I felt a soft object land on my head while I was nestled under my blanket, and I let out a groan, reluctant to rouse from my slumber or leave the cozy bed.
"Unatha!" A voice screeched, though my grogginess prevented me from identifying the source.
"Unatha!" The voice persisted, this time louder, causing me to snap awake. I glanced around in confusion, my vision clearing to reveal Ravenna standing before me, hands resting on her hips.
Ravenna's neatly braided dark purple hair complemented her cute off-shoulder white dress, adorned with small flowers along the edges. The dress, reaching just above her knees, had a modest yet slightly revealing neckline that exposed a hint of her tanned skin. She accessorized with wolf earrings and a matching pendant.
She looked beautiful.
"What's the occasion?" I muttered, still battling remnants of sleep as I dropped my head back onto my pillow, only to feel a pinch on my ears.
"Get up, you lazy dog!" Ravenna's voice rang out again. "It's Luna day!" At that declaration, the last traces of sleep disappeared, and I swiftly leaped out of bed. I pushed Ravenna aside, grabbed my toothbrush from the study table, and started brushing without even heading to the bathroom.
Oh no, I completely forgot!
"What's the time?" I managed to ask Ravenna between toothbrush strokes. She rolled her eyes before glancing at the oval clock on the white wall.
"It's nearly 9," she replied, crossing her arms.
9?! The ceremony started at 9!
"Why didn't you wake me earlier?!" I exclaimed, spitting out the toothbrush and removing my nightdress carelessly, regardless of Ravenna's presence. "Don't blame me! I tried, but you nearly slapped my head off," she defended herself as I closed the bathroom door. I turned on the shower, pumped some liquid soap onto my hand, and washed my face.
"You're a big betrayer! And you're already dressed!" I retorted, rinsing my face.
I heard a snort from behind the bathroom door as she walked out of my room. "Andrew and Daniel are ready. Hurry up!" she called out before her voice faded away.
"Andrew's back?!" I yelled, but she was already gone. Andrew is the eldest, followed by Daniel, and my closest friend is the youngest. Andrew had left for the Moon shadow clan two weeks ago to finalize arrangements with his new mate and her family. She hailed from the east, where interpack romances were rare.
He had estimated returning within a month, making it quite surprising to learn he was already back so soon.
Turning off the shower, I grabbed my white towel and rushed out of the bathroom, briskly drying my hair and body.
I reached into my closet and picked out the black and white dress I had set aside for Luna Day. This was a special occasion, the day when she would be chosen as Luna, and I wanted to look my best.
The V-neckline added an elegant touch to the outfit, and the contrast between the black and white colors made it stand out.
Following the announcement and celebration, I would finally have the chance to be alone with Theo, and the anticipation was exhilarating.
Oddly enough, one couldn't fully mate with their partner until the moon goddess announced the pairing. It was a puzzling choice by the goddess, one that I found rather unnecessary and quite foolish.
"Una!" Ravenna's voice pierced through the air from the sitting room, revealing her impatience.
I quickly slipped into the dress and zipped it up, then applied red lipstick and mascara.
The dress was designed to fit me snugly, enhancing my figure and making a bold fashion statement. It was important to look confident and stylish for such an important event.
I noticed the high slit on one side of the dress as I looked in the mirror. It added a touch of allure and allowed for easy movement, which would be perfect for the activities and ceremonies of Luna Day. The combination of the V-neckline and high slit struck a balance between sophistication and a hint of allure, fitting for the significant day ahead. I knew I had chosen the right outfit for this special occasion.
I donned the diamond square earrings and pendant that Theo had gifted me on my 19th birthday some weeks ago. A touch of flowery perfume and a brush through my hip-length white-blonde hair completed my preparation.
Exiting the room with a silver clutch and matching kitten heel shoes, I called out, "I'm ready!"
I almost collided with Andrew as he emerged from the kitchen, and he chuckled.
"You look stunning, Una," he complimented, and I blushed slightly. If only he weren't about two decades older than me...and if not for the peculiar way the moon goddess selects mates, who knows what might have developed between us.
Andrew embodied gentlemanliness, possessing both capability and kindness. He was undeniably attractive too, and during his time at the human college of Cambridge, he was known for being quite the bookworm.
