Return of the Rejected Luna

Shadows Of Willowbrook

The soft clinking of glasses and a low hum of laughter spread through the opulent dining room. Members of Neo surrounded a large table filled with lavish mouth-watering dishes, and the air was alive with murmurs and chatters.

“I thought Winslie was going to propose,” Theodore teased, taking a leisurely sip of his drink. He had been the first one to join Neo, a muscular man with a playful smile.

“Propose?” A nearby member snorted, setting his glass down with a heavy thud. “That man collects people like he's recruiting for a cult. I doubt he will ever get serious about anyone.”

“Yet he sure knows how to flirt,” a girl interjected, leaning forward, and resting her elbows on the table, revealing the delicate tattoos snaking up her arms. Her hair, styled in two long, rosy-pink pigtails, framed her face like a doll’s. “He’s always playing the part of the charming rogue, even while calling us his children.” 

Theodore chuckled. “Aria, Winslie’s the type who will die with his boots on—alone. He’s too busy saving everyone else to worry about saving himself from loneliness.”

The group murmured in agreement, each chiming in with their own quips and theories about their enigmatic leader. The chatter filled the lavish dining of one of the most elite restaurants, the soft lighting casting a warm glow on the lavish spread of food and drinks.

It was a rare indulgence for Neo, a team often in danger and survival to enjoy such luxuries. Tonight, however, was special. Their hunt of the C-grade mutant had yielded an unprecedented bounty— providing enough rare resources to cover the entire group’s expenses for weeks. 

Hence, Winslie had declared a feast in honor of their new recruit, Aerith. 

But Aerith sat apart from the revelry, her gaze distant as she absently pushed her food around her plate. She was drowning in the memories of her past.

How many times had she replayed that moment in her mind, the one that shattered everything she believed they had? 

Arvis’s cold, unyielding gaze as he turned away from her, choosing Elenora over his fated mate caused Aerith’s heart to twist with a sour ache, and despite it all, she missed him so much she couldn’t breathe.

‘How pathetic,’ Aerith thought bitterly. How weak of her to still crave him, to still want to know what he would think if he saw her now. If he saw that she had finally unlocked a power of her own. Would he care? Would he look at her with something other than that cold detachment, maybe even pride?

‘Stop thinking about him so much.’ 

Aerith tried to distract herself, shifting her gaze beyond the grand windows, towards the city of Willowbrook sprawled in a dazzling array of lights and sleek architecture―a place where dreams and ambitions collided under the governance of the Federation. 

Before her thoughts could wander, Melena suddenly stood up, raising her wine glass with a flourish. Conversations around the table ceased as all eyes turned to her.

“Everyone,” she called out, her voice clear and commanding. “If it weren’t for Aerith, we would be passed out in some seedy bar, not celebrating here. This is no way to treat someone who saved our lives, is it?”

Aerith stilled, glancing toward Melena with a surprised gaze.

“We should all get to know each other,” Melena smiled cheerfully, “Let’s get started, shall we?”

A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd, and several members of Neo glanced over at Aerith with newfound curiosity. But Aerith’s heart skipped a beat. This was exactly what she had dreaded. She had introduced herself as a rogue earlier since she had cut all the ties with Arvis and her pack. 

But if they delved too deeply into her past, it would be hard to hide anything.

Aerith forced a smile as people raised their glasses in her direction, though her mind raced. Standing, she lifted her glass, her voice steady despite the nerves tightening in her chest.

“Thank you, Melena,” she said, her gaze meeting the other woman’s. “But I’m just grateful to be here,” She hesitated, then added with a faint smile, “Let’s just say I am more comfortable in the shadows.”

“Then how about sharing your goals with us?” Theodore leaned forward, his voice genuinely curious, “Most of us ended up here after being rejected from the Federal School. Since we can’t go back to our packs, we are trying to make some hard money for our families.”

“Why can’t you return?” Aerith slightly frowned.

“Shame,” Aria replied, a mocking smirk playing on her lips. “How could we face our pack members after failing the Federation’s test? We come from small, insignificant packs that poured everything into our education, hoping we would succeed and elevate our packs. Failing them… it’s not something you just walk back into.”

Aerith’s heart sank hearing those words, she too had longed to join the Federal School and then faced the mockery of everyone when she failed to awaken her talent. Her gaze dimmed as she now watched the members around her, no one here was living easily. In a society built on power and rank, those without either were trapped in invisible chains.

