The Awakening of the Moon Goddess: Embracing Destiny and Defying Fate

After seven years... I giggle with delight, joyfully chasing my brother Finn around the yard as he playfully dangles his brown wolf's tail just out of my reach. He always teases me, his wolfish grin and mischievous eyes adding to the fun. Suddenly, my father, Caspian Clark, Beta of Deep Water, sternly orders me to leave Finn alone. Fearful of my father's anger, I stop in my tracks, but Finn reassures me with a gentle nudge and a low whine, comforting me with his presence. "I'm just playing with Finn, Father," I respond quietly, seeking comfort in my brother's furry form while trying to avoid my father's disapproving gaze. At seven years old, I can't comprehend why my parents are so strict with me. Finn, who is only eight years older than me, has always been the favorite, despite our close bond and his love for me. In my parents' eyes, I am merely a she-wolf destined to leave once I find my mate. My mother, Piper Clark, stands by my father's side, rolling her eyes as she adds, "Mads, Finn is the future Beta, and Cosmo will be the next Alpha. You're just a she-wolf who will eventually have to move on once you find your mate." Finn sighs, expressing his disagreement with our parents, always standing up for me. "But as Finn's little sister, he should protect me too. We are family, and it's his duty to protect family," I argue back, hurt by the feeling of insignificance to my parents. In an instant, I feel a sharp sting on my cheeks as my mother slaps me, filling me with anger. Both my parents radiate anger, and my mother yells at me, making it clear that Cosmo will always be more important than me. Tears stream down my cheeks, and without a word, I sprint into the woods behind me, seeking solace and love in a place where I feel safe. My father's calls for me to come back and the fear of potential punishment propel me to run faster. I head towards the river, where I can mask my scent and disappear from anyone who might follow me. Remembering Finn's trick, I wade into the river until it reaches my knees and walk in either direction. The flowing water erases my scent, allowing me to escape safely. I head toward the North, where a waterfall lies just beyond the pack boundaries. I follow the vines that climb the side of the rocks until I reach a hidden cave, where a stream leads me towards the light at the end. Finally, I find myself in a lush meadow, my short legs hidden among tall grass and wildflowers. As I walk towards a weeping willow tree, I wipe away my tears with determination. This place is my sanctuary, and I refuse to let tears taint its beauty. "Mads, who hurt you this time, Little Wolf?" A soft, melodious voice fills my ears as I find solace, leaning against the tree where Genesis, the elf who guards this hidden meadow, patiently waits for me. "My parents, as usual," I whimper, feeling her strong arms lifting me gently, comforting me against her warm body that carries the scent of the wildflowers surrounding us. "What happened this time?" Genesis continues, her long black hair dancing in the wind as she soothes me with her presence. "The usual. Finn and I were playing, but they told me to leave him alone. I'll never be important to them, will I?" I respond, my voice growing softer as I gaze into Genesis's green eyes. "You are bound for great things, Little Wolf. I can see it," she says, avoiding my direct question once more. I pout, and tears flow down my chubby cheeks once again. Genesis sighs, cradling me away from the comfortable shade of the willow tree and leading me toward the small lake where unicorns drink and frolic. "Little Wolf, one day, I may not be able to protect the unicorns. Witches and werewolves, especially Crescent, hunt them for the magic hidden in their bodies and blood. Do you know why I let you come here?" She asks pride shining in her eyes as she guards this hidden home. I shake my head, unsure after contemplating the question, my white curls bouncing with the movement as a light breeze brings the scent of flowers closer to us. "Because you see them as friends. I was wary when I found you here, curled up among the foals fast asleep. I always send you back home, but you kept showing up," Genesis smiles at me, her slender fingers wiping away my tears as she kisses my forehead. It was last year, after a fight with my father, that I found the unicorns. "Do you mean it?" I ask quietly, seeking reassurance as I hide my face in the crook of her neck. "Of course, Little Wolf. Now, go to sleep; it's late. You'll wake up at home soon," Genesis's voice lulls me to sleep, my little body exhausted from crying and finding comfort in the elf I think of as my mom. "Maddie, is this where you've been all day?" A gentle shake on my shoulder brings me back to reality, and I open my eyes to see Finn looking worriedly at me. His hand brushes against my face, and I wince, noticing the hardness in his eyes in the dim light. Most likely, a bruise has formed from the earlier slap. I'm hidden in Finn's closet, using a teddy bear twice my size as a bed, while the clothes above conceal me from view, just as Genesis always does to keep me safe. "Yes, I fell asleep crying," the lie flows easily, and Finn ruffles my hair, carefully scooping me into his arms with a sigh. Silently, my brother carries me into my room and tucks me into bed, a look of sadness in his eyes that I've never seen before. "I always tell them that you hide in my room, but they never listen. You're my little sister, and I know you, Maddie," Finn begins, running his hands through his hair as he gazes outside my window at the full moon, casting a warm glow that brings me peace. "I know, Finn," I yawn, giving him a sleepy smile in gratitude for his concern. "Go to bed, Maddie. Tomorrow, you have a big day with the Alpha Family," he bids me good night, flicking off the lamp beside my bed before leaving me to sleep under the comforting glow of the moonlight.

