Moonblooded: Marked for the Lycan King

Hanna Miller, twenty years old, opened the door to her small home, stepping inside, completely drained from her wavy black hair to her tired body. It was late in the evening, and she felt a deep sense of embarrassment on her way back. “That damn Aurora Evans!” she muttered angrily, slamming the door shut behind her. Her gaze landed on her mother, Sharon, who was hastily preparing to leave for her job at the royal pack house. Sharon shot her a disgusted look. “What’s wrong with you, Hanna?! Can’t you see you’re making a mess all over the floor?! Are you really that stupid?!” she yelled, her voice sharp with irritation. Hanna lowered her gaze, feeling a wave of discomfort, and decided to walk past her mom toward her room. But Sharon stopped her. “Hey! Where do you think you’re going, huh? Don’t think I’ve forgotten! Are you trying to pull something on me? Give me everything you earned at the pub, now! I need it for something!” she demanded. Sighing, Hanna shook her head. “Mom, I’m sorry, but I didn’t earn much. That… b***h, Aurora, showed up with her friends from school, and they did this to me. I had to leave early…” Before she could finish, her mother slapped her across the face, making her gasp in shock. Hanna turned to look at her mother, holding her cheek with teary eyes. Sharon looked infuriated, pointing at her angrily. Sharon, furious, pointed at her. “How dare you talk about that girl like that?! Are you out of your dumb mind?! She’s the daughter of one of the wealthiest families in Moonville, and you? You’re nothing! Nobody! You don’t even compare to her! You should be on your knees letting her do whatever she wants! Didn’t I teach you any manners, you worthless girl?!” Hanna’s shoulders slumped, her eyes turning away in defeat. She lowered her hand, staring blankly at the floor. Her mother always made her feel insignificant, especially when it came to Aurora. Looking back at Sharon, she explained, “I did nothing to her, Mom. She always does this to me. She bullies me at school, and even where I work…” “Then all you have to do is swallow it,” Sharon cut her off angrily, hitting her shoulder so hard that she almost fell. “You’re nobody when it comes to Aurora. You don't even come close. And there's nothing you can do about it. Get used to it!” Tears streamed down Hanna’s face as she stared at her mother, heartbroken, wondering why she always treated her this way. Sharon extended her hand impatiently. “Now, hand over your earnings, and don't waste my time! I'm on my way to the royal pack house for my shift. Hurry up!” With no other option, Hanna pulled the damp bills from her pocket and handed them over. Sharon’s face twisted with disgust as she took them. “Can’t you do anything right? Look at this, soaking wet! You’re completely useless!” she snapped at her face, pushed her, then stormed out of the house. Hanna let out a deep, tired sigh and made her way to her room to change out of her wet clothes and clean up. Wrapped in a towel, she stood in front of her small mirror, staring at her own reflection with tearful eyes, trying to hold back the emotions welling inside. “Why?” she whispered. “Why am I like this? No wolf. No power. I’m treated like a nobody at school, and even at home.” In a big city like Moonville, also called the Royal Pack, home of the ruling Lycan King and the center of authority over all surrounding packs, being born wolfless was seen as a curse, a disgrace. What made it worse was her enrollment at the Moonville School of Werewolves, a place where she clearly didn’t belong. She had grown up in poverty, in one of the lower districts known as Moon-oak. Her eyes drifted to the birthmark on the back of her right shoulder, a half-moon shape that had always fascinated her. But her mother had strictly warned her to keep it hidden. Elsewhere, Alan Blackheart, the Lycan King and ruler of all werewolves from his seat in Moonville, sat in his throne room, eyeing his visitor. His tousled black hair framed a face marked by piercing silver eyes that radiated both curiosity and irritation. “A week was more than enough, Mokiz,” he said coldly. “Surely by now, the moon goddess has given you the answer I seek.” The elderly man with long white hair stood tall and dignified before the Lycan King, gripping his scepter with reverence. “Yes, King Blackheart. I’ve received the answer you seek,” he said solemnly. “As with every werewolf blessed by the moon goddess, you too have a destined mate.” Alan gave a brief nod. “Then hurry up and tell me—who is she, and where can I find her? Why haven’t I seen her… or caught her scent like others do? I’ve searched relentlessly, even beyond Moonville, but there’s been nothing.” The seer, Mokiz, responded calmly, “That’s because she’s just as unique as you are the last living Lycan.” Alan was intrigued. “Hmm…” “You must look for a woman who bears a birthmark shaped like a half-moon on the back of her right shoulder,” Mokiz revealed. “That was the only sign given to me.” Alan’s brow furrowed. “A half-moon birthmark? That’s it?” Mokiz nodded. “You’ll know her when you meet her—the bond will be undeniable. But first, you have to find her.” Just then, outside the throne room doors, Sharon stood frozen in place. Her eyes widened in shock as the words echoed in her ears. “Oh my… I’ve struck gold!”