The Lost Luna: Meredith’s Forbidden Powers

Chapter3

Meridith’s POV

"Already rejected, and through the mind link, really?” The sting of his dismissal burned within me, but Alpha Thane's words echoed through the gathering court, pulling my attention back to the hunt.

The lunar stag, a mythical creature with antlers shining like moonlight, was said to roam the forest under the Moon's influence.

"The prize," Alpha Thane continued, "is not only honor and glory but also a single request granted by the Council of Alphas."

Vernon's voice whispered in my ear, "Remember, Meredith, our pack's survival depends on your success." I nodded, steeling myself for the challenge ahead. The hunt's participants dispersed, eager to begin.

Malcolm's last glance sent chills down my spine. I took a deep breath and followed the others into the forest, bathed in moonlight, ready to face whatever dangers awaited. As I entered the forest, moonbeams filtered through the trees above. The air was filled with the smell of damp soil and rotting leaves.

Vernon's whispered instructions echoed in my mind: "Follow the moonstones and stay on the path." I nodded, my senses on high alert. The hunt had begun. The silence was heavy, broken only by rustling leaves and snapping twigs. Every sound made me jump. Following the moonstones, their soft glow lighting the forest floor, my heart pounded with excitement.

The silence around me was oppressive, punctuated only by the sounds of my footsteps. Suddenly, a flash of silver caught my eye—the lunar stag, its majestic antlers shining like moonlit curves, gleaming in the darkness. My breath caught, and my senses came alive; I was alone on this path, and for once, I had a real chance to prove myself.

Vernon's constant criticism and disdain fuelled my determination. If I emerged victorious, maybe he'd finally treat me with respect and see me as more than just a weak pack member. I chased the stag, leaves crunching underfoot as I ran. The wind whipped through my hair, sending strands across my face, and my spear felt solid in my hand.

Just as I gained ground, Kael, Malcolm's ruthless deputy, burst from the shadows, his spear clashing with mine in a flash of sparks. Kael sneered at me, his eyes shining with hatred. "You'll never escape this forest alive, Meredith," he snarled, his voice full of malice.

Adrenaline rushed through me, and with a fierce cry, I summoned all my strength to strike Kael's spear with force, sending shockwaves through my arm.

The sound of clashing wood echoed through the forest, a harsh, jarring noise. Kael stumbled backward, lost his footing, and crashed to the ground. Seizing the distraction, I chased after the lunar stag once more. Kael recovered quickly, his footsteps pounding behind me, closing in. Fear and determination pushed me to keep going.

I had to prove myself to Vernon and get away from Kael's deadly plans. As I ran after the stag, the forest became a blur. Kael's breathing drew closer, his footsteps mirroring mine, step for step. Abruptly, a spear flew through the air, directly targeting me. I attempted to dodge, but my foot caught on a concealed root, sending me crashing down. Time seemed to slow as I fell, the ground racing up to meet me.

I landed harshly, bruising my shoulder and hip, my breath knocked out. The spear intended for me instead found its mark in the lunar stag. The majestic creature collapsed, its gentle eyes dimming, life fleeing its body.

Kael's laughter filled the forest—a chilling sound that made me shiver. He walked past me, carrying the dead stag on his shoulder, his eyes fixed on me. "Looks like you're not worthy of Vernon's praise after all, Meredith," he taunted, his smirk twisting his face.

With each step, Kael's laughter faded into the distance, leaving me battered, defeated, and lost in the darkness. The horn's deep, resonant blast echoed through the forest, its loud, piercing sound waves rippling through the air. The notes rose and fell in a triumphant melody, signalling the end of the hunt.

The horns seemed to shimmer with excitement, announcing to all that the lunar stag had been claimed. The sound waves reverberated off trees, sending birds flying and leaves rustling. As I emerged from the forest, the horn's blast still echoing through the air, I was met with a sea of cheering faces. The Willowdale pack celebrated Kael's victory, their joy infectious but bitter for me.

My gaze locked onto Vernon's stern face, and my heart sank. I anticipated the punishment and torture that awaited me. "Why not run away?" a rebellious voice whispered in my mind. But before I could consider it, Alpha Thane's booming voice interrupted my thought.