"Now, you know the rules, Madison. Be polite and don't eat too much. You're a lady, not a rogue," my father warns, and I nod, my curly white hair bouncing with the movement. From a young age, my parents set high expectations for me. They taught me to sit with my back straight and hands folded in my lap. I must never rush while eating, only consume what's on my plate, and never ask for more. Additionally, I should refrain from speaking unless spoken to, as breaking this rule in public could lead to punishment from my father. "I understand, Father, and I will behave properly," I answer quietly, catching Finn clenching his fists and glaring at our father from behind. After the first and only punishment for not following these rules, Finn and our cousin Gracie helped me with my wounds caused by my father's rage. I remember those long and painful four weeks I endured last year. It seems like my brother is thinking about it too. Just as my parents were about to add more warnings, the front door opens behind me, revealing the easy-going smile of Alpha Artemis as he walks in and ruffles my curled white hair. A tall man with black hair and tanned skin, Alpha Artemis treats me like his own daughter, just like he does with Eloise, his own child. With him around, I feel safe, and I often wish he were my father, not the man who yells and threatens me. "Sorry I am late, Caspian. Cosmo was trying to find his new toy car to show Maddie here. You know how kids are," Alpha Artemis says, looking down and winking at me. I overheard my father and Alpha Artemis talk about my potential as Cosmo's future mate. The thought makes me uncomfortable. "It's fine, Alpha. I understand," my father replies, smiling. My mother remains silent but gives me one last warning look, reminding me to behave before excusing herself and heading into the kitchen. I can't understand why my parents always warn me to behave. Can't they see that I am a good girl? I stay quiet as the Alpha and my father discuss pack matters, and Finn gives me a reassuring smile. He telepathically links to me, [Remember to tell me all about your day when you get home tomorrow.] After agreeing happily, he winks at me and quietly slips out of the room, probably heading up to his room to take care of the responsibilities he has as the next Beta. "Well, we should be heading out now before it's too late. Caspian, I will bring Maddie home tomorrow safe and sound. Have a good night. You ready to go, Maddie?" Alpha Artemis finally concludes the conversation between the two grown wolves, extending his hand towards me. I pick up my bag, which contains some clothing and a sleeping bag for tonight, and gladly take his hand as we prepare to leave. "Yes, Alpha," I answer Alpha Artemis, taking his hand and skipping out the door, without saying goodbye to my parents. The excitement of getting away from this house and them makes me extremely happy. As we walk towards where Luna Everleigh waits with Cosmo and Eloise, Alpha Artemis asks about my school life and what I've been up to since seeing the Alpha Family last. The pathway through the pack leads us closer to the dense forest on the west side of Deep Water. I love the smell of our forest, a mix of wildflowers, tall Canadian Maple trees, and sturdy pines. I'm almost done telling the Alpha about the book I'm reading when I'm tackled to the ground, greeted with giggles filling my ears as Eloise's scent fills my nose. "Hi, Maddie!" she greets, and we giggle together as we sit up and start chatting about our trip today. Alpha Artemis chuckles as Eloise and I jump to our feet excitedly, my friend pointing to where Cosmo and Luna Everleigh stand waiting for us. As usual, Cosmo is holding a Nintendo D.S. gaming device in his hand, the sounds of a video game audible. I frown in his direction, knowing it's not his fault that my brother is forced to spend more time with him than me, or that my parents prioritize my future over me. But I can't help feeling a bit resentful, even if he is cute. Eloise pulls my attention back, babbling about the Full Moon tonight and how the unicorns will appear under the full moonlight, bringing their foals to play in the pink crescent moon-shaped lake. I pretend to be surprised, but I've already been informed about this by Genesis. The unicorns would be celebrating their foals gaining powers blessed by the Moon Goddess.