At times, I wondered if I felt a romantic connection to him, and perhaps vice versa, but it was irrelevant. The moon goddess's choice remained absolute and beyond dispute. And besides, Theo already loved me, and he was the future Alpha.
Before Andrew could continue his praise, Daniel emerged from the kitchen, cutting him off. "That's enough. Out you go. You're running late," he quipped, winking at me and prompting me to blush.
"Alright. It's time to be Luna," I said, ignoring the knot of apprehension in my stomach and stepping out with pride.
The members of the Nightfang pack were gathered in front of Alpha Kaden's residence. Dozens of tables, each seating three or four individuals, decorated the floor, numbering close to 60. People sat dressed in their finest attire and some were engaged in quiet conversations, holding glasses of wine or other drinks.
I searched for my parents, hoping to avoid them as I always did. Sighing in relief when they were nowhere to be seen, my attention shifted to the imposing black podium set at the front. My eyes scanned for Theo, but he wasn't visible. Instead, I spotted his father stepping onto the stage, adjusting his tie.
As Daniel, Andrew, Ravenna, and I secured an empty table, Theo's father began to speak.
"Thank you all for gracing my son and me with your presence this morning," he began, the crowd hushing at the commanding tone of the Alpha.
"As you're aware, today marks my transition from Alpha of this capable pack, passing the mantle to my able and beloved son. He's been my everything since my dear wife passed away years ago."
"Myself and Beta Adam will step aside, handing over leadership to our sons. May they prove as capable as we were." His voice took on a harsh edge, and I cringed, understanding the jab he was aiming at my relationship with Theo.
"He'll now address you all. It's been an absolute honor." Applause rippled through the crowd as Theo approached the podium.
My heart fluttered at his striking appearance. He had donned a black tuxedo adorned with gold accents, gold cufflinks complementing the ensemble. His hair was neatly styled, enhancing his attractive physique.
"Nightfang, I'm grateful for your presence today. I've eagerly awaited this day for as long as I can remember, possibly even before my conception," he jests, eliciting a few chuckles.
"As you're aware, to complete the ceremony, I must select a Luna, announcing the mate with whom I'll spend my life guarding and protecting the pack. The mate I'll love for eternity." His gaze met mine amidst the crowd. Holding my breath, I felt Ravenna's hand slip into mine.
At a nearby table, voices started to mutter, "Could it be the wolfless runt?" A middle-aged man with graying hair questioned, his companions joining in mocking laughter.
Ignoring their comments, my focus remained on Theo. His eyes locked onto mine, and time seemed to halt as he delayed the announcement.
"Well? Who is it?" impatience tainted Beta Adam's face.
"Aleena Roselle."
Wait, that's... that's not my name.
My heart raced as I heard the name, and my breath caught. Ravenna looked at me in disbelief as Aleena rose from her seat, sending a cruel smile my way before ascending the stage, cheered on by the crowd.
My life had been a series of rejection and exclusion; had felt unworthy of love and broken. From my seemingly incomplete wolf senses to the revelation of my nonexistent wolf, I had believed I was nothing.
Then Theo came into my life, showing me a love I never thought possible. He defended me against pack members' taunts, showered me with kisses when I was hurt, and stood up for me when I wasn't there.
Theo loved me.
Or so I thought.
Aleena's red hair danced as she kissed Theo passionately, her hands running through his hair as he wrapped his arms around her waist, absorbed in the moment.
"What about Unatha?" Andrew rose with force and cried out, capturing everyone's attention. Ravenna pinched his leg, but he ignored her.
"Leave him be," Theo commanded with newfound authority, striding toward us with deliberate steps. The crowd bowed as he passed, a transformed aura surrounding him – one of Alpha dominance.
Andrew winced in pain, and I suspected Theo was asserting his control through the pack link. Theo's gaze briefly flickered to me, now filled with hostility and I recoiled, stepping back as my mascara smudged with tears.
He didn't want me, he was ashamed of me.
My heart shattered at the realization of it, and more tears came raining down my cheeks.
"Unatha Jadis Moonstar, I reject you as-" Theo began, but I cut him off.
"Enough!" I cast a tearful glance at the family who raised me with love and gratitude, then I ran.