Rejected Luna: Royal Blood

They say your first shift is supposed to be magical, a moment when you finally connect with the wolf inside you.

I still remember the sting of his words, the way Alpha Marcus looked at me like I was nothing. "I, Alpha Marcus, reject you, Emily Ravens, as my mate."

His voice was cold, detached, as if he were simply brushing off a speck of dirt from his shoulder. The rest of the pack watched, their eyes filled with a mix of pity and disgust. How could I, an orphan with no family, no name to honor, even think I was worthy of an alpha? The air around us felt thick, suffocating, as though it was pressing down on me, urging me to crumble under the weight of his rejection.

But I refused to break. Not in front of them. Not in front of him.

"I understand," I replied, my voice steady, even as a storm of emotions raged inside me. Anger, humiliation, sadness-they swirled together, forming a knot in my chest that threatened to choke me. But I swallowed it down, every bitter drop, and forced myself to meet his gaze. His eyes, so cold and unforgiving, didn't even flicker with regret or hesitation. I was nothing to him. Less than nothing.

The pack was silent, their whispers from moments ago dying away as they waited for me to react, to fall apart. But I wouldn't give them the satisfaction. My legs felt like they were made of lead, but I managed to turn away from Marcus, keeping my head high as I walked through the crowd. I could feel their stares burning into my back, each one a knife in my already bleeding heart.

As I left the clearing, the forest seemed to close in around me, the trees like silent sentinels bearing witness to my shame. The moonlight barely filtered through the thick canopy, casting everything in shadow. I stumbled over roots and rocks, but I kept going, needing to get away, to find somewhere I could breath.

The pain of rejection wasn't just emotional-it was physical, a searing ache that spread through every nerve in my body. My wolf, who had been so eager to bond with her mate, was now retreating into the deepest corners of my mind, wounded and silent. I could feel her sadness, her confusion. Why hadn't she emerged when I turned 18, like everyone else's wolf? Why was I still incomplete, still trapped in this limbo between human and wolf, even at 19?

Most in the pack shifted by 18. Some even earlier, at 16 or 17, their wolves strong and vibrant, a source of pride. But not me. Every day that passed without my first shift was another reminder that I was different, that I didn't belong. And the pack didn't let me forget it. They whispered behind my back, laughed when they thought I couldn't hear, and looked at me with thinly veiled pity or disdain. To them, I was a failure, a freak, an orphan without a wolf.

It was that failure, that perceived weakness, that had driven Marcus to reject me. I wasn't just a poor match for an alpha, I was an embarrassment. He needed a strong mate, someone who could stand by his side and command respect. Someone who could shift, lead, and fight. And I wasn't that someone.

The thought of it sent a fresh wave of humiliation washing over me, and I had to force myself to keep walking, to push past the memories of the pack's judging eyes and Marcus's cold voice. The forest was thick around me, the darkness broken only by slivers of moonlight that filtered through the trees, but I didn't care where I was going. I just needed to move, to escape the crushing weight of my own inadequacy.

Every step I took was a reminder of what I wasn't, what I couldn't be. My feet crunched on the dry leaves scattered across the forest floor, the only sound in the otherwise silent night. My legs felt heavy, like they didn't belong to me anymore, like they were just another part of my body that had failed me. But I kept moving, because stopping meant thinking, and thinking meant facing the truth: I was alone.

I had always been alone, really. The pack had taken me in out of obligation, not out of love. An orphan with no family, no history, and now, no wolf I was the charity case they tolerated but never truly accepted. And now, without Marcus, without even the faintest hope of belonging, I had nothing.

My chest tightened as the reality of my situation sank in. Where would I go? What would I do? The pack was my home, my only home, and now I was cut off from it, a stranger in the one place I should have belonged. Tears welled up in my eyes again, and I blinked them back, determined not to cry anymore. Crying wouldn't change anything. It wouldn't bring back the life I had lost, the future I had imagined.

But then, deep in the forest, I came to a stop, my breath hitching as a new thought entered my mind, what if this was all because of my wolf? What if she was broken? Maybe that's why she hadn't come forward, why she hadn't shown herself on my 18th birthday like she was supposed to. What if she was as weak and useless as everyone believed me to be?

My heart pounded in my chest, the fear taking root, growing until it was all I could think about. I had always told myself that when my wolf finally emerged, everything would be okay. That once I could shift, I'd prove them all wrong. But what if I never shifted? What if this was it? this half-life, this constant feeling of being less, of not being enough?

I sank to the ground, my legs giving out as the weight of everything pressed down on me. The forest was so quiet around me, the only sound my ragged breathing. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to hold on to something, anything, to keep from falling apart completely. But it was no use. The rejection, the loneliness, the fear it all crashed down on me, and I couldn't stop the tears this time.

