Bound By Betrayal

Lia always believed she was cursed. From the moment she was born, rumors, silent whispers followed her everywhere, all saying the same thing, “you are bad luck. A calamity.” Few days before Lia’s birth, the seer of Blood Moon Pack had received a terrifying prophecy. “On the day of the lunar eclipse a calamity shall be born. It shall rise, bringing suffering and pain to the pack. Be warned!” His voice cracked as he spoke, his body trembling then with those final words, he breathed his last. From that day on, a ritual was held every month to ward off the coming calamity. But on that day— the day Lia was born— something terrible happened. Lyla— Lia’s mother— was dancing in the middle of the ritual when a storm started. At first, it started as a gentle breeze but then suddenly grew into a violent wind, flinging away all the sacred instruments for the ritual. The screams of people mixed with howl of wolves filled the air as everyone ran for safely. Suddenly, a loud scream came from behind. Some turned and saw lyla lying helplessly on the ground , both blood and water rushing down her legs. She was rushed into a room where they helped her to deliver her child. But lyla was too weak and injured— she was too injured to survive. As Lia entered the world, the eclipse darkened the sky. Silent whispers arose amongst the people, spreading through the pack like wild fire. Lyla lay weakly on the bed, she pulled out her hand to her daughter but before she could reach her, her hand dropped— lifeless. And just like that, Lia grew up treated like a curse. But as if to punish her further, Lia was born blind. Left to live in a dark world, where she was bullied, mocked, and hated. Pain was all Lia had ever known. But today was different. For the first time in her life, something good was happening. The moon goddess had taken pity on her. Lia found her mate. And not just anyone but to Alpha Leo, the most powerful werewolf in the Blood Moon Pack. Fresh breeze flowed from the half opened window, brushing softly on her skin. Lia smiled as she listened to the sound of the breeze. She could hear footsteps and quiet murmurs. It was obvious outside the door was buzzing with excitement. She sat in front of a mirror, but all she saw was darkness. Her hands slowly traces through the fabric of her dress, feeling it’s soft texture. She smiled softly. She had never received this much attention especially for something as big as becoming to Luna of the pack. “You look beautiful,” a familiar voice said from behind.” Lia turned her head slightly. She didn’t need sight to recognize her sister’s voice. She smiled brightly, pulling her hand out to her. Juliana smiled, walking towards her slowly. The sound of her heels clicked against the floor. She gently took Lia’s hand as she knelt before her. “Thank you,” Lia whispered, gripping her sister’s hand tightly. “I wish mum was here today.” Juliana laughed softly, brushing away the stray curls on Lia’s face. “Even if she were here, Lia….you wouldn’t see her.” she said gently but the words cut deep like arrows. Lia’s face dropped. “But it’s okay,” Juliana continued, “you don’t need eyes to see her. She will remain in our hearts forever.” A forced smile appeared on Lia’s lips. “I’m scared, Juliana,”she whispered, leaning closer to Juliana. “I’m blind, can I really become the Luna of the pack,” She sighed deeply. “ Honestly, I don’t know why the moon goddess choose someone like me …a calamity, to rule over the pack. I don’t think the pack will ever accept me to be the leader. How can I lead when I can’t even see?” Juliana tapped her forehead playfully. “You worry too much,” she laughed softly. “I am sure the moon goddess will not choose you if she didn’t believe in you. She stood and walked behind Lia, gently wrapping her hands around her shoulder. She leaned in and then whispered into Lia’s ears. “If you are so scared about your sight, then I can be your eyes.” Lia lips parted in surprise. Juliana chuckled. “Silly, I’m making a huge sacrifice here,” she teased. “I’ll come live with you at the pack house and ensure you don’t get bullied.” She gently turned Lia face towards her. “You are not alone in this, my dear sister.” Lia heart melted. She smiled softly as tears welled up in her eyes, wrapping her arms around Juliana softly. “What have I done to deserve a sister like you.” Lia said, her voice breaking as she spoke. Juliana gently pulled back. “What would you do without me,” she said playfully. But then Lia’s face twisted as guilt creeped in. “No…. You’ve already done so much for me , I can’t let you sacrifice your life and happiness just to come live with me.” “Nonsense,” Juliana huffed. “I’ll do anything for my baby sister.” Before Lia could protest further, Juliana placed a finger her on her lips, silencing her. She pressed a quick kiss on Lia’s head. “Prepare your self, they will call you soon.” She patted Lia’s hands softly then turned to leave, but then paused, turning back with a smile. “Brace yourself. Be confident. You are about to be come the Luna.” She smiled and then walked out. Lia stood before the entrance door, her legs trembled beneath the gown. Her grip on the bridal bouquet tightened as she breathed deeply. The door opened slowly. She could feel the rush of breeze softly kissing on her face A firm but gentle hand took her, guiding her down the aisle. Sound of violin played in the background. Suddenly, she heard tiny whispers and giggles. Her sharp hearing picked up a few words. “A blind Luna? What a joke.” Lia’s heart skipped. Just then she heard another one. “How can she lead when she can’t even see her own mate.” The murmurs and whispers grew louder. Lia trembles as she forced her legs to keep going. The words sliced through her, each one sharper than the last. Then she felt Juliana’s hand slowly slipping from hers. Lia clenched her fist tightly and kept walking. Every step echoed in her mind. Still, she held her head high . But then— something stuck her. Pulling her gown. Lia froze. She grabbed it, trying to pull it gently. But as she added more energy, aloud tearing sound filled the air. The whole crowd gasp and then silence. All eyes on her. Then— her dress fell to the floor. Lia’s heart dropped. She stood frozen as breeze warmed against her bare skin. She stood exposed, naked, and confused in front of everyone. Their whispers turned into laughter, giggles and mockery. Lia wrapped her arms around her chest, trembling her ears picked every cruel words, mockery, that echoed in the crowd. Even on her wedding day… even as a Luna….Nothing had changed. She was still the pack’s cruel source of entertainment.