The Girl The Moon Forgot
904 Words
Aria's POV
The first thing I learned about the Moon Goddess was that she was never wrong. The second was that she never apologized. If you were born into wealth, it was the Moon Goddess' blessing. If you were born into power, it was because destiny had chosen you. And if you were born an omega…Then you were expected to bow your head, accept your place, and be grateful that stronger wolves allowed you to exist.
At least, that was what everyone in the Silver Fang Pack believed. I had spent twenty-two years pretending I believed it too.
The bell in the eastern watchtower rang three times, its solemn chime echoing through the valley before dawn.
Moon Ceremony Day. The most important day of the year. Outside the servants' quarters, the entire pack buzzed with excitement. Young wolves laughed as they rushed toward the marketplace, where merchants had already begun hanging silver lanterns between the rooftops. Children chased one another through the streets carrying white ribbons, while musicians tuned their instruments beneath the towering statue of the First Alpha.
By sunset, the Moon Altar would be filled with hundreds of wolves from neighboring packs. Some would discover their fated mates. Others would receive appointments as warriors, healers, or advisors. It was the night destinies were revealed.
For most of the pack, it was a celebration. For Me, it was another day of work.
I tightened the faded apron around my waist and lifted two heavy buckets of water from the stone well.
"You're late." The sharp voice made me stop.
Mrs. Hilda, the head housekeeper, stood at the doorway with her arms crossed. Her grey hair was pulled into a severe bun, and her mouth looked permanently set in disapproval.
"The Alpha's guests arrive before noon."
"I know."
"Then why are you standing there?"
"I'm sorry."
"You always are."
I lowered her eyes and continued toward the kitchens. The apology came easily. I had spoken it so often over the years that it no longer felt like a word. It was simply part of breathing.
Inside the manor, dozens of servants hurried from room to room polishing silverware, carrying flowers, and preparing the grand hall. The scent of fresh bread and roasted meat filled the air.
I placed the water beside the kitchen hearth before reaching for another stack of dishes.
"You."
I turned. A young maid hurried toward me.
"Lady Lydia wants her room cleaned again."
"Again?"
The maid shrugged sympathetically.
"She said you missed a spot."
I almost smiled. I hadn't cleaned Lydia's room yesterday. But correcting anyone would only make things worse.
"I'll do it."
I climbed the grand staircase to the second floor. Unlike the servants' quarters, this part of the manor gleamed with polished marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and portraits of Silver Fang's former Alphas.
Every painting showed strength. Victory. Nobility. There was no portrait of an omega.
Lydia's bedroom door stood open. The room smelled of expensive perfume and fresh lilies. Everything was already spotless. The bed perfectly made. The windows sparkling clean. There wasn't a single wrinkle on the silk curtains.
I sighed softly. This wasn't about cleaning. It never was. I picked up a feather duster anyway.
"You missed the mirror."
Lydia's voice drifted from the balcony. She stepped inside wearing a fitted riding outfit of emerald green, her golden hair tied neatly behind her shoulders.
Beautiful.
Confident.
Admired by everyone.
She smiled as if greeting an old friend.
"If I can still see your reflection in it, you clearly haven't polished it enough."
The girls behind her laughed.
I dipped her head.
"I'll clean it again."
"Good."
Lydia walked closer, studying my simple dress.
"Oh..."
"I almost forgot."
Her smile widened.
"Tonight is the Moon Ceremony."
"Yes."
"Are you actually planning to attend?"
The room fell quiet. Even Lydia's friends leaned forward, waiting.
I hesitated.
"I was invited."
Technically.
Every unmated wolf of age was expected to attend.
Lydia laughed.
"My dear Aria…"
"Being required to serve drinks isn't the same as being invited."
The girls burst into laughter. One whispered loudly enough for me to hear.
"Who would ever choose an omega?"
Another added,
"Perhaps the Moon Goddess forgot she exists."
Their laughter echoed through the room. I kept dusting the mirror.
Steady.
Careful.
I refused to give them the satisfaction of seeing me cry.
Lydia stepped beside me.
"Tell me something."
I remained silent.
"Do you actually believe you'll find your mate tonight?"
The question lingered in the air.
I looked at her reflection. A young woman with dark hair. Silver eyes. A face most people described as plain simply because they never looked long enough to notice its quiet beauty.
Did she believe?
She wanted to. More than anything. Because believing was easier than accepting she might always be alone.
"I don't know."
Lydia smiled.
"Let me save you the disappointment."
She leaned close enough for me alone to hear.
"If the Moon Goddess had intended to bless you…"
"...she wouldn't have made you an omega."
Lydia turned gracefully and walked out, her laughter trailing behind her.
The room became silent once more.
I stood before the mirror. For a long time, I simply looked at myself. Then I whispered so quietly that even she barely heard it.
"I still believe."
Outside, the bells rang again. The Moon Ceremony had begun. And before another moonrise...Everything I believed about destiny would be shattered.
- Writer
