The Luna's Redemption

Chapter One: The Confession

I stand before the pack council, my heart pounding with fear. I could feel myself shaking like a leaf in the storm. The accusation of treason hanging over my head like a notice board.

Ryker, my mate of two years, stands across from me, his eyes locked onto mine. He did not speak a word, but his gaze spoke volumes.

"Luna, you have been accused of selling pack information to the rival pack; Alpha Thane said with pure venom dripping down his voice, his eyes narrowing at me in disgust. "How do you plead?"

I hesitate, my mind racing. I think back to the countless times Ryker has been distant, evasive. The late nights, the secretive meetings. I've ignored it all, convincing myself he's just stressed or overwhelmed. But now, I'm not so sure.

"I...I don't know what to say," I stutter, my eyes darting back to Ryker.

He doesn't flinch, doesn't blink. Just keeps staring at me, as if willing me to confess. To confess to a crime he committed.

Alpha Thane's gaze never leaves mine, his eyes piercing through me like daggers. "What do you mean, you don't know what to say?" he presses, his voice low and menacing. "You either did or you didn't, Luna. Yes or No."

I swallow hard, trying to find my voice. But before I could respond,Alpha Thane's eyes glazed over, he had received a mind link , a sly smile spread across his face.

"Ah, perfect timing," he says, his voice dripping with excitement. "I have witnesses to speak against you, Luna. Witnesses who will reveal the truth about your treachery."

I follow his gaze, my heart sinking as I see Guardian Ryder, a burly pack guard, walking towards us. But it's the person behind him that makes my blood run cold. My brother, Caspian, his eyes cold and hard, his face set in a determined expression.

My mind races as I try to process what's happening. Why is my own brother testifying against me? I feel a surge of shock and betrayal as Caspian's eyes meet mine, his gaze devoid of any warmth or love.

Ryder steps forward, his voice firm. "I was in charge of border patrol the night Luna was caught sneaking out. She was talking to a stranger, a rival pack member."

I try to speak, but my voice catches in my throat. Caspian's eyes never leave mine, his gaze piercing through me like a dagger.

"And I," Caspian begins, his voice dripping with venom, "I can testify that Luna has always been dissatisfied with our pack's way of life. She's always talked about leaving, about making enough money to move away."

I feel like I've been punched in the gut, my breath knocked out of me. How could my own brother lie about me like this? Thane's smile grows even wider, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

"Thank you, Ryder. Thank you, Caspian," Thane says, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Your testimony has been...enlightening."

My heart races faster, my thoughts a jumbled mess. I think about our life together, our laughter, our adventures. But I also think about the doubts, the fears, the uncertainty of it all.

Elder Aurora's eyes lock onto mine, her gaze piercing. "Luna, is this true? Did you indeed sell pack information to the Blood Moon Pack?"

And then, I see it. A flicker of something in

Ryker's eyes. A glimmer of guilt, of shame, maybe. Perhaps he feels ashamed for what he did. I could not bear to see him suffer. It's all I need to make my decision.

"Yes," I say finally, my voice barely louder than a whisper. "I did it. I sold pack information to the blood moon pack"

My eyes still locked onto Ryker's. "Yes, it was me.. I wanted the money. I was treated like a slave because I am an omega."

Elder Aurora's expression turns stern, her voice firm. "Luna, how could you betray our trust like this?"

I could see that she was trying to help me out but Ryker's life was at stake here.

"The pack taunted me for being an omega, treating me like I was scum beneath their feet." I wanted something for my life, not to live like this."

I ranted, though the part about the money was false, the truth was that they treated me like dirt.

The pack members whisper to each other, their eyes filled with shock and disbelief. Disbelief at the fact that this tiny omega would dare to betray the pack.

Ryker's gaze never leaves mine, his silence speaking volumes. I see a flicker of gratitude in his eyes, a silent thank you for taking the fall.

Thank you for confessing to the crime I never committed.

I could also see what felt like gloating , as if he had hit the jackpot.

Alpha Thane's eyes blaze with fury, his voice dripping with venom. "Luna, your treachery is a stab in the back to our entire pack. You have jeopardized our safety, our livelihoods, and our very way of life. Your punishment will fit your crime."

He pauses, his gaze piercing through me like a dagger. "You will spend five years in the dungeon, in darkness and solitude. And when you emerge, you will be banished from our pack, forever. You will be lucky if you survive the wilderness alone."

His voice drops to a growl, his eyes glinting with a malevolent intensity. "And if you ever dare to set foot in our territory again, you will suffer a fate worse than death."

The pack members nod in agreement, their eyes

filled with a mix of fear and anger. I feel a cold dread creeping up my spine as Thane's gaze never leaves mine, his eyes burning with a fierce and merciless intensity.

My heart sinks, the weight of my decision crushing me. I remember how the pack traitors were treated, the dungeon was not a nice place at all. Our pack was not kind to criminals.

But I also think about Ryker, about our life together, about the love we share.

The pack members nod in agreement, their whispers growing louder, their eyes filled with condemnation and unconcealed disgust for me.

I take a deep breath, building up courage and steeling myself for what was to come. "I understand, Alpha," I say, my voice firm. "I accept the sentence."

Alpha Thane nods, his expression unyielding. "Very well, Luna. You will be taken to the dungeon immediately. Your banishment will follow once your sentence is served."

I look away from Caspian ,from his cold eyes.

