001

“Hey, you! Come here.”

I lazily shifted my gaze in the direction of the voice and sneered coldly.

Luci.

She always found a way to get on my nerves.

I turned to her, rolling my eyes — and just like I expected, it ignited a rage within her.

She stomped toward me and blocked my path.

I stood firm, my eyes narrowing at her. “What do you want?” I asked coldly, my voice sharp enough to cut steel.

Her lips curled into a wicked grin as she clapped her hands, drawing the attention of a few martial students nearby. They giggled and chuckled along with her.

“Look who we have here! Some misfortunate, dirty, mateless pig trying to act tough,” she mocked, her voice laced with venom.

I clenched my fists, my heart aching from the sting of her words. I bit my lip to suppress the rage boiling inside me.

The cold room fell into silence, the ticking of the enchanted clock the only sound echoing through the air. All eyes were on me, waiting for my response.

I chuckled quietly, tilting my head as a wicked smile spread across my lips.

“Well, at least I’m a misfortunate werewolf who hasn’t found her mate — not a lying mutt like your mother, who found hers and still cheated on your dad with another werewolf for money. Isn't that just pathetic?”

Gasps echoed throughout the room. Luci’s face drained of color, turning pale as snow. Her lips parted, but no words came out.

Crack!

Her hand slammed across my face, causing me to wince in pain. I glared at her with fury and lunged.

We both hit the floor, fists flying.

The room exploded in chaos. She tried to punch again, but I dodged and retaliated. I extended my claws and grazed her face.

She shrieked in pain.

“What’s going on here?!” the martial coach shouted, rushing forward to separate us — but I was too strong.

Too furious.

“Evelyn, you’ll kill her! You know the penalty!” she yelled, failing to pry me off Luci.

My rage finally eased enough for me to let go.

Luci crawled away, curling up in the corner, trembling. Blood dripped from her cheek as she burst into tears.

“Evelyn! How dare you fight during Moonlight Martial Class? Under no circumstance are you to unleash your wolf form in this school!” the coach barked, pointing at me in fury.

Moonlight Martial Class is mandatory for all werewolves after college — training meant to strengthen our fighting instincts.

I scoffed and clenched my fists.

“She started it! Why the hell would she mock me for not finding my mate yet?” I spat.

“Watch your tongue, Evelyn,” the coach snapped. “That doesn’t give you the right to fight.”

I choked on the anger burning in my throat, my eyelids twitching. My claws twitched out again. I inhaled sharply and shut my eyes.

The coach must’ve noticed. She backed away quickly and helped Luci up.

“Report tomorrow by 5:00 AM sharp. You’ve got punishment duty,” she said sternly.

I stood there, fuming.

Why was I always the hated one?

All because I hadn’t found a mate?

Yes, I’m Evelyn — the cursed 23-year-old werewolf who hasn’t found her mate. And because of that, I’m mocked and ridiculed at every corner.

In the Tharros Pack, a female is expected to find her mate before turning 18. If she doesn’t, she faces exile… or worse. The rumor is: we bring bad luck to the pack.

I dragged myself home after the long, dramatic day and slammed my bedroom door shut.

I took a quick shower, threw on my fluffy nightwear, and curled into bed.

As I pondered how my life became such a disoriented mess, a knock snapped me out of my thoughts.

“Evelyn, can we come in?” my parents’ voices called from behind the door.

“We?” I repeated, puzzled.

The door creaked open, and my parents stepped in.

Worry was etched all over their faces.

My heart skipped a beat.

My dad walked over and sat beside me, while my mom joined on the other side.

“Evelyn,” my father began softly, “I’m sorry to say this, but there’s something important you need to know.”

I looked at my mom. She glanced away, avoiding my eyes.

My heartbeat spiked. My hands started to sweat.

“Honey,” my mom said gently, “we got a message from the Beta… from the Alpha. You’ve been chosen to attend the Blood Moon Boot Camp.”

The world collapsed around me.

Blood drained from my face.

I blinked, afraid everything would disappear if I closed my eyes.

“A… a Blood Moon Boot Camp?!” I shouted, jolting upright.

My mom stood, cupping my face. “Calm down, Evelyn. We know it’s difficult… but we don’t have a choice. The Alpha’s order was clear — accept it or die.”

Tears streamed down my cheeks.

My head throbbed like war drums.

A Blood Moon Boot Camp is a death sentence.

It’s a training ground for werewolves from all clans — preparing us to become the ultimate pack soldiers. But very few ever return.

In our supernatural world, there are three werewolf species: Kyrethi, Valtor, and Lythari. I’m Valtor.

The Kyrethi are god-like. They are ancient, pale-skinned, white-haired hybrids of witches. They possess magical powers… and they feed on their own creations.

The Lythari are ordinary shifters, powerless and identified by their red hair.

We, the Valtor, are powerful — but not divine. We are warriors.

The Blood Moon Camp is a slaughterhouse, masked as training.

My legs gave out beneath me, and I crumbled to my knees.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you,” my mom whispered, broken.

My dad stared at the floor, avoiding me.

So this is how my fate gets sealed?

I stood up and headed for the door.

“Where are you going?” they asked.

“I’m not running away,” I muttered. “Just going for a run.”

I shifted into my wolf form and ran into the forest — fast, wild, and free.

Eventually, I reached the southern mountain. I shifted back and curled up beside a pebble stone, arms wrapped around myself for warmth.

The mountain view was breathtaking. The birds chirped sweetly as dusk rolled in.

But my thoughts were heavy.

“Lyla… are you there?” I whispered to my wolf.

“I’m here,” she said. “And I know. We can’t change fate.”

“Moon gods,” I whispered, staring at the sky, “I leave my fate in your hands.”

Suddenly, I heard rustling behind me.

My body tensed. My claws slid out, and my eyes flared red.

I was ready for whatever came next.