The Banished Luna

The first season is always the hardest, or at least that is what my mother keeps telling me. Wolves from all over head to the main city of Athemond with their eligible daughters, hoping to secure a mate. It was the social highlight for most wolves as it brought wolves from all over the world together for a few short months. For three months eligible ladies would be expected to wine, dine and dance with young eligible males in hopes to create a mating match. As the daughter of a beta from the New Moon Pack, I would get to experience all of the season's events. Most of the events had an entrance fee, and those of lower standings often could not afford to attend. Five events a week, for three months. I groan as I slump into the cushions of my bed, this was going to be hell for me. “Celeste, you need to get ready. The car will be here in an hour!” My mother was well intentioned, a lively soul with a temper only matched by our Alpha. I wanted what her and my father had. They had mated before her season had started. Apparently, she had been dating our current Alpha when one day she met my father. He was a recent transfer as his old pack had suffered a huge loss due to a fire. Most of them had relocated to our pack. My mother says it was instant fireworks, and shortly after that my three sisters and myself were born. I was the youngest, and I had just turned eighteen. s**t, I never responded to mom. The pounding on the door interrupted any inner monologue I was having. “Celeste, unlock this door right now young lady.” the pounding continued, desperate this time. “Let me help you get ready; it will be like when you were little and we played dress up!” “I could use your help, actually...” I stood, taking a few quick steps towards the door before unlocking it and letting my mom in. “I can’t get the dress to zip up by myself.” I spun and turned, moving my hair while she helped zip up my dress. It was a little strapless dress that went down to my thighs, it was tight but not uncomfortable. My dark brown locks cascaded in curls down my back. I wore simple jewelry, my family locket for luck, a simple set of stud earrings and black pumps. “You look lovely, Celeste.” My father chimed in from the doorway, his face beaming with pride. “Im sure you will find a mate in no time. Just like your sisters.” He was right of course. All three of my older sisters had been mated their first season. This put a lot of pressure on me to find a mate quickly. My eldest sister, Calisto was known as the rose of her season and she was mated to the beta of a nearby pack. Cressida, my second eldest sister, married the alpha of that same pack and was the rose of her season. Cordelia, who is only a year older than I, was the rose of last year's season and was married off to the brother of an Alpha from another neighboring pack. All three of my sisters had wonderful and powerful marriages, and I was terrified Id mate someone who wasn’t nearly as impressive. Or worse, what if I wasn’t the rose of the season? “...Well three out of four isn’t so bad...” I muttered the words under my breath but my father still heard them, giving me a sad look before shaking his head. We left without another word. The car ride to the first event was beautiful. The first even is always held in the royal rose garden in the center of the city. They had it all lit up and everyone was wearing their best black-tie attire. This would be the introduction event where they would announce their predictions for the season. The higher your ranking, the more likely you would find a mate. The lower your ranking, the lower your chances of finding a suitable mate. The more seasons you participated in, the lower your value and ranking would fall. It was an archaic system to say the least. I stepped out of the car and into the cold night air. My steps quickening as I headed inside the venue. The venue was wonderful, it was full of fresh blooming roses of all colors, and other rare flowers as well as topiaries. Truly this garden was well cared for. String lights hung throughout and created an intimate feeling. The center was where a small stage sat with enough chairs and tables around for everyone to be seated, it was a dinner event after all. I walked to the reception and checked in, grabbing my rose pin and placing it on the top of my dress. This was to show I was participating in the event. I grabbed the seating chart and made my way to my table. I would be alone for this event; parents would chaperone from afar so they would not be allowed to sit with me. I took my seat with a heavy sigh, my eyes scanning around to see if I could feel any kind of pull to anyone. “Magnets. That’s what my older brother said it feels like.” A soft voice came from the chair to my left. Nenette, A beautiful girl with huge doe brown eyes and freckles. My best friend. She was talented and the daughter of a noble, the perfect match in this type of setting. Surely a girl like her would rank highly. “How do you always read my mind?” I laugh and turn to embrace my dear friend. “I'm so glad they sat us together. I'd hate to do this all alone. Have you felt it yet?” I give a soft and knowing wink. “The magnets?” I sure hadn’t felt anything yet, but people were only still trickling in. My eyes caught sight of the future Alpha of my pack, Vincent. He was as handsome as ever, and already surrounded by thirsty wolves hoping to be a match. I had to force myself to look away, no use day dreaming of an Alpha choosing me to mate with. “Not yet....I think.” She didn’t sound confident, though to be fair neither one of us knew what the mating pull felt like. “Did your sisters say anything?” “Electricity. They said it felt like getting hit by lightning, but it didn’t hurt. I'm not convinced I could feel anything that strongly.” I shrug, greeting the next three girls that sat down at our table. Before too long the entire venue was filled and dinner was being served. We all chatted, getting to know each other. I hoped all the events would be this fun, like getting to see old friends and make new ones. It wasn’t long before I noticed girls being pulled away one by one. They would be pulled away and return a few minutes later a little upset. A tap on my shoulder made it clear I wouldn’t have to wait long to find out what was going on. I followed the employee to the backrooms, being ushered into one of the offices. I was met by a nice-looking lady, she had paperwork and a pin needle. “Hello Celeste Hargrave. Please prick your finger and place a blood print here annnnd here.” “What is this for?” I took the needle, pricking my thumb and placing the thumb prints. “It’s a blood binding contract that says you will participate in all events until you are mated. The second one is actually a blood test; it will tell us a lot about how you will do this season. It mostly tells us if you have any diseases. Anything else you want to know before I send you off?” I shook my head no and thanked her before being quickly escorted back to my seat. I looked over to see Nenette had returned as well. She looked like she had seen a ghost. I gave her a small smile. “How was-” “RESULTS ARE IN, PLEASE RETURN TO YOUR SEATS” I was cut off by the announcement, grumbling a bit to myself as we all turned to face the giant stage with a monitor that now showed out rankings. We were all ranked and the top candidate would be the rose of the season. I saw Nenette first, she ranked pretty low which was surprising. She was daughter to a noble family and was gorgeous. I felt a lump form in my throat as I thought about what that meant for me. I scanned the whole list but my name was nowhere to be found, I checked again but still my name was eluding me. Until Nenette shrieked. I was number one, I was the rose of the season. I blinked several times, my eyes certain they were not seeing clearly. How had I pulled that off? All Id done so far was give them my blood. There were lots of whispers, as there were several prospective Alphas in the mating pool this season, and a single Lycan Prince. I sank in my seat, covering my face with my napkin in a poor attempt to hide. “Oh my goddess, why would you do this to me...”