The pink water in our pack holds magic that only unicorns can absorb, and when foals reach a certain age, drinking the water helps their powers manifest. Genesis told me about overseeing this event and the treaty she made with the first Alpha of Harvest Moon to protect the unicorns during this time. It's probably why Alpha Artemis took his family and me out for the picnic and campout tonight. Little does anyone know that a small stream flows from the lake into a hidden valley where Genesis and the unicorns live, and into a small pool that mixes with regular water from the river, which Genesis calls a moon pool. I've often watched the foals play and run around the pink water, mesmerized by the shimmer of magic in the air, each drop twinkling like diamonds. To say, I'm excited to see this at the pure pink lake instead of the small moon pool. It is an understatement. With a nod from Cosmo and a hug from Luna Everleigh, the five of us set off towards the lake, Eloise and I chasing each other around the trees, giggling. Alpha Artemis reminds us to stay in sight and takes away Cosmo's game, forcing him to play tag with us. I avoid Cosmo as much as I can, chasing Eloise until she stops abruptly, causing me to crash into her. "Maddie, I see the water! It's so pink," my friend squeals in excitement, causing me to cup my hands over my ears and wince. But in front of us, just peeking past the trees, is the lake. With a call of 'Last one there is a Crescent,' the three of us race to the water's edge and happily spend the day splashing each other, eating the delicious picnic packed by Luna Everleigh herself. It's a day free from the fear of my parents and filled with pure happiness. As the day turns into night, Eloise and I huddle under a tree, our sleeping bags blending into the background, hiding us while we wait for the full moon to reach its peak and the unicorns to come out. "A few more minutes," I jump as Cosmo's voice surprises me. He rolls out his sleeping bag, sits beside me, wraps his arm around my shoulder, and grins. I blush and nod before looking out to the lake, my eyes blurry with the need for sleep as I manage to catch a glimpse of the creatures I love to watch so much, beginning to come out and frolic in the water... Madison, wake up... please, my love... A soft voice flutters through my ears, and I yawn, looking around the night, my dream of watching over the forest and some blurred faces now gone. Dizzy, I gaze at the still pink lake and the eerie silence of the forest causing goosebumps to form. Soft snores from my left and right make me aware that Cosmo and Eloise are still fast asleep, but the Alpha and Luna are missing. That's when I hear it. Growls and howls come from everywhere, and my first thought is to wake up Cosmo. I shake the sleeping boy awake as the growls and howls get closer, fear closing in on me. What if they were Crescent? "What is it, Maddie?" He asks as he swats me away. "Wolves, and lots of them," I whisper, sobbing with fear, watching him bolt up and silently slip out of his sleeping bag while motioning to Eloise. I quickly shook my friend awake. "I smell blood," my friend says as she rubs her eyes, and she's right. The copper tang hangs in the air, and we both look in fear, knowing to whom exactly this scent belongs. "Where is she?" A scream echoes through the lake, and all three of us freeze. "I don't know who you're talking about," the Luna is crying. She never cries, her answer filled with fear, fear she has never shown any of us. "The Future Moon Goddess. Your wolves took her from her as a newborn," the voice rings again, and a loud smack rips through the air. "I don't know anything about this," Luna Everleigh wails. Cosmo and Eloise are frozen in their spots, but I slowly crawl forward. I see wolves in both human and wolf form standing around the lake, but I can't see Luna Everleigh or Alpha Artemis. However, I have a feeling this night will not end well. "I do not believe that you know nothing about the kidnapping of the Moon Goddess' pup stolen the night of her birth. We have searched everywhere, and the only pack whose wolves gained a new pup that same night is this one. For your insolence in this incident, you will die just like your husband." A cold voice shakes the trees as the sounds of something tearing and the Luna's screams fill the air. All is silent except for a thud of something or someone falling to the ground. The strange wolves leave the lake, but Cosmo, Eloise, and I are too terrified to leave our hiding spot. The Alpha's children are curled up by the tree, sobbing, while silent tears fall from my face. I know what that tearing sound means; I heard it while my father slaughtered Crescent in front of Finn and me. The day passes until the sun is setting when wolves from the pack come, calling out our names and looking for us. My parents are the first to find our hiding spot. "Thank goodness you're alright, Cosmo and Eloise," my parents coo over the Alpha pups, and I stand in the background, everyone fussing over Cosmo and Eloise but forgetting about me. They block the sight of the lake from the sibling pair, but I see everything. The lake is dyed red in spots where the bodies of wolves with the scent from last night lay, the ground holding small puddles, but not of the lake water. What hurts the most is seeing the Alpha and Luna both missing their heads and both dead just at the edge where the water slowly laps at their fallen forms.

