LUNA CRIMSON

Chapter 1

SERAFINA'S POV

"No! No! No!" The scream tore through the hall, desperate and raw, as the lady in the gold shimmering ball gown watched the man in armor. His face, obscured by the shadow of his helmet, was unreadable as he stepped forward with cold precision, his silver sword raised high. Without hesitation, he drove it into the older woman standing in front of her, the one who looked like a future version of herself.

Blood splattered, and the older woman collapsed, her white ball gown quickly staining red as her body hit the ground, lifeless. The lady in the gold gown went silent, her voice strangled by the shock gripping her. She could barely process what she was seeing. Her eyes blurred with tears as they fixed on the two still bodies before her- her parents, lying motionless on the cold floor.

"Mother... Father..." Her voice was barely a whisper, trembling with disbelief. She sank to her knees, her strength giving out, her hands hovering above the bodies but unable to touch them. The reality of the moment seemed to close in on her, suffocating, inescapable.

The man in armor turned toward her, his heavy steps echoing in the now-quiet room. He moved slowly, deliberately, as if there was no rush to finish what he had started. She didn't move, couldn't. Frozen in place, she barely registered when his gloved hand grabbed a fistful of her hair, yanking her head back with a sudden, violent tug. Pain shot through her scalp, but she was too numb to react.

"It's your turn," he said, his voice calm, almost indifferent. The words cut through her...

***********

My eyes snapped open, and a sharp headache hit me. I felt dizzy and numb from a weird kind of pain, my scalp was aching, and I couldn't remember how or why.

My memory was foggy. I glanced at the clock on my bedroom wall, eight o'clock, it read. "Oh no!" I exclaimed, getting on my feet and running into my bathroom, my headache suddenly vanished. I had a quick shower and stepped out, slipping into one of my simple work dresses. I wore my flats and styled my hair in a ponytail.

As soon as I was done, I grabbed my bag and books and rushed out of my tiny apartment. I even forgot to make my morning coffee, but it was not a problem; facing Mrs Gladys would be the real problem if I arrived at the school late.

I flagged down a taxi and soon I was on my way. I slide out my phone, checking the time, thirty minutes past eight.

Finally, I arrived at the school and immediately paid the cab driver, running off like I was being chased.

"Good morning, Miss Athena." A voice sprang out of nowhere.

"Morning."I waved, not bothering to check on who had mentioned my name. I arrived at my class, and my heart sank.

Mrs Gladys, the school's principal and an elder in The pack's council, was seated amongst my children, obviously teaching them.

"Good morning, ma'am," I said with shaky breaths. Miss Gladys turned to me, a sinister smirk playing on her face.

I stepped forward, "I can explain..." Her sideways nod had me shutting my mouth.

"Alright, children, your Teacher is here now. I will leave you to her. Be good kids." She addressed the children.

"Yes principal Gladys." The kids chorused. I held my breath as she approached me, an inch away from colliding with me. "Be in my office after school's dismissal." I nodded, my throat dry with tension.

I watched her leave and released a sigh of relief.

"Hey, kids!" I said, sitting on the spot where Mrs Gladys once sat. "So sorry for coming late again, but not to worry, that's never going to happen again," I said, and the children giggled; they knew I was cracking a big lie. Silly children, I snorted.

AN HOUR LATER

I calculated my steps as I made my way to Mrs Gladys's office, my hands rubbing against themselves. I had wiped my hands on my skirt countless times.

I knew Gladys was going to reprimand me, so I mentally prepared myself for her outburst.

I pushed the brown oak door open as I walked in, a bright smile on my face like everything was fine.

"Ma'am," I called, stepping fully into her office.

"Thank the Goddess you are not late again. Sit." She commanded, and I hurriedly sat on the chair, once again, wiping my sweaty palms on my skirt.

"Miss Athena." She began.

"Ma'am, I am so sorry. I was working late last night, and I somehow missed my alarm. I know I failed you, and I am sorry. Please don't fire me. The kids love me, and I know it's not an excuse, but I don't want to leave them behind because of my behavior. Please forgive me." I rushed out the words, cutting her off, which was disrespectful, and I knew how angry she would get.

