The Luna's Legacy

Natalie's POV.

"Slut!"

"Murderer!"

"Kill her!"

"A deserving crucified whore!"

I close my eyes to try to shut out the accusing voices and glances.

"Raise your head, show'em your shameful face!" Alpha King Charles ' voice echoed through the chambers.

I can barely lift my head, my vision blurry as I gaze out at the sea of faces before me. The pack's council chamber is packed, every eye fixed on me with a mix of disgust and condemnation. My heart races, my mind reeling with thoughts of denial and despair. How did it come to this?

My wrists and ankles ache from the ropes binding me to the chair, the rough fibers digging into my skin like a constant reminder of my helplessness. Bloodstains on the pristine white fabric I wore, and I could hear my mom's muffled voice at the end of the room.

"Now, we will begin the last Trial, this is to remind you, Natalie, that denying the truth won't do you anything other than death and a restriction to your entire family, confessing now would be good", Mr. Ederson, the council leader, told me.

I gazed up at him, All still blurry, I couldn't even make out the clothes he wore, I tried opening my mouth, but it was too heavy. I nodded instead.

"On June 15th, you, Natalie the Luna of the moonstone pack committed adultery with the alpha king's brother, and killed him, how did you plead".

Even after the torture, after the hot iron on my breast, the scrouge whip that tore out my flesh, I keep repeating the one thing, and I will keep repeating it because I didn't do it, I didn't kill him.

I gaze up at the king's furious eyes. I can see he is doing everything possible not to rip me apart. A total tense silence lands on the room.

I summon all energy in me and mutter firmly, "I plead…Not guilty".

The room bursts into an ocean of choruses and curses.

***

How it all began...

It was all just like a dream when Charles, the Alpha King announced me as his bond mate. It came as a shock to the entire pack, that I, Natalie, the daughter of a mere pack hunter, who died while hunting food for the royal families by other neighboring wolves, not only that, I'm just an ordinary omega, a weak one, and I have been that all of my life. Not any improvement became their Luna.

The people didn't even accept me as their Luna, they were expecting another alpha, or better still a beta.

The king at that time had no choice, I could see it on his face, he never liked me, he never wanted me, and I'm sure he would be questioning the moon goddess for pairing me with him. But he had no choice, the pack needed the king to strengthen his wolf and only pairing him with a mate could help, as other packs kept invading.

I attempted to build a connection with Charles but always met great resistance. Every day, he would always return home exhausted at sunset after spending the entire day out.

We shared a home, yet it felt like we occupied different worlds. He never reached out to touch me, not even a fleeting brush of his hand against mine. We slept in separate beds, the divide between us growing with each passing night.

But I refused to give up. I was drawn to him like a moth to a flame, captivated by his towering presence and piercing blue eyes. He has broad shoulders built like ancient Greek gods with long shiny dark hair. I loved him, right from the day I set my eyes on him.

I cooked his favorite meals and always tried to begin a conversation, and it worked.

So, we sat together that fateful evening, after sharing the meal I had prepared with painstaking care, I mustered the courage to ask him how the food was.

"How was the meal, Charles?" I inquired, trying to keep my voice steady despite the nervous flutter in my chest.

To my surprise, Charles set down his spoon which made a noise. I flinched as he moved closer to me, his eyes intense as they bore into mine. My heart raced with a mixture of fear and anticipation, unsure of what his next move would be.

"I'm sor…"

Before I could utter another word, his lips met mine in an unexpected kiss.

The kiss took my breath away. As I widened my eyes in Shock which was quickly replaced by a rush of warmth as I melted into his embrace.

He Pulled back slightly, he whispered words that sent shivers down my spine. "As sweet as you," he murmured, his voice husky with desire. I smiled silently.

Before I knew it, I felt a small pinch in my neck.

Gasp!.

He just marked me, after all these days! I didn't know what to say, I just stammered. I promised myself to prepare this meal every single day, it was really a miracle!

I instinctively reached up to touch the spot where his fangs had pierced my skin.

"Yeah, I just marked you," he said simply, his gaze unwavering. "You're mine now, Natalie."

My smile met my ears as my stomach was filled with butterflies.

"I love you", I bit my lips as I uttered the word.

"I love you too", he replied and tapped me, "I should go, I have somewhere to be, we will talk tomorrow,… maybe, have some sex".

I chuckled. The way he said it was funny, so all that cold demeanor was just for building authority, Charles was so cool and gentle.

"Goodbye my king", I said.

