Strings of fate

CHAPTER 1: THE UNWANTED OMEGA

The moon concealed its light from the night creatures. Ava, however, sat on the cold floor of her room, staring at the blood on her hands. She had just consummated her marriage with Elijah. All she had been told were lies about it being painless-or was it only painful because he still held spite toward her?

According to pack traditions, when the Alpha of a pack gets married, he must consummate the union with his mate or risk bringing bad luck to the entire pack.

Ava's past decisions had clearly affected the Alpha-now her husband-and shaped his reaction toward her. He left her alone as soon as he was done. Her body ached with pain, but she endured it. Standing up, she limped toward the bath that had already been prepared for her. The maids stood waiting for their new Luna.

With their help, Ava eased into the bath and allowed herself to be washed. She trembled under the warm water cascading over her. Though it was hot, she still felt cold.

She had caused this. And if pain was the only way to regain his love and favor, then she would endure even more.

Elijah was four years old when Ava, from the Ravenwood Pack, was promised to him. She had carried his mark on her neck ever since.

Because the Nightshade and Ravenwood packs were close, it was easy for the two to be wed once they came of age. Ava was born first, followed by her twin brother, Adrian. Her red hair and emerald green eyes were as captivating as her mother's. In her family, everyone was born Alphas, and the entire pack had no doubt that Ava would be one too. Adrian had dark hair but shared their mother's striking green eyes.

Despite being twins, the only differences between them were gender and hair color-they otherwise looked nearly identical.

Samuel Rummon, Elijah's father and Alpha of the Nightshade Pack, had taken his son to the Ravenwood residence. Their Alpha, Michael Cordell Samuel's close friend-was hosting a grand celebration for the birth of his children. Alphas from other packs had been invited as well.

It was an essential ceremony. When an Alpha child is born, it's common for mates to be identified during such gatherings. Once the moon rose and bathed the land in its silvery light, the ceremony began. Freya held Ava, while Michael held Adrian. It was a joyful moment for them and the entire Ravenwood Pack.

Michael stood up, raising his glass, and handed Adrian to Freya, who now cradled both children. Drawing everyone's attention, he began:

"Tonight, under the watchful eyes of our goddess, we dedicate our daughter Ava, the next Alpha of Ravenwood, to our pack."

Cheers erupted.

Michael turned to the pack elder and gave him the signal to proceed.

"We have honored this tradition for centuries, and once again, we are gathered," the elder began. "As per custom, Alphas from different packs will now approach the Alpha daughter. Tonight, we discover which pack Ravenwood will ally with through marriage."

"Let the mark-matching begin," the elder said, his voice ringing with authority. Though small and seemingly fragile, he had once been one of Raven wood's fiercest fighters.

Taking Ava from her father, he gently placed her in the moonlit crib. Eight Alpha sons stood in line, each waiting to check if their mate mark would match Ava's. One by one, none were a match-until Elijah stepped forward.

He approached the crib, gazing down at the infant with red hair and emerald eyes. His father had already described Ava to him, saying she resembled Luna Freya.

Elijah reached out. When Ava's soft hand touched his, a jolt ran through him, and he stepped back slightly. Ava, feeling the same spark, cried out as her mark appeared on her neck-a right fang. Elijah had a left fang on his wrist.

Ava had been matched to Elijah. Her mate was the next Alpha of Nightshade.

The pack erupted in joy, dancing around the bonfire and singing chants to the Moon Goddess.

Michael was approached by Samuel and Elijah. The two friends exchanged pleasantries. They had once fought together in battle for their respective packs and forged a strong bond. Unlike Michael, Samuel had been chosen as the next Alpha of Nightshade after the previous Alpha had only fathered Omegas.

"Long time, my friend," Michael said, pulling Samuel in for a hug.

"It seems fate had plans for us to be more than friends-now in-laws as well," Samuel said, gazing at the young Ava. "She'll make an amazing Alpha and Luna for both Nightshade and Ravenwood."

But Samuel wasn't the only one looking at Ava. Elijah was too. He approached Freya, who was holding Ava. Bowing slightly with his left hand over his right chest-a gesture of respect toward Alphas and Lunas he remained silent, his gaze fixed on the baby.

Ava had already caught his attention. He had so much he wanted to give her. Freya smiled at the young Alpha as he stared, saying nothing.

"It is time to check the babies to determine who is Alpha and who is Omega," the elder announced.

Even children of Alpha bloodlines could be born Omegas. Ava and Adrian were placed in their cribs again, as the elder and a witch prepared for the next ritual. Beyond mate marks, children also bore signs that identified their rank-Alpha or Omega.

The witch and elder held hands as she began to chant. Their blood was pricked, as it was needed for the ceremony.

Once the witch took their blood, the room filled with wind and a bright light shone over the twins. It was the moment everyone had been waiting for. A yellow symbol of wind appeared on Ava's hand, while Adrian bore a red symbol of a mountain.

Gasps filled the air. The mark on Ava indicated something no one expected.

She was an Omega.

Michael face didn't hide he's surprise as an alpha birthing an omega happened on rare occasions but that never meant it brought goodnews or luck.