“Do not presume to claim familiarity with me or my suffering!” You possess no knowledge regarding my identity! You have the opportunity to sit here and enjoy the company of your companion. You need not struggle vehemently to demonstrate your value to your community! No one anticipated your failure or expected you to succumb to the pressures of being a human Luna. You were not rejected by your partner, nor were you made to feel insignificant!”
My whole body quakes with fury. I regret displaying my vulnerability by weeping in front of a wolf, revealing the extent of my brokenness.
The young Queen sits silently in her chair, closing her eyes and breathing in the pure summer air. After a prolonged silence, I consider departing with Bray before she finally exhales a deep sigh.
“I was nearly 13,” she murmurs, her eyes remaining shut. “I was nearly 13 when I was charged with the murder of my father.”
I gaze vacantly at her, uncertain how to respond to that revelation.
“The assaults commenced almost immediately upon their discovery of me with his corpse,” she says, fumbling with her fingers in her lap. I was never had the opportunity to elucidate the events that transpired. “They all suddenly betrayed me…” Her voice quivers as she proceeds.
“My adoptive siblings, Thia and Rowan…” she momentarily pauses to regain her breath. “They betrayed me as well, and for five years, they subjected me to physical and psychological torment during my slumber, obliterating my self-worth until I was reduced to a mere existence, struggling to endure each day.”
Upon finally raising her gaze to meet mine, tears glisten in her eyes. “My partner initially did not desire me upon our first encounter… Mark, he… he spurned me.” An uneasy smile twists on her lips. “He did not desire a murderer as a Luna.”
Her partner rejected her? I ponder how she could have absolved him for initially causing her pain.
I was not always the esteemed Queen of our Kingdom. I was formerly a pack slave, languishing in a basement. I was subjected to physical abuse, torment, and compelled to labour incessantly till my bones ached. <text”I did not receive my crown effortlessly; I battled for it, contending with my internal demons, doubts, and fears—everything that led me to perceive myself as a worthless mutt—transforming into who I am today,” she states while wiping her tears.
I comprehend your suffering. I understand the experience of being rejected by the individual who is meant to love you the most. I understand the experience of being deceived and humiliated by your pack, your family, and all those you have ever cherished. I understand the sensation of believing you will never meet others’ expectations. I am aware!She retorts, the earth quaking under us.
Laura’s Perspective
We traverse the path in quiet, with some wolves honouring their Queen by bowing as they pass us.
“I understand your apprehensions regarding pack life,” she explains gently after a prolonged silence. “However, there exist monsters within each of us… both human and lupine.”
My current position is attributable to River Moon. Andrew transcends the role of a gamma; he is my family. He instructed me on how to experience laughter once more when I believed it was impossible. Aliana imparted strength to me. She is the catalyst for my journey towards self-acceptance and body positivity after years of self-loathing. Wesley and Tiana imparted the value of loyalty to me. They possessed confidence in me long before I acknowledged it. What about Mark? He has loved me unconditionally despite all my imperfections. He exhibits patience and gentleness towards me, even during my moments of self-disdain. He is present when I require him the most. He is my all.
Packs are not entirely detrimental. Occasionally, one must depart from a situation to discover their true place of belonging. I departed from Coscaris and located my residence in River Moon. Packs are not limited to werewolves. They are there in every interaction you establish. You have departed from Blood Night and discovered a new pack, consisting of your friends and allies: Tiana, your steadfast companion; Bray, your most cherished gift; Priscilla and Ruben, your ever-supportive friends; and Mrs. Cleo, who extends her hours to assist a young single mother facing late shifts. They collectively constitute your pack. Jadi and Melina are merely two rogues seeking acceptance from their new alpha, you.
She gradually ascends to her feet, advancing a few paces towards me. I recoil and attempt to distance myself, unwilling to acknowledge her statements but recognising their veracity.
I do not anticipate that you will relinquish your animosity towards us immediately. “As I mentioned, I comprehend your fear quite thoroughly,” she states while delicately placing her hands on my shoulders. “However, I aspire to demonstrate that not all wolves exhibit cruelty.”
My emotions manifest on my cheeks, exposing my profound bewilderment over pack life.
