The Outcast

Hannah 

“Danger alert! The destroyer is walking!”

A loud cry echoed through the path, followed by snide laughter that seemed to come from everywhere at once.

The crunch of my boots on the gravel wasn't enough to drown out the frantic thud of my heart as I made my way to the center of the pack. A crowd had gathered, busy decorating the hall for tonight's event.

With my head held high, I pushed through the throng, ignoring the disapproving stares and whispered insults that grew louder with every step.

"Should she even be here?" a voice hissed.

"If she touches anything, it'll be ruined," someone muttered, loud enough for me to hear.

I took a steadying breath, shaking off the sharp pang of disappointment. You’re used to this, Hannah. Don’t let them get to you. The comments, whether whispered or brazen, were as much a part of my life as the air I breathed.

I squared my shoulders. The Alpha himself had granted me permission to attend never mind the fact that I had to beg Luna Ivy for the opportunity for three whole days. I wasn’t going to waste this rare opportunity just because of a few petty remarks.

“Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in.”

The sharp voice cut through the noise, making my steps falter. I turned to see Abigail standing there, her usual smirk plastered across her cherubic face.

“Oh, Hannah the great destroyer,” she sneered. “I didn’t think you’d be interested in something like this. Isn’t this beneath you?”

My jaw tightened. Abigail’s doll-like beauty—blue eyes, blond hair, and rosy cheeks—was a mask that hid a cruel soul. Despite her delicate features, she had been the bane of my existence for as long as I could remember.

She and her gang had joined forces to remind me on a daily that I was worthless and would never pair with my wolf.

I was nothing more than unbounded . Useless. Worse than an Omega.

The bullying had started right after the death of my parents, burnt to a crisp while I slept ten feet away from them. Not long after my brother had gone missing. With the series of shitty events surrounding me, the pack had grown weary of me terming me a bad luck child—The destroyer.

Parents warned their children to be wary of me lest I let them burn while I slept.

 At first Alpha Rowan had tried dissuading them from their harsh remarks claiming i was a child, but the bullying only got worse as they refrained from hitting and beating to outright ignoring me. 

Alpha Rowan did nothing believing that was the best I could get.

The moment I turned eighteen a whole new can of hate poured when I failed to transform into a wolf, even the Alpha saw this as a sign— the moon goddess washing her hands off me.

I became an outcast.

Ostracized by my pack, I had learnt early on to give as much as I got. This ideology had always gotten me in trouble. But not today I wouldn't play into their hands. I wanted to see the prince, I wanted to see if he remembered me and the memories we shared.

I forced myself to meet her gaze without flinching, a fake smile stretching across my face. “Why wouldn’t I be interested? I’ve been so focused on trying to bring out my wolf, I thought I deserved a break. I promise I won’t disturb anyone.”

Abigail rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed. One of her lackeys snickered. “Right. If your wolf ever comes out, maybe we’ll throw you a party.”

The sting of their mockery threatened to unravel my composure, but I clenched my fists and dug my nails into my palms, forcing the anger down. I wasn’t going to let them ruin this for me.

Without another word, I turned and found a seat under the canopy, determined to stay out of trouble. But, of course, they weren’t finished.

“What’s all this for, anyway?” one of Abigail’s minions, Ira, asked, loud enough for everyone to hear.

“Didn’t you hear?” Abigail practically purred, her voice dripping with satisfaction. “The prince is finally coming home.”

The girls gasped, their excitement filling the air.

“Really?” Ira asked, wide-eyed. “If he’s anything like his father, he’ll be good for the pack.”

Abigail nodded dramatically. “Exactly. We need fresh young blood to lead us. The Alpha’s getting old. Although…” She leaned in conspiratorially. “I heard he was exiled.”

My ears perked up at the word, my curiosity overriding my pride. Abigail caught my interest and smirked, lowering her voice so I couldn’t hear. Frustrated, I leaned forward, desperate to catch the rest of the story.

Before I could overhear, the Alpha himself entered the room. His commanding presence silenced the chatter as he addressed the crowd.

“People of Red Crescent,” Alpha Rowan began, his voice steady and proud. “Thank you for your hard work today. As you all know, my son, Prince Eamon, has been away for six long years due to… unforeseen circumstances. But tonight, I am pleased to announce that he is on his way home.”

Cheers erupted around the room, but my stomach twisted.

The Alpha smiled warmly. “I invite you all to join me and my wife in welcoming him back. The Moon Goddess has blessed me with abundance, and I pray she continues to guide us and free us from blight.”

The word hit me like a blow to the chest. I felt their eyes on me, accusing and hateful. To them, I was the blight.

Before anyone could see the tears welling up in my eyes, I turned and fled.

****

Back in my hut, I stood before the cracked mirror, a nervous smile tugging at my lips.

“Who is this pretty little thing?” I whispered, twirling in my favorite gown. It was old and rarely worn, but tonight it felt like armor.

Excitement buzzed through me, chasing away the sting of the Alpha’s speech and the crowd’s stares. Tonight wasn’t about them. It was about him.

Eamon.

The name alone sent a jolt through my heart. He had left six years ago—on my fifteenth birthday, no less—just after my parents’ tragic death. But before that, he had been my friend, my safe place. A part of me clung to the hope that he would remember me and treat me with the same kindness he always had.

I hurried out of the hut, my heart pounding with anticipation. My head filled with unanswered questions.

What did he look like now? 

Would he remember me? Will he immediately recognize me or would he treat me just like everyone else?

I shuddered at the last thought, as I hurriedly pushed it aside. I couldn't let my fears get the better of me.

As I reached the center of the pack, a rich, smoky scent hit me like a lightning bolt. Almond and ash. The smell wrapped around me, pulling me forward. I pushed through the crowd, ignoring the protests and glares.

And then I saw him.

Tall and broad-shouldered, his black hair gleamed under the moonlight. He stood with his back to me, speaking to one of

the elders, a soft smile on his lips.

My breath hitched.

Eamon.

The Alpha prince.

Was my mate.