the moonlight. Her ice-blue eyes sparkled with satisfaction.

"Did you really think the Alpha would choose someone like you?" Vespera teased, stepping closer.

"You're a disgrace, Nyxara. An error the Moon Goddess should never have made."

Nyxara's stomach turned inside her.

Whispers surrounded her.

She thought she could be Luna?

How pathetic.

No wolf wants a mate like her.

Breathless, Nyxara fought against the reality crashing down on her. No. This couldn't be happening!

Zephyrion turned away, making his rejection clear.

The bond broke between them like a frayed rope, leaving behind pain and emptiness.

Her wolf whimpered inside, the heartbroken feeling cutting deep. All she wanted to do was run, scream, or beg him to take back what he said. But she stood still, her heart heavy as the pack laughed and whispered.

Zephyrion turned to Vespera, his expression warm. It was a look he had never given Nyxara.

Vespera leaned closer, whispering just for Nyxara. You're nothing, little runt. Leave while you still can.

Nyxara felt tears burning in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. She refused to give them that victory.

The Moon Goddess had cursed her. Now, she had no place to belong.

Turning away, she stepped into the darkness, the cruel wind howling. It seemed to take her hope right along with her.

Nyxara walked aimlessly through the thick forest. Each step made her legs tremble. The sounds of laughter and whispers from the pack echoed in her mind, each one cutting into her heart. Clenching her fists, she dug her nails into her palms. She was fighting not to break apart.

The sting of rejection was more than she ever thought it could be. It was not just about losing a mate. It was about the public mockery, the heartless cruelty, and being completely ignored.

She had always known she was weak, and everyone had reminded her of it her whole life. But for one tiny moment, she hoped she was meant for something greater.

And then, her own mate had stomped that hope out.

A sob slipped from her throat, and she covered her mouth, trying to hide the sound. No more weakness.

The wind screamed through the trees, making the branches sway like ghostly figures reaching for her. Shadows stretched across the forest floor. The smell of wet earth filled the air. It was so cold.

Nyxara stumbled over a root, falling hard onto the ground. Pain shot through her palms as they scraped against the rough dirt. Pathetic. Even now, she remained weak.

Her silver eyes burned as they stared at the dirt, tears threatening to spill. What do I do now? Where do I even go?

She had no home, no mate, and no purpose.

The worst of it? No one would even notice if she was gone.

That cruel thought sent another wave of pain through her. She had no family left. Her parents had died a long time ago, leaving her on her own in a pack that never accepted her. Friends? Allies? She had none.

She was completely alone.

Suddenly, she heard a rustle in the bushes.

Her heart raced as she looked around, her senses kicking in. She wasn't like the other wolves, but she had learned to survive.

Another sound, a shadow moving among the trees.

Her pulse quickened.

Rogues.