Selene: the Moon's Reincarnation

Selene's POV

Father's palm swished through the air like a bullet and landed painfully on my face. I could taste blood in my mouth but didn't dare utter a word unless I wanted a harsher punishment.

"You insolent little swine!" he said, spit flying from his mouth and his eyes shining with disgust, "I should have sent you away when I had the chance."

I remained silent, my eyes trained on the floor. This was like every other day at home. Mother would flood me with chores and errands, leaving me with no time for anything else but still expect me to prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ashley was not at home as usual, probably somewhere off with her friends partying in the woods and having fun like a teenager should. Not like me, slaving away at home because if I don't, it was as good as saying goodbye to my privilege of a roof over my head.

But I'm not complaining, far from it. I preferred staying indoors, at least to avoid the pack members that would swarm like sharks if I ever strayed far from home or tried to socialize.

"Get out of my sight," Father said, slumping back into his armchair with a bottle of beer, "Better get started on making dinner or you're dead meat."

As I scrambled to leave the room, my Father said something that made me stop dead in my tracks.

"And one more thing, I better not see you at the festival tomorrow. The Dead Moon is a once in a lifetime event and I won't have you ruin our pack's good fortune with your bad luck. Understood?"

I nodded quickly, not wanting to make him more angry then went to the kitchen. The reason for my Father's anger? Well, I had dared to go to the market as Mother asked me to and couldn't find her favorite type of fruit. That was a different brand of trouble I didn't want to think about right now as I hastily made dinner; some potato salad and braised pork. To pass time, I sang while working; it made time fly by and lightened my spirits a bit. Outside, the sun was setting fast so I doubled my speed to set the table before Mother and Ashley came home. Sure enough, the front door opened and Ashley's obnoxious voice filled the house.

"...and Steve was there, crazy right? Good thing I'd gotten rid of Rachel, if not she could've whored him right out of my arms."

I could hear Mother's annoyed sigh and didn't blame her one bit. Ashley was exhausting to listen to and she loved to talk a lot.

"Oh look, the table is barely ready for dinner and it's just standing there." It took a moment for me to realise Ashley and Mother were standing there, their hateful eyes glaring at me.

It was tough to come to terms with Mother's gradual disdain for me at first because it was Father that had practically disowned me when I failed to transform to my wolf at the ripe age. Mother had tried to hold on to hope, as I could remember from those few years of joy and childhood bliss, as she and Father often had hushed discussions at the table while glancing over at me. As time went on, however, her worried gaze turned hateful. She started to hate her own daughter as much as her husband did, maybe even worse. Only Ashley stuck by her at the time, her childish innocence untouched by their hate. As the entire pack learned of my 'disability', their distrust and hate grew and Father absolutely hated the bad attention it was bringing upon his family name. He'd tried to convince Mother to get rid of me but she couldn't agree to it, her Wolf's motherly instincts too strong to do so.

When Ashley transformed to her beautiful grey wolf at the age of 13, it all came crashing down. Like Mother and Father, she became convinced that me being wolfless was bad luck on the entire pack. Now at 20 years old, it was only a matter of time before I'm is driven into the woods, doomed to roam the wilderness forever as a lonely rogue. So I've swallowed every abuse, every hateful stare almost greedily. As long as I was under the safety of a pack, no matter how distrusting they were of her, I was content with that.

Everyone sat down to eat and I tried to retreat back to the kitchen, eager to have some leftover food hidden in a pot in the oven.

"Where are you going, Selene? Did Dad ask you to leave?" Ashley said, her high-pitched voice deliberately taunting, "Stand beside the table at least, what if I need some water? Or what if I dropped my spoon?"

My limbs trembled with fear and exhaustion as I just stood there silently as everyone else ate their dinner. I was extremely tired from working hard all day long and my tummy hurt with hunger but I had no choice if I wanted to live here. Soon they finished their dinner and Mother cleared her throat, signaling me to clear the dinner table. Nowadays, she never said more than three hate-filled words to me in a day, it was as if she was disgusted even sharing the same space as a wolfless wolf. I hurried to do so, balancing on dish above another, not knowing that Ashley had stuck out her foot.

Crash!

I let out a short cry as I fell, ceramic plates crashing down with me. Shit. I was dead for sure this time. My palms burned-blood trickling from where shards of the broken plates had sliced into them-and my knees throbbed with pain.