"Do you remember much of what happened?" My father asks, the tension in the air so thick that it feels like the walls are closing in on me. Cosmo and Eloise sit to the side on the small couch with tear-stained faces while my parents force me to stand. Today, we buried Alpha Artemis and Luna Everleigh, and the idea of dealing with my parents after everything that's happened in the last three days was not a good one. So, I kept my gaze towards the window, watching the drops pitter-patter on the glass. "I don't remember much. We fell asleep watching the unicorns play. Madison woke me up because she heard something and then woke Eloise up," Cosmo answers, his voice wavering. I turn to look at the older boy to see my mother comforting him and sending her seething glare my way. "Madison, if you woke them up, then why didn't you come get help!" It isn't a question; it's an accusation that my mother throws my way. I can feel her hatred from halfway across the room where I stand. "I woke up and got Cosmo up right away, then Eloise. There were too many wolves, and if any one of us tried running, then we would have been caught and most likely killed too," I answer, meeting her gaze with a pleading look, hoping my own mother would listen to reason. "That's just an excuse!" She snarls at me, standing protectively in front of the Alpha pups and staring at me with contempt, a look I know all too well. "It's the truth. They killed the Alpha and Luna because they were looking for the Moon Goddess' lost pup and believed that they were hiding her in this pack. If we came out, we would have been in danger, and if I left Cosmo and Eloise there, they would have been in dan-" I stop mid-sentence, flinching as my father slams a fist onto his desk, causing me to jump in fear. Anger radiates off of him in waves, and my attention turns to him. "Enough of your lies, Madison. You're the reason why our Alpha and Luna, Cosmo and Eloise's parents, are dead!" His voice bellows, the bookshelves rattling from the power. I stand frozen with shock and fear. "Since Cosmo won't be of age to take over for another eleven years, I will be in charge as acting Alpha, and so will my wife. You, Madison, will be nothing but an Omega, a slave to this pack for your insolence and failure to protect our leaders," he continues, his words a finality on my fate in this pack. I turn to look at my friends, knowing that their words would help me keep my status as a Beta female, but Cosmo and Eloise glare at me with hatred before turning away. I know right there that in this room, I am alone. Alone, disowned, and an Omega. Beta Caspian dismisses us, and my face now bears a bruise from the slap he gave me just minutes ago when I tried pleading my case and calling him "Father" one more time. An Omega with a car waits for me, his job is to drive me to the Beta's house, a place I can no longer call home, and leave me there to pack up whatever can fit into a single duffle bag. After that, I will have to find my own way back to the pack house and to the small room that will be assigned to me. The car ride is quiet, the Omega giving me a look of sympathy with his eyes too large for his sallow face. "We know it's not your fault, Madison. The Omegas know what happened was a freak event. We believe you," he reassures me before we return to the quiet drive. It feels nice knowing that the Omegas have my back now that I will be one of them. I have a sinking feeling that Beta Caspian will make our lives worse.

