THE ESCAPE

LOUISA.

News of Dominic and I being mates quickly spread across the pack and the general atmosphere is that of shock and tension.

Shock, because who would ever think that Dominic would be mated to me?

Tension because they know who he is and are wary of how he would act.

Hell, I am wary of his reaction but I don't plan on staying to find out.

I hear it in the quiet whispers of those who pass by Harriet's door and in how they try to look inside.

I see it in the tailor’s look as she takes my measurements for the ceremonial gown.

I feel it in the sudden silence that envelops a place when Dominic walks by.

And through it all, there is just one resounding thought in my head.

Leave.

Leave before it is too late.

“This is a beautiful gown,” Harriet comments as she takes an admiring look at me, standing on a podium.

I turn to look at my reflection and I will give it to her, it is a stunning dress.

The gown is made from smooth, pure white silk, adorned with intricate silver stitching that sparkles in the sunlight, resembling the shimmering reflection of moonlight on water. My neckline is demure yet captivating, showing delicate lace accents that follow the contours of my collarbone. The sleeves fall gracefully down my arms, sheer and airy like fluffy clouds, while the bodice fits my body perfectly before elegantly flaring out into a gentle A-line shape, trailing behind me in a beautiful but short train.

I hate it.

It is a sham.

It would have been perfect if my eyes were not so dead.

My usually sparkling green eyes appear muted and dead, my Auburn hair is lifeless and my skin pale.

No signs of joy in it.

“Oh, Rowan, sweet child,” Harriet says as she walks up to me and takes my hands, looking up at me with beautiful concerned hazel eyes. “I know you two have had a rough start but I have no doubt that you will get over this rough patch and grow to love each other,” she finishes.

Rough start.

Rough patch.

Her son has hated me from the get go and she calls it a rough patch…

What a joke.

“What do you say, huh? Can you give him another chance?”

I manage to muster up a smile - a weak one, but a smile nonetheless- and answer.

“Yes, Luna. I will try.”

“Oh, no more of that. No more calling me Luna, you are Luna now. Call me mom.”

Right.

“Of course, Lu- mom.”

Luna.

Of a pack who has abused me.

Isn't that just hilarious?

“Thank you,” she says as she pulls me into a hug. “Why don't you take off the gown now, and have a shower and a nap? You have had a rough day and don't worry, I will have someone bring in your dinner.”

“Hmm, thank you.”

I quickly strip out of the oppressive gown and hand it to her before dressing in the simple shirt and slacks she had provided for me earlier.

She leads me to the bed, tucking me in before she walks out.

Alone at last, I take the time to seriously contemplate the options before me.

If I stay, I can be sure to live a miserable life, looked down upon by my mate and by extension the rest of the pack. No respect, no comfort.

Leave and face a world of the unknown.

An unknown that offers a shot of a good life.

A peaceful one.

No matter how dark and unlikely it is.

In the end, it isn't that hard to choose.

I wait for dusk to fall and for a knock to signal my dinner has been brought.

Opening the door, I find Clarisse, one of Dominic’s closest friends holding a tray and I quickly move to close the door.

“Don’t,” she says quickly while fixing her feet between the door and its post. “I am not here to fight, okay? Luna- I mean, Luna 's mother asked me to bring you dinner. That is all.”

I am tempted to still slam the door in her face, but the gurgling sound of my stomach takes away that choice.

“Thank you,” I say as I take the tray from her.

Without another word, she turns and leaves.

I quickly gobble up the simple meal before stacking the tray on the centre table and heading out of the room.

The halls are empty and silent as I move through them, my destination clear in my mind.

I manage to reach my own room without any hassle and begin packing the few things I have left to my name.

A simple locket that has been with me for as long as I can remember, my diaries, an old but well loved puff jacket, and a few clothes.

That done, I take one final glance at my room, - slightly bigger than a small pantry - before leaving.

I take the back door, careful to not make a sound as I skull my way along the property, heading towards the woods that will hide my presence and allow me to run freely towards the territory boundaries.

The plan is going fabulously well until I hear the sounds of snarling and growling from behind me.

Chasing me.

I don't look back.

Instead, I pick up speed, running faster than I ever thought imaginable or possible

But it is not enough.

I get knocked off my feet with such a heavy hit it takes my breath away and makes me see stars.

By the time I get my breath back, I realise that I am surrounded.

And in the centre of the circle with me is Dominic, who walks slowly toward me and squats down until he is at eye level with me.

“Going somewhere? Mate.”