"Serafina." She called calmly this time, her tone losing its usual strict touch.

"Ma'am," I replied slowly.

Mrs. Gladys smiled and drew something out from under her desk, placing it on the table. "Here, open it." She said, pushing a small pink box toward me.

I carefully took it, unsure of what was inside, "Ma'am, are you sure I should?"

"Go ahead." She urged. I nodded, trusting that she would not harm me, and I opened the box, and to my shock, there was a necklace in it. I took it out and admired its beauty.

It was a gold pendant necklace, the pendant was carved out as SA, which were my initials. "Ma'am..." I called, speechless.

"Happy birthday." Mrs Gladys said, and my heart sank. Is it my birthday? I had forgotten, how could I not have remembered my birthday?

"It's my birthday? It's my birthday!" I let out a nervous chuckle.

"Flora called to inform me, I am not supposed to tell you, but she's throwing a surprise party for you at the Orphanage." Mrs Gladys informed me, leaving me completely speechless.

Grandma Flora is throwing a party for me, tears burned my eyes, but I fought back the urge, I couldn't cry, not now at least.

But then I realized, "Teachers don't work on their birthdays, Mrs Gladys, you made that a rule, right?" She nodded, smirking, "Let's just say that is your punishment for always arriving at my school late."

I smiled, and then it suddenly hit me. "Ma'am, are you coming to the orphanage?"

Her smile suddenly vanished, and she pursed her lips in a thin line, "Oh, I am sorry, Serafina. I will be somewhere else tonight." She Informed.

"Really?"

She pulled out a white envelope from a stack of files and waved it in the air.

"My invitation," she revealed, There's an alliance party being thrown at the pack house. I will be going there. Don't worry if I leave early, I might just meet up with your party."

I forced a smile, thinking about what she had just revealed. A party at the pack house means she will get to talk to Alpha Robert about the orphanage being demolished.

" I know what you are thinking, Serafina. Listen, if this is about your Grandmother's orphanage, I have tried my best. These days, Luna Camila has made it difficult to get in touch with Alpha Robert. I have done my best, there's nothing more I can do now."

"But, if you could just make an attempt tonight... or bring me with you. I will be as quick as possible, and then I will return to my party. Please, Mrs Gladys."

She shook her head. "That won't be possible, Serafina. I suggest you attend your birthday party and have fun. We will deal with the issue once all these are done."

I nodded, biting my lips as I thought of the plans I had in mind and couldn't execute. I needed to speak with Alpha Robert, he's my last hope in saving the orphanage.

"I hope you understand, Sera."

I faked a smile. "I do, ma'am. Thank you, Mrs Gladys, I am grateful for your help." I stood up and hurried out, tears gathering in my eyes, but I fought them back. Crying wouldn't solve anything, but a good ploy just might.

A FEW HOURS LATER

I sat by the cafeteria close to the school, watching everyone leave. I had a mission and I couldn't back down now. The orphanage, Grandma Flora, and the children, their happiness meant a lot to me, and I wasn't going to let them face the slightest discomfort. I could always celebrate my birthday next year, but if anything happens to the orphanage, there will be no getting it back.

Finally, Mrs. Gladys's car drove out of the premises, I waited a minute more before heading back to the school.

Carlos, the security guard, was starting to close up."Hey Carlos, I forgot my bag. I will be back as quickly as I can."

"Alright, Miss Sera, but you can't take too long in there; it's time to lock up," he replied.

"Thank you, Carlos, I owe you one," I said as I raced inside. Heading straight to Mrs Gladys's office, the door was locked.

I took out my hairpin and picked the locks, almost taking forever. A sigh of relief escaped my throat as the door clicked open. I immediately strolled towards her desk and began my search, the invitation letter had to be here somewhere.

There were odds she could have taken it home, but I clung to my hope that just maybe she would have left it behind.

My mission was to find the invitation letter, and I was determined to leave no stone unturned.

.