The car stops in front of the house, and the Omega gives me an encouraging smile, telling me to be brave while handing me an empty duffle bag as I step out of the vehicle and head inside. The house feels cold and empty, a forbidden place for me now. Heading past the living room and up the stairs, I make my way to my bedroom and stop in the doorway when I see everything is gone—five duffle bags sitting on the bare mattress of what used to be my bed. "Thank the Goddess you're okay, Maddie." Finn's voice sounds from behind me, and I turn to see him holding a bundle in his arms and pushing past me to fill another duffle bag. "I heard them talking last night, Mom and Dad. They already planned to make you an Omega, and when they left me here after the funeral, I asked an omega to bring me a few bags to fill for you. I have everything, including your blankets and toys," he states, pulling me into a hug. "Do you think I could become a Beta again?" I ask in a whisper, tears threatening to fall. "I don't know, Maddie, but you have to be strong when they come back." I nod, giving my brother a reassuring smile and hand him the empty duffle bag I held. I helped him pack a few more items, taking some food from the kitchen and pantry. A car pulls into the driveway, and my heart skips a beat, thinking it's the Beta couple, but it's the Omega who dropped me off. "Liam here said he would drive me to the pack house. They are on their way home now, and I texted them the excuse of checking up on Cosmo, and they bought it. Liam is going to help me take the bags we packed to your new room. Just pretend to finish packing up the last one I leave for you, okay?" I only nod at Finn, letting Liam into the house as he and Finn carry six of the seven bags down and into the car. I wave to them before rushing upstairs and double-checking to see if we left anything before doing my best to carry the bag downstairs just in time for Beta Caspian and Mrs. Piper burst through the door. "You should have been gone by now," Beta Caspian growls out. I keep my head down, looking to the floor, but I hide my fear. "I was just leaving, sir," I answer quietly, staying in my spot and waiting for the two wolves to walk past me. Instead, a hand grabs my hair, and I cry out from the pain, Beta Caspian's face inches from mine. "Well, get the fuck out, you stupid pup," he screams at me, dragging me to the door and throwing me off of the front porch and into the mud-soaked lawn. Mrs. Piper just smirks at this, her arms crossed over her chest. "You know the way to the pack house, you bitch, so make your way there." With that, Beta Caspian growls again, turning and slamming the door, leaving me all alone. As the rain cascaded down in a symphony of silver droplets, I stood alone, drenched and vulnerable in the midst of the storm. The world around me seemed to mirror the turmoil within my heart, the uncertainty of what lay ahead as I approached the pack house. And then, as if in response to my inner turmoil, a magical transformation began to unfold in the skies above. The rain, which had fallen relentlessly, suddenly ceased its assault, leaving a hushed stillness in its wake. The heavy clouds that had obscured the heavens started to part, revealing a canvas of deep, inky blue velvet sprinkled with stars that blinked like distant lanterns.

I groan as I go through the laundry, nearly gagging at the smell left on the sheets from a particular room, while the heat of the dryer in the brightly lit basement room intensifies the odors emanating from this particular basket I'm stuck with. Visitors from Forest Paw had just left, and their Alpha, Alpha Leo, being the biggest sleaze I have ever met, left a mess in the guest room that I had the unfortunate task to clean. He came for an alliance with our pack, and I watched as Cosmo and Beta Caspian accepted this man openly while cleaning the foyer of the pack house. Finn managed to keep me as far away from the visiting Alpha as possible after the first night when I was forced to serve dinner. I could feel his eyes on me throughout the night, knowing that if he spoke one word to the Beta, he could have his way with me - a fourteen-year-old child. It wouldn't be the first time the Beta tried to use my body for his own advantage, but thankfully, Finn has a friend in the medical wing that handed him a highly potent sleep drug. Before anything could be done, the wolf in question would be safely passed out in his room. My hope of becoming a Beta Female again in this pack has been dashed by the many bruises that paint my skin and the scars that linger from punishments that were unnecessary, in my opinion. But at least I was not offered as a plaything to the visiting pack like some Omegas were for the last seven days. "Someone got the raunchy sheets left by Alpha Leo," Lilly fake gags as I throw the soiled sheets into the soaking tub. I would rather incinerate them, but if Beta Caspian finds one sheet missing by the end of the day, then I would become the scapegoat, as usual. "Honestly, I am just glad Finn kept me in the cleaning rotations and not the serving rotations," I groan out with relief, throwing the rubber gloves into the trash bin and washing my hands with scalding water and the strongest soap I could find. I feel dirty just touching anything of that nature and can feel the panic attack rising inside me. Mumbling to Misbah that I am going to get air, I rush up the Omega staircase and burst into the garden, the cold winter wind a refreshing welcome to my lungs. I find a corner free of snow and take deep breaths, hugging my knees to my chest and doing my best to keep the tears at bay. I found this spot thanks to Finn, a place to be weak between the walls of the pack house and the evergreen shrubs that leave a sharp pine scent in the air. No one comes to this part of the garden. After an hour passes and my panic has settled down, I make my way back down to the basement and put on another pair of rubber gloves. The sheet in the soaker tub is gone, and Lilly gives me a sympathetic glance while I go and fold the dry clothes. She is one of two people who know what happened, knows the night that officially killed my hope of being a Beta Female again. With steadfast determination, I keep an eye on the time, working hard and sticking to the basement or the kitchen, helping with meals for the day. When Eloise comes in and explains that the Omegas can finish for the day and enjoy the rest of the night off at seven thirty, I sigh with relief, finish folding the laundry fresh from the dryer, and hand it off to a waiting Omega for him to deliver to its respective room. y dedication keeps me focused, dedicated to the tasks at hand, whether it's sorting through laundry in the basement or assisting with the preparation of meals that would sustain the pack for the day.