"Goodbye my queen", he replied as he weaved his hand and walked away. I watched him as he left. I didn't even know how to react. I immediately picked up my phone, eager to tell my sister about this.

"Hello?" Vivienne's voice came through the phone.

"Vivienne, it's me," I began, my words tumbling out in a rush. "You won't believe what happened tonight."

"Yeah Natalie, I can even feel your excitement here, tell me what's happened?"Vivienne inquired, we shared feelings by blood.

As I recounted the evening's events to her, Vivienne's excitement was palpable, even through the phone.

"Natalie, that's incredible!" she exclaimed. "You've been marked by the Alpha King finally, This calls for a celebration! Have you…. Mate".

By mate, I knew what she meant.

"Yes!, We did".

"Mmmm, wow. what a great news indeed, look… Come here and let's have fun!" Vivienne proposed, her excitement was very palpable.

"Vivienne, you know I can't just leave here anytime I want, we should just Celebrate tomorrow".

"I will call my friends, you know how they flaunt Theirs to mock you, now it is our turn!", Vivienne stated. That's true though, and just as Vivienne said, I have to flaunt It.

"But…"

But Vivienne was relentless in her persuasion, her words flowing with infectious enthusiasm. "Natalie, this is a momentous occasion!. It's a sign of his love and devotion to you. We have to celebrate this!"

Despite my reservations, I found myself unable to resist my sister's excitement. With a sigh, I finally relented. "Alright, Vivienne," I conceded, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Let's celebrate."

And that was the beginning of my problem.

Natalie's POV.

As I hung up the phone, a mixture of emotions swirled within me.

"Yaa!", I hollered as I flung the cupboard open.

"Are you sure we should be doing this", Sabrina, my wolf suggested In concern.

"We won't be long, just a celebration and show off!", I told her.

Yeah, just this night's celebration won't hurt, let me go to the town and Rock the street, the lady of the moment is here!.

Not knowing I am going to witness the first series of my tragedy.

*****

As I entered the dance club bar, the music immediately died down.

"Here comes the newly engaged lady of the night… Natalie". The DJ shouted while Everyone wailed, shattering my name.

It was organized by Vivienne and her friends., I was met with a chorus of congratulations and well-wishes who were also werewolves. The music played on!

I giggled about all the details about me and the king, they were all jealous and I loved it. So I didn't stop talking about it and even exaggerating. They kept pouring me drinks that I couldn't even resist until I was drunk.

I felt lightheaded, and before I knew it, I couldn't see Vivienne and her friends, so I spun and looked around, but I couldn't see them.

Wondering where they could be, I decided to look for them, but I was so drunk. As I stumbled through the crowded club, the world around me seemed to spin, my vision blurred by the haze of alcohol. I searched desperately for Vivienne and her friends, but they were nowhere to be found. I lost my step and nearly fell.

Suddenly, a hand gripped me around the waist, pulling me back from the brink of the fall. I looked up to see Alpha Ray's face, his expression smug and alluring. My heart sank as I realized who had caught me.

Ray was a notorious flirt,   I knew better than anyone not to be with him, Ray was Charles' brother and had been hitting on me.

As I tried to free myself from his grasp, Ray whispered in my ear, his voice sending shivers down my spine. "Now, I can have you before my brother,".

Panic surged through me, but before I could react, I felt a sharp smack on the back of my neck. The world tilted and spun, and then everything went black as I slipped into unconsciousness.

*****

A sudden loud knock jolted me into full consciousness. I blinked, trying to make sense of my surroundings as the events of the previous night flooded back to me.

I immediately turned and found myself on a bed, My heart raced as I realized I was naked, my V-part hurt and wet. Before I could gather my thoughts, the door burst open with a forceful thud. Standing in the doorway, his gaze cold and piercing, was my Alpha King Charles. My breath caught in my throat as I scrambled to cover myself.

"How could you!", He yelled, his voice resonating all over the room. "It's not what you think…. I was drunk, I passed out, and… and I am here" I managed to stammer, my voice stumbling on each other.

"Aish… that asshole eventually did this!", Charles uttered; he trusted me before everything went wrong.

As Charles stormed into the room, he turned his anger to his brother, "Ray… Ray… get your butt up right now", he tapped him numerous times but there was not any response.

In the frantic moment,  Charles turned Alpha Ray around, his expression turning to one of shock and horror. I watched in stunned silence as Charles recoiled, his eyes widening at the sight before him.

Alpha Ray's eyes were open but vacant, staring into nothingness, with foam at the corners of his mouth.

