Chapter One

Right from the start, my mother, Maddie, made it evident that she had no desire to be a part of my life, going as far as to avoid making eye contact or cradling me in her arms. This created an impenetrable divide between us, leaving me with an overwhelming sense of isolation and abandonment.

The reason behind my mother's disdain for me was simple—she blamed me for my father's abandonment. It was not my fault that I inherited his features and reminded her of him, yet she held it against me as if I had any control over my appearance. Instead of showering me with love and care, she arranged for two other women, Stacy and Erica, to take care of my every need. These women became my surrogate mothers, providing the love and affection that I so desperately craved.

As I got older, I started to realize more and more that my mother's love was missing from my life. While my friends enjoyed the love and support of their mothers, I had to figure things out on my own. The two women who took care of me tried their best to fill the gap, but their love could never compare to the special connection between a mother and child. They provided me with the basics like food, clothes, and care, but they couldn't give me the emotional depth that only a mother could offer.

From a young age, I have carried the heavy burden of my mother's anger and fury. Every encounter with her feels like stepping into a brewing storm, where her rage consumes me with physical and verbal abuse. The scars and bruises she leaves behind serve as a constant reminder of her torment, while her piercing screams echo in my mind. I feel trapped in an endless cycle of pain and suffering, yearning for a life filled with love and compassion.

However, it appeared that this longing was always out of reach. When I reached the age of ten, a significant event unfolded in my mother's life that would determine the course of our family's fate. She encountered a mysterious witch who predicted an extraordinary future for her daughters.

Agatha, the Witch, foretells to Maddie, “One of your daughters shall rise as a formidable warrior, bestowed with the extraordinary abilities of Luna. Meanwhile, the other shall bring forth unfortunate events and cast a looming darkness upon your pack.” “Can you tell me which daughter we need to watch because I already have a feeling which daughter is the Luna?” Mom asks the witch. Agatha laughs before she walks away from Maddie, “Better choose correctly or your pack with suffer the consequences.” I need to do something or get rid of Sable before she ruins our pack, but what? My mother immediately begins planning and assuming that I am the unfortunate one, destined to bring nothing but bad luck to our family.

Meanwhile, my sister Nichole is the center of attention and affection from our mother. She is being trained and prepared meticulously to become the next Luna warrior, while I yearn for a sense of belonging and can't help but feel envious of her privileged position. Unfortunately, I have become my mother's servant, responsible for household chores and catering to my sister's every need. Each night, I go to bed hungry and bruised, enduring physical abuse from both my mother and sister. This life is a constant battle, and I desperately crave a change.

However, not long after, I experienced a vivid dream in which the ethereal moon goddess materialized before me. Her voice resonated with a divine authority as she addressed me by name, Sable, you are the sole remaining member of the royal bloodline, destined to become the most formidable warrior and Luna. In due course, I shall guide you back to your rightful place within your true father's pack. But before that, it is imperative that you fortify your inner strength and hone your skills.

As I wake up from my sleep, I feel disoriented and confused by the dream. To my surprise, I realize that I have woken up earlier than my alarm clock. In a hurry, I quickly get out of bed and head to the shower. Without wasting any time, I rush down the stairs and prepare a cup of hot coffee and a delicious breakfast. The fear of disappointing my mother and Nichole if the meal isn't ready on time pushes me to work efficiently. Just as I finish setting the table, they enter the room, and I immediately excuse myself, knowing that I can't be in their presence unless they call me.

I quickly retreat to my room, ready to prepare for another day of school. With a sense of urgency, I gather my clothes and carefully dress myself, ensuring that I appear presentable and ready to face the challenges ahead. As I approach the front door, I notice my worn-out coat and shoes, a reminder of the difficulties I encounter. Undeterred, I sit down and put them on, knowing that these simple possessions are all I possess.

Despite the pain and heaviness in my chest, I persevere through the day, determined to finish middle school on a somewhat positive note. The broken ribs constantly remind me of the unpredictable nature of my home life, but I refuse to let it consume me completely. While sitting in each class, my mind drifts away, unable to fully engage with the material being taught. The teachers' words become a blur, and I find myself lost in a whirlpool of thoughts and worries.

After the final bell rings, a mix of emotions floods through me. On one hand, I feel relieved to be free from the school walls, but on the other hand, I feel a sense of dread knowing what awaits me at home. The chaotic environment that has become all too familiar to me. The constant yelling, violence, and tension that hangs in the air like a heavy fog.

It's a place where I'm always on edge, never knowing what will trigger another explosive outburst. As summer begins, I'm painfully aware that it will pass by quickly, just like every other summer before it. While my classmates excitedly plan vacations and adventures, I know that my summer will be spent confined to my home, taking care of my mother and Nichole, as they both have their own mysterious activities that occupy their time.

Every morning, I wake up early, even before the sun rises, to make sure everything is in order. 

Cleaning the house has become a daily routine for me, along with cooking all the meals and being my sisters' servant. I hope that by creating a clean and organized environment, I can bring a sense of peace to our lives. However, deep down, I know that no amount of cleaning can erase the emotional and the physical scars that I will carry for the rest of my life.

As time passes, I find solace in the few moments I can steal for myself. I escape into books, immersing myself in stories and characters that transport me to a different world. It is within the pages of these books that I find a glimmer of hope.

Tomorrow is a significant day for me as it marks my sixteenth birthday. I can't shake this strange feeling that something important is about to happen. The uncertainty of whether it will be good or bad only adds to my anxiety. Additionally, tomorrow is also my first day of high school, signaling that I have four more years to endure before starting a new chapter in my life.