The Rejected Luna's Game

Chasing my breath, I felt the pain stabbing at the soles of my feet as I hurried through the forest. Adrenaline surged through me, my heart pounding with fear as I glanced back, only to see her mere inches behind me.

"Run, Selena! Run like a cowardly dog!" Her laughter pierced the night air, sending shivers down my spine. Despite us being sisters, or more accurately, twins, I never imagined she would go to such lengths just to fulfill her desires.

When I stumbled and fell onto the muddy ground, my once-white dress now stained, and my face pressed against the damp earth, terror gripped me anew.

"Why do you keep running from me, dear Selena?" Her voice, laced with malice yet eerily calm, echoed around me, like a dark presence.

I bit my lip, summoning the courage to face her. Despite the pain in my feet and the wrenching ache in my leg, I sat up, meeting her gaze head-on.

"Why are you doing this?" I asked. Trust was a luxury I could no longer afford with her, not after countless betrayals.

Her brow furrowed briefly, then smoothed into a sinister smile. "Don't you know?" she taunted.

"You don't have to do this, Tabitha," I replied calmly, though every fiber of my being screamed in apprehension. Tomorrow, on our eighteenth birthday, Alpha Laszlo would announce his chosen Luna, and tensions ran high between us.

"I don't feel anything towards Alpha Laszlo," Tabitha stated abruptly, catching me off guard.

"I am not his mate," she continued, locking eyes with me. "But I know who is."

My forehead creased in confusion. "How can you be so sure? Our wolves haven't even emerged yet."

Tabitha's smile turned predatory. "I should feel a connection, a tether to him if I were his true mate."

"Wait until tomorrow, Tabitha. Don't jump to conclusions," I urged, masking my own uncertainty.

"But what if I'm right? What if you're his mate?" she pressed, her tone growing more menacing.

"I won't let you have him, Selena," she declared, advancing towards me with swift, purposeful steps. Compared to her, I felt weak and defenseless.

Her hands closed around my neck, squeezing tightly but not enough to harm me irreparably. As I struggled for breath, she whispered, "I may want to kill you, but you're still my sister, after all."

I gasped for air as she released me, her grin widening as she watched me struggle.

"I'll do anything to be chosen by Alpha Laszlo," she growled, her hands tightening around my neck as my eyes widened in horror. Suddenly, she produced a gleaming silver knife, and I tried to plead with her amidst tears streaming down my cheeks.

"Tabitha," I managed to whisper, my gaze fixated on the menacing blade.

"We may be twins, but there can only be one Luna for the Alpha," she declared, her grin filled with malice. It dawned on me that my sister had truly lost her sanity. I closed my eyes, bracing for the pain as the knife drew closer. The touch of cold metal against my skin was excruciating, and I couldn't hold back the cries of agony.

"P-Please, T-Tabitha. W-We're sisters," I begged through the pain, but her cruelty only intensified as my face became drenched in warm blood.

"If you're no longer beautiful, the Alpha won't even spare you a glance," she taunted, releasing her grip on my neck at last. I watched her walk away, leaving me broken and bleeding on the ground. Crawling toward the nearby river, I tried to wash away the blood, each touch of my skin sending waves of pain.

Alone and in agony, I could only hope that no one would find me in such a pitiful state. The moon's reflection in the water mirrored my anguish, and I cried silently, wishing it were all a nightmare.

As darkness threatened to consume me, I sensed someone approaching. Too weak to open my eyes, I felt strong arms lift me gently.

The familiar scent of dominance and power enveloped me, signaling the presence of Alpha Laszlo. Despite my pain, our bond strengthened, filling me with a strange longing for tomorrow, when everything might change. In Laszlo's arms, I found solace, knowing that despite the horrors of tonight, a new day held the promise of a different reality.

***

The sunlight streamed into my room, rousing me from sleep. Blinking against its brightness, I found myself staring at the familiar white ceiling, the events of last night flooding back. A sharp pain on my left cheek drew my attention, and as I turned to face the mirror, tears welled up at the sight of a fresh, long cut marring my face. It was no dream; my twin sister had truly unleashed her wrath.

As I grappled with the reality of the situation, another image intruded upon my thoughts—a figure drawing near, his scent familiar and comforting, yet tinged with a primal edge that signaled our strengthening mate bond. Confusion mingled with anticipation as I noticed a crumpled white paper on the table beside me.

"See me as soon as you wake up. - Laszlo."

A smile tugged at my lips; it was indeed him. Alpha Laszlo and I had been seeing each other for two years, a relationship kept secret until his ascension as Alpha. Tonight, on our eighteenth birthday, we were to publicly acknowledge our bond, provided he chose me as his mate.

