BEYOND THE MOON

I sat at my desk, my gaze drifting out the window as I waited for the teacher to arrive. Again. It was a ritual I'd grown accustomed to – the tardiness, the excuses, the awkward silences. My mind began to wander, and I found myself scribbling in my notebook, the words flowing effortlessly onto the page.

"In shadows cast by fleeting light,

Suffering wears a mask of night,

A paradox of pain and peace,

A silence that the soul can't cease."

As I wrote, the world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the scratch of my pen on paper and the quiet hum of the fluorescent lights. But my solitude was short-lived. The door burst open, and Chloe breezed in, a whirlwind of red hair and a big bright smile.

"Hey, girl! Oh my gosh, you won't believe what happened yesterday!" Chloe plopped down in the empty chair beside me, her big brown eyes sparkling with excitement.

I set my pen down, a mixture of amusement and resignation on my face. "What is it this time?" I asked, already knowing the answer would be very dramatic.

Chloe Rivers, my best friend since forever is a 5'7 petite redhead. She's almost two years older than me just like my siblings Ryder and Reena. She has big brown eyes that take most of her small round face, a cute button nose and perfectly rounded rosy lips. She's the most bubbly person I've ever met and she's an only child to the Gamma of my pack, The Raven Claw Pack.

"Reena and her crew were totally dissing Emily's outfit in the cafeteria," Chloe said, barely containing her giggles. "I mean, who does that? And then, Rachel joined in, and it was like a competition to see who could be the most brutal."

I rolled my eyes. "Drama never ends in this school, does it?"

Chloe leaned in, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "I know, right? But then Spencer came up and told both of them to shut their food holes up. Do you think Emily is Spencer's mate?"

"I don't know about that Chloe, maybe he was just standing up for what's right?" I offered. I honestly didn't want to talk about any mate related topic.

"Well...then why didn't he.." Chloe started and I cut her off.

"Honestly, I'm more worried about the test next week. Have you started studying?"

"What test?" She asked, her face pinched

"Algebra" I smiled wryly earning a groan form her.

"Remind me to come as a dolphin in my next life" she spat as she brought out her algebra textbooks. Classic Chloe.

"Of course" I shook my head smiled and patted her shoulder.

As Chloe buried her face in algebra, I was left alone as my mind wandered back to my own struggles.

My family and one-third of all the families here in Slateville aren't like others. We're werewolves, creatures of legend. We live in Packs and my Pack is called Raven Claw Pack. There are various Packs across the globe but we try to keep our secret from humans that's why we live close to highly forested regions.

The male leader of each pack is called an Alpha while his soulmate, wife is the Luna. He has Two most trusted warriors known as The Beta and Gamma. We have a pack doctor, warriors etc. We function pretty much like normal humans. We are a myth to the rest of the world, but a harsh reality for me. My parents, Victor and Nadine Vale hate the fact that I'm different from my siblings Ryder and Reena.

I often wonder if I'm adopted. My light blonde hair and green eyes stand out starkly against my family's grey eyes and brown hair. It's as if I don't belong, and sometimes I feel like I don't.

My parents see my differences as a weakness, a flaw that initially needed to be worked on but now just needs to be beaten out of me. I can't really remember when the punishments, I mean extra trainings began but they escalated with each passing year.

I've learned to hide my tears, to mask my pain, and to survive in a world that seems determined to break me. Firstly because, my parents hate my tears, they are another striking symbol of how weak I am, secondly because I'd almost gotten used to taking everything in till I was left alone to regurgitate my pain and cry myself to sleep.

I'm turning 18 in a couple of months, which means I'm at the proper age to find a mate. In our world, this is a critical time for female werewolves – we're expected to find our mates between the ages of 18 and 20. But the thought of being paired off with some wolf I don't love or even like is terrifying.

Ryder my brother, hasn't found his mate yet even though he's already 19 but that's fine because males tend to find their mates around the ages of 19-22 and I hope he finds an amazing and caring she-wolf for a mate. Ryder, My best friend Chloe and very few werewolves are the only ones who don't treat me differently in this Pack.

Reena, Ryder's twin and my sister, hasn't found her mate yet too and she hates me with a passion that rivals our parents. She makes it look like it's my fault Ryder and her haven't found them.

