THE KING’S EXILED LUNA

Maelin Three years ago “I did it.” I exhaled, crouching down on my knees to catch my breath. I’d just passed the Kingdom’s military exam and with the highest score nonetheless. But as I scanned the faces of the spectators while I stayed on my knees trying to gain back the strength I’d lost, I realized that these people weren’t looking at me with pride and joy. They weren’t happy for me. Instead, I could feel the scrutiny of their cold eyes as the atmosphere of the courtyard of the Wolfgard academy where we all stood shifted into something cruel. “Congratulations Maelin Rook…” a voice blared through the speakers, a voice that didn’t sound very congratulatory. It was the royal announcer and he too wasn’t happy for me. “You have passed the military exam with the highest score…” he slurred. Finally able to move again, I stood and murmurs erupted in the air immediately. “She should be completely exhausted after such a tedious examination, how is she able to stand so soon?” One of the spectators said. “I think the right question should be why and how a mere omega managed to beat the best alpha’s and betas and emerge the best in a military examination when we all know how weak omegas are.” Another replied. “I think they went easy on her.” He added quickly. I was used to it. Used to hearing that I didn’t deserve anything because I was nothing but an omega. They blamed my family privileges for every good thing I ever got to experience, saying I should be suffering. But I won’t let their words hurt me, not after all the training I went through just to get here. I plastered a smile on my face and spun on my heels, scanning the crowd in search of familiar faces; people who would be happy for me. My father stood with the military commanders, his expression unreadable. I didn’t let my gaze linger before my eyes moved to find my younger half sister, Tessa watching from the noble gallery. And beside the Alpha of the Ashenridge pack stood Corvin Ash, the man I’d loved for years and who the moon goddess in all her benevolence had chosen for me. Yes, he was my mate and I loved him. His warm blue eyes, pale skin that looked almost white under the glistening sun and even the way his hands moved as he talked to the Alpha; everything about him was just so perfect and I couldn’t help but smile. “Maelin Rook, please proceed to the podium for your award presentation.” The announcer’s voice cut through the air, wiping the smile off my face and jolting me back to reality. I nodded and crossed the courtyard in quick strides until I got to the podium where some of the military officers stood, including my father. The captain stepped forward, holding the silver wolfsgard insignia in his hands. I couldn’t believe I was about to receive something so valuable, something no one else thought I deserved. “Maelin Rook… daughter of..” “Hold it right there, captain.” Corvin cut in, his boots echoing off the wooden steps that led up to the podium. I smiled brightly, my eyes squinting as I fiddled with my sweaty fingers. “I didn’t know you wanted to join me to collect this award..” I muttered almost inaudibly. He didn’t even smile at me, not even for a split second. “Do I have everyone’s attention?” He bellowed, throwing his arms open to the crowd before him. “I have a very important announcement to make. One that means a whole lot to myself, my reputation, and my family as a whole..” he started. My heart dropped into my stomach immediately. The first thing that came to my mind was the fact that he was about to propose to me… “Corvin–” “Let me speak, Maelin..” he fired back, the weight in his voice was heavier than anything I’d ever heard from him in my entire life. “It’s not news to anyone present here, that Maelin Rook and I have been supposedly chosen to be each other’s mate and life partner..” The crowd was as silent as a graveyard. “Well, due to recent happenings and new developments in my family, I decided, with my household, that I was going to do this once and for all and get it out of the way.” I held my breath, my hands clutching to my side as I waited for the question to come. “I, Corvin Ash, hereby publicly announce; with you all as witnesses of course..” My eyes slowly closed and I pursed my lips, my heart ramming against my chest. “That from today, Maelin ceases to be a part of my life, nor a part of my family–” “Yes! I will!” I blurted, my eyes fluttering open as I threw my hands in the air. Everyone stared at me in despair. Not the kind of gaze that meant admiration for the new couple standing before them; the type that meant I just made a big fool out of myself. “Did you hear what I just said?” He asked and my mind slowly returned to me. “I– I… what?” “I just told you, Maelin, that I have hereby rejected whatever bond was holding us together before now. Henceforth, you and I are nothing but mere strangers..” First I heard a loud ringing in my ears and beads of sweat trickled down the sides of my face. “You don’t mean that..” my voice trailed off, losing its strength almost immediately. “I mean every word I have just said. Whether you choose to believe it or not, then that’s for you to worry about..” Bile immediately rushed up to my throat and heat engulfed me like a cloak. Corvin looked at me with nothing but disgust and I started to question whether he ever even felt an ounce of likeness toward me. “Why..” my lips quivered, tears pouring profusely down my sore cheeks. “Did I do something wrong? Why are you doing this to me, and why today of all days?” “I don’t owe you any explanations, Maelin..” he laughed, like I meant nothing to him. “But if you insist on getting closure, then I’ll have you know that I’m about to claim the Ashenridge throne and I can’t have the stain of an omega on my reputation..” “Corvin…” He spat beside me, and in that moment I heard something shatter into a million pieces inside me. “Corvin!”