Moonlight forgotten

**Selene's Perspective** I was always going to be Luna. Alpha Gregor, my father, was a powerful ruler. My mother, Luna Marisol, reigned with wisdom. They were a powerful team that led the pack. And eventually, I would stand next to my partner and take the lead. The pack discussed it in whispers. When I went by, they lowered their heads and grinned at me. Their future lay with me. As she brushed my hair, my mother remarked, "You will make a fantastic Luna." As strong as your dad. Nice, just like me. I trusted her. I worked hard in my training. I read the laws. I saw my mother console and my father guide. I gained knowledge about fighting, healing, and guiding. And the murmurs became stronger after I became eighteen. "Damian will be her mate." She is going to be our next Luna. "She's prepared." So did I. The future Alpha, Damian Blackwood, was the pack's strongest fighter. In combat, he was swift, strong, and merciless. But he was different from me. Or so I believed. He stared at me, and his eyes softened. He had a warm touch. He spoke softly yet deeply. He once touched my fingers and said, "We will lead together soon." I clung to those words. And I knew it was time when the Blood Moon came. Blessing the night, the red-glowing moon hung thick in the sky. The group assembled and waited. My chest was thumping with my heart. Damian was tall and powerful, standing in the middle. Tonight, our relationship would awaken. Our wolves would be able to identify one another. Breathless, I took a step forward, expecting him to take me. Then he turned to face me. His once-warm golden eyes become icy. His mouth twisted. He stepped backward. A profound quietness prevailed. Then he said something. "My partner is not you." Like a blow to the chest, the words struck. I was immobile. Unable to breathe. The pack gasped. Damian glanced over my shoulder. Cassandra took a step closer and placed her hand in his. His voice was steady. Sure. “She is my mate.” A profound, searing anguish sliced through me. Cassandra gave a kind, endearing grin. But I saw the victory in her eyes. I felt nothing, but the Blood Moon blazed brighter. Just the sound of my heart exploding. Then the murmurs started. "She is not who she truly is." "She lacks sufficient strength." "She is not deserving." My mom's face went white. My dad's mouth clenched. But no one spoke to me. Damian lifted his chin. “Selene, you must leave.” I stumbled back. "What?" His eyes remained fixed. "You have no place here." I had trembling hands. "I should have been Luna." Cassandra spoke quietly. "But you're not." The group whispered. I looked at my dad. "You will not allow this to occur." He remained still. Damian stepped forward once more. "This pack no longer includes you." The globe whirled. I called this place home. My relatives. My future. My mouth opened, but nothing came out. Cassandra grinned and c****d her head. “Go, Selene.” It got cooler at night. Above, the Blood Moon sparkled, but it didn't warm me. I looked to my father and mother. But they remained silent. I had no voice. This was not halted. My heart broke. Inside of me, my wolf whimpered. And I was aware. I really was by myself. Through the woods, the wind howled. My vision became hazy. Then, with a gentle yet piercing voice, Cassandra moved closer. "You ought to flee." I went cold. She grinned broadly. " Because you will not escape this place alive if you do not."