Luna Reborn

CHAPTER 2

**Nadia’s POV**

“Well, if you’re that curious,” Dad teased, his fingers dancing along my sides in a playful tickle, “I suppose it’s time we told you how you became our little miracle.”

I let out a soft laugh, squirming under his touch.

Mom’s eyes softened as she began. “The morning I gave birth to you… you were breathtaking. Those glistening brown eyes held so much depth, every time I looked into them, I felt the strongest wave of love. Your dark hair shone like polished obsidian. I couldn’t tear my gaze away.”

She smiled at the memory. “I laid you down for a nap so I could rest too. But when you slept longer than usual, I grew worried. I gently lifted you, eager to see those beautiful eyes again.”

Mom beckoned me closer with a warm, graceful gesture. I muttered under my breath, “So I had dark hair…” Dad set me down, and I padded over to her.

“My eyes aren’t brown,” I said, tilting my head and giving Mom a puzzled look.

She chuckled softly. “Patience, sweetheart. We’re just getting to the part where everything changed.” She opened her arms, scooped me up, and continued.

“I cradled you close, but… I couldn’t feel your heartbeat. I pressed my ear to your tiny chest… nothing. Panic rose in my throat. I called for the doctors, my voice echoing through the ward. They rushed in; your father was right behind them.”

She paused, her expression distant.

“The doctor examined you… then looked at us with the heaviest sorrow. He said you were gone. There was nothing more they could do.”

“Wait” My voice cracked. “I *died*? But I’m right here.”

Mom smoothed her hand gently over my back. “Yes, my love. You did. But we refused to accept it. Your father and I carried you to the Lumar. He placed you inside the sacred chamber, and we waited outside, praying to the Moon Goddess with every breath we had.”

“What’s a Lumar?” I interrupted, curiosity winning over.

Mom gave me a playful warning look. “It’s a holy place blessed by Goddess Artemis herself. Legend says she sometimes appears there when the moon sits at its highest point. Now, no more questions!” She turned my face gently so our eyes met. “Promise?”

“Yes, Mom,” I whispered, nodding solemnly.

“Before dawn,” she continued, “we heard your cries. Your father ran inside and brought you out. When I saw you… I froze. If I hadn’t recognized that same spark in your eyes, the ones I fell in love with the moment you were born, I might have thought you were someone else’s child. But your eyes… they were no longer brown. They were vivid emeralds, alive with light. I could feel nature itself in them, the warmth of spring, new beginnings. That’s why we named you Nadia, our hope, our miracle.”

A single tear slipped down my cheek as the memory washed over me. I missed them so much it ached. These days, the only thing that kept me moving forward was one burning purpose: revenge. And I would have it.

I hurried out to the training field, joining the others. The moment I stepped onto the sand, my heightened senses caught the whispers floating around me, nothing ever escaped my notice.

“Here comes Little Miss Perfect,” one of the girls muttered.

I clenched my jaw. How they turned uniqueness into something strange or wrong, I’d never understand. “They don’t matter,” I told myself. “Not today.”

I walked straight to the sandbag, determined to keep my peace. Today was one of the few days each week when females were allowed to train. Commander Ryan had made it clear: women needed to know how to defend themselves if danger ever came. One dedicated day a week was better than none, and I had been counting down to it.

I focused on the bag in front of me and threw a punch with everything I had. It barely swayed.

I’d only started working with the heavy bags two weeks ago. My strength was still building. Before the commander even opened training to women, I’d already spent months sharpening my dodging and defensive skills, those came naturally to me, thanks to my sharp senses.

If raw power wasn’t on my side yet, speed and evasion would be my weapons. I could outmaneuver almost anyone.

Around me, trainees paired up or formed small groups of three or five. I stayed alone. The sandbag became my silent partner. Between punches, I quietly told it my truth: how badly I needed to grow stronger, how urgently I needed to avenge my pack.

But then a quieter thought slipped in: “After revenge… What then?”

I paused, fist hovering mid-air. I hadn’t let myself think that far. Maybe one day I’d find my mate. Maybe we’d build something peaceful, something happy. The idea made me smile within myself.

The sun blazed overhead; sweat soaked my shirt. Just then, the gong rang out, signaling the end of training and the start of lunch.

Everyone streamed toward the cafeteria. By the time I arrived, a long line had already formed. I slipped in quickly, not wanting to lose my place.

When my turn came, I collected my tray and scanned for somewhere quiet. The far corner, facing the wall, was perfect, no eye contact, no small talk.

I started toward it.

“Hey, White Hair!”

I froze. Ryn and Mila were sauntering over, wearing matching smirks.

Ryn, Commander Ryan’s daughter was arrogance personified, and Mila was never far behind. They moved like they owned every room they entered.

I turned slowly. “What do you want?”

Ryn tilted her head, a sharp smile. “We just want to play. Or are you too perfect to hang out with the rest of us?”