THE LUNA THEY BANISHED BECAME THE ALPHA QUEEN

Chapter 1: Rejected Before the Whole Pack The night of the Blood Moon Festival was supposed to be the happiest night of Lyra Ashwood’s life. Instead, it became the night that destroyed her. Silver flames danced around the towering stone pillars of the Moonfang Pack’s ceremonial grounds. Hundreds of wolves gathered beneath the crimson moon, their excited whispers filling the cool night air. Tonight, the Alpha’s son would officially accept his fated mate before the entire pack. Everyone believed that mate would be Lyra. She stood quietly near the center of the gathering, wearing a simple midnight-blue gown her adoptive mother had sewn by hand. It wasn’t as luxurious as the dresses worn by the Alpha family’s daughters, but it was beautiful enough for someone who had spent most of her life being reminded she was merely an orphan. Her heart pounded painfully. Please… let tonight be different. For years she had endured endless insults. “Orphan.” “Weak wolf.” “Pack burden.” Yet she had survived because she believed the Moon Goddess had a purpose for her. Because tonight… She would finally meet her mate. The sacred drums echoed across the valley. The Alpha, Victor Blackwood, stepped onto the stone platform. Beside him stood his son. Alpha Heir Kael Blackwood. Tall. Powerful. Handsome enough to steal every girl’s breath. Every female wolf watched him with admiration. Kael’s cold silver eyes swept across the crowd before settling on Lyra. The mate bond stirred. A warm pull tightened inside her chest. Her wolf whimpered happily. Mate… Tears instantly filled Lyra’s eyes. It was real. The Moon Goddess had truly chosen him. Kael slowly walked toward her. Every step made the crowd quieter. Even the wind seemed to stop. When he finally stood before her, their eyes met. For one perfect second… She imagined happiness. She imagined belonging. She imagined finally having someone who would choose her. Then Kael smiled. It wasn’t a loving smile. It was cruel. Mocking. “I’ve found my mate.” The crowd erupted into cheers. Lyra smiled through her tears. “My Alpha…” She whispered softly. Before she could finish speaking— Kael grabbed her wrist. His grip was painfully tight. “So this is my mate?” He laughed loudly. The entire pack fell silent. “I expected the Moon Goddess to have better taste.” Gasps spread through the audience. Lyra froze. “What…?” Kael’s voice became louder. “Look at her.” “An orphan.” “A wolfless nobody.” “A girl who couldn’t even shift before adulthood.” Laughter echoed among several young warriors. Someone shouted— “She’s the weakest female in the pack!” Another added— “Even rogues are stronger!” Heat rushed into Lyra’s face. Her entire body trembled. Kael leaned closer. “You honestly believed I would accept someone like you?” The words pierced deeper than any blade. She shook her head desperately. “The mate bond…” “Our bond doesn’t matter.” His voice carried across the ceremonial grounds. “I reject you.” Silence. No one breathed. No one moved. Lyra stared at him in horror. “…Kael…” “I, Kael Blackwood, future Alpha of Moonfang Pack…” His eyes were completely emotionless. “…reject Lyra Ashwood as my mate.” Pain exploded through her soul. It felt as though invisible claws ripped her heart apart. She collapsed onto her knees. A cry escaped her lips. Inside her mind, her wolf screamed in agony. The sacred bond shattered. Tears streamed uncontrollably down her face. She couldn’t breathe. She couldn’t think. She only felt unbearable pain. The elders exchanged uneasy glances. Never had a rejection ceremony happened so publicly. But Kael wasn’t finished. He turned toward the crowd. “I refuse to stain the future of this pack with weak blood.” Cheers erupted. Many wolves applauded. Some laughed openly. Others looked away in pity. Lyra searched desperately for someone… Anyone… To defend her. No one did. Her adoptive parents lowered their heads helplessly. They feared the Alpha too much. The Alpha himself finally stood. His deep voice echoed across the valley. “Since the Moon Goddess made such an unfortunate mistake…” He paused dramatically. “…the rejection is accepted.” More applause followed. Lyra felt another piece of her heart die. Kael looked down at her one last time. “You should thank me.” She blinked through her tears. “What…?” “I’ve saved my future.” Then he walked away. Without looking back. Without regret. Without mercy. A beautiful blonde woman immediately linked arms with him. Selene. The daughter of the neighboring Alpha. The woman every elder wanted Kael to marry. She smiled sweetly at Lyra. Then whispered just loudly enough— “Know your place.” The crowd slowly dispersed. Some wolves deliberately bumped into Lyra as they passed. Others mocked her openly. “Rejected!” “Wolfless trash!” “Even her mate couldn’t stand her.” Someone threw dirt onto her dress. Someone else laughed. Lyra remained on her knees. Broken. Humiliated. Completely alone. Hours passed before she finally stood. The ceremonial grounds were nearly empty. Only the cold moon remained above. She looked toward the Moon Goddess statue standing beside the altar. “Why?” Her voice cracked. “What did I do wrong?” No answer came. Only silence. She forced herself to walk home. Every step felt heavier than the last. When she entered the small wooden house, her adoptive mother rushed toward her. “My child…” Lyra stepped back. “No.” Tears rolled down her face. “I don’t want pity.” Her adoptive father clenched his fists helplessly. “We’re sorry…” “They’ll never stop.” Lyra smiled bitterly. “They already won.” Before either of them could answer— A loud knock shook the front door. Three warriors stood outside. Each wore the Alpha’s crest. The leader unrolled a scroll. “By order of Alpha Victor Blackwood.” Lyra’s stomach tightened. The warrior read aloud. “Lyra Ashwood, rejected mate of the future Alpha, is hereby stripped of all privileges within Moonfang Pack.” Another scroll appeared. “Effective immediately, she is banished beyond the western borders.” Her adoptive mother gasped. “What?” The warrior ignored her. “No pack member may offer shelter.” “No pack member may provide food.” “No pack member may assist her.” “Anyone who disobeys will be punished for treason.” The scroll rolled shut. “You leave before sunrise.” Lyra stared at them. She had lost her mate. Now… She had lost her home. The warriors walked away without another word. Inside the house, silence settled like death itself. Her adoptive mother broke into tears. Her father punched the wall until his knuckles bled. Lyra simply walked to her small room. She packed a single worn backpack. One cloak. A few pieces of bread. Her mother’s old necklace. Nothing more. She looked around the tiny room that had been her home for eighteen years. Tomorrow… She would have nothing. Outside, thunder rolled across the mountains. The Blood Moon glowed brighter than ever. Far beyond Moonfang territory… Deep within the Forbidden Forest… Golden eyes suddenly opened in the darkness. A powerful voice echoed through the ancient woods. “At last…” “The true Luna has awakened.” And somewhere inside Lyra’s shattered soul… Something ancient stirred.