MARK OF THE FORSAKEN
Blurb
Liana has lived in exile for years because of a birthmark, known as “The Mark of the Forsaken,” which her pack believes brings a terrible curse. But when Ryker, an Alpha in need of help, finds her, Liana has a chance to prove that her mark might be the key to saving his pack. As the two work together, Liana uncovers secrets about her heritage—and a power within her that she never knew she possessed. But with her heart and her life on the line, Liana must make an impossible choice: embrace the power that could save everyone at the cost of losing her fated mate or risk everything to find another way.
Exposition
The story begins by introducing Liana’s life in isolation, with flashbacks revealing how her birthmark led her pack to fear her, forcing her into exile. Rumors about “The Mark” swirl among the packs, and Liana’s life of loneliness and survival has shaped her into a wary and hardened soul.
Inciting Incident
Liana’s quiet life is shattered when Ryker, the Alpha of a nearby pack, arrives at her door, seeking her help. His pack has been plagued by an unbreakable curse, and after hearing legends of “The Mark,” he believes that Liana may be his only hope. Initially reluctant, Liana agrees, seeing a chance to finally be accepted and find purpose.
Rising Action
As Liana and Ryker work together to break the curse, they grow close, their fated mate bond intensifying their connection. Liana begins to unlock strange powers tied to her mark, which allow her to hold sway over the supernatural forces behind the curse. However, she discovers dark truths about her family’s past and the curse’s origins, which reveal that her ancestors created the curse to protect against a greater evil.
Meanwhile, Ryker’s initial secret intentions to use Liana as a possible sacrifice to break the curse come to light. Liana struggles to trust him, and her conflicting emotions create tension between them, making their bond even more precarious.
Climax
Liana faces a devastating choice: use her powers to fully defeat the enemy causing the curse, which could save Ryker’s pack but may cost him his life, or attempt a riskier, untested path that could save everyone without sacrifice. At the height of her internal struggle, Liana must confront the part of herself that longs for acceptance and the part that fears her power.
Denouement
In the end, Liana’s choice has lasting consequences on her relationship with Ryker, her understanding of her power, and her sense of belonging. Whether or not she finds a way to save him and the pack, Liana finally understands the truth about her heritage and accepts herself fully, stepping into her role not as a curse, but as a force of hope for her people.
