Betrayal

Malia

I can't believe it's finally happening. Zade and I are heading to see the seer. An elder in our pack, the Silver Moon, has been talking about her for days now. They say she's got the power to reveal secrets and hidden truths. And boy, do we need her help right now.

Zade and I go way back. We've known each other for a long time since my family moved back here to be part of the pack. We've been dating for more than a year now. Zade, being the Alpha's son, is strong, protective and fearless. And he's also got a heart of gold. I couldn't ask for a better partner. It got even more perfect when our mate bond revealed itself earlier than usual.

But there's something that's been weighing on me for as long as I can remember. My curse.

It's a curse that's been passed down through the women in my family for generations. This curse stops us from shifting into our werewolf forms. It's like a part of me is missing, and it's been a constant sadness in my life.

As we approach the seer's cottage, my heart starts racing. Zade squeezes my hand, trying to calm my nerves. "We're in this together, Malia," he says, his voice filled with determination and assurance.

Taking a deep breath, I push open the creaky wooden door and step inside. The seer, an old woman with eyes that seem to hold all the wisdom of the world, welcomes us warmly. "Welcome, young ones. I've been expecting you," she says, her voice carrying a hint of mystery.

Zade and I exchange a glance, both of us feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness. "We've come seeking answers," Zade speaks up, his voice steady. "My Luna, Malia has been cursed, and we want to know if there's any way to break it."

The seer nods, her gaze fixing on me. And she pauses. "Ah, the curse that has haunted your family for generations. It is a powerful one," she says, her voice filled with sympathy as she looks me in the eyes, "But I'm afraid it's unbreakable."

My heart sinks, and a wave of disappointment washes over me. "Unbreakable?" I repeat, my voice filled with disbelief. "There's gotta be something we can do."

I can't bear the thought of never being able to shift. I already feel like such a failure, not being able to be the Luna that Zade and the pack needs.

The seer's eyes remain unchanging and with a loud gasp she throws her head back almost dramatically, "There's a looming darkness... drawing nearer to you. Numerous times you shall fail, for there is only one way to prevail." The seers head returns back to it's normal position as if nothing happened.

Zade looks at the seer confused, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"I don't make the prophecies, they just come to me. I'm merely the messenger."

I can see how much the Zade wants more details about this new prophecy but I could care less. All I want is to break this darn curse!

I don't want to be judged and disrespected by pack members any more just because I am a wolfless Luna. I never told Zade about the silent judgment and indifference I've been experiencing, It would just prove their point about me being weak if I told my mate.

I know the rumours that are going around about my situation. I know how long they have been going around for. The day I turned eighteen was the worst day of my life. After years of people assuming that I was a late shifter, my eighteenth birthday finally arrived and nothing happened.

I remember praying to the moon goddess everyday since I my mother told me about this curse that only affects the women in our family. I prayed to the goddess to exempt me from such misfortune, I didn't want any part of it! But obviously she didn't grant my prayers.

And now, all because of this curse, Zade either has to keep accepting me as his Luna or he can take a second chance mate that would be more suitable in handling the duties designed for a Luna, just like the elders have suggested.

"I don't care about any other prophecy! I just want a way to break this stupid curse." I yell angrily before storming out of the seers cottage with Zade hot on my heels.

"Malia, Malia! Wait up," He calls repeatedly but I don't stop. Tears are streaming down my face and blurring my vision but I don't stop running.

I need to get away. I just need space.

I can hear Zade's voice calling after me until I can't hear it anymore.

After running for miles I finally stop at the creek. A small smile unknowingly makes it's way to my face when the sweet memories of these place resurface. For many reasons, this creek has always been my thinking spot, my place to find peace. I stare at the water and the way it glitters when the sun hits the right angle during daytime. It's even more beautiful right now, as the reflection of the moon is grazing the waterbed.

Even these small things play a role in life. Unlike me.

I raise my head to the moon, glaring at it with anger and hate. "Why me? Why! Why did you have to subject me to this sort of burden and pain? I might as well be dead!" I scream angrily at the moon. I wish I could pour out my anger to the moon goddes personally. I want to yell at her for doing this to me. For making me useless!

And now I have to stand by and watch Zade listen to the elders by taking another mate. He has no idea I was eavesdropping on their conversation. Before he left bed that morning to attend a council meeting, something told me that the meeting was about me so I followed after he had left.

The elders were saying that our pack is presented as weak to outsiders because they have a Luna who can't access her wolf form.

I remember Elder Zelda saying, "Of what use is a Luna that can't shift? Absolutely no use." I can't believe I baked pie for that woman.

All the elders were in agreement with Zelda, but the only thing that ached more was the fact that Zade hadn't said anything to defend me since I started listening in on the conversation.

I have to get rid of this curse no matter what. I have to show them that I can be the perfect Luna for this pack. I can't let them replace me with another woman.