CURSED FROM WITHIN

As I joyfully awoke and made my way to my vanity area, the hands of the clock ticked, indicating that it was now 9 in the evening. I took a seat and I could not help but gaze at myself in the mirror until my hazel blue eyes landed on my face while I brushed my fingers through my waist lengthy sandy blond hair.

It is now finally the mating ball where everyone has a chance to find their mate- and I was so excited to wear my long gold gown hanging on the wall. It was adorned with fake diamonds which shone brightly whenever they hit the light.

But sadness visited my face as I remembered my mom who passed away many years ago. According to my aunt, my mother left this sophisticated gold gown for me for the mating ball. I touched it gently as if I were touching my mom. My aunt said she died in a mysterious way and protected me while my father was killed by a mysterious Alpha.

As I put on my gown, I stared at myself but something was missing. Damn! The necklace that my childhood friend named Matthew is the one I forgot to wear. When I took the necklace out of my cabinet, I grinned since it was the ideal complement to the elegance of my gown. Time flies so fast that I forgot that I have a friend like him. Unfortunately, he just left without giving any reason.

I caressed the pendant while I reminisced about the times of us being happy together playing in the Enchanted Garden where we first met. And until this very moment, I'm still missing him and wish he were here.

"Please wear this every day as it will serve as my reminder that I am always at your side! Please do not let others steal this from you!"

These words that he said will be forever instilled in my heart and I'll never forget his rakish smile while he was putting the necklace on my neck.

I can still remember my aunt telling me that I had to give her the pendant in order to pay off the debts that my parents had left behind, but I protested and said that I would sooner work as a slave for her family than give the most priceless gift that Matthew had given me.

The memory of them berating me in the past while trying to take my pendant by force is still vivid, but I have kept my commitment to Matthew to this day.

My aunt, along with her family, is not really related to me. They just adopted me and turned me into a slave when my parents died. It's quite challenging to live without parents, siblings, or close friends.

I often experienced being bullied by the high-ranking members of the pack who are mocking and laughing at me every day and those harsh words they said have crushed my heart multiple times. It seems that the world is my enemy. Omega she-wolfs like me have been denied so many possibilities in life that I was unable to enroll in wolf school, where I could have learned more about the history, culture, and agriculture of our pack-a luxury only granted to the most powerful wolves.

I only learned how to read and write when Matthew was still with me- and now that he's gone, I no longer found education interesting.

Only the housework and errands for them are the only things my aunt trains me to do. And I simply occupy the backyard, which is close to the trash.

I clenched the knob, but I couldn't find the courage to twist it. I debated going because I suddenly got the feeling that something bad would happen to me. Before I left, I closed my eyes and asked for my mother's guidance.

"Please, I don't know what lies ahead, but the time has come for me to find my fated mate and he will be my knight in shining armor who can protect me from the hands of those who mock me!"

As I stepped outside, creepy noises were common and made worse by the fierce wind and ominous thunder. I just hoped it wouldn't turn into a snowstorm. Taking a deep breath, I slowly dragged my feet outside. I touched the smooth wooden railing with my fingertips and turned my gaze to the road. The only discernable light was the moon shining above the sky.

I walked at a brisk pace and I made it clear to myself that I needed to attend the mating ball and meet my fated mate.

I quickly made it into the enormous mansion where the mating ball was taking place.

I'd never been inside the mansion before, but as soon as I stepped inside, the aroma of food welcomed me. When I looked around, I noticed that there were many people present and the mansion was well-lit by chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. They are all conversing with one another while holding a glass of wine.

With their elegant attire and pricey accessories like handbags, watches, and necklaces, the entire crowd gave off an upscale impression. As soon as the music began, I noticed that some of the attendees began to smile. I cannot hide the fact that I can only brag about my necklace as part of the crowd and not myself. I considerably belong to the lowest rank so I know where to put myself.

Each rank had its own allotted table, but someone like me lingered in a corner by myself, roaming my eyes around and looking for someone I might know.

In the middle of my search, someone tapped my back. I turned around and my eyes widened in shock when I saw my old friend, Cindy. She is a daughter of the Lexwell family- one of the most wealthy in the pack and my only friend in the entire pack. I looked at her from head to toe and she was so gorgeous in her long red gown with a butterfly necklace to match.

When I saw her, my face started to blush. "Cindy, it's been a very long time! You looked stunning in your dazzling red gown!"

I embraced her with enthusiasm but did not let her know that it was my birthday today.