Tabitha, my sister, had always been envious, knowing she couldn't trigger Laszlo's wolf because I was his mate. Tonight, she would face rejection, and a part of me relished the thought.

For once, I longed to be chosen, to feel valued. Growing up, I was overshadowed by Tabitha's strength and beauty. She had smooth, fair skin, and blonde curls cascading down her back, while I had tanned skin, straight black hair, and a smattering of imperfections. Our differences were stark; even our emerald eyes, my only source of pride, were overshadowed by her perfection.

Shaking off the comparisons, I steeled myself for the day ahead. As I dressed in my favorite yellow dress, the wound on my cheek soured my mood, a constant reminder of Tabitha's cruelty.

Despite my frail legs from last night's ordeal, the prospect of seeing Laszlo fueled me. I went through my morning routine, trying to ignore the nagging pain, but the wound persisted, a physical manifestation of my inner turmoil.

Just as I was about to leave my room, Tabitha's face appeared in the doorway, her smile taunting.

"Look at that face, finally not so perfect," she sneered.

"Will you ever stop, Tabitha?" I pleaded, tired of the endless rivalry.

Her smile turned predatory. "Only when Laszlo chooses me as Luna."

I sighed, seeking peace. "Can we just have a truce today?"

She smirked. "Accepting defeat already?"

"I'm not competing with you," I retorted, walking past her.

Stepping outside, I breathed in the fresh air, determined to make this day mine. Tabitha couldn't dampen my spirits; tonight, I would stand by Laszlo's side as his chosen Luna.

Savoring the serene view of the garden and the inviting pool below, I turned towards the stairs, descending to the mansion's first floor.

"Selena, grab some breakfast," Mom called as she noticed me leaving.

"G-good morning, Mom," I replied softly.

"Where are you off to so early, and what happened to your cheeks?" Mom's questions continued her attention more on the newspaper and coffee than on me.

"I-I had..." I faltered, unsure of how much to reveal.

Should I tell her about Tabitha's attack? No, it would only lead to more disbelief and anger, as it had before. They saw Tabitha as the perfect future Luna, blind to her cruelty towards me. If only they knew how difficult life was with her constant presence. It was suffocating, to say the least.

"She got that cut from cooking, Mom," Tabitha's voice chimed in from behind me. I closed my mouth, defeated.

"How many times must I remind you, Selena, that cooking isn't your forte?" Mom's frustration was evident.

Sighing, I opted for a simple reply. "I'll be spending time with friends, Mom."

"Ah, so you have friends now?" Tabitha mocked, but I ignored her, focusing on Mom.

"Make sure you're back before dawn for the celebration. We'll soon have a new Luna," Mom stated, her gaze fixed on Tabitha, a knowing smile playing on her lips. I shifted my gaze to my father entering the mansion.

"Leaving already? You should be getting ready for the celebration."

"It's alright, Seymour. Tabitha is the one we should focus on today. Your gown is upstairs, Tabitha, go check it," Mom redirected the conversation, her attention clearly favoring Tabitha.

"I'll go then," I said quietly, feeling the weight of their indifference.

Stepping outside, I breathed in the freedom, the waves' rhythm calming my thoughts. This was where our hidden love blossomed, away from prying eyes that could jeopardize everything.

"How are your cheeks?" His footsteps drew closer.

"They're fine," I replied, meeting his gaze.

"Your sister, again?" he guessed correctly, his steps slowing as he neared me. I felt a rush of emotions as he reached out, his touch comforting.

"I'm sorry I couldn't intervene last night," he whispered, his hand caressing my cheek.

"It's not your fault. She wouldn't listen," I replied, forcing a smile.

"Don't worry, after you choose me as your Luna, everything will change," I said optimistically, finding solace in our bond amid the chaos of my life.

As our eyes met, I sensed a hint of sadness, or perhaps it was just my imagination.

"Always remember that I love you, Selena," he whispered before bridging the gap between us, our lips meeting in a tender kiss that sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach. After the kiss, a furrow creased my forehead as his words echoed in my mind.

"What do you mean?" I inquired, seeking clarity.

"You know my dad and your father, the former Alpha Seymour were good friends, right?" he began, leading me to a nearby bench overlooking the tranquil sea.

"Yes, and your father has always pressured you to become Alpha of the Crystal Moon Pack. And now you are our Alpha," I responded, understanding his context. Silence enveloped us as he let out heavy sighs, a troubled expression clouding his features.

"Is something wrong?" I asked.

