Luna Reborn

CHAPTER 4

**Nadia’s POV**

Oh no. I almost escaped. If the Moon Goddess had left my hair black like everyone else’s, they never would have spotted me.

“Is my hair a blessing or a curse?” The question burned in my chest.

“You! Behind the bushes, come out now!”

I squeezed my eyes shut. *Maybe if I stay perfectly still, they’ll give up and leave. It’s almost dawn…*

“I said come out!” The voice was closer this time, heavy with impatience.

Rough hands seized my shoulders and yanked me into the open. I stumbled forward and found myself staring up at a scarred warrior. A deep, jagged line ran from his temple, sliced across his left eyebrow, and disappeared into the shadows of his face. Power rolled off him, strong, but nowhere near the Beta’s level. His eyes blazed with fury, daring me to give him a reason to hurt me more.

I closed my eyes, bracing myself.

“You stubborn little brat. How *dare* you disobey me?” he snarled.

His palm cracked across my cheek. The force sent me reeling; my legs buckled, and I hit the ground hard. Pain bloomed hot across my face. Tears stung my eyes and spilled over before I could stop them.

He grabbed my arm again, dragging me across the blood-soaked clearing. Flashes of the battle replayed in my mind, bodies, fire, screams. Nostalgia twisted inside me like a knife.

When we reached the others, he flung me forward. I landed in a heap at the Beta’s feet.

“Well, well,” Beta Cedric drawled, tilting his head with a mocking smile. “Who do we have here?”

“Found her hiding in the bushes,” the scarred warrior reported. “Thought she could outsmart us. Lucky for us, that white hair lit up like a beacon.”

Cedric crouched slightly, studying me. “Time’s short. We’ll take her back as a gift for Alpha Damien. She’s a pretty one.” He reached out and brushed my hair away from my face, his fingers lingering too long. “Bring her.”

A different warrior scooped me up without a word. The group shifted into their wolf forms and broke into a run, heading east through the forest.

The wolf carrying me matched the others’ pace, but the way he held me, steady, almost careful, felt strangely… safe. Branches brushed my arms and legs; my head bobbed with each powerful stride. Dizziness crept in, thick and heavy, until darkness swallowed me whole.

*****

When I opened my eyes again, the sun was rising, painting the forest in soft gold. The galloping rhythm had slowed to a steady trot. My senses flared to life: birdsong, blooming flowers, the rich, green scent of earth waking up. My pupils widened as I drank it all in.

Too bad I wasn’t here to enjoy it. I was a prisoner now, entirely at the mercy of these strangers. I had no idea what waited for me.

At least they’d slowed down. At least I could breathe in the beauty one more time.

We passed a patch of strange, closed flowers. When my fingertips brushed them, they opened, soft petals unfurling like they’d been waiting just for me. My gift. The gift of life, straight from the Moon Goddess.

The warrior’s grip eased. A cool morning breeze touched the back of my neck. I tilted my head to look up at him. Our eyes met. He offered a small, gentle smile, his blue eyes warm, almost kind.

“What’s wrong with him?” I thought. *Why is he smiling at the girl he helped kidnap?*

“I’m only following orders,” he murmured, so quietly I almost missed it.

I didn’t bother answering. I just let my expression say everything: “I’m not talking to someone who destroyed my pack.”

The trees eventually parted, revealing a towering iron gate. A crowd had gathered to welcome the returning warriors. Their curiosity pressed against me like a physical weight.

“Who’s the white-haired girl?” one woman whispered.

“Her eyes are green… maybe she’s not even one of us,” another replied.

My heightened hearing caught every word. I ducked my head, trying to hide my eyes, but there was no hiding my hair.

This pack dwarfed ours in every way, numbers, size, strength. Their buildings rose tall and proud; even from here I could tell they were smarter, more organized.

We passed their training grounds. The structure was easily five times the size of ours, the equipment gleaming and modern.

If I couldn’t fit in with the rogues, I had no chance here.

A sudden chill raced down my spine. Someone was watching me, really watching. Not just curious. Intent.

I lifted my head, scanning the faces, but found nothing unusual. Then I felt it again, stronger this time. It was coming from the training building.

There. A pair of golden eyes locked on me from an upper window. My skin prickled. I squinted, trying to make out the face, but he turned away, returning to his training as if I were nothing more than a passing distraction.

We continued past the training grounds and approached the largest building yet. Ancient designs were carved into its stone walls; power practically hummed from it. This had to be the Alpha’s residence.

Guards stepped aside to let us through. Their stares burned into me.

Once inside, my breath caught.

I’d never seen anything so magnificent. Towering ceilings, intricate carvings, rich fabrics, ancient elegance blended with modern grace. It stole the air from my lungs.

“Welcome, my noble warriors!” a strong, clear voice called from the dining hall.

“Long live Luna Morgana!” the warriors answered in unison.

I turned toward the voice.

Luna Morgana stood like a warrior queen, tall, confident, short blonde hair cascading to her lower back. Her deep blue eyes flickered with something fierce, almost fiery. Danger clung to her like a second skin.

A young man stepped out beside her, early twenties, dark brown hair, light skin, soft blue eyes. His presence felt… quiet. No commanding aura. No trace of dominance.

“Who is he?”