Traitor's Daughter, Wolfless Orphan

LORA'S POV

In thirty minutes time, I would be standing before the Moon Goddess to receive my wolf. The thought alone made my chest tightened. For the first time, I would not be alone. I would finally have someone who would stay with me forever.

I wore the plainest white dress I could find in my closet. It wasn't new, but it was clean and simple. On my head, I placed a small flower crown I made myself. It was the only pretty thing I owned, and I wanted to wear it when I faced the Moon Goddess.

“Am I seeing a crown? Really? So pathetic, Lora.”

I flinched as Sandra barged into my room without knocking. Her voice dripping with scorn.

“So, how’s the little gift I gave you yesterday? Did it open your blind eyes?” she asked, her tone cutting through me.

“Yes, thank you. It saved me from wasting my love on someone weak," I said honestly. At least now I won’t waste my love on someone who was never going to fight for me.

She scoffed, stepping closer. I could see the anger fueling in her face. “You’ve grown a tongue, haven’t you? Since when did you get so bold, you ungrateful bitch?” Her eyes narrow as they fall on the crown on my head. “Even that crown can’t hide your ugly face.”

When she reached out to snatch it off, I grabbed her hand mid-air. “Don’t you dare, Sandra.” My voice trembled at her, but my grip was firm. This crown was for my mother. It’s the only thing that kept her memory alive for me. I would not let anyone touch it.

“Touch it, and I’ll tear your hand off the moment I receive my wolf,” I warned her, my teeth clenched.

Her face twisted in rage, surprised that I held her hand. “How dare you threaten me?!” she yelled. “I’ll tell my father what you did!”

“Go ahead,” I snapped. “Tell your father. What’s the worst he could do? Lock me up? Beat me again? Give me twenty lashes? Maybe kill me this time?” I give a hollow laugh. “Go on, Sandra. Tell him. I’m dying to know.”

She glared hard at me. “Just because you’re about to get your wolf tonight doesn’t mean you’re untouchable.”

I laughed quietly, shaking my head. “You think I spoke to you like this because I’m getting my wolf? You always amuse me.”

“Laugh all you want, Lora. When I tell my father about this, you’ll regret every word.”

“Nothing in this world scares me anymore,” I told her softly. “Not even death. I have nothing left to lose. If your father decides to end my life tonight, I’ll take it as a mercy.”

Her jaw tightened. She wanted to say something crueler, but nothing came. Then she smirked “Enjoy your courage while it lasts, Lora. When you meet that ruthless Lycan king, you’ll wish we’d killed you first.” With that, she stormed out of the room.

As soon as the door closed, I let out the breath I’ve been holding. My hands trembled. I don’t even know where I found the courage to stand up to her. Maybe that’s what happened when you’re this close to your own end. Because after tonight’s ceremony, I would be sent away to serve the Lycan king as his concubine.

I glanced at my reflection one last time. The girl staring back looked tired, broken, but there’s a faint spark in her eyes that refused to die. I drew in a long breath and stepped outside. The faint glow of torches lighted the path ahead.

People have already gathered, forming a large circle. Some greeted me as I passed, but their eyes held no warmth. To them, I would always be the daughter of a traitor. I walked quietly, trying to ignore their heart-piercing whispers.

“Good luck, Lora,” Chloe whispers as I pass by her.

I gave her a small nod and muttered at her, “Thank you.” Then I walked to the center of the circle.

There were six of us standing under the silver light of the full moon.

“It’s time now!” one of the elders shouted “Lift your heads and call upon the Moon Goddess! May she bless you with her vigor!”

I lifted my head, staring up at the moon that shone like a watchful eye above us. Around me, the others began to shift, one by one, as their wolves awakened.

I closed my eyes and whispered my prayer. “Celestial Moon Goddess, keeper of the midnight skies, I come before you as your offspring. Bathe me in your radiance. Lead my journey and fill me with your power. May your divine insight illuminate my road ahead.”

Seconds turn to minutes. My heart pounded as silence fell over the circle. I tried again, again, and again. But nothing happened. I felt empty. Cold. The connection I have longed for all my life didn't come.

Then I heard a laughter echoed behind me.

“A traitor’s daughter, and now a wolfless bitch. Seems like the Moon Goddess doesn’t want you either,” Sandra said, her voice loud enough for everyone to hear. Her words cut through me like knives.

“Shut up, Sandra!” Alpha Alec growled. “The ceremony is over! Go home and celebrate with your family! And no one speaks of what happened here tonight, for the sake of our pack!”

The crowd began to scatter, but Alec grabbed my arm and dragged me toward the house. The moment the door shuts, his hand slaps across my face.

“You bitch!” he yelled.

Natalie rushed forward, panic in her eyes. “What are we going to do now, Alec? We can’t send her to the palace if she doesn’t have a wolf. She’s nothing but a stupid human!”

“Calm down, honey,” Alec whispered.

“Calm down? My daughter’s life is in danger because of this!”

“Nothing changes,” Alec says coldly. “We’re still sending Lora to the Lycan king. Everything will be fine if this woman keeps her mouth shut.” Without warning, he picked up his dagger and threw it toward me. It landed at my feet.

Natalie’s eyes widened. “And how do you know she won’t talk?”

Alec’s voice turned sharp. “I’ll make sure of it.” He stepped closer until his face was inches from mine. “Listen carefully, you worthless thing. If you ever speak of this to the Lycan king or anyone at the palace, I will make you wish for death. Do you understand?”

I gazed at him straight in the eye. “Do you think I care, Father? I’m already dead. Why not take you with me?”

“You ungrateful bastard!” he growled, slapping me again. The taste of my own blood filled my mouth. Pain cracked through my face, but I didn't cry.

I lifted my head and stared at Kyle, who stood silently in the corner. His eyes flickered with something like fear, pity, maybe guilt but before he could move, Sandra blocked his path. She shook her head at him, her lips curling into a cruel smile.

Alec grabbed my face in his hand and squeezed until I could barely breathe. “Let’s make this clear, Lora. You’ll say nothing about being wolfless. Not one word. If you care about your best friend’s life, you’ll stay silent.”

Instantly, fear crawled through me. I could die , but the thought of Chloe suffering because of me sent a shiver down my spine.

He smirked satisfied after seeing my scared face. “Good. You understand me now, don’t you, Lora?”

I have no strength left to fight. I nodded weakly.

“Good,” he said with a cold grin. “Sandra, dear, fix her up before the people from the palace arrive.”

“Of course, Father,” Sandra replied, her lips curving into a wicked grin. “It will be my pleasure.”