Shirley's POV
Eric's comments continued to echo in my ears as I staggered through the woodland. The chilly wind felt more abrasive than normal, as though it were taunting me. I made my way to my buddy Mia's cottage, the only location I knew would provide any solace. No matter how stupid I sounded, she was the one person who had ever listened to me and never passed judgment.
I arrived at her snug little cabin and knocked gently. My heart felt like it had been broken into pieces, and my face was stained with tears I didn't want anyone else to see me like this.
When the door opened and Mia spotted me, her expression softened. "Shirley," she whispered as she drew me into an embrace. "Enter now."
Thankful for the warmth of the fire burning in the tiny stone fireplace, I followed her inside. I felt so empty as I settled into the shabby, old couch.
With her hand on my shoulder, Mia sat next to me. "Tell me what took place."
Trying not to cry any more, I took a trembling breath. "He... he turned me away, Mia. Eric declared that he would never pick me to be his Luna. He believes that I'll never be good enough and that I'm too weak.
Mia squeezed my hand as her enraged eyes deepened. Shirley, that is untrue. He simply cannot see how wonderful you are because he is blind.
"However, what if he is correct?" I could hardly look her in the eye as I whispered. "What if I'm not strong enough? I might not belong here.
"Don't say that," Mia forcefully retorted. "You've always put others before yourself and supported the pack." I can see it, but Eric cannot. He doesn't comprehend how much more valuable you are.
Although her comments gave me comfort, I was still plagued by doubt. I wanted to trust her, but the glimmer of optimism I had was shattered by Eric's rejection.
The pack assembled close to the main hall the following day. I was unable to avoid being seen, so I stood off to the side. Even though I knew Eric was going to make a statement, I was nevertheless drawn to what he had to say.
Eric approached the platform with a controlled and solemn expression. His cold, detached gaze swept over the audience as though he had already made up his decision.
His voice echoed across the gathering as he said, "I want to talk to you all about the future of this pack." Every pack leader needs a Luna by his side, as you are aware. It is a custom and essential to our family's stability and cohesion.
The audience nodded in accord and mumbled. My chest began to ache. Even though he understood he had turned down his partner, me, he was still talking about a Luna. It felt like a face slap.
Eric went on, his voice unflinching. "Even if they are challenging, I must make sacrifices to properly lead this pack. I've decided to turn down my fated partner. I make this decision for the benefit of all of us.
The audience gasped, and I experienced a rise in feelings of betrayal and embarrassment. To cement the decision in everyone's memory, he publicly rejected me rather than just privately.
It was intolerable to me. I was propelled through the mob by my legs until I was only a few paces away from the platform. Whispers spread like wildfire as everyone turned to stare.
"Eric!" I yelled, my voice trembling but loud enough to get through to him. There was a moment of astonishment in his eyes before they returned to their usual icy hue as he gazed down.
"Shirley, what is it?" His voice was quiet, perhaps too calm, as he inquired.
I inhaled deeply, sensing that everyone was watching me. "Just allow me to show myself, please. I can learn, even though I'm not the strongest. I can be the necessary Luna for you.
His expression was unreadable as he gazed at me for a considerable amount of time. "Shirley," he began, with a sarcastic tone that made my skin crawl, "you don't get it. Being strong is not enough. It's about having the ability and being a role model for the pack.
"I can be that individual!" My voice quivered in desperation as I argued. "I can fulfil all of your needs. Give me a chance, please.
He shook his head, nevertheless. "It's not that easy. You're not strong enough. Shirley, you will always be a liability.
The remarks were like a kick to the stomach. I tried to remain calm as I looked up at him, but the pain was too much.
I said in a barely audible whisper, "Please, Eric." "Avoid doing this."
But the chat was ended because he had already turned away. I stood by myself, ashamed and dejected, as the crowd started to thin out.
Later that day, while I was exploring the pack's area, I heard Elara's voice, which I recognized. She was talking to a group of pack members nearby while laughing and speaking in a satisfied tone. I approached curiously and listened.
One of the pack members remarked, "Elara, it seems like Eric is taking you seriously as a possible Luna." Will you accept, do you think?
Their remarks caused my heart to wrench. Elara? As Luna? It was unbelievable to me.
Rich and arrogant, Elara's laughter echoed once more. With an overly confident tone, she answered, "Well, it's a possibility." "After all, he needs someone worthy and strong."
It felt betraying to hear what she had to say. Was Elara, who had always made fun of me and denigrated me, now regarded as Luna? The universe seemed to be punishing me by adding salt to all my wounds.
I felt more alone than ever when I turned and left. Surrounded by people who thought I was a weak, pitiful outcast, I no longer wanted to be here. I was reminded of my shortcomings everywhere I looked.
Before I could even gather my thoughts, I was called to meet Eric later that night. Fearing the worst, my pulse raced as I made my way to the meeting spot. Eric was standing there looking serious when I got there.
He didn't waste any time in saying, "Shirley." "I've thought about this a lot, and I think you should take some time off for the benefit of the pack."
With my heart sinking, I blinked. "You want me out of the pack?"
He gave a nod. "For the time being. Shirley, I want you to discover your mission. Perhaps some alone time can help you discover your true desires.
As I felt the ground give way beneath me, I muttered, "But... this is my home."
His voice was forceful as he urged, "It's for your good." It might be different if you can return with a specific goal in mind. However, I think it would be best for you to stay away until then.
My eyes pricked with tears, but I fought them back. I wouldn't let him enjoy watching me cry once more.
"You're throwing me out, then?" With hardly more than a whisper, I asked.
Despite his hesitation, he nodded. Indeed. Shirley, either find your purpose or stay an outsider.
After saying that, he turned and left, leaving me by myself in the dark.
Alone and banished, I stared at the empty path where Eric had disappeared, my heart shattering as I realized that I had lost everything.