They came in a flood, hot and fast, streaking down my face as I sobbed into the darkness. I didn't care who heard me, didn't care if the whole pack was out there listening. For the first time in my life, I let myself feel it all, the pain, the anger, the sorrow. It ripped through me, raw and unfiltered, leaving me trembling and exhausted.

And when the tears finally slowed, when the sobs became hiccups, I was left with an emptiness that scared me even more than the pain had. What was I supposed to do now? I had no answers, no plan, no hope. Just a broken wolf inside me, and a broken heart to match.

But even as I sat there, surrounded by darkness and despair, a small part of me refused to give in completely. It whispered that maybe, just maybe, this wasn't the end. Maybe my wolf was waiting for something, waiting for me to be ready, waiting for the right moment.

And so, with a shaky breath, I wiped the tears from my face and pushed myself back to my feet. I wasn't ready to give up, not yet.

I didn't have all the answers, but I had a glimmer of hope, and that would have to be enough. I took one last look at the trees around me, the silent witnesses to my pain, before turning back toward the pack's territory. I walked slowly, each step measured, trying to hold onto that tiny spark of resilience. By the time I reached the outskirts of the village, the first light of dawn was breaking through the horizon, casting a soft, pink hue over everything.

I hadn't been missed. No one had come looking for me, but that wasn't surprising. It wasn't the first time I had wandered off, and everyone knew that the "wolfless warrior," as they mockingly called me, wasn't exactly a threat to herself or anyone else. I was just the sad girl with no wolf, the one they pitied more than they respected.

I slipped into the small, rundown cabin I called home, hoping to catch a few hours of sleep before the day officially started. My bed creaked as I lay down, the mattress lumpy and uncomfortable, but it was mine. I pulled the thin blanket over myself and closed my eyes, trying to block out the memories of the night. But sleep didn't come easily. My mind kept replaying Marcus's rejection, the sneers of the pack, and the crushing weight of my own inadequacy. Eventually, exhaustion won, and I drifted off into a restless slumber.

The next morning, I woke to the sound of voices outside. It was still early, but the pack was already up and about, preparing for whatever tasks needed to be done that day. I dressed quickly, pulling on the same worn clothes I always wore-a plain shirt and pants that had seen better days. As I stepped outside, the cool morning air hit me, refreshing and crisp, though it did little to chase away the heaviness that still lingered in my chest.

I didn't have a particular destination in mind, so I wandered aimlessly through the village, trying to avoid the places where I knew the others would be. I wasn't in the mood to face their stares or endure their whispers. But, as fate would have it, I couldn't avoid them for long.

I was walking along the dirt path that led to the training grounds when a group of young warriors passed by. They were laughing and joking, their spirits high as they made their way toward their morning drills. I recognized them-Lukas, Darren, and a few others, all future leaders of the pack, all strong and confident in their abilities. Unlike me.

As they approached, I kept my eyes on the ground, hoping they would just walk past. But of course, they didn't. Lukas, the ringleader of their little group, slowed his pace and glanced at me with that infuriating smirk he always wore. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and everything a young wolf should be. His blond hair was tousled in a way that looked effortlessly cool, and his blue eyes sparkled with mischief-mischief that was usually at my expense.

"Hey, look who it is," Lukas said loudly, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "The wolfless wonder. Out for a morning stroll, Emily?"

I ignored him and kept walking, but he wasn't done. He stepped into my path, blocking my way, and the others quickly gathered around, forming a loose circle that I couldn't easily escape from.

"What's the matter?" Lukas continued, tilting his head in mock concern. "Not going to say good morning? That's not very polite."

I met his gaze, trying to keep my expression neutral, but I could see the challenge in his eyes. He wanted a reaction. He lived for it. But I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction. I'd learned that much, at least.

I shifted to the side, trying to move past him, but Lukas held out his arm, a cup of water in hand. The movement was so fast, I barely registered it before the water was sloshing over the rim, splashing onto my shirt.

"Oops," he said with a faux gasp, his eyes wide with exaggerated surprise. "My bad. I didn't mean to do that. Must be hard being you, huh? No wolf to protect you, no strength, no power. What's going to happen to you now, huh, Emily? What's the 'wolfless warrior' going to do?"

The others Laughed, and I felt my cheeks flush with anger and embarrassment, but I held my tongue. I wouldn't give him what he wanted. Not today.

"What's wrong, cat got your tongue?" Darren chimed in, grinning as he leaned closer. "Oh, wait. Not even a cat would want you, right? Too weak, too useless. What do you even do all day, Emily? Hide in your little shack and cry about how you'll never be like us?"

The taunts hit their mark, each one a reminder of everything I lacked. But I refused to let them see how much it hurt. I kept my expression blank, my body tense as I waited for them to get bored and move on. It was a routine I had perfected over the years-endure the mockery, don't react, and eventually, they'll leave.

