Crimson Bonds: The Rise of the Rejected Luna

Megan’s POV As I washed the kennel flooring, the filthy water seeping through my ancient dress's knees, the chilly early air nipped at my fingertips. Even though my stomach rumbled and my back hurt, I continued. I'd get whipped again if I moved too slowly. The daughter of one of the elite warriors, Lana, snarled, "Still crawling around like a mutt, Megan?" Her silver hair gleamed in the morning sun as she passed, her boots immaculate. I lowered my head. "Yes, Lana." She yelled, "Speak louder when nobles talk to you," and tossed some of the bread scraps onto the floor, out of my grasp. "I apologise. I didn't realise you were used to scraps. The other omegas remained silent. They didn't. I was lower than low in Riverbed Pack. An orphan. An omega. A curse. They referred to me by that name. Head Omega Therra yelled, "Megan!" from the other side of the yard. Before the sun rises completely, finish those kennels. The Alpha detests seeing you during morning drills, as you are aware. "Yes, ma’am," I said as I scrubbed more vigorously. I looked across at the training area. Already, the noble wolves were rehearsing in formation, their wolves roaring in time with their blades flashing. Ronan, the Alpha's son, was one of them. No, now the Alpha. Brutal. I'm proud. And more vicious than his dad ever was. I averted my look before he saw me. I sneaked into the herb shed to take a breather after doing chores. I always felt secure when I smelled the aroma of dried lavender and mint. I closed my eyes and leaned against the wall. Only for a second. The darkness changed. A murmur. "Moonblood..." I gasped as I jolted up. Even though the sun ought to have been up by now, the shed was dark. I blinked and raised my hands. A gentle, silvery radiance pulsed beneath my skin. "No, no," I said in a whisper. "Not again." This wasn’t the first time I’d seen it. It wasn’t typical. I vigorously ran my hands across my clothing till the radiance subsided. My heart was racing. In case anyone saw... I slipped back into the glaring sun after leaving the shed. Thank heavens no one had noticed. I sneaked down to my favourite location along the riverbank later that day. The soft rush always soothed me, and the water glistened in the sunlight. "Still hiding, omega?" I flinched. Behind me, Alpha Ronan stood with his arms folded and his voice as cold as ice. "I... Alpha, I wasn't hiding. Simply taking a nap. He moved closer, taller than me. His cold, piercing look looked at me as if I were nothing. He said, "You know what tomorrow is?" I said, "The Moonlight Ceremony," quietly. "Well. That’s right. The day that wolves locate their partners. He smiled. "Though some of us pray we don’t get cursed with someone... tainted." I took a deep breath. I kept my facial expressionless even though my inner wolf whimpered. His voice was low as he added, "Omega trash like you shouldn't even be allowed near the circle." "If I were you, I’d remain far away. In order to avoid embarrassing the entire bunch. "Yes, Alpha," I said in a whisper. His breath was hot against my ear as he leaned in. "Know your place." After that, he turned and left. The group assembled around the enormous bonfire in the middle clearing that evening. There was laughter and meat cooked on spits. It ought to have been a festivity. But with a light blanket across my shoulders, I sat by myself, far away from the fire. Beta Calvin angrily exclaimed, "Attention, everyone!" "The Moonlight Ceremony is tomorrow! And tonight is a special someone's eighteenth birthday!" Some gave a halfhearted clap. Others groaned. I anticipated what would happen. He yelled out, "Come on, Megan!" "Don’t be shy." I stood carefully, keeping my eyes down as I moved into the firelight. The pack looked, several of them snickering. Calvin said, "Megan, our little omega," with a phoney smile. "May your birthday bring you... clarity." They all chuckled. I simply smiled as I had been instructed to do. However, then my skin started to prickle. In my chest, a subtle warmth blossomed and moved through my veins. No. Not right now. I clinched my hands, but the silvery glow came back, pulsing beneath my skin's surface so that everyone could see it. "Look!" exclaimed someone. "Her hands!" There were gasps. Another whispered, "What the hell is that?" It was too late for me to conceal my hands behind my back. Freya, the daughter of Beta Calvin, peered at me from the periphery of the crowd, her face contorted with fear and hate. "I knew it," the woman growled. "She’s not normal." Pushing through the crowd, she turned and bolted. I started to run after her, but a heavy hand touched my shoulder before I could get away. "Don’t bother," a low snarl said. I raised my head. Alpha Ronan's jaw was clenched, and his eyes flashed red in the firelight. He mumbled, "So... the curse reveals itself at last," "Then she’ll learn her place tomorrow." My heart fell. What did he mean? The ceremony was scheduled for tomorrow. Would he do it? No. He was unable to. I had no idea what I was. Why did I shine? Why did I have a dream that I was Moonblood, a silver wolf? However, I knew— Everything would be different tomorrow. And not in a positive way.