She flashed a smile. "How are you?" she asked while we were still hugging each other.

I slipped from the hug and answered her. "I'm okay! I'm so glad to meet you again!"

Her eyes sparkled with joy. "The feeling is mutual. Are you still with your cruel aunt?"

I let out a frustrated sigh. "Well, that's a good guess!"

"Really? But they are so cruel to you and treat you like trash! How can you still live with them?"

"Have you forgotten that I must spend the rest of my life paying off a significant debt left by my parents?"

Cindy gave me a pitying look. Are you willing to be their slave till you die? Are you comfortable with this kind of arrangement?

I gently curled my lips into a smile and responded, "I came to the mating ball to meet my destined mate who will change my life forever."

Our conversation was interrupted when a handsome man dressed in polo attire suddenly arrived in the hallway and his scent dominated the scents of all the food and flowers. He has deep blue eyes, thick eyebrows, a sharp nose, and fixed hair. Everything about him is perfection!

"And who is that very handsome man dressed?" I asked Cindy while my eyes are still glued on the handsome man.

"I don't know his name but based on his appearance alone, he's probably one of the higher ranks in your pack and he's probably quite popular because of his handsome face!" she answered.

"How sad, an Omega like me never had the privilege to see a handsome man as I was always trapped inside my house with unending house chores!"

The handsome man continued to stroll while oblivious to all of the eyes staring at him. However, he stopped in front of me and fixed his gaze on the pendant around my neck.

I felt a frantic bubble of fear rise up inside me.

A proud half smile tilted his mouth. "It has been a very long time, Rhea! You've grown so fast and you still have the pendant that I gave you when we were still a kid!"

I blinked twice as if shocked by the question, not expecting that it is Matthew standing before me. I almost melted when he gave me a killer smile.

"You are lucky enough that your birthday also happened to be the mating ball!" he added.

I had the impression that Matthew must hold a special place in his heart for me because he remembered my birthday. I was about to reply when Cindy cut our conversation.

"Is it your birthday?"

I turned to face her. "Yes, sorry if I have never informed you about this!"

She smiled and gave me a warm hug. "Happy birthday. I could have bought you a present if I know today is your birthday!"

"Please don't bother doing this. I am doing just fine!" I said with a hesitant voice.

"Can I also get a hug from my childhood friend? I mean, I was not able to give you any presence either!"

At the edge of my sight, I can feel that everyone is staring at me as if they envy that I got the attention of Matthew.

Suddenly an old man with white hair suddenly arrives in front of him and spoke.

"We've been waiting for you to arrive!"

He turned his gaze at me. "I would love to talk to you more but my father will arrive any minute from now," he said, letting out a frustrated sigh.

I smiled. "It's okay, I sincerely understand!"

Then he walked away and he was seated between two women. In my theory, the one with the blue gown is his sibling while the other one sitting with the red gown is probably his cousin since they were both looking younger than him. Shortly after he seated, the Moon Goddess finally arrived and everyone clapped their hands to give her a warm welcome.

"I have not anticipated that he is the man you were telling me about," Cindy murmured to me.

My attention diverted to Cindy as I replied to her. "I also feel the same! To think that the cute man I adored so much when I was still a kid would turn out to become the most handsome man at the party. He's beyond perfect and I think that he has not changed at all!"

"Really? I'm sure the Moon Goddess will pair him up with a very lovely lady as his destiny mate!"

I nodded in agreement. "Yes, I agreed with what you said!"

She entered the mansion gently while wearing a long, full white gown, and her hair was not fastened, leaving everyone in awe of her beauty. She was warmly hugged by several people in the front seat and the happiness on her face was plain to see. I was a little jealous when she approached Matthew.

She had a distinct aura that I had never experienced before in my entire life. She walked up to the podium and peered behind the group of people standing in front of her.

"I need to go now, my friends are waiting for me in the other area!" Cindy remarked to me.

I stood with my chin up as the highlight part of the event is about to happen. She gave us an appreciative grin.

"For all mateless wolves and for the new pup wolves, the long wait is over!"

I fixed my attention on her mouth since her next few words could fundamentally alter the course of my life. But I was preoccupied when I noticed Matthew waving at me, so I did the same in reply. I shivered when the woman in a blue gown next to him scowled at me. I quickly turned my attention back to the Moon Goddess who was still speaking.

"Tonight, we have with us," she roamed her eyes as if she is looking for someone. "A shining hidden diamond among us!"