But Lukas wasn't quite done. He took a step closer, towering over me, his voice dropping to a low, threatening tone. "You think you're better than us because you keep your mouth shut? Is that it? You think we don't see the way you look at us, with those sad little eyes? We're the future of this pack, Emily. We're the ones who will lead, who will protect. And you? You'll always be nothing. No wolf, no mate, no purpose. Just a sad little orphan."

His words were like daggers, each one piercing deeper than the last. But I didn't flinch. I couldn't. Showing weakness would only make it worse. So, I stood there, silent, as the laughter of the group surrounded me, mocking, cruel, and relentless.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Lukas shrugged and stepped back. "Come on, guys. Let's go. We've got better things to do than waste our time with someone who's never going to matter."

And just like that, they were gone, their laughter fading as they walked away, leaving me standing alone on the path, water dripping from my clothes and shame burning in my chest. I watched them go, a mix of anger and sorrow churning inside me, but still, I didn't cry. Not here. Not where they could see.

Instead, I took a deep breath, wiped the remaining water from my face, and continued walking. There was nothing I could do about them. Nothing I could say or prove that would change their minds. So I had to focus on what I could control-myself, my actions, my determination to keep moving forward, even when it felt like the whole world was against me.

---

After the encounter with Lukas and his gang, I made my way back to the village, my clothes still damp, but my resolve hardening with each step. There was no time to dwell on their cruel words or the sting of their laughter. The day was just beginning, and as much as I wanted to hide away, I had responsibilities to attend to-chores that, more often than not, made me feel more like a servant than a member of the pack.

For as long as I could remember, I had been the one tasked with the most menial jobs around the village. It started as soon as I was old enough to carry a bucket or sweep a floor. The other kids had been given real responsibilities-training, hunting, learning the skills that would one day make them valuable members of the pack. But me? I was given tasks that no one else wanted to do.

It was one of the many unspoken rules of the pack: those who didn't contribute weren't worth protecting. And without a wolf, I was already at a disadvantage. So, I worked hard, every day, to prove that I could still be of use, even if it meant doing the jobs that no one else wanted.

I reached the communal kitchen, where breakfast was already being prepared for the rest of the pack. The scent of cooking meat filled the air, making my stomach growl, but I knew better than to help myself before the others had eaten. Instead, I went to the side door, where a large pile of dirty dishes awaited me. No one was around to see, but I could imagine the looks I would get if I hesitated-disgust, pity, or worse, indifference.

With a sigh, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work, scrubbing each plate and pot with practiced efficiency. The task was monotonous, but at least it allowed my mind to wander. As I worked, I tried not to think about Lukas and his friends, or about the fact that while they were out training, I was stuck here, doing chores that felt more like punishment than a contribution.

When the dishes were finally clean, I moved on to the next task-sweeping the floors, cleaning the windows, hauling sacks of flour from the storage shed to the kitchen. Each job was physically demanding, but I pushed through the fatigue, determined to finish before the midday meal.

The other pack members passed by occasionally, some of them nodding in acknowledgment, others ignoring me entirely. They were used to seeing me like this, dirty and tired, doing the work that no one else wanted to do. To them, I was just a fixture in the background, someone who existed to make their lives easier.

By the time the sun was high in the sky, I had finished my chores in the kitchen and moved on to the next part of my daily routine: cleaning the training grounds. The area was deserted now that the warriors had gone off to patrol, leaving behind a mess of discarded weapons, sweat-soaked towels, and the remnants of their morning workout.

I gathered up the equipment, my muscles aching from the constant strain, and carried it all to the storage shed. As I worked, I couldn't help but feel a pang of bitterness. While the others trained to become warriors, learning how to fight and protect the pack, I was stuck cleaning up after them, as if I was nothing more than a glorified servant.

But what choice did I have? Without a wolf, I had no place among the warriors. Without a mate, I had no status in the pack. And as an orphan, I had no one to defend me, no one to speak up on my behalf. All I could do was work hard and hope that someday, somehow, things would change.

By the time I was finished, the sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the training grounds. I wiped the sweat from my brow and took a moment to rest, leaning against the wall of the storage shed. My entire body ached, my hands were raw from scrubbing and hauling, but the day wasn't over yet. There were still more chores to be done, more ways to prove that I was worth something, even if it felt like I was the only one who believed it.

As I stood there, catching my breath, I heard footsteps approaching. I straightened up, expecting another warrior coming to mock me or give me another task, but instead, I saw Ava, the pack's healer, walking toward me with a basket in her hands. Ava was older, with silver hair and kind eyes that had seen more than I could imagine. She was one of the few who didn't treat me like an outcast, but even her kindness had its limits.