Being the last to leave the laundry room and to climb the stairs closest to the pack kitchen, I take a deep breath at the top of the stairs and confirm that no one else is around. Many are most likely in the dining hall, the smell of freshly baked bread, stew, and cupcakes lingering in the air. I see the goods sitting on the stove and counters, my stomach grumbling with hunger pains at the thought of being able to fill my stomach. Since Beta Caspian and his wife took over, Omegas are nothing more than tools deserving only enough food to live and nothing else. No extra food, no treats, and no drinks other than water. I've spent countless nights trying to fill my stomach with water in hopes of calming down the hunger pains since my first week as an Omega. Tears fell from my eyes as I cried from the cramps caused by an empty stomach when Beta Caspian took away my food privileges for some reason or another. I've spent days trying to make it until Finn would sneak me into something small enough to eat, just to make it through another day. I learned quickly how to steal in order to keep on living and held onto the hope of finding my own mate one day. With a deep breath, I scan the area for any lingering scent of pack members. Most seem to be in the dining hall, so my scent will be gone by the time dinner is over. With a grin, I quickly grab the tote bag stashed earlier in the day from the small broom closet beside the basement stairs and fill it with the bread and other easy-to-store goods from the pantry, along with a thermos of still-hot soup. I leave the cupcakes with a reluctant gaze, knowing that there is only enough made for those dining in the hall, and quickly run up the stairs towards my room in the attic with my stolen goods. Seven years have passed since I was demoted to an Omega, and in those seven years, this small room with bare wooden walls, a day bed, and a dresser slowly became home. A lock on the handle was newly added two years ago, as well as a deadbolt that I lock each and every night since that incident three years ago – a safety measure Finn put in place for me in case a visiting wolf needed a "bribe" from Beta Caspian. Placing my stolen goods on the desk beside my laptop, I sigh and take a seat at the worn wooden furniture. The damp cold only associated with an attic seeps into my body, causing goosebumps to form and shivers down my spine. Flicking my laptop open and waiting for it to power on, I reach into the bag of goodies and pull out the stew. With school still ever-present in my daily life at thirteen, I have no choice but to comply and do the homework needed for the following Monday. Between bites of food and multiple assignments later, my tired eyes glance at the time and sigh. It's already midnight, and I am finally done. I find myself caught in a whirlwind of activity. Between savoring quick bites of sustenance and tackling a series of demanding assignments, my focus remains unwavering, determined to conquer each task that stands before me. The minutes seem to merge into one another, a steady rhythm of nourishment and labor punctuated by the ticking of the clock on the wall. With a sigh that carries the weight of both exhaustion and satisfaction, I allow my shoulders to relax. The silence that envelops the room is a soothing balm, a respite from the constant hum of activity that had filled the hours. The clock's hands continue their journey forward, but now they seem to mark a different cadence—a rhythm of rest rather than labor. With a groan and a final sip of the stew, I stash the remaining food I stole into an airtight container hidden in the walls and climb into the small bed for some much-needed sleep.