Being a werewolf myself, or at least supposed to be, I constantly feel like a failure. My Dad is The Beta of our pack, yet I can't sense my wolf or shift. The only reasons I'm even considered a werewolf is my ability to mind link; well I almost always have my mental shields up... I don't fancy hearing the nasty things majority of the pack think and say about me.

I can also heal automatically, although I'm extremely slower at healing than an average werewolf and then my sense of smell, it's not as distinct as a werewolf's. I can only differentiate simple smells so that counts for something right?

Reena's beautiful brown wolf with black tipped ears just like Mum's, plus their razor-sharp claws and effortless transformations, seemed to embody everything I lacked.

Ryder, on the other hand, was different. He'd always been kind to me, never judging me for my limitations. In fact, he'd often try to help me practice shifting, though it never seemed to work. I cherish those moments with Ryder, more than he'd ever know.

"Hey, earth to Aria! You okay? You seem a little spaced out." Chloe playfully nudged my arm.

I smiled, pushing aside my thoughts. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just thinking about...stuff."

Chloe's eyes a mixture of concern and curiosity, stared back at me but she didn't press the issue. Instead, she leaned in closer.

"So, have you noticed anything weird about Ryder lately?"

My heart skipped a beat. "Weird? What do you mean?"

Chloe's shoulders slumped as her voice dropped to a whisper. "I don't know, he just seems...different. More distant, maybe? I've been trying to talk to him, but he just brushes me off. I think he might be avoiding me."

My expression softened. Chloe's had a crush on Ryder since middle school, she hopes he's her mate. I hope so too that's why her concerns for him are completely valid from my end but I know Ryder well enough to recognize when he was struggling.

"Maybe he's just stressed about something. I'll try to talk to him, see if everything's okay." I said with a smile.

Chloe's face lit up with gratitude. "Thanks, Aria. You're the best!"

As Chloe chatted on, I wished my parents cared about me just a little, more than they showed. I couldn't help it, their disdain for me stung, but Chloe's unwavering support was a constant source of comfort. I was grateful for her friendship, especially given the complicated dynamics I'd come to terms with at home.

Finally Mrs. Raina arrived, apologetic smile plastered on her face. Majority of the class settled in, the literature lesson started but today I wasn't interested in Elizabeth's Generous Mr Darcy. My attention drifted back to Ryder, he was fine this morning but I decided to mind link him.

'Hey Ry, We're having Lit. class where are you?' I asked

'Hey...uhm yeah I'm skipping' he replied

'Are you fine Ry?'

'Yeah...yeah Aria I am... I'm uhmm at the library, talk to you later sis' he replied, his tone low.

'Uhm okay Ry'

There was something Ryder wasn't telling me. He'd never skip class and he's at the library? Ryder's not a library person. I'd have to find out what was going on.

The bell rang, signaling the end of class. Chloe gathered her things, and we both walked out into the bustling hallway. I spotted Spencer and Ryder across the crowd, his eyes locked on mine for a brief moment before he nodded and continued on his way.

Ryder stood at around 6'1" with a lean yet athletic build, honed from years of running and training in the woods. His skin had a warm, golden undertone, a testament to his mixed heritage, unlike my pale own. His grey eyes were a striking feature, seeming to gleam with a mix of intensity and kindness, depending on his mood.

His brown hair was always perfectly messy, with a few stray strands often falling across his forehead. He had a strong jawline and nose, giving him a confident and determined look. When he smiled, his whole face lit up, and his eyes crinkled at the corners, making him seem more approachable and relaxed.

Ryder's presence was both calming and intriguing, and he had a way of commanding attention without demanding it. He exuded a sense of quiet confidence, as if he knew exactly who he was and where he was going, even when the rest of the world seemed uncertain.

"Hey, let's catch up with them," Chloe suggested, already heading in Ryder's direction.

I followed, my heart racing slightly. I knew Ryder's moods, and today seemed different. As we approached him, Chloe smiled brightly. "Hey, Spencer, Ry! What's up?"

Ryder's expression softened slightly. "Hey" he greeted, not his usual hair ruffling greeting and as much as I appreciated that he didn't ruffle my hair today, it meant something was definitely wrong. "Not much, Chloe. Just got some pack stuff to take care of." He added.