Rummaging through the neat piles of papers and files, my fingers tracing the edges of each document with precision. But there was nothing out of the ordinary, just the usual school correspondence and reports.

Just as I was about to give up, my gaze fell upon the carpet. It was a subtle hint, a slight wrinkle in the otherwise smooth surface. I knelt, my heart beating with anticipation, and gently lifted the edge of the carpet. And there it was, the envelope with the pack house's logo embossed on it. I felt a surge of relief as I pulled out the invitation letter, my eyes scanning the contents with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation.

Thank you, Goddess.

"Miss Serafina! What's taking so long?" I heard Carlos's voice calling out from the hallway. I gasped, my heart skipping a beat. "Oh no, I forgot about him." I hastily fixed the carpet, making sure no evidence of my snooping remained, and hurried out of Mrs. Gladys' office.

I rushed back to my classroom, my mind racing with thoughts of the incriminating letter in my possession. I slipped the letter into my bag, my hands shaking slightly as I zipped it shut. The door swung open as if on cue, and Carlos walked in, his face etched with concern. "Are you okay, Miss Sera?" he asked, his brow furrowed.

I forced a bright smile on my face, trying to appear nonchalant. "I am, thank you, Carlos. I thought I lost my lucky pen, but I found it." I patted my bag, feeling the letter's presence, and began heading towards the door.

"Thank you for your patience, Carlos," I said, waving goodbye as I walked away, trying to appear calm and composed.

I have to get ready and be at the pack house within two hours. Goddess be my guide.

Chapter 2

TWO HOURS LATER

I hid behind a large van, staring at the grand mansion with people bustling in and out of it. The place was lively and filled with tons of people in high ranks, it was clear from their exquisite clothing and expensive cars.

I nervously glanced down at the invite. I hope Mrs Gladys can forgive me for trespassing and stealing her invitation. I will apologize and reduce any punishment she has in mind for me. But saving the only source of my childhood comes first. As soon as I am done talking to Alpha Robert, I will head to the orphanage and speak to Grandma Flora.

My palms grew sweaty, and my breath haggard; the tension rising within me was palpable, and it scared me so much. I feared I would lose my composure and be exposed, and I couldn't afford that.

I came here to have a direct conversation with Alpha Robert, and I don't intend to leave until I achieve that.

Taking a needed deep breath

I came out and onto the winding driveway, my eyes swept up on the mansion's grandeur looming before me. It was a massive chunk of beautiful building, but I didn't come for admiration, not until everything had been fixed.

The night air was warm and pulsed with excitement as I immediately saw a line of people and joined the queue of guests waiting to enter.

I looked along the line and saw that everyone was holding their cards, steadying for the guards to check them.

As I held the card even tighter, my hands trembling slightly, sweat braced my forehead, and I wiped it off.

It got to my turn, and the guard with a towering figure and piercing eyes, spoke, "Your card, ma'am." I slowly handed it to him, and he took the card and scanned it before nodding curtly. " You're cleared to enter. Welcome"

I smiled, and my racing heart calmed for the first time since I arrived here. I walked inside.

Once inside, I felt the thumping of soft music and laughter take me by surprise. Wasn't this supposed to be an alliance gathering? It was a bit more fun, this wasn't what I expected. This had to be more than an alliance party.

I wandered around the grand ballroom for a while, my eyes scanning the sea of faces from Esteemed pack Alpha and their subordinates, the council elders; though Mrs Gladys wasn't in sight, I was grateful for that.

The room was alive with the hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses. I felt like an outsider; I didn't belong here.

The warm smiles and nods from others didn't quite reach their eyes, and I sensed a lingering distrust in the air.

I moved swiftly, searching for Alpha Robert; he was nowhere in sight, and neither was Luna. An usher went by with a tray of glasses filled with wine, and I took a glass to settle my nerves.

As I emptied my glass, I continued my search for the host. If he's not here, then maybe I can search somewhere else.

There was another clear passage with no guard standing in the way. I lowered the glass, scanning the entire room to see if anyone was staring. With no attention drawn to me, I dashed off, taking fast strides toward the passage.