I groan with every step leading to my room, wincing in pain. Life is unbearable! That thought floats through my head as I slip out of my worn-out clothes and into some plain, comfortable black sweats and a long-sleeved black shirt. With Finn still helping me now and then, protecting me from Beta Caspian and Miss Piper as best as he can, he's the only other ray of hope as my eighteenth birthday draws closer. The thought of meeting my mate, breaking free from Deep Water, and never seeing this pack again after graduation is the only thing that makes me smile as I lock the door to my room and open the window. It's midnight, and the moon shines down at me while the wind brings a much-needed breath of fresh air. The leaves of the large sugar maple tree next to my window rustle in the breeze, bringing the delectable scent of maple inside. The tree is a luxury that Finn managed to convince the Betas to let me keep when they realized the room I was put in almost eleven years ago was so terrifying that I'd never try to sneak out and run away. But I've learned how to use the tree to my advantage. I remembered the first night I spent in the attic, the tapping on the glass and shadows cast by the sugar maple tree scaring me so badly I was unable to sleep. Curled up under the duvet cover, shaking like a leaf in the wind, until morning when I mustered enough courage to peer outside and see the tree standing tall and proud with bright red leaves. Finn promptly taught me how to sneak out using the window and the tree, and Beta Caspian and Lady Piper were none the wiser to their son teaching their disowned daughter how to climb in and out of the attic with the help of a seemingly useless tree. With practice every night, almost getting caught by patrols, by age nine, I had mastered sneaking out unnoticed. With sure footing after sneaking out the window, I shimmy down the tree with deft movements and land silently on the grass-covered earth. Blending into the shadows, I look around and listen for a moment, making sure no one is near or awake and watching the pack grounds, before sprinting towards the safety and covering the forest provides. At the pack house, I may only have a few friends, but outside, deep in the hidden valley, I have Genesis and the Unicorns to keep me company. With a wide grin hidden behind the mask I wear, I make my way towards the river, keeping my footsteps light and body hidden in the shadows. The calming scent of water and the sounds of the waterfall draw nearer, and I pick up speed, letting the glow of the moon guide me. My eighteenth birthday is drawing close, and the thought of being free from this place again brings a sort of giddiness inside my battered heart as I pass through the hidden entrance and into the tunnel. The magic in the air breathes life into me with each step until I enter the meadow, the scene glowing with moonlight and the wind bringing a sweet scent that washes over me. "You're late," the musical voice of the Elf reaches me just in time for me to dodge to the right, reflexes having me backflip away to a comfortable distance. Genesis chuckles, her eyes holding mischief while the Elf and I stare at each other. "Sorry about that, but I am still here for training, like always, Liz," I answer, rushing forward and throwing a handful of loose soil into her face. This gives me an opening, and I jump over the ancient one and quickly unsheathe the sword strapped to Genesis's back. Spinning around just in time to block the blow sent my way, the blades meeting with a clang, the two of us waiting for an opening. My body is already sore from the punishment I received earlier this day, and it's a struggle to keep my positions with the blades locked against each other, sweat building on my forehead. With a deep breath, I drop to the ground, bringing my right leg around and sweeping out the Elf's legs from under her, then quickly dodging to the left while Genesis lets out a surprised gasp behind me. But I am too slow, and as I spin around, ready for the next attack, I barely dodge the blade wielded by my mentor but not the bunch thrown to my left side. I gasp, my body flying backward as the punch activates the pain from the large purple bruise made by Caspian himself. "What took you so long to get here?" Genesis questions, her slow steps walking towards me. Too focused on the pain, I ignored her question and curled my body in on itself, trying to breathe through the pain and pleading for it to settle down. "Mads?" The footsteps stop, and the sound of a dull thud hitting the ground alerts me to the sword fight I am supposed to continue with Genesis, but my body refuses to move. Even when I really wanted to keep practicing and fighting. I did not want to be weak anymore, and Genesis promised to make me stronger. "Madison, they beat you again, didn't they?" Genesis's voice was filled with concern. By "they," she meant the pack and the Beta couple. Today, I was lucky that Finn was on patrol when this happened; otherwise, he would have been forced to watch and participate in handing out the punishment. Neither of us could refuse an order, and a public beating, where every wolf but an Omega could partake, was a fan favorite among the pack. Warm hands cupped my cheeks as I looked into the concerned eyes of my friend, her brows furrowed above me while I forced myself to take slow, steady, deep breaths. The pain was still fresh, and my body ached from the beating I endured. "I spilt water while in a rush to serve dinner. They beat me in the middle of the dining room as punishment, then made me drag myself out to the foyer while everyone else ate and chatted away like nothing happened," I started, my voice shaky as I recalled the torment.