Everyone started looking at each other in shock. The Moon Goddess shifted her gaze from her feet and began looking around. The murmurs grew louder as they are waiting for the Moon Goddess to reveal what she is talking about.

"Do you know what she is talking about?" said a familiar voice behind my back then stood next to me.

"Cindy? I thought you are with your friends?" I asked in wonder.

She took a sip from the wine glass she is holding. "I was quite bored in my area and the view of the hall is much better here. Seriously, I am wondering who is she referring to?"

I flinched, "I honestly can't say!"

"The one that will shine today is no other than," her eyes suddenly landed on me and she grinned. "Rhea!"

My head just turned around and looked at the Moon Goddess. A feeling of fear mixed with shock gripped me. She put a smile on her face. Damn! This is so awkward and I just wanted to vanish into thin air. I honestly don't want to cause unnecessary attention from the crowd.

"Did she just call your name?" Cindy asked.

"I think there is another girl with the name of Rhea!" I answered.

"But why she is staring at you?"

I dropped on sweat glistened on my forehead and I felt a frantic fear rising up inside of me.

The Moon Goddess come closer to me and held my hand. I looked at her in surprise. She placed her mouth next to my ear.

"Come up, dear!"

At the edge of my sight, I noticed that Cindy went missing again. Deep inside, I wanted someone to steal my attention from me. Having all of the people's eyes on me is pretty damn awkward. I adamantly ignored their scornful look and asked the Moon Goddess.

"Excuse me but I think you called the wrong person. I'm sure that someone here has that name as well!"

She gave me an assuring smile. "No! You are the diamond I am referring to. You are shining brightly in that gown and my eyes cannot make mistakes!"

I know for a fact that I'm not as valuable as diamonds nor as shining as diamonds as well. I have pulled away from my thoughts when the Moon Goddess speaks up again.

"Come on! You are fated to shine tonight!"

I don't want to embarrass the Moon Goddess so I decided to join her on the stage and I stood beside her.

"As the Moon Goddess," she gives me a quick glance. "I am now going to call the fated mate of Rhea!"

I felt a frantic bubble of fear rising in me. I held on to my pendant and closed my eyes as the most shining night of my life is about to happen!"

"Matthew Miranda!"

The crowd's murmurs irritate my ear so much. My gaze turned to Matthew in so much shock. Like me, he was also surprised to hear what the Moon Goddess has said. I felt the world rotates only to us when a very romantic violin is played. I never thought that my childhood friend turns out to be my fated mate.

The smile on his face suddenly shifted to sadness as he slowly came in front of the podium and the Moon Goddess gave the floor to him to speak.

"This night... is the worst night of my life! Out of all the Luna of royal families present today, how can I be fated with someone whose rank is far from mine? I am a privileged man with power and influence at a young age and I hereby rejected Rhea as my fated mate!"

His words cut through my heart deeper than any harsh words I've heard from others. I wanted to cry but I fought back my tears. I wanted to leave but my feet feel so heavy right now.

The entire area was enveloped with silence until an old man in a white robe entered inside. The attention of all shifted to him.

"Stop! I am glad I made it in time. What is going on here?" his intimidating voice resonated in the crown and resulted in an uproar.

The Moon Goddess tilted her mouth to speak. "This is the mating ball and your son has gotten a mate and she is standing next to me!"

He gave us a very intimidating look. "This is so damn ridiculous! How come, my son, is fated with a cursed Omega? She has a blood of a witch running through her veins. The last witch alive! They are our mortal enemy!"

I was left speechless. I have no idea that I have the blood of a witch running through my vein.

The Moon Goddess came into my defense. "I am aware that she has the blood of a witch running through her veins but I know for a fact that she is not like those witches who almost eradicate the existence of the wolves in the face of Earth. Besides, the rule of our pack is clear: We can only kill pure-blooded witches and not those who are half pure-blooded witches. I hope that is crystal clear to everyone!"

"No! The witch is evil even when they are not pure-blooded. And the fact that she is the fated mate of my son is beyond my comprehension! She deserves to be stoned to death!"

Everyone started throwing things at me and cursing me to die. Some even transformed into their wolf forms to attack me.

"I have enough of this already!" Matthew said with a commanding tone of voice.

Everyone calmed down and nobody dared to speak after him.

"I already rejected her as my fated mate because I simply can't ignore the fact that she's a low-ranking she-wolf but believe me, she is my childhood friend and I know that she's not as dangerous as the rest of the witch so leave her alone!"

In spite of what Matthew said, they still throw negative comments about me so Matthew held my hand and we rush to exit the hall.