CHAPTER 3: THE END OF THE BEGINNING

RAYA’S POV

I felt careful hands help me sit up, “Deep breaths, Raya, deep breaths” " the voice murmured.

I obeyed, forcing air into my lungs until the storm in my chest quieted. I opened my eyes, my vision clearing up. Disappointment hit me,

It wasn't Draco.

Melissa crouched beside me, her white-onyx eyes unreadable. Her blonde hair caught the flickering light, giving her an almost sinister glow. I wished it were Draco, hoped he’d come to his senses and admit he cared for me more than he let on.

“Get up, Raya. You’re embarrassing yourself.”, she said, her voice carrying an edge, it was firm, sharp and the wake-up call I needed,

I leaned heavily on her as we walked through the suffocating room. No one spoke, but the tension was palpable,

I peeked at the members still gathered; Their eyes burned into my back, some wide with shock, others gleaming with satisfaction. It was no secret that the majority of the pack disliked me for being weak,

Over the years I cared for their needs, striving to make them see my worth. Now none of them came to my rescue, their indifference a painful stab to the chest.

Melissa led me through double doors into a lavishly furnished room, its interior mocking the chaos outside.

Dawn crept through the windows. I barely had time to sit before the doors burst open, and hurried footsteps echoed across the room.

I looked up to see my parents and twin sister by my side. My mom's makeup was smudged with tears,

“How could you humiliate us this way?” My mom sobbed,

“It wasn’t my intention,” I muttered, my hands trembling.

“With all we've done for you! We put a roof over your head up until Draco took you in” My dad snapped,

“We gave you everything—shelter, food, a chance to rise above your mediocrity—and this is how you repay us? By shaming us in front of the entire pack? You’ve ruined your chance to remain Luna and ours to achieve greatness.” he spat,

I studied their faces, disappointment engraved in them,

“I’m sorry,” I whispered, the words hollow and meaningless. “I’ll try to fix this. I promise.”

“Your sister would never have let this happen.” Mom accused, her gaze narrowing with criticism.

My sister mocked, “She wouldn’t have let it happen because she isn’t weak,” her voice smooth as silk. Her smile widened as she added, “Maybe Draco mated the wrong twin.”

Their words burned like spirit on an open wound. I flinched, tears stinging my eyes. My entire life had been a cycle of rejection, of never measuring up to her. The perfect twin with her flawless smile and effortless grace.

“I've always tried my best. Why can't you acknowledge that?” my voice was strained, my hands balled–nails digging into flesh,

“This is your best? Your sister doesn't have two heads yet she manages to be better at everything!.” Dad barked, his jaw twitching,

I bit back a response, the doors slamming open, “Everyone out!” his icy voice commanded,

“You aren't allowed near us or our home until you've resolved this” Dad warned, glaring at me,

Then they spun and left without a fight, my twin smirking as she trailed after them. Then it was just us and Melissa.

“My love I'm…” I began, but was cut off,

“Pack your belongings. You’re leaving at first light.” He bit out, his gaze piercing,

I gawked at him, my mouth agape as tears stung my eyes, “what? I can't leave, I've got nowhere else to go”,

He looked at me in contempt, “That's none of my concern, you've overstayed your welcome, Raya”, he sneered, “If you put up a fight, I'll have you thrown out”.

“Please Draco. I've sacrificed so much for this pack and for you. I understand you don't want me anymore but the least you can do is let me stay” I implored, my throat constricting with unsaid words,

“You deserve nothing, you're lucky I gave you the night to pack!” He turned to Melissa, dismissing me without a glance. “You're to ensure she leaves. Do her a favour by aiding her pack her things” he commanded, Melissa gave a slight nod,

I stared at his back, his retreating figure walking out the door. With him went my last shred of hope,

I no longer had a place in the pack. My parents refused to let me return. If I stayed this way, it was only a matter of time before I went feral. That was what had happened to the ones who took Lason from me. Without a pack, they had become mindless killers, driven only by the need to destroy.

The thought twisted my gut. I was no different from them, cast out and left to survive on my own. No family. No future.

I stared at the closed door, my chest hollow, my mind chanting these words, ‘It isn't the end—this is the start of something worse’. A darkness I wasn’t sure I’d survive.

~The air shifted as the last door closed. Something beyond the mortal realm had heard her cry.~