I nod, my eyes locked onto Ryker's. I see a glimmer of pity, a hint of regret. But it's too late now. The damage was done.

The pack members whisper wicked things, their eyes filled with malice and scorn. "Traitor," I hear them hiss. "Betrayer." Their words cut deep, but I keep my gaze fixed on Ryker.

His expression looks like he's won a battle, a smug smile spreading across his face. I think I see a glimmer of triumph in his eyes, but maybe I'm just imagining it.

What I don't see is any hint of sadness or regret. He doesn't look at me with any semblance of love or concern anymore. Instead, he looks...disinterested.

The pack guards move to take me away, their judgment and disgust visible. I could feel their eyes on me, weighing me, finding me guilty. But I don't care. I did this for Ryker, for our love. It will be worth it, I tell myself. I lie to myself.

As they lead me away, I catch Ryker's gaze one last time. His smile widens, and he looks away, disinterested. My heart stutters, a pang of doubt creeping in. Have I made a terrible mistake?

But I push the thought aside and follow the guards, my head held high. I will face my punishment, for Ryker, for our love. That's all that matters.

As I'm led away in chains into the dungeon, the pack members' taunts follow me. "Useless omega!" they hiss. "Ryker could have done so much better than you!" "You're a disgrace to the pack!"

Their words sting, but I keep my head down, my eyes fixed on the ground. I try to block out their jeers, but they echo in my mind. "Pathetic." "Weak." "Unworthy."

The guards push me forward, through the crowd of angry people and scornful faces, towards the dark dungeon. I feel like a burden, a shame to the pack. Ryker's face appears in my mind, his smile, his gaze.

I'm thrown into the dungeon, the heavy door slamming shut behind me

The musty smell of mold and decay fills my nostrils as I land hard on the cold stone floor, the rough texture scraping against my skin.

I could smell and see blood all around.

My wrists and ankles burn from the rough handling, the metal cuffs digging into my flesh."

I scuttle to the corner, my head bowed down, feeling like a plague.

The darkness is absolute, the silence feels oppressive. I was left alone with my thoughts, my mind racing with fear.

But then, I hear the sound of footsteps, echoing off the walls. The door creaks open, and Ryker enters, his face illuminated by a faint torchlight.

"Luna, my love," he says, his voice dripping with sweetness. " Don't worry at all" "This is just a minor setback. We'll get through it together, I promise."

"It is a good thing you took the blame on yourself. By the time you come outside, we will have a good and comfortable life".

I look up at him, my eyes filled with tears. "Why did this happen, Ryker? I don't understand."

Ryker's expression is calm, reassuring, but I detect a faint smugness in his tone. "It's just a little misunderstanding, Luna. But don't worry, I'll take care of everything. You'll see."

I feel a flutter of doubt in my chest, my mind telling me this was wrong but Ryker's words feel so convincing, so comforting. I want to believe him, I need to believe him.

"You promise me, Ryker?" I whisper, my voice trembling.

Ryker's smile was smooth, persuasive, but I catch a glimpse of irritation in his eyes. "I promise, Luna. We'll be together again, and everything will be okay. Trust me."

I nod, wanting to believe him, but the doubt lingers, the small voice in the back of my mind whispering that something is off.

I decide to press him on his promise, my desperation getting the better of me. "Ryker, will you wait for me? Will you be here for me when I get out?"

Ryker's smile falters for a moment, and I see a glimpse of panic in his features. It was as if his character had undergone a 180° change.

"Luna, don't be ridiculous," he says, his voice dripping with condescension. "I have better things to do than wait around for five years. But don't worry, I'll make sure you're taken care of."

I feltl a surge of anger at his dismissive tone. "Taken care of?" I repeat, my voice rising. "What does that even mean?"

Ryker's expression turns cold, his eyes glinting with irritation. "It means I'll make sure you're not forgotten, Luna. But don't think for a second that I'll be pining away for you. I have a life to live, and I won't be held back by you."

I gape at him, my mind reeling with shock. "How can you say that?" I whisper. "I thought you loved me."

"I took your punishment on myself"

Ryker's laughter is mocking, infuriating. "Love you? Luna, you're a means to an end. A tool to be used and discarded. Don't fool yourself into thinking otherwise."

His words cut deep, leaving me feeling weak and vulnerable. I realized too late that I had made a terrible mistake, that Ryker was not the man I thought he was. The two years we spent together was nothing but a farce. An act.

As he turned to leave, I felt a surge of fear. "Ryker, wait," I say, my voice shaking. "What will happen to me? What will happen to us?"

Ryker's smile is cold, calculated. "You'll serve your sentence, Luna. And as for us? There is no us. There never was."

As he was walking away,he suddenly stopped.

Ryker turns back to me, his eyes glinting with a sinister intensity. He approaches me slowly, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper.

"Luna, remember one thing: I was never here. You were the traitor, alone. No one else was involved. Do you understand?"

His words are laced with a subtle threat, a warning to keep silent. I feel a shiver run down my spine as I nod, my heart racing with fear.

"Good," he whispers, his breath cold against my ear. "Because if you ever betray me, Luna...if you ever tell the truth...I'll make sure you suffer. And not just you, but everyone you love."

"Just think how easy it would be for me to frame Caspian within the blink of an eye".

He turns around and then leaves.

I break down in tears, regretting my decisions. Ryker's threat lingers in my mind, making me feel trapped. Caspian's betrayal stung deep, his words felt like poison.

