My Runaway Luna

The soft hum of the forest breeze drifted through the open window of Jade Figueroa’s room, carrying the crisp scent of pine and earth.

It was early morning, but Jade, a 19-year-old with wild dark curls and piercing gray eyes, was already wide awake, pacing the length of her bedroom. Her frustration was palpable, radiating off her in waves.

She was a wolf of the Lake Crescent Pack, born into the powerful Figueroa bloodline, yet her life felt like a gilded cage.

Her fingers trailed along the embroidered hem of her pale blue dress—her “training uniform.” It was a constant reminder of her purpose, or lack thereof.

Ever since she had turned twelve, her father, Alpha Christopher Figueroa, had made it clear that she was nothing more than a tool to solidify alliances.

Jade was expected to become a “perfect Luna,” trained to obey, smile, and never question her future Alpha.

“Perfect Luna, my ass,” Jade muttered under her breath, her sharp tone slicing through the room.

“Careful,” a voice chimed from behind her. “You know if anyone hears you talking like that, they’ll report it to your father.” 

Jade turned to face Sophia, her 17-year-old handmaid and best friend.

Sophia was an omega, assigned to Jade when she was twelve. The girl’s sweet demeanor and unwavering loyalty had made her more than just a servant.

Susie’s soft brown hair was tied back in a braid, and her honey-colored eyes were wide with concern as she set a tray of breakfast on the table.

“I don’t care if he hears,” Jade said, crossing her arms. “He already thinks I’m cursed for not being as obedient as he wants.”

“You’re not cursed, Jade,” Sophia said gently, though there was a flicker of fear in her eyes. “You’re just… different.”

Jade barked a short laugh. “Different? Is that what they’re calling it now? Let’s not sugarcoat it, Sophia. I’m a disappointment. My mother’s death ruined me in his eyes, and now I’m nothing more than a bargaining chip.”

Sophia hesitated, torn between comforting her friend and knowing the consequences of speaking too freely. “I just wish you’d be careful,” she said quietly.

Jade softened, placing a hand on Sophia’s shoulder. “I know you worry about me, but I can’t keep pretending to be someone I’m not. If that means making Father furious, so be it.”

As the two girls shared a moment of quiet solidarity, a distant howl echoed through the air, sending a chill down Jade’s spine.

Her instincts told her that change was coming—and it wouldn’t be kind.

Jade turned back to Sophia, her gray eyes suddenly sharp with purpose. “Did you get everything ready for tonight?”

Sophia glanced toward the door, her posture tense. “Yes, but are you sure this is safe? If anyone catches you—”

“They won’t,” Jade interrupted firmly. “We’ve been doing this for months, and no one suspects a thing.”

It had started the night after her sixteenth birthday, the day her father had made it clear that her only value lay in being a submissive Luna for a mate she hadn’t even met.

That night, she had sworn she wouldn’t go quietly into whatever arrangement her father forced on her.

With Susie’s help, she began training in secret. Midnight after midnight, Jade had snuck out to the woods, teaching herself to fight, to run, to survive.

“You know why I’m doing this,” Jade said, her voice low but resolute. “When the time comes, I want to be ready. I won’t let anyone take my freedom without a fight.”

Sophia nodded, though worry clouded her features. “I packed the wraps, the training clothes, and the water flask. Everything’s in the usual spot. But Jade, what if you—”

“I won’t get caught,” Jade said, cutting her off. “And even if I did, what’s the worst he can do? Lock me up? Marry me off faster?”

Sophia hesitated, then sighed. “Just promise me you’ll be careful. Please.”

“I promise,” Jade said, though the fire in her eyes told a different story.

She wasn’t afraid of what might happen if she got caught. She was afraid of what would happen if she didn’t fight back.

As the sun began its slow descent, casting long shadows across the estate, Jade’s heart burned with defiance.

Midnight couldn’t come soon enough.