“Have… all of you took the exam?” Aerith asked, her voice hesitant. If such polished talents like them couldn’t make it, how could she ever hope to get there? 

“Not everyone,” Theodore admitted. “Some of us are still aiming for the Federation, like Melena and Matthias.”

“We joined Neo because Winslie practically begged us,” Matthias chimed in. 

“He’s setting himself up for heartbreak,” Aria added nonchalantly, but her eyes flickered with something softer beneath her sarcasm.

“Melena and I are only staying until the next entrance exam,” Matthias said. 

“Ah—I see,” Aerith nodded. “But where’s Winslie?” She asked, more to steer the conversation than out of genuine interest.

“He said he was meeting someone important,” Aria replied, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. “Maybe he is on a date?”

“Weren’t we just saying he is destined to die alone?” Theodore’s eyes widened comically, and then a playful glint flickered in his eyes as he suggested,“Since he is not here to play chaperone, why don’t we have some fun? The guy always nags us to head straight to our dorms after a drink.”

The group exchanged glances, a silent agreement passing between them.

“Aerith, is this your first time in Willowbrook?” Melena’s eyes gleamed with excitement.

“Yes…” Aerith replied warily, sensing something was afoot.

“Then we have to take you to the mutant market!” Melena’s voice boomed across the room, drawing annoyed stares from nearby tables.

“Damn girl, you always have the best ideas!” Theodore’s enthusiasm mirrored Melena’s.

“We are not doing this,” Matthias said firmly. “Winslie’s going to lose it if he finds out.”

“Who cares?” Melena scoffed. “He’s off playing Romeo while I almost lost my life today. Don’t be his obedient lapdog.” She gave Matthias a teasing shove.

“Mutant market?” Aerith echoed, surprised. “What’s that?”

Melena’s eyes sparkled even brighter. “It’s an underground market where scavenging organizations gather…” She paused, savoring the suspense as all eyes slowly turned her way. “With live mutants.”

“Live mutants?” Aerith’s voice wavered. She had never heard of anything like it.

“Relax,” Melena said with a wink. “They are mostly low-grade creatures. It’s a place for some good old-fashioned entertainment. Organizations bring in mutants they have captured alive, and then pit talents against each other in fights. No rules, just a brutal free-for-all.”

“But that’s dangerous,” Aerith said, her expression growing grim as she glanced at the bustling city below. “There must be commoners in town. Isn’t it risky? How is it even allowed to exist?”

Melena offered a nonchalant shrug, “That’s why the mutant market is underground, because of the possible risk. The Federation probably knows about it but doesn’t care. As long as it doesn’t pose a major threat, they turn a blind eye.”

Aerith did not say anything more, and soon, it was decided that they would all visit the mutant market. The group left the restaurant together, their excitement palpable as they conversed with each other. On the contrary, Aerith’s heart was heavy because of all that had happened the past few days. The laughter and joy around her felt distant as if she were watching a world she could no longer belong to. 

She longed to embrace this new life they celebrated, but it was hard to fully forget what happened, the bitter ache of betrayal still lingered in her heart like a festering wound.

As they approached the bustling square at the heart of the city, Theodore’s voice brought Aerith out of her thoughts, “Wait, isn’t that the renowned Alpha of Silver Dawn? One of the top Federation executives?” His tone was tinged with awe.

Aerith stiffened, abruptly halting in her tracks.

“Oh my god, it’s really him!” Aria’s eyes were wide with disbelief. “How can someone look so… otherworldly?” she murmured, almost entranced by Arvis’s ethereal presence on the screen.

“Who’s the woman?” Melena asked, her tone casual. “His wife?”

Aerith’s heart hammered against her ribs as she tensely followed their gaze, and saw the large screen displaying breaking news. There, amidst the bright lights and camera flashes, stood Arvis, his arm closely embraced by Elenora’s. Her face was bright with happiness, a warm smile lighting up her expression as she looked at Arvis. In contrast, Arvis’s expression was stoic, his features unreadable—a cold indifference Aerith knew all too well.

Her heart sank, and her knees threatened to buckle. She barely noticed the news headline scrolling beneath the image—her vision blurred with unshed tears.