I think of my brother Caspian, but I know he's not coming to save me. He never wanted to be an omega like me, and I realized I was truly alone.

If he could betray me, I did not know if I could count on him anymore.

"Caspian!" Still I cry out, but it's a futile effort. No one is coming to help me.

The weight of my situation crashes down on me. I have no one to turn to, no one to trust. Ryker's betrayal has left me with nothing.

And as I sit in the darkness, I hear the sound of footsteps echoing outside my cell. They're coming for me. Has Ryker changed his mind?

My heart sinks. It was not Ryker

A pack guard enters, his eyes filled with disgust. "Who would have thought that pretty little Luna would be a traitor," he spits, fastening me to chains that hang from the ceiling.

"Ryker confessed everything. You've been betraying us for a long time."

I shake my head, denial burning in my throat.

"No, that's not true!" I protest, my voice trembling. "Ryker would never say that. He loves me, I know he does."

The guard sneers. "Don't lie, Luna. Ryker told us about your little affairs, how you cheated on him. You're nothing but a cheap, filthy omega.

You simply went around whoring yourself to the highest bidder."

I continue to deny the accusations, shaking like a leaf. "No, no, no! That's not true! Ryker would never betray me like that. He's the one who said he loved me, who said he would always be there for me."

I feel a pain unlike any other, a sense of betrayal and shame washing over me. I try to struggle against the chains, but they hold firm. I'm trapped, with no escape or relief from the guard's cruel words.

"You're lying!" I shout, my voice hoarse and my throat sore from screaming. "Ryker would never do that to me! He loves me, I know he does!"

The guard just laughs, a cold, mirthless sound.

He was mocking me.

"Keep telling yourself that, Luna. But deep down, you know the truth. You're nothing but a traitor, a cheat, and a liar. And you'll pay for your crimes."

I'm left hanging literally, my heart shattered into a million pieces. I thought Ryker loved me, but it was all a lie. I'm alone, with no one to trust. The darkness closes in around me, and I wonder if I'll ever escape.

The guard's parting words echo in my mind, a cruel reminder of my situation. "You'll pay for your crimes, Luna. Oh, yes. You'll pay dearly.

Alpha Thane will make sure of it"

And with that, he's gone, leaving me to face the darkness alone.

My head jerked up instinctively when I heard the sound of the jail gate opening.

Alpha Thane enters the dungeon, his presence commanding attention. His eyes gleam with a cruel intensity, making my heart race with fear. I try to shrink away, but I'm trapped, chained to the ceiling.

"Ah, Luna," he says, his voice dripping with malice. "I see you're still defiant. But that will soon change."

Alpha Thane's eyes narrowed, his gaze burning with intensity. "You know, Luna, your mother rejected me once. She chose your father over me, and it was a mistake she paid for."

"I always liked your mother, then the moon goddess gave her your father as her mate."

"I also got mine but she was not Jasmine, oh Beautiful Jasmine, the moon goddess blessed her with great beauty".

"I wanted to possess her but your father got in the way. But I did what I wanted, if I could not get her ,no one would".

"Anyway, all is fair in love and war"

I was shocked that he did not only try to get to me. He also did that to my mother. Now I began to wonder if my parents' death was caused by him.

His hands trailed down my neck in an intimate fashion that was familiar, and I shrunk away in disgust. "You also rejected me, Luna. And I don't take kindly to rejection."

He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Your parents weren't always omegas, you know. They were demoted because your mother stayed loyal to your father. And now, you're paying the price for their defiance."

He gestures to a guard, who wheels in a torture board, displaying an tray of torture weapons. My eyes widen in horror as Alpha Thane approaches me, his hand trailing along the weapons.

He picks one up playing with it like a toy.

"Have you forgotten how cruel I can be, Luna?" he taunts. "Have you forgotten the pain I can inflict?"

He walks up to me, his free hand finds its way to my throat, choking me.

I felt a chill run down my spine as Thane's grip on my neck tightened. "You're just like your mother, Luna. Stubborn and foolish. But I'll break you, just like I broke her."

I shake my head, trying to speak, but my voice is barely a whisper. "Nno, Alpha..."

He chuckles, a cold, mirthless sound. "Good. I'm glad you remember. Because your mate, Ryker, has done a good job fishing out a traitor like you. And as a reward, he'll be made Beta."

Alpha Thane's smile grows wider, his eyes gleaming with triumph. "Yes, Ryker has proven himself to be a valuable asset to our pack. And as a reward, he'll be made Beta...thanks to your betrayal."

My eyes widen in shock, my mind reeling with the implications. "What do you mean?" I stammer, my voice barely audible.

Thane's smile turns cruel. "Ryker sold you out, Luna. He told me all about your little secret, and in return, I'll make him my secondincommand."

"No he would not do that ,I trust him"

Alpha Thane just smirks.

" tsk tsk tsk ,you naive girl" He taunted me.

I feel a wave of nausea wash over me, my heart

heavy with sorrow and anger. How could Ryker do this to me? We're mates, bound by our love and loyalty. And yet, he's willing to sacrifice me for power.

So all the promises he made were just for nothing. All the sweet talks were a farce.

Celeste,my wolf roused for the first time in a while. She has become unusually quiet the past few weeks. I could feel her pain. She just whimpered. Perhaps she knew about Ryker's betrayal.

I try to speak, but my voice is caught in my throat.

I can only stare at Thane, my eyes filled with tears of betrayal.

