THE EXILED HOWL

Chapter 1: Night of Betrayal The smell of smoke and pine tree infiltrated the air as the Moon pack gathered under the blood-red moon. Wolves lined the perimeter with their golden eyes glowing of suspicion and more of hostility. The freezing night air nipped Luna’s fur as she stood bound by the shackles of the silver chains, each link stabbing her flesh and draining her strength. Her knees wobbled but she refused to fall “Luna of Crescent Moon “ Alpha Magnus’s voice thundered, so coarse and merciless. His voice was carried by the wind and echoed through the pack.”You’ve been accused of treason”. The wolves present at the scene gasped in shock. The declaration alone sent shockwaves down Luna spine. “Treason????” Luna thought with her heart pounding against her rib cage because she knew that no wolves accused of such crime ever made it out alive or had ever survived it. Her stare dashed across the faces of the pack present, somehow searching for an iota of sympathy or even doubt. There was none. Magnus the Alpha stepped forward with his eyes shinning with a dangerous certainty. “The sacred fang was found in your possession. A crime punishable by death”. Luna immediately felt a frosty sensation going through her body. The Sacred Fang— a relic infused with magic that guarded their borders from vogue and enemies. It was the most protected treasure of the pack. “I didn’t steal it” Luna said with a cracked voice but she forced herself to speak louder. “The Sacred Fang is what keeps our borders strong. I’ll protect it with my life”. “You expect us to believe that?” Magnus said in a mocking tone. “ When it was hidden beneath your bed?” Luna stomach twisted immediately. Her mind raced back to that night. She was dragged from sleep by the sharp sting of silver cuffs and the unbearable sharks of the guards. Her cabin was brutally and swiftly searched and then- there it was. The Sacred Fang gleamed under the bed. “It’s a setup” she shouted with desperation creeping in her voice. “Someone framed me” The pack murmured but their voices faded into the dull roar in Luna’s ears. Her gaze landed on Kael, the Alpha’s son who was standing beside his father. doubtHe had no She grew up with him, the wolf who had once swore to protect her, stood there like a stranger. “Kael”, with her voice cracking. “Tell them” his blue eyes flickered but he remained silent. Immediately she understood, anger and heartbreak flowed throughput The her. “How could he betray me like this”. They had trained together, hunted side by side and had dream of one day leading the pack into a new era and now he stood there, witnessing her downfall. “Magnus voice broke through her thoughts. “The council has spoken. You will be exiled, banished from Crescent Moon forever”. Exiled, the word roamed through her mind. The word hung heavy in the air, more suffocating than any chains. Luna and Magnus eyes locked in. Her gaze burning with boldness and audacity. “You are making a mistake” she spat, her voice venomous. “I’m innocent.” “Innocent?” Magnus responded with his voice dripping with arrogance and disrespect. “You were found with the Sacred Fang in your possession. There is no denying the evidence .” At this point, Luna was full with rage. “I didn’t steal it” she shouted with her voice echoing through the wind. “Someone framed me.” Magnus takes a step closer, his eyes blazing with fury. “Enough with the lies” he yelled. His voice making Luna flinch. “ You’re a traitor, Luna and traitors get punished”. The pack began to murmur, their voice rising in a peak of anger and hatred. Luna’s heart pounded as she realized she was surrounded with no means of escape. Magnus raised his hands to signal the guards, their silver chains were ready. “The pack will be stronger without a traitor in our midst.” In Luna’s thought”did they want to cast her out? Let them try. Her wolf stirred quickly, urging her to fight. She felt pained in her wrist but she ignored it. With every ounce of strength, she faced Magnus with her teeth and eyes glowing with fury. The crowd gasped. Before she could reach Magnus, Kael moved with his hands grabbing her arm in an iron hold. His touch sent sparks down her skin, remnants of their shattered bond. “Don’t” he warned softly, his voice low enough for only her to hear. Her breathe twitched “you knew”, she whispered . “You knew this was coming and you let it happen”. His jawtightened . “You made your bed Luna so lie on it”. She felt heartbroken but she refused to cry because she just couldn’t give them that satisfaction. Magnus signaled the guards and ordered them to take her to the border. The pack parted as two hefty wolves came and grabbed Luna by the arm, dragging her forward. She struggled but the silver chains weakened her limbs. The atmosphere became foggy as they approached the edge of the territory . As they passed through the crowd, Luna immediately sighted familiar faces— wolves she had hunted with, laughed with and trusted but none met her gaze because Shane and fear clouded their eyes. Cowards! The forest grew dark and unforgiving with the shadows twisting like living things, whispering promises of death. The air grew colder with each step, biting through Luna skin. Luna could feel the magic that marked the edge of Crescent Moon territory as she approached the border. “This is your end Luna.” Magnus yelled “May this wild land claim you”. The guards turned and walked away with their footsteps fading away. Luna’s breath came in shallow bursts, her body ached but it was nothing compared to the pain she was feeling in her chest. They had taken everything away from her. Her home, her future, her honor but they hadn’t taken her will. She pushed herself to her feet, swaying slightly. Her fists clenched at her side as she stared at the barrier. Beyond it payed danger and death but she would face it. She would survive. “I swear” she whispered with rage “I’ll come back and when I do you all will regret it”. The wind howled around her carrying her vow into the night. Hidden in the shadows, a cloaked figure watched her as she departed. They had seen the entire trial and they heard every word and they knew the truth behind the trial. Luna crosses the pack sacred border, she thought this was the end but it was only just the beginning.