I arrived at a very long hallway, Goddess. Where do I start? Or maybe I should just go back...

And miss my chance to somehow find the Alpha alone and finally talk to him. No way. Thankfully, I wore flats, so my footsteps wouldn't attract anyone.

There were numerous doors on both sides, all closed. I strolled down the hall, which led to another hallway with the same intensity.

As I arrived at the next corridor, I stopped dead in my tracks, my ears perked up like a deer sensing danger. Voices drifted from what seemed like the last door in the hallway, low and hushed, sending a shiver down my spine. I drew closer, my heart racing with anticipation, and placed my ear on the door, my breathing suspended.

"Alpha Robert is getting suspicious of you, Luna Camila. The old woman from the orphanage has continuously sent letters requesting better remuneration. One of her letters almost got to the Alpha, but I managed to get rid of it."

Grandma Flora, they are talking about her, but what is The Luna's involvement in this?

"Spare me these excuses, Lionel. Robert made you Treasurer because of me, and now you can't do a simple job? Have the rest of the funds wired to the secret account you established in Lucas's name. Forget about the old woman, even if she requests to see the Alpha directly, I will never let that happen." A female voice said, Luna Camila, her voice dripped with disdain.

How could she? The very mother of our pack, ripping off an old woman for her selfish gain.

"And what about Gladys? You know she's been adamant lately, always requesting to see not just Alpha Robert, but me as well. She's relentless, what if she finds me, what will I say to her?"

"Lionel, you worry too much. That's enough fidgeting for one night. There's a party going on out there. Fix yourself and join in. I will handle everything.

I had to run off and hide when the door opened a little too fast. Luna Camila's gaze met mine, and behind her was Elder Lionel, his shocked gaze spoke volumes of their deceit.

"And who the heck are you?" Her eyes widened as she took in my appearance, Were you eavesdropping on my conversation?" She asked, moving forward, for some unknown reason, my legs remained rooted to the ground.

She grabbed my hand, her nails bruising my skin. " What did you hear?"

"Nothing," I replied, trying to break free from her strong grip.

"Don't you dare lie to me, what did you hear?" Luna Camila gave me a deadly look.

Her grip on my hand was like a vice, her nails digging into my skin.

"What did you hear?" she spat, her eyes blazing with anger. I tried to break free, but her grip tightened.

Don't you dare lie to me, what did you hear?" I knew I had to think fast, so I did the only thing I could -

I stepped on her toes and bit her hand, forcing her grip to loosen as she yelped in pain.

I ran off, as fast as I could, never looking over my shoulder, my heart racing in my chest.

Chapter 3

SERAFINA

I didn't stop running until I arrived back at the grand hall. Only then did I slow down, my heart still racing with fear.

I quickly merged with the crowd, hoping to escape detection. I palmed my mouth to keep people from noticing how heavy my breaths were.

All of this is Luna Camila's doing. Alpha Robert has no idea she is laundering such a large sum of money for herself, but that is just pure evil.

Now, more than ever, I had to find Alpha Robert and expose Luna Camila's deeds. I knew he would not believe me without evidence, but he would surely listen to Grandma Flora if he gave us the chance.

The orphanage is too important to me. Grandma Flora and the kids have been my savior since I left the orphanage to explore my life, to find out about my origin, and who my parents were. Even when I failed to do all of these, they stood by me, Grandma Flora allowed me to work at the Night Walkers Elementary school. This is the least I can do for all of them.

Suddenly, the crowd started to assemble, turning in one direction; I turned around, focusing my gaze on what everyone was staring at.

Majestically making their way into the room were Alpha Robert, Luna Camil, and their son, Lucas.

"Welcome, everyone! To the grand summit. I am grateful for your presence and want to especially thank you all for gracing this occasion. Please enjoy yourselves to the fullest, make merry, and be less worried." Alpha Robert declared, and the crowd went wild in loud cheers, their enthusiasm infectious.