The words cut deep, like a knife twisting in my heart. Ryker had betrayed me. And now, I would pay the price.

Alpha Thane selects a weapon, a cruellooking whip, and begins to strike me, each lash landing with a sickening crack. I scream, my voice hoarse from shouting, but no one comes to save me.

The pain is excruciating, like fire burning through my skin. I feel my consciousness slipping away, but Alpha Thane continues to torture me, using each weapon on the board, one after another.

The pain felt like it was crawling all over me, I felt like I was being burnt. It was then I knew that the whip was coated with wolfsbane, the werewolf's greatest weakness.

No wonder Alpha Thane wore a glove.

I'm trapped in a living nightmare, with no escape from the agony. My mind races, trying to comprehend the betrayal, the pain, the fear.

And through it all, Alpha Thane's words echo in my mind, a cruel reminder of my fate. "You're a traitor, Luna. And you'll pay the price. This is just the beginning.

FIVE YEARS LATER

Time had lost all meaning. Days blended into nights, and nights into days. My only sense of time was the regular visit from the guards, who come to torture me with merciless precision.

Sometimes Alpha Thane, sometimes the guards.

My voice was gone, silenced by the endless screams that no longer escaped my lips. My body is lean, my muscles wasted away from the feeding that came once in a while. My clothes were hanging loose, a glaring reminder of my drastic weight loss.

The guards fed me when they felt like it, sometimes leaving me to starve for what feels like an eternity.

And with each meal, they would administer a dose of wolfsbane, enough to cripple my wolf but not enough to kill her. The pain was a constant companion,a friend even, a reminder of my captivity.

I once thought I knew the level of cruelty of my pack, but I never imagined I would experience it firsthand. The Alpha's words echo in my mind, "You're a traitor, Luna. And you'll pay the price."

You might ask about my mate, Ryker. The one who was supposed to love and protect me. But instead, he betrayed me, handing me over to our pack's mercy.

I remember the night, a week after my imprisonment, when I felt the pain of him mating with another shewolf. It was like hell itself was licking through my body, a burning agony that left my bones weak , my resolve frail.

It felt like I was being punished. For what crimes I did not know.

I cried until my eyes hurt, until there were no tears left to cry. The pain was a constant reminder of his betrayal, a knife twisting in my heart.

Every night, I felt it, a fresh wound, a new torture. The bond between us, once a source of comfort and strength, had become a weapon of suffering.

And yet, I held onto the memories of our past, of the love we once shared. But even those memories were tainted now, poisoned by his betrayal.

It felt like he was doing this on purpose.

Ryker, my mate, my betrayer. His name became a curse on my lips, a reminder of the pain he inflicted upon me.

Ryker's visits were a constant reminder of his betrayal. He would come to the dungeon, his presence mocking what we once had; a loving relationship.

I'd stare at him, my eyes blazing with hatred, but my voice would fail me. I couldn't muster the courage to speak, to confront him about his betrayal . I was trapped in a prison of pain and suffering, and he was the one who held the key.

His eyes would meet mine, and for a moment, I'd see a glimmer of the mate I once knew. But it was just a fleeting illusion, a cruel taunt. He'd smile, a cold, calculating smile, and I'd feel my heart shatter all over again. He was toying with me.

He'd say nothing, just stand there. And then, he'd leave, leaving me to my darkness, my anger, and my tears. He was playing with my head.

I was consumed by a burning hatred, a rage that threatened to destroy me. I couldn't understand why he'd betrayed me, why he'd handed me over to our pack's mercy. Had our love meant nothing to him? Had I meant nothing? The questions swirled in my mind, a toxic mix of pain and anger that I couldn't escape.

I'm lost in my thoughts, my mind a circus of pain and anguish, when suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed through the cell. I was startled, my heart racing, as the guard approached me. I shrink away, my eyes fixed on him with a mix of fear and apprehension.

Anyone coming close to me was a threat, a potential source of pain and suffering. My body tenses, ready to defend itself, as the guard stopped in front of me. His words were distant, a blur,like a background sound, as my mind struggled to understand why he was here.

"Luna, your sentence is over. You're being released."

The words slowly sunk in, but my fear remained, a visible force that refused to disappear. I was trapped in a prison of my own making, unable to escape the horrors that haunt me. Taunt me even, for my foolish mistakes.

I cowered away, my eyes never leaving the guard's face, as I struggled to find my voice. "Wwhat do you mean?" I stutter, my words barely audible. "What's going to happen to me now?"

My mind races with the implications of my release. I'm not ready to face Ryker, not ready to confront the betrayal that still lingers in my heart. The thought of seeing him, of being in the same room as him, makes my stomach twist with anxiety.

And then there's the uncertainty of my fate. I know what happens to rogues, to those who defy the pack's rules. They're killed on sight, their existence erased as if they never mattered.

The guard's words, meant to be liberating, instead fill me with dread. I'm not ready to face the world outside, not ready to face Ryker's wrath. I'm not ready to die.

I stood up , my legs wobbly like soggy Noodles. I moved at a slow pace, my body refused to support me. I reached the gate of my cell first then unto the main entrance.

As the guard led me out of the dungeon, I'm met with a beam of sunlight that blinds me. I raise my hand to shield my eyes, tears streaming down my face. The brightness is overwhelming, a harsh contrast to the darkness I'd endured for so long.

For the first time in five years, I'm seeing the outside world. The sky, the trees, the grass – everything feels surreal, like a dream I never thought I'd experience again. I laugh and cry at once, the emotions tangled in my chest.

