The Scorned Luna Lives Again!

Chapter Seven

After Marcus had made his decision Ashlyn found herself tossed in a dusty old cell in the long forgotten dungeons of the pack. Most packs had more modern holding cells but larger packs liked to keep these old timey cells for aesthetics, it made them feel like they were kings of old. At least that's how Marcus had explained it to Ashlyn when she suggested updating it into a training area/common room for the guards.

The smell of dirt and years of neglect clung heavily to the thick, damp air. Despite her situations and surrounding Ashlyn remained quiet and defiant. Not giving them the satisfaction of her tears ever again. Even as the days drew closer to her execution she held onto every last shred of her pride.

When the day came and she was matched to the execution block she noticed no one in the pack seemed at ease. Everyone looked uncomfortable, some even looked heartbroken for her but none offered condolences. Their only act of kindness was to give looks of pity or simply to look away as she was paraded like a traitor. Even as she was lowered into a kneeling position the executioner knew this was wrong everyone did but no one would speak against their alpha who watched it all unfold with conflicting emotions. Lily nestled by his side with a look of excitement like she was watching something entertaining.

Marcus tried to keep his tone firm and steady though his inner beast fought him every step of the way. Desperate not to let go of its true mate. "The traitor, Ashlyn Rose-North, former Luna of Winter Moon, stands to be executed for the crime of harming another and an alpha heir."

Everyone watched his words, knowing the truth even if he was too blinded by Lily to see it. They just bowed their heads in submission, no one dared to speak out for her. Ashlyn just smiled as she looked at each and everyone carefully. When the executioner asked her if she had any final words she gave them all a smile.

"I stood by your sides, tending to your needs as I neglected my own. That was my duty as your Luna. Yet none give me the courtesy of meeting my gaze... You are all complacent in this and that will be your greatest sin. Your complacency killed my son, you let it poison your alpha and now you will all watch the consequences of your complacency."

Ashlyn released her alpha energy, forcing everyone to look as the executioner's axe fell. Marcus screamed for it to stop, her words hiring him harder than he ever thought but it was too late. The only next was the silver was sharp and the pain was gone as quickly as it had happened.

She felt hot for a moment and then as darkness consumed her vision a coolness surged through her, almost soothingly. As she was swallowed by a dark void she met her inner beast in person. They were a beautiful and proud golden wolf. Ashlyn pet it gently tears in her heart.

"I'm sorry for letting you go through this... I'm sorry for your mate."

The beast nudged me in understanding. She supported a familiar figure in the darkness, one Ashlyn thought she'd never see again. Marcus's wolf. He had forsaken Marcus and joined his mate in eternity, the pair pranced about happily. Running into a future Ashlyn couldn't see. Soon she curled up, feeling alone but at peace now that everything was over.

Suddenly she found herself in a field of wildflowers, it was vast and peaceful. Every flower scent was heightened by a subtle breeze and Ashlyn could feel the softness of the grass on her hands. She looked around in shock, curious if this was heaven but as a large golden wolf appeared she felt herself kneeling out of instinct. The wolf spoke telepathically, its voice soft and melodic. Easing her worries.

Hello my child. It's so good to see you though I wish it had happened under better circumstances.

Ashlyn couldn't find her voice. Death had freed her from her grievances but the raw, inky darkness still burned in her heart.

"Moon Goddess, Mother of Wolves... Please. Tell me..." her voice cracking "Why?" Tears wanted to fall but this serene place wouldn't allow it. The feelings were deep inside, gnawing at Ashlyn's soul but she couldn't act on any of them.

The goddess pointed before speaking again. Come my daughter. Let me show you my world.

The pair walked. Ashlyn looked up to see the goddess has golden fur that illuminated with an ethereal light, like a harvest moon. Her eyes were pure a glowing white color that showed eons of life. On her body we're silvery markings decorating her legs, snout and back. She was insanely massive but shrank to as more manageable height to help Ashlyn keep pace.

The Goddess led Ashlyn to Crystal clear lake and laid down, admiring the sky as it was painted in an blended array of deep blues, warm pinks, oranges and purples as the sun and moon stood as equals. One on the horizon and the other in the sky, surrounded by a glittering display of stars. It was beautiful and left Ashlyn speechless.

Noticing Ashlyn's look off bewilderment the goddess lifted her head proudly and gave a soft howl, summoning wolves from the stars. They were smaller and their presence less solid as they gathered around her and bowed their heads. They arranged in different sizes, the energy of their lives still lingering. Alphas down to omegas.

"These are the souls of the fallen... Aren't they?" Ashlyn searched the crowd, praying to see her parents but they were absent. "Moon Goddess...w.. Why aren't my parents here?" She asked quietly.

The Goddess looked sad. They have their lives for this meeting. In exchange for you and I to meet, they gave their remaining energy. It was their final wish that you be given a second chance.

Ashlyn looked up at her her eyes wide with horror. "N.. No... Please... Don't.. Don't rake away their eternity..."

The Goddess gave her a gentle nudge, trying to comfort her. It was not my choice little one. She said calmly. Your wolf called out to them at your most desperate and they did not hesitate to make the exchange. They loved you dearly young one, of all my years of existence I've never seen such a thing.

The Goddess seemed to smile as she thought back to the scene before turning back to Ashlyn who had begun to cry. A pain so deep even the magic of this world couldn't stop her years.

"No... This isn't right... They shouldn't have done that... How could you accept such an exchange?" She sniffled, pleading with the Goddess to make it all make sense.

The Goddess pondered a moment. I could not ignore their request. Their sincerity and resolve were too strong. She licked away Ashlyn's tears before continuing. The real question child isn't how could I accept such a thing but what will you do with this gift?

Ashlyn looked at the mass of wolves, her heart aching thinking of everything she endured and her parents decision. She had just wanted to live quietly. To be rid of the world but now she'd be sent back, given a chance to rewrite her life. She looked at her reflection in the crystal clear waters.

Her skin was clear of the bruises and blemishes from her year in captivity but she still looked hollow, broken even in death. She couldn't understand why she had suffered such injustice. The thought filled her with a bloodlust but when she thought of her parents she couldn't think about anything other than making their sacrifice meaningful.

With a look of determination she met the Goddesses gaze. "I'm going to make them proud."

The Goddess seemed pleased as she let out a deep, rumbling howl that shook the skies. The other wolves followed suit and suddenly Ashlyn was consumed in a blinding light. Marks of the Goddess burned themselves into her very soul as her entire body felt like she was taken apart and reassembled back together, the years of abuse and neglect melting away as the tether to her wolf was reforged before she was suddenly dropped in the dark void again. The Goddesses voice surrounding her.

Live for yourself young one. Live a life that makes me and your parents proud.