"You stupid creature, look at what you've done!" Mother roared, reaching for the large stick she kept by the corner. Her favorite form of punishment. "Ruined all my fine china because you can't do anything right!"

The stick had hurt the first time I felt it, but now... it was just dull. A blunt ache. Over and over and over until I couldn't feel it anymore. What did hurt-what always hurt-was the way she looked at me, as if I wasn't hers. As if I were a stranger. I shut my eyes tightly to block it out.

"Get out of my sight," she hissed.

I scrambled to obey, pushing myself off the floor and limping toward the stairs. Ashley's devilish cackle followed behind me, and then Father's cold, silent frown. Neither came to help.

I slammed the attic door shut behind me and shoved a small stool beneath the handle hole to keep it shut. There wasn't even a doorknob. Crawling into the corner beside my moth-ridden mattress, I curled up, shaking as the tears came. I cried even harder when my stomach growled, and I remembered my only food for the day-still downstairs, hidden in the oven.

Outside, the moon peeked through a sheet of gray clouds-pale, brilliant, and far too honest.

Am I truly a curse? An abomination to my pack?

Everyone had a wolf. So why didn't I? The moon stayed quiet, mocking me with its silence.

There had never been a wolfless wolf in our community. Never. Maybe a late bloomer or two, but everyone always felt their wolf. Sometimes they even spoke with them, their souls braided as one. And eventually, everyone transformed-Alpha, Beta, or Omega-usually around the age of twelve.

Everyone... except me.

I had no choice but to accept what I was: a wolfless Omega. The lowest of the low. The shame of the pack. The runt.

I wiped my tears and curled tighter into myself on the bare mattress. I'd always imagined I'd die on this bed. Close my eyes and never wake up in this cruel world again.

Maybe someday I would. That thought comforted me as sleep dragged me under.

I wasn't awake to hear the voice that drifted through the attic like mist-soft, ethereal, lilting.

"...You are destined for great things, my Selene. I will make you untouchable..."

Selene's POV

There was so much to do. The house needed to be scrubbed from top to bottom, new meat, fruits, and vegetables had to be bought from the market, and all the clothes needed to be washed. The elders believed that welcoming the Dead Moon without being completely clean could invoke the gods' wrath.

To my dismay, Mother sent me to the town square to buy some things we'd need before tonight's festivities. I wasn't fond of going out, not in the slightest. The rest of the pack weren't too fond of me either, and I could feel their suspicious gazes long before I saw their faces.

But I had no choice in the matter. If I wanted to live with even a shred of peace in the house or eat the leftovers Mother tossed on the table, I had to obey. From day one, she made it clear that disobedience came at a steep price, and access to food, even spoiled scraps, was a privilege that could be snatched away in a blink.

I cleaned the house as fast as I could, pulled on my old, tattered robe, and raised the hood to cover my face before stepping out into the street.

It had drizzled the night before, and the streets were scattered with small puddles. Children played with paper boats, their laughter echoing as the boats floated and spun. I didn't stop to greet anyone. Even the children were full of hate.

I reached the square quickly, practically running the whole way. Stalls lined the market, wooden tables displaying wares with vibrant, if slightly worn, cloth coverings. Some vendors called out to passersby, promising fair prices and samples. I stopped at the meat stall, pointing to a piece of still-bleeding meat, probably beef.

Mr. Jones stood behind the stall. A stout older man with a warm smile and kind eyes. He was the only one who spoke to me like I was a person and not just a wolfless thing.

"Mr. Jones, how's it going?" I asked, smiling.

"Very well, my dear," he said, pausing to sharpen his knife. "Would it be the usual today, or are you looking for something new? Freshly slaughtered mutton just came in, it's a special breed, from a flock in the Alps."

I chuckled softly. He never failed to make me smile. "No thanks, Mr. Jones. I'll just have the regular. Father loves his beef too much to settle for mutton."

"Well you better hurry home quickly to prepare it then. I heard that the Alpha of the Rogues arrived yesterday for a meeting with Alpha Lennox and to possibly attend the Dead Moon festival."

"Oh really?" I've never thought much about Rogues, only that if Alpha Lennox, the leader of our pack, one day deems me too useless to remain in the pack, I would be cast out and become one myself, a wolf without a pack.

