Chapter 4 IV – Useless and Worthless

Alpha Andrew held Luna Cassandra's hand tightly, his arms wrapping around her protectively as he whispered softly, "We'll get through this together."

Luna Cassandra leaned into him, her emotions overwhelming her.

The door creaked open, and Arnold, Andrew's brother, stepped inside. His eyes narrowed as he took in the scene. "What happened?" he asked, his tone calm but curious.

Andrew sighed, his shoulders sagging. "False alarm. Cassandra's not pregnant. Dr. Marian said..." He paused and swallowed hard before continuing. "She said there's a cyst."

Arnold's gaze shifted to Luna Cassandra. He studied her face with a meaningful expression, but he said nothing.

Regine, Luna Cassandra's cousin, approached her quietly. She reached out and placed a comforting hand on Cassandra's arm.

"You'll get there, Luna," Regine said, her voice filled with warmth. "Just like me, you'll soon have your heir."

Luna Cassandra's tear-filled eyes moved to Regine's belly, where her second child grew. Her voice trembled with bitterness as she said, "You're so lucky, Regine. You already have one son, and now another on the way."

Regine hesitated, her hand lingering on Cassandra's arm. "Luck has nothing to do with it, Luna. The Moon Goddess has her plans for everyone. You just need to trust the process."

Arnold chimed in, his voice steady and calm. "We're all here for you, Luna Cassandra. The pack believes in you and Alpha Andrew. They trust that you'll lead them, heir or no heir."

Andrew nodded but kept his focus on Luna Cassandra. He cupped her face gently in his hands. "As long as there's even a small chance, I'll hold on to hope. Let me deal with the elders. You focus on resting. Stress will only make things harder."

Luna Cassandra looked into his eyes, her voice shaky. "What if they demand you take another Luna? I've seen how ruthless they can be."

Andrew's eyes hardened with determination. "That's not going to happen. I won't let it. You are my Luna, and nothing will change that."

Arnold stepped forward, his tone practical. "Alpha Andrew, if the elders are pressuring you, perhaps it's time to speak with them directly. Explain the situation. Let them know there's still a chance for Luna Cassandra to conceive, but it will take time."

Andrew nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "You're right. I'll address them soon. But first, Cassandra needs to rest."

Reluctantly, Luna Cassandra nodded and lay back against the pillows. Andrew tucked the blanket around her and kissed her forehead. "Rest well, my Luna."

Regine smiled gently, her tone encouraging. "I'll be praying for you, my cousin. Stay strong."

As Arnold stepped closer, he subtly pinched Luna Cassandra's hand. His voice was low but firm. "Rest, Luna. Everything will be fine."

Luna Cassandra glanced at him briefly but said nothing. She closed her eyes, willing herself to relax despite the turmoil in her heart.

Outside the room, Regine turned to Arnold, placing a hand on her belly. "I'll rest too. The baby's been very active today," she said with a soft smile.

Arnold nodded. "You should. You need to take care of yourself."

Regine gave him a warm look before heading toward her chambers.

Alpha drew gestured for Arnold to follow him into the study next door. Once inside, he sank into his chair, running a hand through his hair.

"I really thought she was pregnant," Alpha Andrew admitted, his voice heavy with disappointment. "She hasn't had her period for almost a month."

Arnold leaned against the desk, crossing his arms. "What if she can't conceive? What if it's not possible?"

Alpha Andrew's head snapped up, his eyes sharp. "Don't say that."

Arnold shrugged, his expression serious. "I'm just being realistic. If she can't give you an heir, maybe it's time to think about finding someone who can."

"No," Andrew said firmly, his tone brooking no argument. "Cassandra is my Luna. She was chosen by our parents."

Arnold's voice softened but remained insistent. "Our parents are gone. You're the Alpha now. You have to make decisions that are best for the pack."

Alpha Andrew's jaw tightened as he clenched his fists. "I won't hurt her like that. She's been through enough already."

Arnold hesitated, studying his brother's face before speaking again. "Do you remember what the Moon Goddess said, Andrew? She didn't agree with Cassandra becoming Luna. She only allowed it because you insisted."

Alpha ndrew closed his eyes briefly, his chest rising and falling with a deep breath. "I remember."

Arnold stepped closer, lowering his voice. "She isn't worthy, Andrew. Even the Moon Goddess knew that."

"Enough," Andrew said sharply, standing up. He began pacing the room, his hands clasped behind his back. "For now, we'll keep trying. If it comes to it, I'll seek the Moon Goddess' guidance myself."

Arnold sighed but didn't push further. "Just think about what's best for everyone, Alpha. That's all I'm asking."

Alpha Andrew stopped pacing and turned to his brother. "I have thought about it. And what's best is standing by Cassandra. She's my Luna, and I'll do everything I can to support her."

Arnold nodded reluctantly. "Very well. But don't let this drag on forever. The pack needs a leader who can secure its future."

Alpha Andrew's eyes narrowed. "I know my responsibilities, Arnold. And I'll fulfill them in my own way."

*****

After Alpha Andrew, Arnold, and Regine left the room, Luna Cassandra was alone. She sat on the edge of the bed, tears streaming down her face.

She clenched her fists in frustration and, with a trembling hand, punched her flat tummy.

Her wolf, Agnes, spoke to her through their mental link, her voice calm but filled with concern.

"Cassandra, you need to stop. You're hurting yourself."

Cassandra's eyes filled with more tears. She was so angry at herself.

"I'm useless, Agnes," she snapped. "I can't even give him an heir. I'm worthless."

Agnes tried to calm her, her voice gentle and understanding.

"You are not worthless, Cassandra. The circumstances aren't in your control. You will find a way. You always do."

But Cassandra could hardly hear her. She punched the bed in frustration.

"It's not enough! I need to get pregnant, Agnes! I need to prove I'm worthy to be the Luna. I won't let Regine laugh at me. I won't be the joke of the Crest Moon Pack."

Her wolf went silent for a moment. Cassandra continued to vent her anger.

"Regine is so fake, pretending to care about me. She's probably laughing at me, thinking she's better. She has a son, and now she's pregnant again. How am I supposed to face that?"

"You are not in competition with Regine. You are in competition with yourself, and you will win. Just keep your focus."

Cassandra's eyes hardened with resolve.

"But I have to prove to them that I am enough. I can't let them think I'm not capable of doing this. What if the Moon Goddess is the one stopping me from having a child?"

"What if I'm not meant to be the Luna? What if I'm the reason Alpha Andrew will fail?"

She felt a deep ache in her heart, the weight of her fears pressing down on her. Agnes responded with a steady voice.

"Don't let doubt consume you. You're strong. You've always been strong."

Cassandra wiped her tears away with the back of her hand, sniffling.

"But what if it's too late? What if Alpha Andrew grows tired of waiting?"

"What if he chooses someone else? The elders already want him to get rid of me. Maybe they're right. Maybe I'm not meant to be his Luna."

Agnes remained silent, but Cassandra could feel the wolf's presence, comforting her in her mind. She knew Agnes believed in her, but Cassandra wasn't so sure anymore. She wanted to be enough for Andrew, but it felt like the world was against her.