The guard looks at me with a mixture of confusion and disgust, but I don't care.I know I probably looked like a nut case. Even I feel like I have lost my mind. My hair was greasy, my body frail and thin. I'm too busy drinking in the beauty of the world, feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin.

I took a proper look at my clothes, they were basically rags at this point.

I take a deep breath, the fresh air filling my lungs, and feel alive. I'm alive. I'm free. Finally.

I look around, my eyes adjusting to the light, and then I see him. My heart skips a beat as our eyes lock. I whisper his name like a curse "Ryker."

My voice was barely audible, but Ryker's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing through me like a dagger. I could feel the weight of all my emotions, the anger, the hurt, the betrayal, all boiling to the surface.Threatening to burst open.

The guard's presence faded into the background as I took a step forward,it was as if he was never there, my eyes locked on Ryker. The world around us melted away, leaving only the two of us, alone in this moment of judgment.

My body seemed to move of its own accord, my hand flying up to meet Ryker's face with a resounding slap.

My palm stung as it made contact with his cheek, the sound echoing through the air like a sound of thunder.

I felt a surge of adrenaline as my eyes met with Ryker's, my heart racing with a mix of anger and fear. It was as if my body had a mind of its own, releasing the pentup rage and betrayal that had been boiling inside me for so long.

My hand stung, but I didn't regret it. Ryker's eyes widened, his face red with shock and anger.

The guard took a step forward, his hand on the hilt of his sword, but Ryker raises a hand, stopping him. "No," he growls, his eyes never leaving mine. "She's just... greeting me... warmly."

His voice was laced with sarcasm, but I could see the hurt and anger simmering beneath the surface. I took a step back, my heart racing, as Ryker's eyes seemed to bore into my soul.

Ryker's eyes never left mine as he spoke to the guard, his voice low and even. "Leave us."

The guard nodded and walked away, disappearing into the treeline . Ryker's gaze remained fixed on me, his expression unreadable. Stoic , but dark. Like his heart.

My voice came out in a whisper, shaking with rage and hurt. "Why, Ryker? Why did you do that to me? Why did you betray me like this?"

But my attention was diverted to the woman who came out from the house. There was something familiar about her, something that made my heart race with a mix of emotions. She walked up to Ryker with a confident stride, her eyes fixed on him alone.

She didn't seem to notice me, or maybe she chose to ignore me, her gaze never wavering from Ryker's face. Her hand reached out to touch his chest, a gesture that seemed almost... possessive,intimate.

Then it hit me like a bullet.

My heart froze as I took in the scene before me.

This was the reason for my pain, the reason for my imprisonment. This was the reason Ryker had betrayed me.

My mind raced as I recognized her. Aria, the sweet girl everyone thought she was. The former Beta's daughter. I had thought so too, once. But now, seeing her with Ryker, seeing the way she touched him, I realized I had been blind. She was the reason for my pain, the reason for my imprisonment. She was the reason Ryker had betrayed me.

I felt a wave of nausea wash over me, my heart heavy with the weight of their deception. How could they do this to me? How could they destroy our friendship, our bond, our trust? The questions swirled in my mind, but I knew I wouldn't get any answers. Not from Ryker, not from Aria. They were too busy with their own secrets, their own lies.

But I was wrong it seemed.

Then Ryker proved me wrong, his words cutting deep like a knife. "You're not a queen, Luna," " Do you think you are worthy of me" he sneered. "You're nothing but a lowly omega, a burden to everyone around you. No one wants you, not even your own brother. He didn't even bother to come see you, did he?"

His words struck a nerve, reminding me of the painful truth I tried to forget. I felt a stinging sensation in my eyes as tears began to form, but I refused to let them fall. I wouldn't give Ryker the satisfaction of seeing me cry.

He was not worth it.

"You're not my mate," Ryker continued, his voice filled with disgust. "You're nothing but garbage, a disposable thing to be used and thrown away.

You were never worthy of me, Luna. Never worthy of my love."

" The moon goddess made a mistake by choosing you as my mate. And I plan to rectify it".

His words were like a punch to the gut, leaving me breathless and my head spinning. I felt like I was drowning in a sea of despair, unable to find a lifeline to cling to. But as I looked into Ryker's eyes, I saw something that gave me the strength to keep going. I saw the truth.

Ryker's words were not meant to hurt me, but to hide his own pain. He was trying to distract me from the real issue, from the truth that he had betrayed me and broken our bond. He was trying to make me feel worthless, to make me believe that I was the one who was disposable.

But I knew better. I knew that I was not worthless, that I was a queen, a queen who had been betrayed and hurt. I knew that I deserved better than Ryker's cruelty, better than his lies.

With a fierce determination, I stood tall, even though my body was shaking , my eyes flashing with defiance. "You may think you're hurting me, Ryker," I spat, my voice low and even. "But you're not. You're only showing me your true nature, and it's ugly. You're the one who's worthless, Ryker. You're the one who's disposable."

Ryker's words dripped with disdain. "I only marked you to calm my wolf, Luna. He wanted you at the time, and I indulged him. You were just a means to an end, a way to placate him."

I felt a searing betrayal, my heart wrenching in pain. But before I could respond, my body began to ache, my wolf Crescent stirring within me. Crescent, my wolf, felt the betrayal too, and she would not be silenced.