But I was distracted, my senses hijacked by an unfamiliar musk scent that wafted through the air, calming my racing heart and stirring something deep within me. I wondered where it came from, this scent that seemed to speak directly to my soul, amidst the throng of people.

And then, like a whispered secret, my wolf squealed.

Mate.

The word echoed in my mind, leaving me stunned and disbelieving. My mate? Here? In the Night Walker pack house. It couldn't be. This was the last thing I had in mind coming here.

Surrounded by almost a thousand people? It seemed impossible, yet the pull intensified, the scent growing stronger, drawing me in with an otherworldly force.

My heart skipped a beat as I scanned the crowd, my senses on high alert, my wolf's emotions taking over.

Finding Alpha, Robert was no longer my priority; finding my supposed mate had become an all-consuming quest.

I followed the scent, my wolf urging me, my emotions heightened as I navigated through the crowd, looking for no one that I knew in particular.

I felt lost in the sea of faces surrounding me, yet I didn't stop trusting my instincts; I kept going left, right, anywhere in particular.

But then I stopped, as a hand gently grabbed my shoulder. I immediately spun, and to my shock and disappointment, I saw Lucas.

"Mate," he said, but something flashed in his eyes: disdain, disgust, and anger. My blood ran dry at the sight of this. I stepped back on impulse, but he was quick to grab me.

"Who are you?" he asked almost quietly.

I shook my head, lost for words. My tongue felt too heavy for me to speak. "Who are you? Are you a prominent figure?" Lucas grabbed my chin and raised it as he bored his gaze into my face.

"Peasant, that's what you are."

I shook my head, opening my mouth to speak, but he beat me to it.

"What did you do to me?" He asked, his eyes turning red, his nails dug into my skin, and I winced. I wish I didn't, or did it even matter? All eyes turned towards me, towards us.

"What did you do to me?!" Lucas yelled and pushed me, I fell hard on my butt, my arms bleeding from his intense grip.

"I did nothing, I swear." I whimpered, tears gathering in my eyes.

"You are a witch! This woman is a witch, she planned this. She planned to ruin me; she has cast a false spell against me, claiming I am her mate." Lucas threw accusations at me, and I shook my head, too scared to stare at anyone else. I wouldn't be able to bear their judgmental gaze.

"I didn't do anything; please, you have to believe me." Tears were now streaming down my face, and I felt like hitting myself.

"Lucas! What's going on here?" Alpha Robert thundered, stepping in.

"Father, this witch has charmed me; she's forcing me to feel a false bond between us. Nobody can be my mate, it is impossible. The Goddess will not play such a cruel joke on me. Never! It's all her!" He ranted nonstop. I didn't know what to do, so I remained on the floor, crying like a weakling.

"Enough, Lucas! We are amid esteemed guests, and you dare throw tantrums. This is disrespectful to both this young lady and to my name. Help her up and exit this room now." Alpha Robert said, his voice laced with authority.

"But, father, she's a nobody, a piece of trash, a peasant..."

"Now!" A thunderous growl swept across the room.

Lucas took my hand, roughly pulling me up. I tried to snatch my hand away from him and just silently leave, but Lucas refused to let go. His grip on my hand tightened, and he pulled me close as if hugging me.

"I will not succumb to your spell, witch. What is your name?"

I clamped my mouth shut; something dug into my flesh, and I trembled as more tears filled my eyes. "Serafina Athena," I replied, so he could stop tearing into my flesh.

He pulled away from me and stepped back, finally letting go of my hand. I held my bleeding hand to my chest, trembling.

"I, Lucas Matteo..."

"Lucas!" Alpha Robert yelled.

Dread filled my soul as I realised what he planned to do. " Under the watchful gaze of a thousand, Rejects Serafina Athena as my mate."

A sharp burn spread through my bones as soon as he completed his declaration; I screamed, falling to my knees.

"LUCAS!!!"

"Ahh!" I gasped, trying to suppress the pain. I couldn't spend a second here. I stood to my feet and ran off, despite the pang I felt.

Blinded by tears, I failed to see who was approaching, and I bumped into a wall. No, I bumped into someone, a manly figure, and I palmed my face to shield my wet face from whoever the stranger was.