"Silence!" Alpha Thane commanded, his displeasure evident. "We gather to honor the winner, Kael of Willowdale Pack." Kael stepped forward, the lunar stag's body slung over his shoulder, a triumphant grin spreading across his face.

Alpha Thane continued, "By tradition, the winning pack's Alpha chooses a prize. Alpha Malcolm, what do you desire?" The crowd's attention shifted to Malcolm, their faces filled with curiosity.

Malcolm's piercing gaze swept the gathering, then settled on me. A shiver ran down my spine. "I'll take Meredith as my prize," Malcolm declared, his voice firm and commanding. Gasps echoed through the crowd as all eyes turned to me.

"I don't understand your intentions, Alpha Malcolm," Alpha Thane said, his brow furrowed in confusion. "You claim Meredith as your prize, but what purpose does she serve?"

Malcolm's gaze locked onto mine, his eyes gleaming with an unreadable intensity. "My intentions are my own, Alpha Thane. Suffice it to say, I've claimed her fairly."

Vernon's face darkened. "You can't just claim her as your prize."

Malcolm's smile twisted. "I can, and I have. She's mine now."

Alpha Thane's expression turned stern. "Vernon, Malcolm has claimed her fairly. You cannot refute the tradition."

Vernon's anger boiled over. Well, she’s no use to me or this park. Unfortunately, Meredith has brought nothing. Shame on the pack. She will be forever useless to me.

Alpha Thane's voice cut through the tension. "Vernon, recall your own words: if Meredith failed, she would be given as a slave to any pack elder or chief who claimed her, stripped of her title and name. It seems Malcolm has claimed her, but not as a slave. She will retain her title and name."

Vernon's face turned beet red with rage. "No! The ultimatum still stands!" he spat, his voice venomous. "I said clearly: if she fails, she will be given as a slave. But Malcolm didn't claim her as one. So now, she will be ripped off her family name and will be known just as... Meredith. Without the family's name."

The room fell silent, with all eyes on me. I felt a stinging sensation, as if I'd been slapped. Stripped of my family's name? The thought was unbearable.

Alpha Thane's expression turned grim. "Vernon, are you certain this is the path you wish to take?"

Vernon's jaw clenched. "I am certain. She has brought shame to our family. She does not deserve to bear our name."

I stood frozen, my heart heavy with the weight of Vernon's words. What had I done to deserve such punishment?

"Enough. The matter is settled. Malcolm, take your prize." The celebration continued, but I stood frozen, reeling from Malcolm's sudden claim.

But deep down, I needed to escape Vernon. Even though I didn't understand why Malcolm just claimed me all of a sudden, I needed to flee from Vernon. If not this time, I might not survive his punishment. I wondered why Malcolm didn't reveal to anyone that I was his. Perhaps he's still in denial.

Despite rumors of his harshness, I couldn't resist my attraction to him. Throughout the night, I found myself captivated by his intense gaze, chiseled jawline, and powerful build. Alpha Malcolm stood up, moving with fluid confidence. "We leave now," he commanded, his voice low and authoritative.

The next morning, I begged Malcolm, "Please, let me say goodbye to my stepfather and Althea. They're my only remaining family." Malcolm's expression was gentle, but his tone stayed firm. "I'll accompany you." I nodded, knowing better than to argue.

We walked to my quarters, Malcolm's presence drawing curious glances from the pack members. I quickly gathered a few belongings, and we headed to meet Althea. Althea's eyes welled with tears as we hugged. "I'll miss you, Meredith," she whispered. I fought back tears, knowing I might never see my friend again. "I'll miss you too, Althea."

With a heavy heart, I pulled away and headed to the sitting room where Malcolm waited. Just as I entered, Vernon stormed in, his face twisted in anger. "You think you've escaped, don't you?" He spat, his eyes blazing with hatred. "You'll always be a useless omega, nothing more."

Malcolm's presence loomed behind me, his energy radiating protectiveness. "You won't speak to my mate like that," Malcolm growled, his voice low and menacing. "Ever again."