She came forward, taking control of my body for a brief moment. My voice changed, becoming deeper and more commanding. "You dare to admit such a thing, Ryker?"

Crescent spoke through me, her presence demanding respect, an anomaly for an omega. "You used me as a pacifier for your wolf, without regard for my feelings or wellbeing?"

The surrounding fell silent, both of their eyes on me as Crescent's presence dominated the space. Ryker took a step back, his eyes flashing with surprise and a hint of fear.She had only been loving and kind to him. Aria's smug expression faltered, her eyes widening in awe.

But Crescent's control was brief, and I felt her recede, leaving me shaken and vulnerable once again.

Crescent's pain was palpable, her hurt resonating deep within me. She had always been sensitive, and Ryker's betrayal cut her to the core. The wolfsbane they had been feeding me,that was meant to suppress my wolf, only added to her distress.

As I struggled to understand the emotions swirling inside me, I turned to Aria, hoping to warn her about Ryker's true nature. Maybe, just maybe, she was not aware of his deceit and manipulation.

I took a step forward, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Aria, be careful around Ryker. He's not what he seems. He used me, he is selfish, he might harm you.... He doesn't care about anyone but himself."

Aria's expression changed, a flicker of doubt crossed her face. For a moment, I thought I saw a glimpse of understanding, but then her mask slipped back into place.

"I know what I'm doing, Luna," she said, her voice cold. "I can handle Ryker." "Unlike you"

I knew then that she was too far gone, blinded by her own infatuation. I felt a pang of sadness, realizing that Aria was not the ally I had hoped for.

Crescent, sensing my distress, stirred within me, her presence was a reminder that I was not alone.

Aria's expression twisted into a sneer, her words dripping with malice. "You're so weak, Luna. You let Ryker use you and discard you like trash. You're nothing but a pathetic omega, too scared to stand up for yourself."

My heart raced, Crescent growling within me as Aria's words struck a nerve. She was deliberately pushing my buttons, trying to get a rise out of me.

"You're just mad because Ryker chose me over you," Aria continued, her voice dripping with venom. "You'll never be worthy of him, Luna.

You're just a disposable omega, a mere stepping stone for him to achieve his goals."

Crescent's anger surged, my body tensing as I fought to keep her under control. I refused to let Aria get the best of me, but her words cut deep, echoing Ryker's own betrayal. The pain and hurt threatened to overwhelm me, but I gritted my teeth, determined to stay strong.

But she continued to provoke me.

Aria's eyes sparkled with a smug smile, her words laced with a sinister gloating. "You're the reason my parents are dead, Luna! Your parents killed mine, and now you're going to pay the price!"

My body began to shift, my wolf surging forward in anger. I remembered the day my parents were mercilessly killed, and Aria's accusation was like a punch to the gut.

My hands transformed into claws, my senses heightened, and my strength increased. Within the blink of an eye, I pinned Aria to the wall, my claws digging into her throat.

As I glared at her, I saw something that made my heart sink. Aria's smile grew wider, her eyes gleaming with triumph. And in that moment, I realized I had fallen into a trap. Her words were meant to provoke me, to make me snap. And I had played right into her hands.

I heard the sound of footsteps. The pack had arrived. I was still holding Aria against the wall, my claws digging into her throat. But as the pack surrounded us, Aria's face changed. She looked like she was in pain. She started whining and begging for mercy.

"Please, Luna, don't hurt me!" Aria cried. "I didn't mean to hurt you. Ryker was just trying to move on with his life."

I was shocked. Aria was acting like I was the villain. I quickly withdrew my hand, but it was too late. The pack had already seen me attacking Aria.

Aria sniffled and looked up at me with fake tears in her eyes. "She's jealous because I mated with Ryker," she said. "She can't accept that he has moved on with his life."

The pack started growling and snarling at me, their eyes filled with anger. I realized that Aria had framed me, and the pack had fallen for it.

"No, that's not what happened!" I protested. "Aria, tell them the truth!"

But Aria just shook her head and continued to play the victim. "No, Luna, I won't cover for you this time. You need to face the consequences of your actions."

She continued crying as if I had been the one to start all this and not them.

Ryker, who had been standing beside us, suddenly pushed me to the ground, hurting my already wounded body. He held Aria close, shielding her from me as if I was a threat.

"Luna, stop! Leave her alone!" Ryker shouted, his voice full of fake concern. "You're so consumed by jealousy, you can't even see reason!"

Aria joined in, her voice dripping with venom. "Yes, Luna, you're so pathetic. You can't stand the fact that Ryker chose me over you!"

The pack members, fueled by their misplaced anger, started picking up stones and hurling them at me. "Traitor!" they shouted. "Murderer!"

I curled up on the ground, trying to protect myself from the hail of stones. But they kept coming, hitting me with rock after rock. I felt a sharp pain in my side.

I was shocked and angry. How could Aria do this to me? I thought we were friends in the past but now I realized she was just using me to get what she wanted.

I realized that Aria had provoked me on purpose, trying to make me snap. And it worked. The pack was now convinced that I was a monster, a jealous and violent wolf who couldn't control my emotions.

My eyes widened as I understood the truth. Ryker had used the mind link to summon the pack to the grounds. The pack's vicious words were their own, spoken out loud with venom and malice.

"You're a disgrace to our kind!" one of the pack members growled, spitting on the ground at my feet.

"You're a traitor and a murderer!" another snarled at me, venom dripping , their eyes blazing with anger.

