Blessed Luna Rising

The scent of antiseptic and fresh herbs filled the small infirmary as Selene tied a bandage around a young warrior’s arm. The gash was deep, but she worked quickly, her fingers moving with practised ease. The boy, no older than sixteen, winced but didn’t complain. He wouldn’t. No one in the Silverfang Pack wanted to show weakness, not even to an Omega like her. "You're lucky it didn’t cut deeper," Selene murmured, securing the bandage. He nodded stiffly, avoiding her gaze. "Thanks, doctor." His voice lacked warmth, more of a forced politeness than true gratitude. Without another word, he slid off the cot and hurried out the door. Selene sighed, rolling her shoulders to ease the tension that had settled there. It had been a long night, tending to the wounded after a brutal training session. Omegas weren’t meant to be doctors, but no one else wanted the job. So they left it to her—the outcast, the unwanted, the one they barely acknowledged. She glanced at her reflection in the small mirror above the sink. Pale silver eyes stared back at her, framed by long, raven-black hair that fell past her shoulders. She didn’t look weak, yet that’s what the pack saw. An Omega. A burden. Someone beneath them. A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts. "Selene!" A familiar, saccharine voice called out. Her stomach twisted. Lilith. She turned just in time to see Lilith step inside, her golden hair cascading over her shoulders in perfect waves, her bright blue eyes gleaming with amusement. Lilith was beautiful—flawless, even. But Selene knew better than to be fooled by that sweet smile. "Working hard as always," Lilith cooed, her eyes flicking over the empty infirmary. "It’s so admirable, really. How you keep yourself busy, even when no one truly appreciates it." Selene clenched her jaw. "Did you need something?" Lilith laughed lightly, twirling a strand of hair around her finger. "Oh, don’t be like that. I came to check on you, like a good friend should." Friend. That was a lie. Lilith had never been her friend, just someone who enjoyed playing games at Selene’s expense. And yet, Selene forced herself to remain calm. "I’m fine," she said coolly. Lilith stepped closer, a smirk playing on her lips. "You know, the Alpha King is visiting our pack tomorrow." Selene stiffened. The Alpha King. Darius. She had never met him before, but she had heard the stories. Ruthless. Powerful. The strongest Alpha in generations. And now, he was coming to Silverfang. Lilith leaned in, lowering her voice. "Wouldn’t it be something if he found his mate here?" Selene swallowed hard. Every wolf dreamed of meeting their fated mate, of forming an unbreakable bond. But for an Omega like her? It seemed impossible. Lilith giggled, stepping back. "Oh well, I suppose it doesn’t matter. After all, what Alpha King would ever want an Omega?" With that final jab, she turned on her heel and strode out, leaving Selene alone with her thoughts. She should be used to this by now. The rejection. The loneliness. The endless feeling of being less. But as she gazed out the window at the rising moon, a whisper of defiance stirred in her chest. Maybe fate had something more in store for her. Maybe she was meant for more.