Chloe's eyes lit up. "Pack stuff? Sounds mysterious!"

Spencer Ryder's best friend, son of present Alpha, Alpha Ryker and supposed future Alpha chuckled, a low, rumbling sound. His black hair was cut short, framing his chiseled features and accentuating his sharp jawline and deep kind brown eyes. His build athletic and toned, honed from years of training and physical activity just like Ryder's.

He stood tall, with broad shoulders and a commanding presence that drew attention without effort. His features were strong and defined, with a sense of ruggedness that hinted at his werewolf heritage.

When he moved, Spencer seemed to embody a quiet power and control, as if he were always aware of his surroundings and his place within them. His brown eyes seemed to assess and evaluate those around him, but they also held a sense of kindness and empathy, suggesting that he was a leader who cared deeply about his pack.

Despite his youth, Spencer seemed to carry the weight of his father's legacy with ease, as if he were born to lead. His presence was both calming and inspiring, and those around him seemed to respond to his authority with a mix of respect and admiration. "Just routine, Chloe. Nothing exciting. Hi Aria, you good?" Spencer asked, I nodded with a smile.

I knew there was more to it, but I didn't push. Not here. Instead, I fell into step beside Spencer with Chloe walking alongside Ryder. The four of us navigated the crowded hallway, a familiar rhythm to our steps.

As we walked, I couldn't help but notice the way Chloe looked at Ryder – a mixture of admiration and affection. I smiled to herself, knowing Chloe's feelings but also aware that Ryder seemed oblivious to them. I really hoped they were mates because I can't imagine how hurt Chloe would be if they weren't.

Our little group reached the cafeteria, and the smell of food wafted through the air. Ryder nodded at us. "I'll catch up with you girls later. We need to meet Alpha Ryker about some pack business."

"See you girls later" Spencer added with a wink and they were gone before we could even respond.

I watched Ryder go, a sense of concern lingering. I'd have to ask him about today later.

Chloe's grin and flushed cheeks caught my attention. "Gosh Aria Ryder's just so... Ryder, you know?"

"I know" I chuckled, Chloe always had a funny way of taking my mind of stress.

As we entered the cafeteria, Reena and her friends caught my eye, their gazes cold and unfriendly. My instincts told me to steer clear and maybe just have lunch at the bleachers like I usually did, but Chloe didn't hesitate, marching over to our usual table with a confident stride.

"Let's grab lunch and ignore those drama queens," Chloe said, tossing her hair over her shoulder.

I shook my head and smiled at her dramatic flare.

I and Chloe sat down at our usual table, with our lunch. I couldn't help but think about Ryder's situation. I knew he was being groomed for a potential leadership role, given our father's beta position and the current alpha's age. Ryder's sense of duty and responsibility was strong, but I was worried about the pressure he might be under.

"Do you think Ryder's going to be alpha one day?" Chloe asked, her voice low, as if she'd read my thoughts.

I shrugged. "I don't know. Dad's beta, so maybe. But there's a lot of competition within the pack. It's not just about being the beta's son."

Chloe's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "But do you think Ryder actually wants to be alpha?"

I hesitated, unsure of his true feelings. "I think he feels duty-bound to consider it, but I'm not sure if it's what he truly wants, besides I doubt he'd willingly want to go up against his best friend"

We were almost finished with our lunch, when I noticed Reena watching me from across the cafeteria, a scowl on her face. Chloe followed my line of sight and just rolled her eyes. Reena, Ryder's twin and my sister, was a striking young woman with a presence that was hard to ignore. She stood at about 5'8" with a lean and athletic build similar to Ryder's, but with a more petite frame. Her skin had the same warm, golden undertone as Ryder's.

Her long, dark brown hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, framing her heart-shaped face and accentuating her sharp features. Her grey eyes, identical to Ryder's, seemed to gleam with a sharp intelligence and a hint of superiority.

However, while Ryder's grey eyes were warm and introspective, Reena's seemed colder, more calculating. They narrowed slightly as she looked at you, as if sizing you up and finding you lacking. Her features were delicate yet bold, with high cheekbones and a small, pointed chin.