The pack's verbal attack on me continued, each word more hurtful than the last. "You're not worthy of being a wolf... Ryker is better off with Aria... You're a cheat and a liar..."

"Look at her cheater, whre , sleeping with the rival pack just for money. Ryker revealed your truth"

My heart raced as I tried to defend herself against the pack's cruelty, but their words cut deep.

Just then Alpha Thane arrived.

Alpha Thane's presence commanded silence, his handsome features now twisted in cruelty. His eyes gazed at me with disgust, his voice firm.

"Enough, Luna Nightingale. You have been found guilty of attempted murder. Your punishment is banishment."

But before Thane could continue, Ryker stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Wait, Alpha. We have unfinished business."

My heart sank, my hate for Ryker burning brighter than ever. What could he possibly want now?

Ryker's smile grew wider as he spoke the words that would shatter my heart. "I, Ryker Flynn, Beta of Nightwalkers pack, reject you, Luna Nightingale, as my mate. I sever this bond."

Pain ripped through me like a knife, my heart feeling like it had been torn apart. My soul shattered into a million pieces. The pack prison had been a mere preparation for this agony.

Ryker's smug expression seemed to light up the darkness, his eyes gleaming with triumph. I felt a scream building in my throat, but it remained trapped, unable to escape. I was frozen in pain, my world shattered by Ryker's cruel words.

The mark on my shoulder, the one that had started to fade in the prison, began to burn again.

I felt a searing pain as Ryker's eyes locked onto mine, his smile growing wider. Before I could even react, he grabbed Aria and marked her right on the shoulder, his eyes never leaving mine.

I screamed, buckling in pain as if the mark was being ripped away from me. My vision blurred, tears streaming down my face as I looked up at the pack. Their smug smiles seemed to mock me, their eyes gleaming with triumph.

Ryker's grip on Aria tightened, his mark on her shoulder a clear declaration of his new mate . I felt a piece of me die, my heart shattered into a million pieces. The pain was unbearable, my soul screaming in agony. I was left with nothing but the bitter taste of rejection and betrayal.

"Why?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Celeste, my wolf, stirred within me, her presence evident in my eyes. "I accept your rejection," she growled, her voice low and menacing.

Ryker's sneer cut deep, but Celeste's words were a declaration of our independence. She receded back, allowing me to take control once more.

Aria walked up to me, her hair conveniently shifted to showcase her new mark. But instead of gloating, she revealed a shocking truth "Ryker only used you to escape his punishment, Luna. I'm the one he loves." "From the beginning".

I expected to feel pain, but instead, I felt numb. My heart wasvoid, empty of emotions. I took up my bag, my eyes scanning the crowd for Caspian, my brother. But when our eyes met, he stood like a statue, looking at me like a stranger.

I laughed, a psychopathic cackle that sent shivers down my own spine. I continued to laugh and cry, not knowing how to feel. The pack members booed me as I walked towards the pack borders, their jeers and insults fading into the background.

As I reached the pack borders, I stopped. Then I looked back at the place I once considered my home. Even though it was never really home.

As I locked eyes with my brother once again, I was reminded of the times when it was only the two of us. Now he despises me.

Never in those five years I spent in the prison did he come to visit me. I was hurt but now it had become a regular occurrence that I was no longer shaken by it.

Then I moved, one leg at a time until I was at the other side of the pack. Outside of the Nightwalkers territory. The moment I set my foot outside the pack, I cut all ties with the pack " I Luna Nightingale cut all ties with The Nightwalkers Pack and hereby declare myself rogue. " I felt the link snapping and I could feel the load being taken from my shoulders. My next concern were rogues. There was no mercy when it came to them. It was kill or be killed.

I walked further into the forest trying to conserve the little energy I had left . I knew I would not be able to last for too long . The wolfsbane or even the lack of wolfsbane was taking its toll on my body.

Five years spent on a regular dose of wolfsbane had done that to me. It was like my body had gotten used to it and also not used to it at the same time. I barely functioned as a wolf anymore.

I was brought out of my thoughts by a sound. The snapping of a twig.. Then I looked around. I did not notice that I had moved a long distance from the pack. I could no longer see the pack. These parts of the forests were unknown to me.

I called out to Celeste , rousing her from her retreat. She also felt what I felt , a presence or many even. Goose bumps filled my arms as Celeste became alert.

I moved forward from my position . My footsteps hastened . I knew that the presence around me were rogues . I smelt them . Celeste began to growl in my head. They were danger through and through.

Then they appeared. They did not look exactly like rogues but their smell gave them away.

There were three of them. One with shaggy blonde hair. Another with dark hair and dark eyes that seemed soulless. The last one had a scar running down his face from his eyes. Afraid they would kill me, I backed away looking for a chance to escape even if it was a small one.

The tall blond one , sensing my intentions said, " Don't run, little girl, we don't bite. If you run we will catch you".

The other dark eyed one said to the one with a scar " She looks a bit good, a bit of washing and make up would do the trick on her. " " Boss will pay extra for her". The scarred rogue grunted and nodded in response.

They began to move towards me with sneers on their faces. I turned back and ran as fast as my leg could carry me. As I ran, Celeste took over, shifting in the process, my bag long forgotten.

I could hear their footsteps behind me, my legs were tired from running. My physique weak.

The trees cutting me on my arms. As I scanned the forest for any hiding place , I made a mistake.

I stopped. Then I felt a pinch at my neck. The everything went black.

