Chapter 6
552words
The door creaked open as a young woman entered with a steaming bowl.
"You're awake! Thank the Goddess!"
"Where am I?"
"The Dark Night Pack territory. I'm Sophia."
The Dark Night Pack—sworn enemies of Silver Moon.
"Why... why would you save me?"
"It wasn't me—it was our Alpha," she said brightly. "Besides, you're special. Your body glowed while you were unconscious."
"Pure silver, like captured moonlight."
I stared at her, dumbfounded.
"You didn't know? Our Alpha says you're a Moon Chosen One. Only three have existed in the last five centuries," Sophia explained. "You're the fourth."
"The mark only reveals itself after a mating bond is severed. You couldn't have known before."
I stared at my hands, searching for some visible sign.
So I wasn't just any Luna.
I was chosen by the Moon Goddess herself.
No wonder I'd always felt drawn to moonlight. No wonder my healing abilities far surpassed other Omegas'.
Karl hadn't banished a simple Luna—he'd cast out his pack's greatest blessing.
I smiled through tears that burned like acid.
The irony was almost beautiful.
Karl banished me to secure his pack's future.
And in doing so, destroyed it.
After a month of recovery, I regained my strength.
Ares visited my chambers.
"Ella, would you consider joining us? Helping our pack?"
The Night Wolves faced their own crisis.
Their Luna had died three years ago, and Ares had yet to find his mate.
Without a Luna, they lacked the Goddess's full protection.
And a Moon Chosen One could channel blessings to the entire pack.
I saw the hesitation in his eyes and smiled. "You saved my life. Of course I'll help you."
"You're a person, not a tool, Miss Ella."
"You know what I am. Why not simply claim me as yours?"
"You're in my territory, already bringing the Goddess's favor. But before you are Chosen, you are a person deserving respect." Ares spoke with quiet dignity.
Tears threatened again. A stranger showed me more respect than the man who was supposed to cherish me above all.
I wanted vengeance. I wanted Karl to suffer as I had suffered.
"I am willing to help you," I heard myself say.
"You understand we are Karl's sworn enemies?"
"His enemies are now mine."
"He cast me aside. Now there's nothing between us but hatred."
Ares extended his hand.
"Welcome to the Night Wolves, Ella."
I took his hand firmly in mine.
On the full moon, I stood at the Night Wolves' sacred altar.
The Moon Goddess descended in a column of light.
Silver radiance flooded the entire territory.
The Night Wolves fell to their knees in awe.
"The Goddess... she answers our prayers..."
"We have her blessing again..."
Ares stood at my side, his face illuminated by silver light.
"Ella, will you become Luna of the Night Wolves?"
I turned to face him.
"I've been marked and abandoned once before."
"I can mark you anew. If you're willing."
I considered his words carefully.
"I need time."
"I'll wait."
In my heart, I already knew my answer.
I would never be anyone's Luna again.
I've had enough of being used as a tool. Although Ares respects me and seems like a good mate, but...
I want to try living for myself.
