Blessed by the Moon Goddess

Chapter 1

I'm standing in my hut as I prepare for the ceremony. The ritual which witches like myself perform to receive a distinct power from the moon goddess.

I can barely hold back my excitement. This ritual will finally make me one of the witches.

I've been an outcast my entire life. My mother was a witch and my father a werewolf, making me a half-blood. The wolves consider me to be impure, including my own father who banished my mother to another kingdom with me.

And after she died, I was exiled to a small cottage in the woods.

As I put on my best dress—a flowing white dress which accentuates my curves and shows off my cleavage— I feel positive.

I hear a loud horn, signifying the commencement of the ceremony. I hurry out of my hut so I can reach the Moon goddesses temple which is located in werewolf territory. The wolves often come to watch the ceremony every year. It's the only time when both species display any form of unity.

As soon as I reach the pack, I begin to feel a buzz in the air. People stare at me. Some seem mesmerised by me, while others stare in contempt.

“You've got a lot of nerve showing up here, half-blood” I know who it is without having to turn.

Amara, a witch.

She had always been a thorn in my side. A constant reminder that I don't fit in anywhere. But tonight, that's going to change.

“I'm a witch too. I have every right to be here”

“Half witch Lyra. Keep that in mind. I doubt you even possess enough witch blood to be blessed by the goddess tonight” she sneers and walks away, swaying her hips and attracting the eyes of several men. Wolf and witch alike.

I take a deep breath, I'm determined not to let anything ruin my night. It appears the ceremony won't be starting yet so I decide to . take a walk around.

The strong buzz in the air grows stronger the deeper I venture. Soon it's a soft hum, calling out to me and pulling me towards it. I follow obediently, my curiosity winning.

I'm standing in front of a grand mansion. I know it doesn't belong to the Alpha, they usually live in the castle. But no doubt whoever owns this is equally as important.

The sensation doesn't stop, it pulls at my heartstrings. I'm led to a room and I can hear soft music playing and the sound of men chattering and laughing.

I pause at the door, feeling reluctant. I shouldn't be here and I don't even know where ‘here’ is. Still, against my better judgement, I go in.

The room is filled with a group of men drinking and talking. I want to turn around, but it is too late. I've already been spotted. They all freeze and I can feel their eyes hot and hungry on my body.

However, I'm no longer looking at the other men.

Sitting at the end of the room is a man with dark curly hair. He has the richest pair of brown eyes I have ever seen. He looks back at me with the same level of wonder and curiosity and something else—desire?

His eyes seem to widen in realisation of something.

“Mate” He says in a low growl and every eye in the room darts between us both.

The man rises, slowly approaching me. His hand reaches for me as he strokes my hair, his hand moving to my cheeks as he stares deep into my eyes.

His hand is warm against my skin and I find myself leaning into his touch.

“Oh my, you are beautiful” He says.

I'm still unable to speak. I never thought I would have a mate. I'm only half wolf blood after all, and I don't even have a wolf. Undeniably, I can still sense my connection with this man.

“That's your mate?” one of the other men questions.

“I can feel it. She's the one” my mate responds, not breaking eye contact.

“Well that's unfortunate. Isn't she the half-blood girl?”

My mate stops in his tracks, his hand slowly drops from my face, a cold feeling takes over. He stares at me intently as if to see through me.

“What is your name?”

“L-lyra” My voice is barely above a whisper. As soon as my name leaves my mouth, he backs away. His gaze turns cold and resentful.

“I am Moonstone's Beta. How can I have a lowly half-blood as my mate?”

He sounds truly offended. The same lips that had complimented my beauty now curse me out.

“Relax Rodric. This must be a mistake”

Until this moment, I have never wondered about a mate. I never thought it would happen, but now, after experiencing the feeling—even for the shortest time—I know I want it.

I don't want him to hate me.

“I'm sorry. I didn't know… I-I just came for the Blessing ceremony”

Rodric looks at me and scoffs. The warmth he'd shown me earlier is no longer there.

“I refuse to accept this. I reject you as my mate”

I just stand there, stunned by his words and their impact. I don't understand it, but I can feel it. My chest aches and my heart feels as though it's been ripped out. I can feel the hot wetness of my blood dripping within me. My breathing grows raggedy.

“But…W-why?” I ask him as my hand tightens around my chest.

“You're not fit to be my mate. Do you have any idea who I am?. Your blood is tainted and you cannot bear me a pure bloodline. You're nothing but an error of nature”

I feel a range of emotions all at once. Hurt, disappointment, anger, frustration. I look around the room and then at Rodric before I run.

Tears begin to pour from my eyes. Every hurtful word that has been said to me begins to replay in my head.

No one wants me.

No one cares for me.

No one needs me.

I'm just a mistake. An error of nature. Rodrics words ring in my ears.

If my own mate is unable to love me, then no one ever will.