Chapter 7: Sold to the Highest Bidder

The darkness was suffocating. It pressed against me from all sides, making it impossible to know where I was. My body ached, especially my neck where I had felt the sting before everything went black. Slowly, the world started to come into focus. My head pounded, and a dull pain throbbed behind my eyes. I tried to move, but something cold and heavy bit into my wrists. Chains.

Panic surged through me as I realized I was bound. My heart raced, and I struggled to free myself, but the chains only rattled with each attempt, mocking my efforts. I forced myself to stop and take deep breaths, trying to calm the wild beating of my heart.

"Celeste," I called out weakly, reaching for my wolf. But she was silent, too weak to respond after the chase and whatever had been injected into me. I was on my own.

As my eyes adjusted to the dim light, I could make out the outlines of other figures in the darkness. I wasn't alone. The sound of shallow breathing and quiet sobs filled the small, enclosed space. Other girls, just like me, chained and scared.

One of them, a girl with matted brown hair and tearstreaked cheeks, looked up at me. Her eyes were wide with fear, and when she spoke, her voice was barely above a whisper. "They took us... we're going to be sold."

The words sent a chill down my spine. Sold. Like cattle, or property. My blood ran cold as the reality of my situation sank in. I had been captured by rogues, and now they intended to auction me off. I couldn't help but wonder who would want to buy someone like me—a disgraced, broken wolf who had just been banished from her pack.

The door to the room creaked open, and the sound of heavy boots on the wooden floor echoed ominously. A large, burly man with a scar running down his face appeared in the doorway. His eyes were cold and cruel as he surveyed the room, taking in the sight of the girls chained to the walls.

"Get them ready," he growled to someone behind him. "The auction is starting soon."

Two other men stepped into the room, each holding a set of keys. They began unlocking the chains, roughly yanking the girls to their feet. When they reached me, I tried to resist, but a sharp tug on the chains around my wrists forced me to comply. My legs were unsteady, and I nearly collapsed when they pulled me upright.

The girls were herded out of the room, one by one. The hallway outside was narrow and dimly lit, the walls lined with crude wooden planks that creaked underfoot. I could hear distant voices and the clinking of coins, growing louder as we were led further into the building.

We were ushered into a larger room that was filled with an oppressive heat. The stench of sweat and unwashed bodies was overwhelming. I glanced around, my heart sinking as I took in the sight of a makeshift stage at the far end of the room. A group of men and women—rogues, by the look of them—were seated around the stage, their eyes gleaming with anticipation.

A tall, thin man with a greasy smile stood on the stage, addressing the crowd. "Welcome, welcome!" he announced, his voice oily and smooth. "We've got a fine selection for you tonight. All strong, healthy, and ready to serve in any way you see fit."

My stomach churned with nausea. This was worse than I had imagined. We were nothing more than merchandise to these people, objects to be bought and sold at their whim.

The first girl was dragged onto the stage, her eyes wide with terror. The bidding began almost immediately, the crowd shouting out numbers with greedy excitement. I tried not to listen, but the sound of their voices was impossible to ignore. Each bid was like a nail being driven into my heart, a reminder that this was my fate now.

One by one, the girls were sold off to the highest bidder. Some went quietly, their spirits already broken. Others struggled and fought, only to be subdued by the guards and dragged away like animals. I clenched my fists, trying to keep my own fear at bay. I couldn't let them see how scared I was. I had to stay strong, had to find a way out of this nightmare.

Finally, it was my turn. The greasy man on the stage grinned as I was pushed forward, his eyes raking over me with an appraising look. "And now, we have something special," he purred, his voice dripping with sleaze. "A fresh capture, straight from the Nightwalkers Pack. A real beauty, and strong too. Just look at her!"

I stood frozen, my heart pounding in my chest. The crowd murmured among themselves, their eyes locked on me with a mix of curiosity and desire. I wanted to disappear, to vanish into thin air and escape this hell. But there was nowhere to go, no way out.

The bidding started, and I felt like I was standing outside of myself, watching as they shouted out numbers, each one higher than the last. The room seemed to close in around me, the air thick with the scent of desperation and greed.

"Sold!" the man on the stage finally declared, his voice cutting through the noise. "To the Alpha King of the Blackwood Pack!"

The room fell silent. My heart skipped a beat. The Alpha King? What did he want with me? A murmur of surprise rippled through the crowd, but no one dared to question the decision.

The man who had bought me stepped forward, his face hidden in the shadows. He was tall and imposing, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room. His eyes, dark and intense, locked onto mine as he approached.

For a moment, I felt a flicker of something—fear, curiosity, maybe even hope. But it was quickly snuffed out by the harsh reality of my situation. I had been sold, and now I was at the mercy of the Alpha King.

As I was led away from the auction, I couldn't help but wonder what awaited me in the Blackwood Pack. I had heard stories about the Alpha King—stories of his ruthlessness, his power, and his ability to crush anyone who stood in his way. Would he be just another tormentor, another cruel master who would use and discard me like so many others had? Or was there something more to him, something that I couldn't yet see?

The chains around my wrists clinked softly as I was escorted out of the building and into the cold night air. The stars above twinkled brightly, indifferent to the pain and suffering that had just taken place below. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I glanced back at the building, my mind racing with thoughts of what might come next.

Whatever awaited me in the Blackwood Pack, I knew one thing for certain—I would not go down without a fight. I was Luna Nightingale, and I would survive t