Chapter 2: Plan

Valerie 

“Why aren't you downstairs? Don't you know your parents and Alys are waiting for you?” He barked, glaring at me. 

As tradition stated breakfast within the pack house couldn't start without my presence. It was why I strained myself to wake up so early despite not being a morning person.

Were I not in shock, I would have realized.

“I…I'm sorry,” I stuttered, “I was just-”

“Don’t make any excuses,” he cut me off,

“Alyn just recovered from a cold and you're letting her wait for food? Come and let everyone eat.”

I pursed my lips shut as he turned away, not even letting me speak. The shock drained away to a familiar ache and I smiled mirthlessly.

Of course, the only thing that mattered to him was Alyn.

I thought I was used to this, but somehow reliving this hurt worse, especially now.

“There you are!” My mother huffed as I arrived, “The food is getting cold.  Are you trying to make Alyn fall sick again?”

I clenched my jaw. Alyn could eat anytime wished, just like my parents could if they were in their homes, but that wasn't the case. My parents insisted on coming to the pack house, the home that was just supposed to be for Tristan and I, for everything. With Alyn involved he'd practically given them a home here.

If the tradition wasn't there, I had no doubt that they would have completely forgotten me.

“Mom, it's okay. Don't criticize sister. I'm sure she had other things to do.” Alyn smiled gracefully. My belly revolted at the sight when her confessions and that smile remained firmly in my mind. 

“Don’t excuse her. She wasn't doing anything but being lazy.” Tristan said beside me. He didn't even spare another look my way. 

Still I sat down. Throughout the breakfast my parents would complain about one thing or the other they found as my fault. Alyn remained silent, defending me weakly only for more hatred to be thrown my way. 

Now I saw it clearly, how she easily put them against me, while pulling herself closer. I had even less appetite to eat the foods on the table. They were made to Alyn’s liking and my nausea grew. Looking around I saw everyone focused on Alyn. Nobody noticed me, or cared.

Before I knew it I snapped, slamming my hands on the dining table before storming out. I couldn't take it anymore.

 I'd anticipated their treatment, but reliving it made things clearer. The moment I shut my room door I let myself crumble in tears 

Now I knew everything she'd done, but what would it matter? I'd always fought and done my best for the pack only to be belittled in return. It wasn't just her cunning when they never questioned her or believed me.

Why did I sacrifice anymore for people who didn't care? Who couldn't even bother to be there when I took my last breaths?

There was no fight when she was the clear winner. Either way I would lose and die miserable.

Determination filled me.This time I couldn't let it happen.

My death started with a small conflict, ironically instigated by Alyn with another pack. The solution would have been simple if they listened yet Tristan and the pack disregarded me. 

Not just her, the entire pack wasn't safe for me or my child.

The solution was simple; I had to renounce my Luna position and leave the pack to become a rogue.

I shut my eyes tightly. Rushing to my desk I quickly took out a piece of paper to plan.

Life was going to be different, but it would be worth it. I had savings that I rarely touched, except for the pack’s sake. With that, I could start a new life and survive in the human world. 

Some cities bordered other pack territories, but I wasn't planning on being noticed. If I kept a low profile I could live peacefully amongst humans. 

Hope grew in my chest. 

Suddenly the door opened and I turned to find Mina there with a tray, 

“I know you didn't eat properly, so I made another breakfast.” she said, placing the tray on my desk. No doubt she'd heard of what happened at breakfast. 

The food's aroma made tears prick my eyes. It was blueberry pancakes, my favorite.

“How are you feeling Luna?” she asked me. She was the first and likely the last who would ask that question.

“Mina,” I breathed out. She was only a maid, yet had been the most loyal and caring. I could still recall in my hazy last moments, how she'd held me. She was the only person that truly stuck by me, who shed tears on my behalf.

The vulnerability made me speak without thinking.

“What do you think about leaving this place?” I asked. 

“Luna?” she gasped,

I shook my head, “Nevermind. I was just having nonsense thoughts,” 

I quickly dismissed her before looking down at the notebook I scribbled in. The plans were rough but I was determined.

I was going to leave.

….

‘It was time,’ I thought to myself, staring at the party I'd experienced before.

I'd dealt with planning the anniversary party easily. Throughout the week, most of my time was spent on planning for my true goal.

Now, decked in the same white and gold dress I'd worn the last time, I was ready. 

And I'd chosen this specific day for it.

Spying a glance to my side, my heart ached. Beside me, Tristan leaned towards Alyn. Feeding her, laughing with her and comforting her. This was our anniversary party, yet he acted like she was his Luna, all in the eyes of the pack.

There was nothing I could do to stop his blatant humiliation. I knew the murmurs surrounding me, all mocking me. Why was I his mate when he clearly favored her? Was it a mistake from the Moon Goddess? Why wasn't I pregnant?

“It's been a year and the Luna hasn't gotten pregnant?” I overheard,

“Maybe if she acted better we would have an heir by now.” a particularly loud snicker filled the hall. The whole pack tensed for a moment in complete silence.

My heart ached even though I'd expected those words. Clenching my jaw, I stood up sharply, moving to leave. 

I wouldn't get far. 

Just like I'd anticipated, Alyn stood up beside me as though ready to comfort me. Yet as I twisted to face her she gasped.

The wine she took stained her green dress and it looked like I was the reason.

 “Valerie! What have you done!?” Tristan barked out, standing up

I smiled ruefully, looking at her shocked features. I couldn't believe I was once blind to how fake she acted. This was her plan, to discredit me even more despite everything already being in her favor. 

“No Tristan, it was an accident, Valerie didn't mean to.” She pleaded, turning wrapping herself against him. 

“Apologize!” He snapped, ignoring her words. My parents stood up and glared at me.

‘Wasn't it humiliating?’ I thought bitterly. He didn't hesitate to show who he really cared for, not even sparing me in front of the pack. 

In my past life, I'd argued that it wasn't my fault and nothing worked out. My parents ignored me and the pack only had more rumors, this time of my maliciousness towards Alyn. The only one who met me was Alyn herself, whining innocently that she didn't mean for it to happen the next day. 

This time though, it would be different. I smiled serenely before bowing my head.

“I'm so sorry Alyn.” I said,

As I looked up I saw the shock on their faces and Alyn's mask fall. Her plan failed.

She'd expected me to protest, but there was no need to. Not when I had my own goal.

Moving away from them, I turned towards the pack.

“It seems like even on a joyful day like this, I keep on embarrassing the pack,” I smiled ruefully, “rumors seem to follow me wherever I go and even the pack I try to serve sees me as a burden.”

The pack members stared in shocked silence like they weren't aware. Did they think I would continue to bear it?

“So, I've made a decision,” I said, “the decision to leave this pack.”

Lifting my chin, I smiled,

“I resign as the Luna of the Eclipse pack!”