"Emily," she called out, her voice gentle but firm. "I need your help with something."

I nodded, grateful for the distraction, and hurried over to meet her. Ava handed me the basket, which was filled with herbs and bandages, and motioned for me to follow her back to her small cottage on the edge of the village.

As we walked, she glanced at me with a hint of concern. "You've been working hard today," she said softly. "Harder than usual."

"I have to," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "I have to prove that I'm still useful."

Ava sighed, and for a moment, she looked like she wanted to say something, but she held her tongue. Instead, she opened the door to her cottage and led me inside, where the smell of dried herbs and incense filled the air. I set the basket down on the table and began sorting through the contents, my hands moving automatically as I arranged the supplies.

---

The next day, the village was abuzz with anticipation. It was the time of the month when the pack gathered in the Great Hall for the ritual of transformation. This was the night when those who had not yet transformed into their wolves would be given the chance to do so under the guidance of the elders. For most, it was a night of excitement and pride-a moment to finally prove their worth as true members of the pack.

For me, it was a night of dread.

I stood at the back of the hall, trying to make myself as inconspicuous as possible. The Great Hall was a grand, open space with stone walls and high ceilings, adorned with banners representing the pack's history. The air was thick with the scent of burning sage, meant to purify and prepare the young wolves for their transformation. Around me, the other unshifted were already beginning to show signs of their impending change-eyes glowing, muscles twitching, as their wolves stirred within them.

But I felt nothing. No stir of power, no tingling under my skin. Just the same emptiness that had plagued me for the past year. I tried to hide the anxiety bubbling inside me, but it was hard when I could feel the weight of everyone's expectations, even if they weren't directly looking at me.

The elders began the ceremony, chanting in the ancient tongue as they called upon the spirits of the ancestors to guide the young wolves through their transformation. The atmosphere grew heavy with power, the air crackling with energy as one by one, the other unshifted began to change.

The sound of bones cracking filled the hall as the first transformation began-a boy named Nolan, who had been waiting for this moment since he turned sixteen. His body convulsed, muscles bulging as fur sprouted from his skin. In a matter of moments, he was no longer a boy, but a wolf-a powerful, sleek creature that howled triumphantly at the moonlit sky visible through the open roof of the hall.

Cheers erupted from the crowd as more and more of the unshifted followed suit, their wolves finally breaking free. It was a sight to behold-magnificent and terrifying all at once. The pack was filled with pride as they watched their newest warriors emerge.

But as each transformation took place, I remained unchanged. I clenched my fists, trying to will something-anything-to happen, but my body refused to cooperate. I was painfully aware of the fact that I was now the only one left standing in my human form.

The elders cast glances in my direction, their expressions a mix of concern and disappointment. Whispers began to spread through the crowd, growing louder with each passing second. I could feel their eyes on me, judging, questioning what was wrong with me.

Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw Leon. The pack's Beta, second only to the Alpha, Leon was a tall, imposing figure with a presence that commanded respect and fear in equal measure. His dark eyes scanned the room, and when they landed on me, they narrowed in disdain.

I tensed as he began to make his way toward me, his footsteps echoing in the now quiet hall. The pack seemed to part around him, giving him a clear path straight to where I stood. By the time he reached me, my heart was pounding so hard I was sure he could hear it.

"Emily," he said, his voice low and cold, "do you know what tonight was supposed to mean?"

I swallowed hard, trying to find my voice. "I... I do."

"Then why," he continued, his tone dripping with contempt, "are you still standing here like a useless lump of flesh, while everyone else has proven their worth?"

The words hit me like a physical blow, and I flinched, but I refused to look away. "I... I tried. But nothing happened."

"Nothing happened?" Marcus echoed mockingly, his voice rising so that everyone in the hall could hear. "Nothing happened because you are nothing, Emily. You've had more than enough time to prove yourself, and yet, here you are-still human, still useless."

My throat tightened as I fought back the tears that threatened to spill over. I didn't want to cry in front of him, in front of all of them, but the humiliation was overwhelming. "I'm trying," I whispered, knowing how pathetic it sounded.

"Trying isn't good enough!" Marcus snapped. "Trying doesn't protect this pack. Trying doesn't make you one of us. What use do we have for someone who can't even manage a simple transformation?"

He took his steps closer, looming over me with his intimidating presence. "Do you know what happens to wolves who can't shift, Emily? They get left behind. They get discarded because they're a burden to the rest of us."

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms as I tried to keep my emotions in check. But the frustration, the anger, the despair-all of it was boiling over. "I'm not a burden," I managed to say, though my voice trembled with the effort.

Marcus sneered. "That's exactly what you are. And I don't want to see your pathetic face around here again until you've figured out how to shift. If you can't do that, then you're better off disappearing altogether."