His Beautiful Salvation

"He was the beast, and I was the prey. Between the darkness and Darius, I wasn't sure which would destroy me first.” The scent of burnt wood wafted through the air, the room was dark and small,the only source of lighting was the fireplace at the corner of the room. Aurora stared at her reflection in the mirror, her stepmother,Julie, stood behind her, her eyes narrowing as she adjusted Aurora's dress. “Stand up straight,and carry your head high, Aurora.” Julie snapped. “Yes ma.” Aurora replied, her voice barely audible. “You look like a servant, not an alpha's daughter. Today is my daughter's big day, don't think of ruining it.” Julie said as she tightened Aurora's dress. Aurora felt a twinge of anger, but she knew that it was best to be silent, she stood, her eyes downcast, as Julie adjusted her dress. The fabric of the dress was a hard,scratchy material, a reminder of her place in the household. “I'm done here, make sure to behave yourself, and please don't go rubbing your misfortune on my daughter, I won't take it lightly if something goes wrong.” Julie sneered. Just at that moment, Alpha Greg entered the room, and immediately his gaze fell on Aurora, his eyes cold and dismissive. “You look okay.” he said, his voice laced with resentment. Aurora's chest tightened,a sad feeling settling inside her, she bowed her head.”Thank you, sir.” He ignored her,then turned to Julie.”How is Nadine doing?” A wide smile appeared on Julie's face.”Your daughter is ready, trust me, they wouldn't know what hit them.” Greg's face lit up with pride, and Aurora felt her heart twist in pain, she was invisible to her father, she was just a reminder of the wife he had lost, and he blamed her for it. Julie turned to her,”Come downstairs so that we can welcome our guests, and remember to behave, do not speak unless you are spoken to.” “ Did you hear me?” Julie barked when she didn't get a response from Aurora. “Yes ma,” Aurora replied and proceeded to go downstairs. As she went downstairs she heard Julie greet their guests with a very bright smile that reached her eyes. “Good afternoon Luna Grace, it's an honor to have you and your family here.” They all moved to the dining hall, which was furnished exquisitely, The smile on Nadine's face was plastered on so tight, it looked like her cheeks might c***k from the strain. The long dinner table was adorned with the finest cutleries,and the sweet aroma of food filled the air. Alpha Greg raised his glass,a broad smile spreading across his face. The aroma of roasted meat, and freshly baked potatoes filled the air, and the sound of soft murmurs were also heard. “To our esteemed guests, and allies from moonlight pack,”. Greg began, his excitement could be heard from his voice.”Tonight,we celebrate a union that will sustain the bond between our packs,a bond that will last a lifetime. I speak,of course,of the union between my daughter, Nadine, and the future Alpha of moonlight pack,Alex. Everyone in the room clapped, making Nadine blush prettily,her eyes shining with excitement and pride. Alex,who was seated beside her, smiled gracefully,as he raised his glass in response. As the guests echoed the toast, Aurora's gaze shifted to Nadine,who was smiling, and chatting with Alex,her eyes filled with happiness. A pang of jealousy stirred within Aurora's heart, a longing for love and acceptance. Aurora,seated at the far end of the table, felt invisible,her presence barely recognized by anyone,she raised her glass carefully as the room echoed with cheers. Julie, who was dressed in a blue gown, and a beautiful white pearl, that sat on her neck, beamed at her husband,her eyes shining with joy.”To the future Alpha and Luna!” she chimed in. Greg's smile widened with satisfaction.” To the future Alpha and Luna.” he repeated. In the midst of the toast,a loud scream pierced the air, making everyone at the dining hall jerk in fear. Elisabeth, the youngest daughter of Luna Grace, stood frozen,her eyes widened in horror as she gazed into the distance. Her body began to convulse, and her eyes turned cloudy. The air around her seemed to thicken, heavy with an unknown presence that scared members of dark crescent pack. “She's having a vision,” Alex whispered, his voice laced with anxiety. The members of the moonlight pack were favored by the moon goddess,they were known for their special abilities, and Elisabeth's visions always came to pass. Her lips parted, and a voice that wasn't hers spoke,as though she was possessed. “Destruction..Death…A new age is coming.. Leaders will be stripped of their powers…packs will be torn apart..it can't be stopped.” With that the vision ended, and Elisabeth's body slumped to the floor, her mother rushed to her. She looked at her mother,tears streaming down her beautiful face,her eyes filled with fear.”Something is coming,we need to prepare for war.” Everyone began talking at once, asking what she saw, and what it meant. Greg's face was gloomy, his eyes narrowed as he tried to calm everyone down. Julie's face was pale,her eyes fixed on Elisabeth with a mixture of fear, and curiosity. As members of the moonlight pack began to leave, Elisabeth's eyes locked with Aurora's. She stared at her,her gaze boring into Aurora's soul, sending shivers down her spine. Aurora's eyes widened,her heart raced in her chest. She didn't know what Elisabeth saw, but she knew that it had something to do with her. After the last member of moonlight pack left, Julie stormed towards Aurora.”This is all your fault, you've brought your misfortune upon our pack.” Julie spat,her face red with anger. Before Aurora could defend herself, Julie slapped her right across the face.”You are cursed, you want to kill us all, just like you killed your mother.” Julie said as she stormed out of the dining hall. Nadine looked at Aurora with tears, and Greg comforted her as they left the room, leaving Aurora,who was crying on the floor.