I woke up to the gentle light of the Key of Harmony, which was still on my bedside table. Its soft glow quietly reminded me of all the recent changes. Sunlight came through the window, warming the room and shining on the map of Moonstone Hollow that was pinned to my wall. The map was covered with notes and small markers, showing how busy and complicated things had become.I rubbed my eyes sitting up, then looked at the time. I had slept for a long time, my body finally gave in to the exhaustion accumulated this past week; Creating the council, holding the ceremony to protect the borders between the worlds, and attending all those meetings and planning-it was very exhausting.A soft knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. “Come in,” I called, expecting Xander.Xander entered, carrying a tray with breakfast. The sight and smell of food made my stomach growl, I couldn't remember the last time I ate a good meal.“Good morning, sleepyhead,” Xander greeted, with a warm smile. “Or shou
I woke up to the sound of laughter and happy talking coming through my open window. For a moment, I stayed still, enjoying the calm feeling that had become usual in Moonstone Hollow. It was very different from the worry and fear that had affected here a few weeks ago.As I walked outside, I saw all kinds of magical creatures working together, making our small place even better. Werewolves and fairies were side by side, building new houses. Witches and vampires were happily talking as they took care of a shared garden. It was everything I had wished for and even more.“Aurora!” Xander called, and I turned to see him running towards me with some papers under his arm. He looked really excited. “I have something to show you.”We went to the town hall, where Xander spread out the papers on a big table. It was a detailed infrastructure plan for Moonstone Hollow's expansion.“Look,” Xander said, pointing to different areas on the map. “We've designated spaces for each supernatural community.
As the morning sun gently streamed into my cabin I stirred from sleep. I Stretched, noticing the stiffness, in my muscles from the mattress. The unforgiving mattress hadn't been kind to me. It was all I had. As I sat up I could see the bruises on my arms and legs from yesterday. I'm Aurora Nightshade, the omega of the Clearwater Pack. At fifteen years old most would expect me to be excited about shifting for the time and finding my mate. Instead, each day is a struggle for survival in a pack that views me as nothing but a target for their abuse and a servant.I quickly dressed in my hand-me-down clothes – castoffs from pack members who couldn't be bothered to offer anything better. Time was of the essence; being late to prepare breakfast was not an option I wanted to entertain.Stealthily leaving my cabin I scanned the surroundings for any risers. The last thing I needed was a run-in with one of those who made my life difficult. Thankfully, the path to the pack house was clear. I sli
I suddenly woke up feeling my heart racing in my chest. It took me a moment to remember why I was feeling so excited and anxious.... Then it dawned on me.. Ah yes, today is my 16th birthday!Usually, I'd already be up, preparing breakfast for the pack. But today was different.I quietly left my room. Headed towards the stream. Despite the water being cold, I didn't mind it as I washed myself, trying to cleanse myself of the memories from the past few years. As I was doing my thing in the water, I couldn't stop daydreaming about what could go down later. Would I find my mate? Would it be someone kind? Someone who would protect me from the cruelties I've endured?“Please, Moon Goddess,” I whispered to the lightning sky. “Let today be the day everything changes.”Back at the pack house, I snuck into the kitchen. For once, I wasn't there to cook for others. Today, I would make something special for myself. It was a small rebellion, using packed resources for my meal, but it was my birthda
As I gazed at Asher, everything else around me gradually blurred into the background. The bond we shared seemed to breathe with life, intertwining us in a manner beyond my understanding. A surge of both thrill and dread quickened my heartbeat, sending a rush of emotions through me. This was the moment that would change everything.Alpha Dominic's voice cut through the hushed whispers of the pack. We're about to start the ritual for accepting a mate, he declared in a slightly tense manner.I paused, took a breath and attempted to calm my shaking hands. This is really happening Asher, the future alpha of our pack, was my mate. Me, Aurora Nightshade, the omega, the girl everyone looked down upon. It was a dream come true.Following tradition, I reached out my hand to Asher, offering it with my palm up, anticipating his grasp to solidify our connection. I gazed into his eyes, hoping to witness the awe and happiness mirrored back at me.Asher's expression had changed. The initial shock of
I sprinted quickly, with tears streaming down my face and mingling with the sweat.I had no idea where I was heading. . I didn't mind. All I knew was that I needed to flee, to escape the shame, the exclusion, and the deep hopelessness that felt like it could consume me entirely.In my hurried escape, I didn't notice the twisted tree root sticking out of the ground. My foot tripped over it, and I suddenly fell. I landed hard, the force making it difficult to breathe. As I lay there, trying to catch my breath, I felt my once-lovely blue dress rip even more. It seemed appropriate, I thought sadly. The dress, like my hopes, was now just torn pieces.Gradually, I lifted myself up. At that moment, it dawned on me, the scents around me had changed. The familiar smells of the Clearwater Pack territory were gone, replaced by the unknown scents of unclaimed forest. I had crossed the pack boundary.For a moment, fear made me unable to move. I had never been outside pack lands before. But then I
I slowly opened my eyes, trying to prevent the light from blurring my eyesight. I looked around. This place wasn't the forest, nor was it the infirmary of my old pack. The walls were a gentle beige, and the room had a scent of cleaning supplies mixed with pine. Where am I?Before I could figure out my location, someone hurried over to me. My vision was still a bit unclear, but I could make out wide shoulders and eyes full of concern. As my sight cleared, I saw the face of the most attractive man I had ever laid eyes on. He had a firm jawline, tight with worry, and his dark green eyes looked at me with seriousness.“You're awake,” he said, sounding both relieved and anxious.I wanted to speak, but my throat felt very dry. The man – Alpha, my wolf whispered – reached out to touch my arm.I instinctively moved back, which caused a sharp pain in my body, and I couldn't help but let out a small sound of pain. But what really made me step back was the memory of Asher rejecting me. The unhap
I heard the sound of the infirmary door creaking open. Looking over, I spotted Alpha Xander entering with a tray filled with food. His expression lit up at the sight of me being awake. His smile sent a flutter through my chest.“Morning, Aurora” he greeted me in a soothing tone, his voice resonating warmly. “How are you doing today?”I tried to answer, but I hesitated. How was I feeling? “I… I think I'm feeling better,” I said.Alpha Xander nodded, setting the tray down on a nearby table. “That's good to hear. Do you think you can sit up? You should try to eat something.”I nodded and then started to carefully lift myself up. A sharp pain went through my side, making me flinch… Without a word, Alpha Xander was there, his strong hands gently supporting me. I tensed at first, the memory of Asher's cruel touch still fresh in my mind. But Alpha Xander's hands were different—warm, gentle, steadying. I allowed myself to lean into his support, just a little.Once I was settled, Alpha Xander