Tears formed in my eyes at the pain I felt while fifty wolves surrounded me after Beta Bastien grabbed my hair and dragged me to the middle of the room. His steel-toed boots connected with my rib cage as he screamed at me for being a clumsy, useless idiot who could do nothing right. The crowd mocked and laughed while I rolled into a ball and covered my head, silent tears streaming down my face. I had learned long ago not to make a sound, knowing that the crowd loses interest when the wolf is beaten as punishment is quiet and accepts their fate. "When Lilly and Misbah rushed to my side and helped me clean and bandage my wounds, it was late, and it took a little longer to finish chores. That's why I was late," I continued, feeling my friend taking the sword still grasped in my hand and throwing it behind her. "You don't have to explain everything to me, little wolf. Just cry it out," she said gently. And with her words, I cried. My sobs filled the air while Genesis cradled my body in her arms, her hands clutching at the pastel pink tunic she wore while her fingers ran through my curls. She hummed a lullaby while my heart twisted with pain and grief. Almost everyone in my pack hated me, blaming me for the death of Alpha Artemis and Luna Everleigh. Being a weak wolf who had not shifted at sixteen like the rest of my peers made me an easy target for their abuse. That's why Genesis agreed to train me the Elven way, as a way to protect myself against any sneak attack unjustly thrown my way inside the pack house. Between my exhaustion, tears, and the pain in my heart and body, my sobs turned into sniffles soon, the little energy I had left leaving me even weaker. I hated this feeling. The feeling of weakness and helplessness. My life had revolved around this feeling since that day eleven years ago. "Feel better?" Genesis asked, her worry still evident in her voice. All I could manage was a nod, her calming scent wrapping around me, making me drowsy. I felt safe in her arms, something akin to motherly love from her. "Come on, Madison, let's get you into the hot springs to heal, Little Wolf," she sighed, pulling away and giving me a soft smile. She helped me to my feet, her arms wrapping around me as I leaned on her six-foot frame for support. The hot springs, located fifteen meters away from the entrance, were surrounded by moonflowers, their magic emitting a welcoming warmth. Genesis frowned as she helped me undress, leaving only my undergarments on and the multitude of bruises and scars littering my worn-out body to her view. She stayed silent, her forest green eyes giving me a once-over before helping me crawl into the shallow basin and laying me down gently. A comfortable feeling washed through every pore of my body as the healing effect of the water took hold quickly. My prism-colored hair floated around me as I stared at the silver-white moon above. I did not heal the same way as normal wolves. Being unable to shift when I turned sixteen effectively left me as a strong human, an even bigger disappointment in the pack. I had no wolf form, meaning the quick healing every wolf is born with never took effect for me, leaving my curvy body littered with bruising and scarring that took days, sometimes weeks or months to heal. If I could get to Genesis and the hot springs, then my body would be blemish-free. Sometimes that took days or weeks to happen if my punishment was severe. "Mads, when will you leave the pack? We both know you are not safe there, Little Wolf," Genesis's voice was filled with sadness, and her eyes shone with unshed tears for me. At three thousand and some odd years old, Genesis looked no older than thirty. Her lithe body, filled with muscles meant for fighting, and her long hair splayed out around her made many envious. If it weren't for her long pointed ears, she could be a model in the human realm. "My high school graduation is tomorrow. So is my eighteenth birthday. If I find my mate then, I'll stay. If not, then I...I will leave." Genesis was right. I had spent eleven years being abused for a situation out of my control. Staying here would only put my life at risk. The problem was leaving Genesis and the Unicorns behind. It was the only reason I was hesitant to leave in the past. But once I graduated, I would have no more ties keeping me here. Finn had already stated he would leave, as would Lilly and Misbah. If I could convince Genesis, we could find a place to settle down outside pack territory where the Unicorns would be safe. "I wish I could watch you walk across that stage tomorrow, Mads, but I have to stay here and protect the Unicorns," Genesis sighed, holding a towel up for me. I smiled at my friend and accepted the towel, wrapping it around my body and sitting on the edge of the hot spring as we stared up at the moon. "If it weren't for the school being shut down for renovations after exams, I would have walked across the stage already," I chuckled. Genesis would be busy with both protecting the Unicorns and dealing with the magic the harvest moon would provide. Even if I asked my friend to join me for my graduation, being isolated from the world for hundreds of years would bring a culture shock to the Elf. We chatted for about an hour, and with a final sigh, I dressed in my black clothing and bid farewell to Genesis and the Unicorns before making my way back to the pack house before anyone could notice my disappearance. The night was still young, and I had a lot to plan for my future outside Deep Water.