"I-I'm sorry, Selena. If only you could shift," he muttered before abruptly standing and turning away.

"Alpha Laszlo," I called out, about to follow him, confusion gripping me. However, before I could move, I sensed the approach of other werewolves.

Moments later, Alpha Laszlo's men arrived, swiftly handcuffing me as they reached me.

"What's happening? Why are you doing this?" I panicked, trying to catch Alpha Laszlo's eye, but he was already making his way to the exit without a backward glance.

Confusion and shock flooded my mind as I grappled with the sudden turn of events.

"We're arresting you, Selena Ravenscroft, for attempting to kill the future Luna of the Crystal Moon Pack, Tabitha Ravenscroft. You have the right to remain silent until the Alpha of the pack determines your fate."

The darkness enveloped me as they tossed me into the darkroom, and my pleas fell on deaf ears as they locked the door with a resounding click. The cold bars loomed in front of me, a stark contrast to the warmth and hope I had felt just moments ago with Alpha Laszlo. Panic and confusion gripped me as I called out for him, for anyone, to explain what was happening.

"Let me out! I need to speak to Alpha Laszlo! Please, I beg of you," I pleaded.

But there was no response, only the echo of my desperate cries bouncing off the walls. I sank to my knees, the rough ground beneath me a painful reminder of my helplessness. How had everything gone so wrong? Just minutes ago, I had been filled with joy and anticipation, believing that Alpha Laszlo would choose me as his Luna and that my life was about to change for the better. But now, I was trapped behind bars, accused of a crime I hadn't committed, betrayed by the very person I had trusted.

"Why are you saying I tried to harm my sister? Where is this coming from? How could Alpha Laszlo abandon me like this?" I questioned the empty air, my mind racing with unanswered questions and disbelief.

Time passed agonizingly slowly, each minute stretching into an eternity of uncertainty and fear.

When the jail door finally creaked open, a sliver of hope flickered within me.

"Alpha Laszlo?" I whispered, hoping against hope that I had been mistaken when I saw it was Morgan, not Alpha Laszlo, who stood before me.

"The celebration is about to begin, and the new Luna will be announced," Morgan informed me, his tone devoid of any sympathy.

"But what about me? Am I not part of the ceremony? Alpha Laszlo was supposed to choose between Tabitha and me," I protested, clinging to a shred of hope that this was all a misunderstanding.

"That's no longer the plan," Morgan replied curtly, his words sending a chill down my spine.

"What do you mean? What about my parents? Do they know what's happening to me?" I demanded, my desperation turning to anger as I realized the gravity of the situation.

Morgan's next words hit me like a blow to the chest. "It was the former Alpha Seymour and Tara, who accused you of trying to harm Tabitha. They sought Alpha Laszlo's help, and now you will face the consequences." The shock of Morgan's revelation hit me like a thunderbolt. My own parents, accusing me of such a heinous crime? It was inconceivable.

"You're lying. My parents wouldn't do that. And I've told you countless times, that I would never harm my sister," I retorted.

"Why would I lie? What do I gain from it?" Morgan's response was calm but firm as he opened the door and brought me to the event hall fully guarded. His gaze shifted to the bustling crowd ahead, where the celebration for my sister's upcoming proclamation as Luna was in full swing.

The dazzling lights, the music, and the elegant decorations all centered around my twin sister, Tabitha. Her name adorned the center stage, leaving mine conspicuously absent, despite it being my birthday as well.

"The future Luna looks radiant," Morgan remarked, his tone almost mocking as Tabitha took the spotlight in a stunning golden gown.

"If only you hadn't let your insecurities consume you, you could have celebrated this day too, alongside your sister," he added. Before I could respond, Morgan hushed me as Alpha Laszlo arrived, commanding attention with his presence. His cold demeanor was a stark contrast to the warmth I had once felt from him.

The event unfolded rapidly, leaving me bewildered and hurt. My father's announcement of Tabitha as the future Luna felt like a betrayal. Didn't I have a say in this? Wasn't I also worthy of consideration?

Tears welled up in my eyes as I struggled to process the whirlwind of emotions and events. I wanted to confront Alpha Laszlo, to demand answers, but his indifferent gaze held me back.

As the ceremony proceeded, I stood in silence, feeling powerless and ignored. My own turmoil threatened to overwhelm me, but I fought to regain composure, refusing to let my emotions weaken me further.

The proclamation of Tabitha as the future Luna proceeded, sealing my fate in a way I never imagined possible.

"I-I need to speak!" I mustered the last of my strength to interrupt the celebration that should have been mine as well.