Out of the blue, my wolf squealed in my head, and like a dream, the words resounded in my head.

Mate.

What?!

It couldn't be; there was no way I was having another mate or finding him on the same night. To my disagreement, A rich Amber and pine wood scent filled my nostrils.

I couldn't believe this; no, this was my imagination. I was simply traumatised by what just happened; I simply could not have another mate.

I stepped back, my heart beating loudly against my chest, and I feared he would hear it.

"Mate." I heard, but this didn't come from me, confirming every utter doubt I had left.

"She's my mate." I heard again, my brows raised in confusion. Did he just indirectly refer to me like I wasn't standing in his midst?

Was I invisible?

I slowly took my hand off my face, my breath hitched as my vision came in contact with a masterpiece.

His dark brown hair was like a rich, velvety canvas, framing his face with a stylishly messy texture that added to his rugged charm. His bright blue eyes were like radiant sapphires, shining with a sharp, intelligent glint that seemed to pierce through the air.

His face, a masterfully crafted sculpture, with sharp lines and defined features. His jawline, strong and square, like a finely chiselled granite cliff, and his cheekbones were high and prominent, like finely etched ridges. His lips are pink, full, and well-defined, like a work of art.

Overall, he exudes a sense of confident, masculine energy, like a powerful storm brewing on the horizon.

How could one man be this handsome?

"Is there something on my face? Why is she staring so much?" I gasped as those words braced my ears, but the man's lips never made a move.

"Is she alright? Why is she gasping?"

I shook my head, stepping back; I had to be hearing things; this was impossible. I seriously can't hear his thoughts.

"Why is she acting like this? So weird."

"You are weird!" I retorted, frowning.

The man's brow raised in utter shock, "Did she hear me? No. That's impossible."

"Impossible indeed, how is this happening? Are you faking this?" I asked, pointing my bruised finger at his face.

"Faking what? What is she talking about? Why is her hand bleeding? She has tears on her face."

"Can you just stop and speak with your mouth already? Yeah, great trick, but I am so poor that I can't pay you for your show." I yelled and brushed past him, walking away.

"Alpha Fenrir!" I heard behind me, and I stopped. Were my ears playing tricks with me? I swerved and found a neatly dressed man approaching the magician.

"I can take care of myself. When will they get it?" the voice resounded in my head. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a jotter and pen, dabbling on it.

"I am fine, stay back." Even from where I stood, I heard him speak, yet his mouth made no move. He shoved the paper in the man's face, who bowed, turned around, and left.

I couldn't believe my eyes, my ears, my state of mind. Everything felt foreign, like they didn't belong to me.

What exactly was going on? I possibly could not be in the presence of the mute Ruler, the cursed Alpha, Fenrir Generics. He barely shows himself to the world; his Father, Alpha Mano,s, is said to be the active ruler to keep the peace in their pack. Alpha Fenrir is so rare that no one knows what he looks like; rumours had once spread that he only ruled in his study because he couldn't speak like a normal leader.

What would that same Alpha be doing out in the open? In Night Walker, a pack further from his.

"She's not leaving again, maybe she can finally give me a chance to communicate with her." He walked towards me.

He took out the same jotter and pen, quickly scribbling something down. "Please, let's talk."

I shook my head, I heard him before he wrote that down. It can't possibly be true that I can hear his thoughts.

"Who are you?" I asked; despite my knowledge, I wasn't sure, so I needed confirmation.

"Fenrir." He jotted something down and showed me. It was his name.

"Stop writing; I can hear you perfectly," I said, and his eyes widened.

"She can hear me? Wai, if she can hear me, she probably hears me now. Can you hear me, miss? Answer this question, who are you?" he asked.

"For someone who is mute, you talk too much. And who I am is not of your concern. Look, I don't know how any of this came about, and I really don't care, just stay away from me." I said and turned to leave.

He grabbed my hand, and I snatched it from his grip, the pain from earlier resurfacing. "Stay away from me."

I ran off this time, making sure he didn't come after me.