Her full lips curved into a perpetual pout, giving her an air of haughty superiority that could be both captivating and off-putting. She had a way of carrying herself with confidence, her posture ramrod straight and her stride purposeful, as if daring anyone to get in her way.

Despite her physical similarities to Ryder, Reena's demeanor was distinctly different. While Ryder's presence was calming and intriguing, Reena's was proud, condescending and calculating.

When she smiled, it seemed almost like a calculated move, a way to disarm and manipulate those around her. Her full lips would curve into a precise, polished smile, but her eyes remained cold, looking down on almost anyone.

"Don't let her get to you, Aria. You're amazing just the way you are," Chloe said, her voice filled with conviction.

I looked away and smiled, grateful for Chloe's support. We got up to leave the cafeteria, we were almost at the exit when cold liquid got splashed on my blue sweater shirt from my left side. Before I turned to see who it was, Chloe screamed.

"Taylor you bitc..."

"Chloe leave it, let's go" I quickly stopped her from grabbing a brunette holding an empty paper cup; Taylor one of Reena's minions. They weren't worth the trouble.

"Awww look the scrawny kid has a crazy mother hen to fight for her" Reena sneered earning a couple of laughs from the other kids in the cafeteria.

"No Aria, look what she did. I'll teach her some manners she needs them with those sea urchins she has as fingers" Chloe raged, Taylor took a step closer breathing hard both their eyes flashing between brown and amber.

"What did you say?" Taylor's shrill voice rang out.

"I said you have sea urch..."

"Chloe, stop. Let's go" I pulled her arm, she stared at me, huffed and stomped out not before glaring at Taylor and the rest of the sneering girls saying nasty things I didn't care to know.

I took a glance at Reena who smirked at me. I couldn't shake off the feeling that Reena's animosity was more than just typical sibling rivalry. There was something deeper, something that made my skin crawl.

My mind reeled as I thought about what I'd stumbled on this morning. A lot of things are falling into place, making sense, but I still can't believe any of it.

Why was this happening now? What did this mean for all of us, for Aria?

The revelation had shaken me to my core, and I wasn't sure how to process it, I'm still not sure what to believe because the supposed truth is glaring at me but this truth trumps the truth I've known my whole life so what truth should be my truth? Why did Mum and Dad keep this a secret from us? Is this why Aria can't shift?

This morning after my morning run, I hit the shower, had breakfast and ruffled Aria's hair as she hopped into Chloe's red truck.

"Good morning Ryder, hope you won't be late for Lit. class again?" Chloe whispered but with my werewolf hearing I picked it up and smirked.

"Yeah don't be late again Ry" Aria teased

"Yeah yeah, see you girls in school" I chuckled and crossed my arms as the truck backed away.

I walked back and upstairs to my room, picked my backpack and keys, knocked on Reena's door.

"Ree, we're late" I yelled as I walked across the hallway to my Dad's study.

I was a foot away from his study. The door was cracked open when I heard Dad, Mum and Reena arguing.

I was frozen in place, what were they saying. No this can't be true.

"Ryder..?" Mum's panicked face grabbed my attention.

"What...this isn't...this isn't true" I unfroze and shook my head. What did I just hear?

Mum's eyes turned apologetic. "We should have told you earlier sweetie, we're sorry it's for everyone's safety" My breath whooshed out of me.

"Ryder none of this gets out to anyone. None." Dad said his voice firm.

"Ryder honey," Mum started and placed her arm on my shoulder. "We're doing this for everyone's safety, for yours, for ours, for the pack's...for Aria's" This was the first time, since forever that Mum said Aria's name tenderly but it felt wrong.

"Does...does she know?" I asked even though I knew the answer.

"Nope" Reena rolled her eyes and said making the p pop while she tapped on her phone.

"Alpha Ryker, does.." I couldn't finish my question.

"Only six people know about this, Alpha Ryker, Luna Sable, Your dad, Reena, You and I, and it should stay this way" Mum breathed.

"But she has to know, Aria has to know Mum"

"No one else is knowing anything about this. It was a mistake involving you and your sister.... especially you" Dad answered his eyes flashing between grey and amber whispering the last part.

"What.." I started but Mum cut me off.