The crowd gasped as the hallway parted, allowing me a path forward.

"Is that Selena? Wasn't she locked up?" murmured voices echoed around me.

Despite their doubts and accusations, I focused on reaching my father, Alpha Seymour, Tabitha, and Alpha Laszlo. Each step felt heavy, and my legs trembled with nerves and fear.

"Selena! What are you doing here?" My father thundered, his eyes ablaze with anger.

"Father, please I don't know what you're accusing me of. It's all a misunderstanding I was the one who was almost killed last night.” I pleaded. But silence met my words, and the accusing gazes around me intensified.

"Liar!" he shouted, and before I could defend myself, his hand struck my face, sending me crashing to the floor.

"You're a disgrace! How could you try to harm your own sister?" His words pierced through me, leaving me stunned and hurt.

As I looked at Tabitha, fear and victory mingled on her face, a clear sign of her manipulation.

"She's lying..." I protested weakly, but no one seemed to hear or believe me.

Feeling abandoned and alone, tears streamed down my cheeks uncontrollably. Even Alpha Laszlo, whom I had trusted, remained silent, turning his back on me.

"Let's proceed with the proclamation," he declared coldly, crushing any hope I had left.

Summoning my courage, I spoke up once more, this time addressing Alpha Laszlo directly.

"I'm your mate," I declared, hoping to stir something within him.

"Our bond is growing stronger. Your wolf yearns for me, and you can't deny it," I pressed on, desperation and determination mingling in my words.

"Tabitha is lying!" I protested, but Tabitha cut me off swiftly.

"I'm her mate, Selena! Stop deluding yourself! You wanted to eliminate me because you know I can trigger his wolf and you can't!" Her words stung with their twisted truth. I couldn't believe how effortlessly she spun her lies, painting herself as the victim and me as the villain.

"Why don't we let our wolves decide our fate?" Tabitha suggested with a wicked grin, knowing full well what she was implying. My heart sank. I hadn't felt my wolf's presence yet.

"If you want to be Luna, your wolf needs to be strong and beautiful, like Alpha Laszlo's," Tabitha taunted, appealing to the pack's desire for strength and power.

"Fine," I conceded reluctantly, realizing I had no choice but to try.

Tabitha took the lead, walking to the center of the gathering. The pack watched intently, divided in their expectations and doubts about me.

As Tabitha closed her eyes and then revealed her transformed eyes, I couldn't help but feel a pang of envy and frustration. Her wolf, majestic and powerful, emerged to the awe of the onlookers. I took a deep breath, pushing aside my doubts and focusing on the task at hand. I couldn't afford to be distracted.

Tabitha's confident demeanor contrasted sharply with my inner turmoil. Her transformation into a magnificent wolf with golden eyes only amplified my sense of inadequacy.

The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and anticipation as the pack cheered for Tabitha's transformation.My knees quivered with nerves, reminding me of the stakes. Could I shift? The thought gnawed at me, driving me to push beyond my limits.

As I glanced at Alpha Laszlo, a flicker of hope crossed his eyes before vanishing as quickly as it appeared. Was he secretly rooting for me? Or was it wishful thinking? When the crowd fell silent, I took a deep breath and stepped forward, feeling the weight of everyone's expectations.

Closing my eyes, I focused on summoning my wolf, shutting out the doubts and pressures that surrounded me. But as I opened my eyes, disappointment washed over me. No transformation had occurred.

My father's expression mirrored my disappointment, while Alpha Laszlo remained impassive. Tabitha, now back in human form, wore a smug grin, relishing her victory.

Fighting back tears, I looked at Alpha Laszlo, a surge of emotion urging me to seek comfort in his arms. Without hesitation, I ran to him and embraced him.

"Selena!" he exclaimed, caught off guard by my sudden move.

"Our bond is undeniable, Alpha Laszlo. Even if my wolf hasn't emerged yet, our connection as mates is real," I pleaded, clinging to the hope that our bond would sway his decision.

But my hopes shattered as he pushed me away, his cold demeanor piercing through me.

"Enough of this. I choose Tabitha as my Luna," he whispered, his words finalizing my fate.

I lay on the ground, stunned and broken, as I watched him step on the stage and make his proclamation.

"I, Alpha Laszlo, leader of the Crystal Moon Pack, reject Selena Ravenscroft as my mate due to her weakness and inability to shift. We cannot afford to show such vulnerability to other packs. Therefore, I choose Tabitha Ravenscroft, daughter of former Alpha Seymour and Luna Tara, as my Luna. With her, we will lead and dominate, becoming the strongest pack of our kind."