Moonless Heart

Chapter Three

As I lay on the bed, curled alone in my thoughts and my eyes fixed on the wall, an unexpected knock interrupted me. My mum was still beside me, gently caressing my long hair. She rose to respond to it.

“Luna Sarah, thank you for the tea,” Mom said to her, standing in the doorway. "I’m fine, and Daisy is holding up, showing courage."

“I was wishing I could spend some time with her, perhaps lift her spirits,” Luna Sarah mentioned.

“I don’t believe that’s the best option at this moment,” Mom responded, her tone resolute yet gentle. "Daisy only requires us at the moment."

“Clara,” Luna Sarah replied, her voice filled with pain. "I've always considered us to be family." "You and I have been tight since we paired Ben and Tim."

"I felt the same, until yesterday," Mom remarked, hesitating as if the words were difficult to express. "Following Leo's actions towards my daughter, I must prioritize her." You are aware that the pack won't safeguard her in the same manner they would if another had turned her down.

They will regard her differently since Leo is the future Alpha. I have to ensure she’s surrounded by those who will protect her.

“I love Daisy like she’s my own,” Luna Sarah said.

"However, it's not sufficient for her to be your daughter through mating," Mom stated.

“Sarah, you are my Luna, and I will support you in all things but this.” Daisy requires distance from your family at this moment.

The door clicked closed, and Mom returned to the bed, sitting near me and gently running her fingers through my hair once more.

Despite all the pain within me, my mother's affection warmed a small portion of my heart. At the very least, my parents had concern for me. However, it also made me feel down. Due to my actions, they were at odds with their closest friends, the Alpha and Luna. This wasn’t only about our families—it could disrupt everything for the entire pack.

And although Finn had spent time with Leo, I wanted to think he found it hard to choose his friend instead of me. It was more of me creating more issues for people around me.

Sleep could not take away my pain, yet I don't want Mum to know that I am awake. Thus, I reclined there, reflecting. When the sun rose and I heard Finn return, I had already decided. I relaxed my hold on my knees slightly, but as soon as Finn’s footsteps came to my door, I curled up tightly once more.

"Is she all right?" Finn inquired of Mom.

"She's handling it," Mom stated. “Speak to your father.” "We must determine how to ensure Daisy's safety."

"I'll speak with him, and afterward, I can stay with her while you take a break," Finn stated.

“I’m okay,” Mom remarked. "I'll remain here until she wakes up."

I was so grateful for her. I didn’t want Finn here—not because he’d done something huge, but because every little thing hurt so much right now, like a bad scrape that stings at the tiniest touch. I heard Finn head downstairs and caught bits of his talk with Dad.

They were discussing whether sending me to another pack might help. I stopped listening. It just proved what I already knew: I was causing problems. Without a wolf, I was a burden. I had to fix this myself.

Finn entered the room, his gaze heavy with remorse. "I can be with her for a while," he stated.

Mom began to decline, but I reached for her hand and nodded.

“You sure?” she asked. I nodded again.

"Alright, darling," Dad replied. "We'll allow your mom to relax, but we'll return in a few hours with food, and I want you to have something to eat." "Agreement?" I agreed with a nod. Both he and Mom kissed my forehead before departing.

Finn occupied the spot where Mom had sat. "I’m not sure what to do, Daze," he remarked, his gaze swirling with emotions.

I easily felt his uneasiness between me, the family, his best fuddy Leo, his dream, and the responsibility to the pack and the Alpha.

I held his hand tightly as tears rolled down his eyes.

“Here we are, I am supposed to guide and assist you, yet I am the one shedding tears while you comfort me.” He said, sniffling.

I raised myself and planted a kiss on his cheek. He was a decent brother, although he wasn't flawless. "I attempted to alter Leo's opinion," he stated.

“I told him he’s being stupid, that strength isn’t just about muscles. You’re strong in so many ways, even if it’s not the physical kind. But he’s obsessed with power.”

Now I understood where Finn had been all night—he’d been fighting for me, not abandoning me. A tiny bit of warmth spread in my chest, the first since Leo’s rejection. I hugged Finn, and we stayed like that until I felt him tense. He was mind linking someone, probably Leo. I nudged him to go.

“No, Daze, I’m staying,” he said. I shook my head and pushed him gently. “Okay, fine,” he said. “I’ll get Dad.”

No, let him rest. He’s exhausted. I’m just going to sleep anyway. I’ll be okay, I mind linked.

“You sure?” he replied.

Yes. Thanks for being here. He hugged me and left.

The moment I heard Finn exit the yard, I paid attention to confirm that Mom and Dad were still asleep. I stood up, took a backpack, and loaded it with some clothes and a couple of cherished items, such as a childhood photo of Finn and me. I snuck into the kitchen, loaded another bag with food from the pantry, and took both bags to my car. I was always skilled at being silent, even without a wolf.

Once I returned to my room, I grabbed the blanket that Mom crafted for me and settled down to compose a letter.

I gazed at the empty page for quite a while. There was a lot I wished to express, things I ought to have mentioned face-to-face. However, I understood that if I postponed until my parents got up, they would never permit me to leave.

Dear Mother, Father, and Finn,

I care for all of you deeply, and I believe you care for me too. That's the reason I must go. I won’t allow you to damage your friendships or your standing in the pack because of my actions. Your affection is evident in all your actions, and I’ll hold onto that for eternity. Kindly refrain from being angry with the Alpha's family.

Don’t sever the ties that hold great significance for you. I’m departing to begin a new chapter so you can experience your life as it’s meant to be. Kindly don’t seek me out—I was raised to be resilient, and I will manage just fine. I will forever love you.

Love, Daisy

I left the note on my bed with my house keys. Then I grabbed a tent and a small stove from the storage room, checked that everything I needed was in the car’s glove compartment, and took one last look at the house I’d called home for eighteen years. With a deep breath, I drove away.