MARKED BY THE MOON

Chapter One

Astria's POV

Being born an omega is one thing. But being the only omega in over a thousand years? That’s a whole different pain.

My parents were disappointed the moment they found out what I was. I still remember the look on my mother’s face, shocked and heartbroken. And my father? He sneered at me like I was filth.

He’s the Gamma of the pack. Having an omega as a daughter embarrassed him. He always believed I’d be a beta or at least a regular pack member. But no, I turned out the complete opposite of his precious daughter, Gina.

Gina has everything. Beauty, brains, strength. And to crown it all, she’s an Alpha. Every male in the pack wants her. Even the Alpha’s son, Jason, wants her as his mate. But they’re not mates, at least not yet. She had her eighteenth birthday last year and was mad when she didn’t get him. She’s always wanted to be Luna.

Even the current Luna, Jason’s mother, was disappointed. She wanted Gina as her son’s mate too. But I guess the Moon Goddess has other plans.

I’ve lived in the pack house for twelve years now but not with my family. I stay in the servants' quarters. My father didn’t want a "weak disgrace" in his house, so he threw me out when I was just five.

Since then, I’ve lived with being unwanted. I get the insults, the sneers, the pity stares but I still smile. Even though I’m hurting, I don’t let them see me break.

“Astria, hurry with the cooking. The Alpha and his family will be down soon!”

That’s Jane, the head cook. She’s like a sister and a guide to me. She can’t do much. It's the rule when it comes to omegas but she’s always been there for me. She was the one who taught me how to survive after my parents threw me away.

I quickly finish up the vanilla cookies and slide them into the oven. Cooking makes me feel at peace. It’s my escape the one place where no one watches me like I don’t belong.

Once breakfast is ready, I set the table before any of the Alpha’s family comes down. That’s one of their rules for me. I’m not allowed to be seen around them.

Honestly? That’s the only rule I actually like. Being near them makes everything harder. The last time I accidentally looked the Alpha in the eyes, I was thrown into the dungeon for two days. No food. No shower. Just darkness. I still have nightmares.

Now that I’m done with everything, I quietly slip away to the servants' quarters.

“I have something for you, it's in your room,” Jane says with a soft smile.

I gasp and run off excitedly.

There’s a box on my little table. I open it and nearly burst into tears.

Inside is a beautiful white-and-pink sundress and a pair of black sandals. Underneath is a note:

Wear this for your birthday, dear. You deserve it.

My heart feels full. No one has ever given me something like this. I’ve always worn hand-me-downs from the pack.

I slip into the dress and stare at myself in the broken mirror. It fits perfectly. The pink matches my eyes, and the white brings out my long snow-white hair. I’ve always hated how different I look but today… Maybe being different isn’t so bad.

I smile through my tears.

And that night, I slept with the biggest smile I’ve ever had on my face.