"Ryder it's in everyone's interest, everyone's safety that this ends here" Mum added firmly staring straight into my eyes.

I looked at Dad, Reena and back at Mum and breathed before walking out. "Sure"

By the time I drove to school I was completely stuck in my mind. Pacing the indoor basketball court.

"Take a chill pill man, you're driving me crazy" Spencer my best friend and future Alpha of our pack, Raven Claw Pack groaned earning a glare from me.

"Man it's either you spill or you let it go" He offered after a beat of silence.

"I can't, I don't even know what to make of it yet" I stopped pacing and stared at him.

"You'll be fine man, it doesn't matter whatever this is," he gestured with both hands to my face " you'll get over it, we always do."

"Thanks Spencer, I really hope s..." I was saying before I felt a soft nudge in my head.

'Hey Ry, We're having Lit. class where are you?' Aria's soft voice filled my mind

'Hey...uhm yeah I'm skipping' I replied and mouthed to Spencer "Aria's linking me" who nodded and resumed tapping on his phone.

'Are you fine Ry?' she asked, concern coating her voice. Why did it feel like I was betraying her?

'Yeah...yeah Aria I am... I'm uhmm at the library, talk to you later sis' I replied quickly and winced at my lame excuse.

'Uhm okay Ry' she said softly and there was quiet.

Of course she knew I was lying. I wasn't a library person. She'd literally beg and drag me to the library whenever she knew I was less busy. Aria's always been so kind and cute and funny.

She didn't deserve anything the world was throwing at her. She didn't deserve to be lied to. I'd have to tell her about this. We can't keep this from her even though Mum and Dad think otherwise. It's her life after all and she deserves to know.

The bell rang, signaling the end of class and I decided to convince Aria to leave early so we could talk even though it was harder than convincing a polar bear to move to the Sahara.

I and Spencer walked through the school hallway stopping a few feet away from Aria's locker.

I spotted Aria and Chloe across the crowd, Aria's eyes locked on mine for a brief moment before I nodded and continued with Spencer to the intersection leading to a couple of hallways to the cafeteria.

"Hey, let's catch up with them," I heard Chloe right before they walked towards us.

Chloe smiled brightly. "Hey, Spencer, Ryder! What's up?"

"Hey" I greeted them both, I usually ruffled Aria's hair but right now I didn't know if I still had the right to do so anymore not until this whole thing was sorted out.

"Not much, Chloe. Just got some pack stuff to take care of." I answered and noticed Aria's furrowed brows as she looked down at her feet. Of course she noticed and even though it frustrates her whenever I ruffle her hair, I know she kind of likes it and now I feel like a jerk.

"Pack stuff? Sounds mysterious!" From my peripheral vision, Chloe nudged Aria playfully.

"Just routine, Chloe. Nothing exciting. Hi Aria, you good?" Spencer chuckled before turning to Aria who nodded with a smile.

Aria stared at me like she wanted to say something but didn't. She just took a deep breath and fell into step beside Spencer with Chloe walking me. The four of us navigated the crowded hallway, a familiar rhythm to our steps.

As we walked, Chloe rambled off about something I didn't really pay attention to unlike Spencer who chuckled and chipped in. I glanced at Aria and caught her smile. She hardly smiled real smiles so right now I was more than grateful that Chloe was a big part of her life.

As I watched her, I noticed the way Aria moved with a quiet confidence, despite being an outcast among our kind. She was different, resilient and I was starting to realize just how different.

Our little group reached the cafeteria, and the smell of food wafted through the air. I nodded at the girls. "I'll catch up with you girls later. We need to meet Alpha Ryker about some pack business." I breathed. Aria stared back at me.

"See you girls later" Spencer added with a wink and we were gone before they could even respond.

I could still feel her eyes bore into the back of my head as we left. I'm sure a torrent of questions would come from her later today.

My current feelings towards Aria were complex. I'd always felt protective of her, given her inability to shift and the way Reena treated her. But now, I wonder if that protectiveness stemmed from a deeper connection.

My mind raced with the implications of what I'd discovered. I'm not sure what the future holds, but I know I need to find answers about everything, about Aria.

I felt a pang of guilt for not noticing anything unusual about her before, but Aria had always been Aria.