The Hidden Gem

“Aurora, pick yourself up, you good-for-nothing, stupid wolf!” Luna Martina’s furious voice rang out across the Dark Moon Pack house. Aurora flinched, her hands trembling slightly as she answered submissively, “Coming, Mother.” Deep down, bitterness twisted inside her. Why did they even name me Aurora? she wondered, her heart heavy. Aurora—the Roman goddess of the dawn, the bringer of light. The irony stung. Wolves cherished the night, the moonlight, the darkness. She had never belonged. Dragging herself from her small, cold floor bed, Aurora quickly bathed and dried her hair with shaking hands. Every second she spent getting ready, fear gnawed at her. She knew too well the consequences of delay. As she descended the grand staircase, more harsh words met her ears. “She’s nothing but a disgrace,” Martina hissed loudly enough for anyone nearby to hear. Aurora's chest tightened. No matter how hard she tried, nothing was ever enough for them. She wasn’t just a disappointment—she was hated. Once, long ago, she had been loved. Once, before Penelope died. Penelope. The name itself felt like a stab to her heart. You may ask—who was Penelope? Penelope was the youngest of Alpha Steve Moondrake’s daughters—the bright, beloved light of the Dark Moon Pack. There were three sisters: Madeline, the eldest; Aurora, the middle child; and Penelope, the precious baby of the family. When Penelope was alive, Aurora had tasted a life of affection and warmth. But the day Penelope died, everything changed. Their love soured into hatred. Aurora was cast out—treated worse than an omega, lower than dirt. The sound of heels clicking against marble snapped Aurora back to the present. Her mother stood there, hands on her hips, glaring with open contempt. “So, you’ve finally decided to grace us with your presence,” Martina sneered. “How many times must I tell you? You’re supposed to wake early and help the omegas with breakfast!” Aurora clenched her fists but kept her voice respectful. “Mother, we have omegas assigned to chores. Why should I—daughter of an Alpha—spend my life serving when it isn’t required of me? I’ve been helping since—since Pene—” She cut herself off too late. SLAP! Pain exploded across her cheek, and her head snapped to the side. Tears welled up instantly. “You dare!” Alpha Steve’s voice rumbled like an earthquake as he stepped forward, his hand still raised from the strike. “You have no right to speak back to your Luna—or your mother. And don’t you dare mention her name. We all know whose fault it was!” Aurora staggered backward, clutching her burning cheek. “But Father... I’m your daughter. I—” Another giggle cut her off. From the dining room, Madeline watched with undisguised amusement. “Simply put,” Madeline said sweetly, “you’re unfit to be the daughter of an Alpha. You’re an omega in disguise—and worse, you’re a murderer. You’re lucky we haven’t thrown you into the dungeons.” The words pierced deeper than any slap could. Aurora’s vision blurred with tears. “I didn’t hurt Penelope,” she whispered brokenly. “She was my sister. I loved her. No one ever even listened to me... you just decided I was guilty.” For a fleeting second, she hoped her words would crack their icy hearts. She should have known better. “Oh, we do care for you,” Madeline said mockingly. “That’s why, starting today, you’re no longer working with the omegas like you always whined about. I spoke with Mother. She agreed.” Aurora’s heart leapt with fragile hope. She rushed forward and hugged Madeline tightly. “Thank you, Madeline! Thank you for standing up for me!” But instead of hugging her back, Madeline shoved her hard to the floor. Aurora hit the marble with a painful thud, staring up at her sister in confusion and betrayal. Madeline smirked down at her. “You’re right—you’re not working with the omegas anymore. Because now, you’re working for me. You’re my personal assistant. You’ll do everything I say, whenever I say it. And lucky you—we’re going to the same university.” Aurora’s wolf, Mystic, growled low inside her mind. Fight back. Don’t let her treat you like this! But Aurora swallowed her pride. If she fought now, they would strip away the only thing she had left—her education. But then Aurora can't help and outburst “You can’t!” Aurora blurted out. “I’m your sister. We’re equals! Daughters of the Alpha!” The room crackled with tension. For a moment, her anger flared bright—dominant, powerful—the kind of dominance that could challenge for leadership. Steve’s face darkened. SLAP! Another blow landed, splitting her lower lip. “You disrespect your sister again, and I’ll forbid you from attending university altogether!” Steve roared. “Madeline is the rightful heir of the Dark Moon Pack. You—you’re nothing.” Alpha made an instant move so that Aurora stop being dramatic and to be true to his self, he felt that her daughter buried a great aura deep within his little outburst. Ignoring her bleeding lip, Aurora bowed her head in submission. Madeline tossed her hair triumphantly and strutted out, calling over her shoulder, “Bring my things, omega. We’re going to school.” Aurora gathered Madeline’s and her own books and bags, following quietly to the sleek black car. She loaded everything carefully, heart pounding, and slipped into the passenger seat. Finally, maybe, they could have a normal drive together. “What do you think you’re doing?” Madeline demanded, scrunching her nose. “I—I'm ready to go to school,” Aurora answered hesitantly. Madeline laughed cruelly. “You think I’m giving you a ride? Dream on, bitch.” Aurora’s face fell as Madeline got into the driver's seat. “You’re going to WALK to the university. Carrying everything. And remember—you’re not allowed to shift. You know the rules.” Madeline shoved all the bags and books onto the ground and revved the engine. “See you there, dear sister,” she cackled before speeding off, spraying dust in Aurora’s face. Aurora bent down, gathering the scattered belongings with trembling hands. Tears blurred her vision, but she refused to let them fall. Slinging the heavy bags over her shoulders, she began the long, agonizing walk to the university. As she trudged along, her heart grew heavier with each step. Today was supposed to be special, she thought bitterly. The first day of college... Instead, she was broken, humiliated, alone. Mystic’s voice whispered in her mind, soft and fierce. Don’t give up, Aurora. It’s not the end. Change is coming. Aurora managed a bitter smile. “Change already came,” she muttered. “From Alpha’s daughter... to a personal slave.” No, Mystic insisted. The real change. The one we’ve been waiting for. Just trust me. Aurora’s steps slowed. Her body ached, her heart ached even more—but some small, stubborn spark inside her refused to die. Maybe Mystic was right. Maybe her story wasn’t over yet. Maybe it was just beginning.