REJECTED BEFORE THE MOON CHOSE ME

The Silver Moon Pack looked stunning tonight. Moonflowers shimmered under the full moon, covering the ceremonial grounds like a sea of glowing stars. Lanterns dangled from the old oaks, their warm light flickering across faces lit up with excitement. Laughter bounced around the courtyard. Music floated through the crisp night. Everyone wore their best—layers of silks, polished buttons shining, and even the kids with their hair combed neat. It was the Mate Ceremony, the night the Moon Goddess revealed fated pairs. People celebrated. I tried not to shake. For me, the ceremony felt more like staring off the edge of a cliff. I pressed the wrinkles out of my plain white dress—old, handmade, patched a thousand times. Aunt Clara had sewn it years ago, and I spent this afternoon mending every loose seam. It’s the nicest thing I own. Across the courtyard, girls whispered behind cupped hands. “She actually came.” “I figured she’d hide somewhere.” “Maybe she thinks she’ll be Luna.” That last one drew laughter—a sharp, cruel sound. I kept my gaze down. I was used to it. If you’re omega, you exist to be blamed. Being orphaned was worse. And being poor? That made it unbearable. But tonight—tonight might change everything. I closed my eyes. Just for a second. Please, Moon Goddess. Please let me belong. “Lyra,” called Mira, weaving through the crowd. Only she treated me like a person. Her brow was pinched with worry. “You don’t have to do this,” she whispered. I managed a weak smile. “I do.” She hesitated. “What if he…” She didn’t finish the thought. Neither of us wanted to say it. Damian wouldn’t reject me—he couldn’t. People had assumed we were destined since we were kids. Damian’s parents never denied it. He used to protect me. When older boys stole my food, he chased them away. If I cried about my patched clothes, he’d leave fresh bread outside my door. Those memories kept me going through years of loneliness. Surely, they meant something. A loud horn blared across the courtyard. The music vanished, conversations stopped. Everyone turned to the grand staircase. Damian Ashcroft appeared at the top. Future Alpha. The strongest wolf in our pack. Tall, broad-shouldered, dark hair brushed back, gold eyes catching the moonlight until they glowed. Confident—almost untouchable. Girls sighed as he walked by and stared openly. He ignored them. His gaze found me. For one wild heartbeat, I thought I saw a flicker of hesitation. Then his face hardened. Cold. Unreadable. The warmth I remembered was gone. The High Elder took the stage, arms raised to the stars. “The Moon Goddess watches us.” Every wolf bowed their head. “The bonds revealed tonight shall never be questioned.” Silver light burst from the ancient Moon Tree. Gasps spread through the crowd. The ceremony had started. “Lyra Ashford.” My name echoed across the courtyard. Weak-kneed, I climbed the stone steps. Hundreds of eyes followed, some amused, others pitying, a few disappointed—like I was somehow an embarrassment just by showing up. I stopped across from Damian. Close enough to hear his breathing, close enough to see he wouldn’t look at me. The High Elder smiled. “Join hands.” I reached out, my fingers trembling. Damian stared at my hand, and the silence stretched. Finally, he took it. The instant our skin touched, silver light burst between us. The crowd roared. “It’s real!” “I knew it!” “They’re mates!” My eyes flooded with tears. Warmth bloomed in my chest—an ache I’d never felt before. I didn’t feel alone. The Moon Goddess had chosen me. Silver light wrapped up our hands, leaving a glowing mark on my wrist. My breath caught. It was beautiful. I looked at Damian. He didn’t smile. His jaw was locked, muscles twitching. Something was wrong. “Damian?” He laughed—a sharp, cold sound. Not happy, not even close. “You actually thought this would happen?” The warmth in my chest died. “I—” I started. He jerked his hand back; the silver light snapped apart. Gasps rippled through the crowd. The Moon Mark flickered, uncertain. Damian looked right at me, his voice smooth and loud. “I reject you.” My world stopped. The words echoed in the silent courtyard. Somewhere, a glass shattered on stone. “No…” I whispered before I could stop myself. The High Elder stepped forward. “Future Alpha, the Moon Bond is still forming. You can’t—” “I can.” Damian didn’t even glance at him. “I refuse to accept Lyra Ashford as my mate.” Whispers shot around the crowd. Then the laughter started. Loud. Cruel. Relentless. “I knew she’d never become Luna.” “She’s too weak.” “An omega can’t stand beside the future Alpha.” Heat swept over my face. I stared at Damian, hoping—praying—it was some awful mistake. “Please…” My voice shook. “The ceremony isn’t finished.” He looked at me like something stuck to his shoe. “You still don’t understand,” he said, voice soft but every word sharp, “I deserve a Luna who can stand beside me.” He scanned me, slow. “You have nothing. No strength. No status. No family worth mentioning.” His lips curled into a cold smile. “And certainly no place beside an Alpha.” I felt every eye on me. My throat clenched. My vision blurred. But I couldn’t stop myself. I took a shaky step closer. “Please… I did everything I could. I tried to be stronger. I tried to be worthy. If I made a mistake—tell me. I’ll fix it.” For a split second, something flickered in his face—almost regret. Then Luna Selene’s voice cut through, icy and clear: “Damian.” She stood beside the Alpha, flawless posture, her jeweled gown shining in the moonlight. “Don’t let pity sway you.” Damian’s hesitation vanished. He looked at me—colder than winter. “I’d rather remain mateless forever…” He paused just enough for everyone to hear. “…than spend one day with you.” That was it. The last piece of my heart shattered. Right then, the Moon Mark on my wrist flared bright silver—then flickered out. Silence swallowed the courtyard.