The Luna's Awakening

ing her palms scraped and trembling. She didn't bother catching herself. It wasn't t

, bitter friend, familiar and unkind. She tried to shift her weight, but the lashes on her back from the earlier whipping st

gh the bars. "Let this remind you to keep your head d

unishment for something so trivial she could barely remember-was it because she hadn't bowed low enough when Mariss

dungeon reeked of mildew and despair, but it had become a second home over the years. Th

and the past unfolded

ee her father's broad grin, the way his strong arms had lifted her into the air. Her mother's laughter

ked the beginning of every werewolf's journey into strength. But as the

" her mother had reassured her. But the c

s filled the pack. Weak. Broken. Usele

the borders. That night, the Alpha had looked at her with disgust as he announced their deaths.

n, her life had be

aching even the dungeon. She could imagine the party in vivid detail: the Alpha's family, dressed in their finest, surrounded by admirer

wing sharper with each passing year. There was a time, long ago, when she'd thought he might protect her. B

e pain that radiated through her back. If her parents were alive, she wouldn't b

uling heavy loads a stark reminder of how far she had fallen. Once, she'd been th

nsides. It had been days since she'd had a proper meal. Whatev

r voice hoarse. She couldn't afford to

stone pressed against her skin, a cruel comfort. Her gaze drifted to the small, barred win

ught, I'll be fr

returned, his expression twisted with annoyance. "Get moving, omega. T

, her body screaming in protest with every step. The packhouse was buzzing with lif

ard snapped, sho

loor as the crowd around her laughed and danced. No one

h the noise. Lyra glanced up to see the blonde leaning again

ice dripping with amusement. "

head down. She wouldn't give him

ssing a half-empty glass of wine

ove. The laughter around her grew louder as

the large windows overlooking the forest. The moon hu

encing the crowd. "All omegas, report to the e

hatever awaited her there wou