"Yes, in fact rumor has it that the Alpha of the Rogues is a rare breed of wolf, a Bloodhound. They say he's the most dangerous wolf in these parts, and possibly in the entire North."

A shiver ran through my spine at the thought of the most 'dangerous wolf in the North' being here. A part of me wondered how it would feel to have such power, to have people tremble at the mere mention of my name. The sane part of me called me back to my senses.

Mr Jones hummed thoughtfully as he worked, slicing a hefty portion of tenderloin.

"You know, Selene," he said, voice low, "if you ever need help, I'm here for you. All you need to do is ask."

I blinked, looking away. The thought wasn't new. I'd dreamed of running away into the woods, vanishing from Father's cruel grip, from Mother's cold eyes and Ashley's endless taunts. But dreams like that weren't reality, not for someone like me.

"I know, Mr. Jones. But I can't burden you. You know how the pack is. They'd call you a traitor. You deserve better than that."

He leaned closer. "What about you, Selene? Don't you deserve better?"

The words struck something in me. My chest tightened, lips trembling. Did I? Did a wolfless mutt like me deserve anything at all? I took the packaged meat and gave a quiet goodbye, hugging it close to my chest. Maybe I did. Or maybe I didn't. Either way, it didn't matter. I had shopping to finish, dinner to cook, and the Dead Moon to survive.

At the fruit stall, a petite woman eyed me with something between curiosity and disdain. I wasn't sure if it was good or bad, but I greeted her anyway.

"U-um, I'd like some fruit, please. Some apples, and a basket of strawberries."

Her face twisted strangely, as if confusion and hate were dancing together.

"Aren't you that Kanellis girl? The one without a wolf?" she asked coldly.

"N-no, I'm not, I-"

She called out to someone, and a man with a face like thunder emerged from inside. His eyes scanned me like I was filth.

"Isn't this that wolfless runt, the Kanellis girl?" he sneered.

"By the Moon, it is," the woman laughed harshly. "She really came out in public. You don't have any shame, do you?"

I swallowed hard, legs trembling at the thought of returning home without the fruit Mother demanded. But what would she say if I told her I was attacked?

"P-please sir, I don't want any trouble. I just wanted to buy some fruit-"

"That's the problem, mutt," he snapped. "We don't sell to cursed things like you. Thought we made it clear last time, but maybe you need a little reminder."

A crowd had gathered, jeering, laughing, watching me with disgust.

The first tomato hit my cheek. I didn't even see where it came from. Then came more of it; fruits, rotting vegetables, even pebbles. I curled into myself, shielding my face as best I could. Their laughter grew louder. Their hate, heavier.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Mr. Jones. But he didn't move. Maybe he was scared. Maybe he just didn't want to help. I didn't blame him. I wouldn't help a useless wolf like myself too.

Then amidst the chaos, a voice rang out, firm, gruff, and unfamiliar.

"Out of my way, you fools!" the man bellowed. "Stop this at once!"

The crowd stilled. Silence fell like a heavy cloak. People shifted, stepping back.

"Have you no shame?" the voice cried.

"Attacking a defenseless young woman? Is this what your pack has become?"

I peeked up. The man from earlier-the stallkeeper-marched forward, posturing like an Alpha, nostrils flared.

"And what would you know about a pack, Rogue?" he spat. "I can smell it on you. You have no pack. You're alone. Just like her."

The golden-haired stranger chuckled darkly. "You are very brave, speaking to the face of a Bloodhound and King of Rogues."

At once the stallkeeper's face paled and the crowd murmured nervously among themselves. To say I was scared would be an understatement, I was terrified. I could've been saved by any other wolf in the pack, but no. It just had to be the King of Rogues himself.

The man fell to his knees, "A-apologies sir, I didn't know-"

"Get lost, stupid fool, and don't ever show me your face if you want to live."

The man scrambled away at once and one by one, the crowd started to disperse.

My hood had fallen back, and I could finally see my savior clearly.

To say he was handsome would be a grave understatement. His hair was a cascade of gold, like embers smoldering in a dying fire. It fell over his broad shoulders in loose waves. He towered over me as he reached out a hand, his grip warm and steady.

But his eyes...

They were a rich, warm hazel, green and gold. Some parts like melted chocolate on a winter night and another like grass.

He helped me up gently and wiped my cheek clean with the edge of his cloak. His fingers were rough, but steady.

