The wolfless Luna

Rain slammed against the cracked windows of the Blackwood estate while thunder shook the walls like an angry beast clawing through the sky. In the attic bedroom, Lyra Nightbane sat curled beside the tiny window with bruised knees pressed against her chest. Cold wind slipped through the broken wood. She barely noticed anymore. Downstairs, laughter echoed through the mansion. Selene’s birthday party. Again. The entire pack had gathered to celebrate the “future Luna.” Meanwhile Lyra sat hidden like a disease nobody wanted to acknowledge. A servant. A burden. A wolfless freak. “Still hiding up here?” The attic door burst open. Vivian Blackwood stood there wearing a silk emerald dress, her sharp eyes filled with disgust. “You were told to finish the dishes.” Lyra lowered her gaze immediately. “I did.” Vivian walked forward slowly. The smell of perfume and wine filled the room. Then— SLAP. Lyra’s head snapped sideways. “You dare speak back to me?” “I wasn’t—” “Silence!” Vivian grabbed her chin violently. “You should be grateful I allowed you to stay in this house after your father died.” Lyra swallowed hard. Her father. The only person who had ever loved her. Dead three years now. Ever since then, everything became hell. “You embarrassed this family enough already,” Vivian hissed. “A wolfless hybrid. Worthless.” Lyra’s chest tightened. That word again. Hybrid. Nobody even knew what kind. Her mother disappeared shortly after giving birth to her, leaving behind only rumors and fear. Some claimed Lyra’s bloodline was cursed. Others whispered something worse. Monster. Vivian released her with a shove. “Get downstairs. The guests are leaving.” Lyra nodded quietly. As she followed Vivian downstairs, the sound of music and conversation grew louder. Pack members filled the grand hall dressed in elegant black and silver clothing. The moment Lyra entered, conversations slowed. Eyes followed her. Judging. Mocking. “She still doesn’t have a wolf?” “I heard she never will.” “Poor thing.” “No wonder Vivian hides her.” Lyra kept walking. Pretending not to hear. Pretending not to break. Then she saw Selene. Beautiful. Perfect. Cruel. Selene stood beside a group of young men, laughing while wearing a sparkling silver dress. When her eyes landed on Lyra, her lips curled into a wicked smile. “Oh look,” Selene announced loudly. “The attic rat escaped.” Laughter erupted around the room. Lyra kept her expression blank. Selene walked closer slowly. “You missed my birthday speech,” she mocked. “Probably too busy crying upstairs.” “I was cleaning.” Selene rolled her eyes dramatically. “Gods, you’re pathetic.” Then she leaned closer. “You know what’s funny?” Lyra stayed silent. “Tomorrow,” Selene whispered, “Mother is announcing my engagement.” The room buzzed instantly. Engagement? “To who?” someone asked excitedly. Selene smiled proudly. “To Alpha Kael Draven.” The room went dead silent. Even Lyra froze. Alpha Kael. The most feared Alpha in the north. Rumors surrounded him like darkness itself. They said he killed traitors with his bare hands. They said entire packs disappeared after crossing him. They said his wolf was cursed. A monster wearing a crown. Selene looked thrilled. “He requested a bride from our bloodline,” she said proudly. Vivian smiled smugly nearby. “Our family is honored.” Lyra’s stomach twisted painfully. Why would someone like Alpha Kael want Selene? Then suddenly— A loud knock echoed through the mansion. BOOM. The giant front doors opened. Cold wind rushed inside. Every conversation died instantly. A tall man stepped into the hall wearing a long black coat soaked from rain. Dark hair. Piercing silver eyes. Danger rolled off him like smoke. Everyone immediately lowered their heads. Alpha Kael Draven had arrived. And the moment his eyes landed on Lyra… Something inside him growled awake.