And it began.

***

I stood before Mr. Edenson, my heart racing with anxiety. The courtroom was packed, with people whispering and pointing at me.

"So, Natalie," He continued, his voice stern and unforgiving. "You plead not guilty?"

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my voice. "I plead not guilty, high chief council.."

Mr. Edenson raised an eyebrow. "You know this will be your last trial, and denying to the end will lead to a critical verdict, not only to you but also to your family".

I stood on my ground. in the wolf's realm, there were laws and regulations, before you can be sentenced for any crime, there must be crucial evidence against you, yeah, you will be tortured, but not unfairly sentenced.

And they should be evidence that the alpha ray smacked me, and took me to the room. There was CCTV in the bar room.

"Yes, I'm sure… if you have checked the CCTV, you will see I'm purely innocent".

Mr. Edenson growled, his fangs appearing out as his claw extended, "You this bitch! Stop lying, the evidence here is saying otherwise, you commit adultery with the king, and even dare kill his brother, you killed Ray!".

Mr. Edenson and Alpha Ray were good friends.

I felt a surge of fear, but I refused to back down. "I don't know what evidence you have, but I am telling the truth. I would never betray the Alpha King or mate with his brother."

Mr. Edenson snorted. "We'll see about that. So, we will ask you again, what are you doing in the hotel in the first place ".

I exhaled and clenched my teeth, I didn't want to say this because of Charles, but I had to, "I and my sisters were there to celebrate the king marking me".

There were a lot of Chorus and even Mr. Edenson was surprised. They never thought the king would do that.

Mr. Edenson then called for order, "Quiet everyone…. Who is your witness, or who are you there with".

"My sister of course, and her friends", I uttered, gathering my energy. This trial would depend on whether I live or not, so I didn't feel any pain.

Vivienne took the stand, I stared at her but her eyes were cold and detached, that was when I knew something was wrong.

"Yes, we went to the bar...Natalie refused to come home with me that night," she said, her voice dripping with malice. "I told her to follow me, but she insisted on staying that she wanted to meet someone".

I felt like I had been punched in the gut. What was Vivienne talking about? I had no memory of that conversation.

Mr. Edenson faced me, "Is that true?"

I muttered, my lips hitting each other, I was lost and confused, "I… don't remember... I..".

Charles growled, his eyes turned red and even his wolf was revealing, "Shut up, you bitch, stop lying… we have asked the other friends, and they are repeating the same, who did you want to meet that meet, who was it! Other than my brother!".

Was I too drunk to remember? I stared at Vivienne who looked at me blankly.

Vivienne continued, "I can't lie because she is my sister… I will tell the truth, that day, I returned to call her, and I saw her and Alpha Ray flirting..".

Endless stream of tears flowed from my eyes, "sister". I uttered, my lungs hurt. Am I that drunk to do all that? I'm an omega, so I could easily be influenced by alcohol.

"Liar, she is lying!!!"My wolf growled and wanted to take control as she was about to turn me. I closed my eyes deep and mind-talked her, "No please… don't make it worse".

Mr. Edenson continued, "You asked for the CCTV footage? This is it!".

I felt my world crumbling around me as the CCTV footage played on the screen. There I was, walking hand in hand with Alpha Ray, I was even smiling and laughing l. My heart raced as the footage showed us entering the hotel room. I didn't remember any of this. But the evidence was very clear and clean. But I could remember Ray smacking me that night and that wasn't on the footage.

I fell to my knees, my body shaking with sobs. "Please, I'm begging you, I don't remember this. I would never do this to the king! I swear".

Mr. Edenson's face was unforgiving. "Enough, Natalie. You've brought shame to the pack and betrayed our trust, we made you Luna, but you paid us back by killing the king's blood brother, You will pay for your crimes and the king shall sentence you by himself."

I sniffed, I couldn't control the tears and my leg hurt, I stared at the king.

Charles's growl was like a knife to my heart as he uttered. "I blame myself for making you Luna, You're not even worthy of being my mate. You're not worthy of being a part of this pack from the beginning, you are a fucking omega even though you have clocked 22 years, you shouldn't be living".

He stood up to announce the verdict, "I, the Alpha King of the Moonstone Pack, hereby sentence Natalie Portman for the heinous crime of killing Alpha Ray, my blood brother, after committing adultery and even denying it to the end! Her crime is horrendous, and her sentence shall be equally horrendous. She shall be executed by drinking the wolfsbane poison."