"Thank you sir," I whispered. "Thank you for saving me."

Our eyes met and I felt a pull I never thought I would. He could feel it too, I could see it in his eyes, the bond sparked through our joined hands like electricity.

"You're my mate." I gasped.

Selene's POV

He didn't say anything at first, just sniffed the air around me and stared at me with harsh golden eyes as if he didn't just save my life.

Then he quickly let go of my hand like it was nothing.

"Why were they attacking you?" He said, his voice sharper than shattered glass.

"W-what?"

It was almost scary how quickly he changed, whatever softness I felt when he helped me to my feet earlier had vanished like mist.

"You're a wolfless wolf." He said plainly, more like a statement to himself. "I can sense it, your wolf is dormant, asleep within you."

I licked my dry lips, heart thumping wildly in panic. I didn't know what to say in reply so I just stood there, wringing my hands together.

"How can we be mates? You're neither wolf nor human, the weakest of the weak. Surely you've heard of what I am, haven't you?"

"A Bloodhound."

He nodded, eyeing me up and down with a look in his eyes that I was all too familiar with. Disgust.

"Exactly. As the leader of powerful wolves and being a powerful wolf myself, I can't have a weak mate much less a wolfless one. The Moon must have made a mistake." He said with a sneer.

My heart shattered with every harsh word from him. I let out a shaky breath, this cannot be happening, "B-but I...I felt it. The bond..."

"I don't care what you felt, omega." He said, raising his voice now. The crowd that had dispersed a while ago started to gather, whispering among themselves.

He turned his back at me and for a moment I caught a glimpse of a long jagged scar like faded claw marks that stretched from his neck, disappearing into his shirt. He ran a hand through his long hair, letting out a growl of frustration, as if he couldn't imagine being to me, maybe the gods were playing a prank.

Turning back to face me, his voice was even colder, "Let me make it clear to you, omega, you are not my mate. I only saved you out of pity, nothing else. I will not accept an incomplete wolf for a mate, even the dirt I step on has more purpose than you."

I really tried to hold it in but the lump in my throat grew even tighter until it couldn't anymore. Tears streamed down my cheeks until I was outright sobbing. My 'mate' drew back an inch, probably even more disgusted now.

"I..d-didn't ask to be this w-way."

"No one asks to be weak. But some of us fight not to be and you're not one of them."

And then he said it-the words that shattered something deep inside me.

"I, Apollo Lycanthorne, King of Rogues reject you as my mate."

It was probably the most painful thing I've ever felt; like being struck by lightning but instead of fire, it was cold, hard ice spreading throughout my chest. The bond that bloomed beautifully a moment ago was now dulled and painful, pulsing like crushed embers.

He turned and walked away without another glance and I just stood there, the bag of food stuff hanging limply in my trembling hands. Of course he left me there, in the middle of the town square, with tears dried on my cheeks and fruit stains on my robe. If I were him, I wouldn't hesitate to leave me either. Maybe I should have known. I had daydreamed so much that I forgot my place in this pack. The useless runt. It should be an honor that someone like him looked at someone like me, I should be grateful for that.

But for some reason, I couldn't accept his rejection. I just couldn't.

"Selene?!" A familiar voice rang from the crowd.

Oh no, not her. Anyone else but her.

Ashely walked up to me with a vicious smirk. Could this day get any worse?

"Oh my God, was that you? Stacey told me there was something juicy happening at the town square and I knew I just had to hurry down here."

Ashley laughed cruelly, stepping closer but I had bigger things to worry about. The sky was getting darker by now, Mother would surely skin me alive for coming home late.

"He rejected you, didn't he?"

I didn't answer. She stepped even closer until she was right up in my face and pulled my hair to look up at her.

"Of course he did." She said, pure hatred in her eyes, "Imagine a useless mutt like you mated to one of the most powerful wolves in the world, that would be the biggest joke of the century."

Shame and sadness burrowed into my chest like a double-edged knife and now my own sister was twisting it. I knew she hated me for soiling the family name but this just proved it again. Ashley despised me.

She let go of my hair and slapped me.

I gasped, stepping back as my loose dark hair strewn all over my face.

"Don't forget your place, dear sister. No one in their right minds would ever want to be related with the likes of you. Even the Moon herself has abandoned you."

My eyes were fixed on the ground, holding back tears.

"Never forget that."