The Luna’s Second Chance

3

Elena’s POV

As I fell, a strange warmth spread through me, softening the violent rush of wind and numbing the pain. It felt as if time had slowed, suspending me in the darkness. My vision blurred, yet within the shadows, I sensed a presence—ancient as the earth, filled with immeasurable sorrow.

A voice echoed around me, ghostly yet warm. "You called upon me, child. You seek vengeance and retribution."

I shivered. Furia was real, and she had answered my call. Though my voice felt faint, it came out steady. "Avenge me. They hurt me so much."

The goddess emerged before me, cloaked in dark, shifting mist. A hand, cold as death, brushed my cheek, and from within her veil, piercing silver eyes met mine. They saw through me, past the wounds and into my very soul. Her whisper was both a comfort and a threat.

"I offer you two choices," she said softly. "A second chance to return and claim your revenge, or to burn in hell as payment for the blood I shall shed on your behalf." Her voice dropped lower, filling my mind. "And if you choose the former, know that a new life also comes at a price."

Without hesitation, I made my choice. "I want a second chance. I’ll do whatever it takes to get it."

Her voice slipped to a haunting murmur, brushing close to my ear. "Even if it costs you what you once dearly wished for in life?"

"Whatever it takes," I replied.

"Then rise, Elena Salvador. You are now a child of vengeance. Do not forget your mission, do not falter and vengeance will be yours."

The sensation of falling ceased, and darkness gave way to blinding light. Suddenly, I jolted awake in a strange but familiar room, the scent of fresh herbs filling the air. And then I saw him, Tyrion.

My eyes widened as I sat up. "Tyrion!" I threw my arms around his neck, clinging to him. "You are alive!"

"Yes, but in another second, you might just kill me," he choked out, his strained voice making me realize I was squeezing him too tightly.

I pulled back, and as I looked into his bright blue eyes, eyes I had not seen in years. I felt a rush of emotions. Tears spilled over as I whispered, "You are really here."

He looked at me with a mix of worry and confusion. "You must have really hit your head hard," he chuckled, the sound strangely comforting. "Get it together. Your betrothed will be here soon to check on you."

Betrothed? I almost repeated, the word stirring memories I had buried long ago. Those were his exact words three years ago when I first came to Moonburn Pack. the time I fainted from exhaustion …Realization struck me, and I gasped. Had Furia really taken me back?

I swung my legs over the bed and stood, running my hands over my body. There was no pain, no sick feeling, no blood gushing from my ears and eyes. It was as though my suffering had been a dream, or maybe a warning from the goddess.

Overcome with joy, I grabbed Tyrion’s hands. "Tyrion, let’s run away from here right now. We can find a quiet village, just like we planned, and start over."

He gave me a baffled look, furrowing his brow. "Lena, are you sure you are all right? Did you hit your head?"

I laughed, feeling lighter than I had in years. "I am perfectly fine. I feel better than ever.JUst stop asking questions and come with me." we made that plan years ago and there was no better time to execute it than the present.

But just as I spun to drag him, something strange happened. Tyrion sat down, repeating his earlier words as if nothing had changed. I opened my mouth to explain, but every time I tried, time rewound, pulling me back to his first mention of my betrothed coming to check on me.

No matter what I did, the loop kept resetting. I began to understand. The life I thought was a dream was my former life. Furia gave me a second chance to live. The harsh truth broke my heart.

Finally, I sank back onto the bed, allowing the loop to reset as Tyrion leaned close, smiling gently. "Do not worry, Lena. I am not going anywhere. I will be right here."

I nodded with tears in my eyes. If only he knew the fate awaiting him. No, I would not let that happen this time. I would protect him, even if it cost me everything.

"Do not cry, Lena. I won’t let anyone hurt you," Tyrion said, brushing a tear from my cheek with a warm smile.

And then I remembered. This was the day of my betrothal, the day my aunt and father agreed to give my hand in marriage to Moonburn’s alpha to end the endless hunt his wolves had sworn to kill all witches including my mother’s coven.

My father, a beta from a smaller pack, had agreed to the compromise out of desperation. They had been willing to fight Moonburn, but when Sebastian demanded my hand in marriage, they saw it as an escape from war. No one had cared that I was only nineteen. No one had even asked what I wanted.

Like before, Tyrion leaned in to kiss my forehead. But then, he entered.

The room shifted, time seeming to slow as I turned to face him. As he entered, his presence made an impact in the room, a towering muscular frame, wrapped in a tailored suit that did little to mask the raw powers oozing from him. Dark hair framed his chinsled face as if it was from stone, with piercing dark eyes with hidden allur but obvious danger. I used to adore everything about this man, he was handsome to a fault. But I could see it now. The seeds of jealousy and suspicion had always been there, even back then. I had been blinded by love that I could see

Before Sebastian could speak, I rose to my feet and faced him with newfound courage. "Alpha Sebastian Williams," I said firmly, my voice unwavering, "I, Elena Salvador, reject your marriage proposal. And I reject you as my mate."