Chapter 32(Wolfless)

Chapter 32(Wolfless)
Kaelenya’s pov

The door shut with a heavy thud after Roman walked out. The quiet that came after hurt my ears. It made the room feel bigger and empty. I sat on the edge of the bed and held the blanket in my hands. My fingers pulled at the cloth until it twisted. My chest felt heavy, and my eyes burned, as I had been holding my tears since he walked out.

The thought of still being wolfless, made me feel ashamed and worthless. I looked down at the floor, and my eyes blurred from tears. What a cruel life ? I am a Luna with no wolf. A mate with no power. A wife of an Alpha who cannot even look at me without that cold look.

I pressed my palm against my stomach like I could keep myself together, and a sob slipped out before I could stop it. I covered my face with my hands. My tears were hot against my palms. I wanted to scream. I wanted to vanish, but all I could do was cry.

A soft knock on the door made me jump. I wiped my face fast, but my eyes were swollen and red.

“Luna?” Janet’s voice was gentle through the door. “You have a visitor.”

“A visitor?” My voice cracked. Who could that be, and what's with all these visitors lately.

I took a deep breath, “Who is it?”

“Miss Elena ,” Janet said.

I hesitated. Elena again…what does she want now. Slowly, I said, “Let her in.”

The door opened and Elena stepped inside. She looked as bright as she did at Alpha Noah’s party. Her long hair shone even in the dim light. She moved like she belonged in every place she walked into.

For a moment, I felt small next to her. I felt inferior. She had it all…beautiful, grace, exposure and even a history with Roman.

“Luna Kaelenya,” Elena said softly. She bowed her head a little before coming closer. “Are you alright?” Her eyes rested on my face. “Your face looks…Have you been crying?.”

I shook my head and tried to smile. It felt like a thin mask. “No, I’m fine,” I said. My voice sounded rough. “Just tired.”

Her eyes softened. “You don’t have to pretend with me,” she said. “I only came to check on you. I heard the tournament is coming soon, and I thought you might like some company.”

The Wolf Tournament. Her words cut me like a cold knife, reminding me of Roman’s command earlier. I swallowed hard and forced a nod. “That’s kind of you,” I said.

Elena smiled. Her smile could warm a cold room. She moved to the chair across from me and sat down with easy grace. “I can’t wait for the tournament,” she said. Her voice held a soft excitement. “It is one of the most thrilling times of the year. Warriors from many packs come to compete. There is fighting, racing, strategy. It is beautiful to watch.”

Beautiful.

The word sat heavy inside me. I pictured wolves running under the moon. Their fur shining silver. Their paws flying across the ground as they fought and danced in the forest. Once, I wanted to be part of that. I wanted to feel my own wolf stretch under my skin and run free. But I will never know what that feels like.

Elena kept talking. She told me how the fighters train, how the crowds cheer, how the moonlight makes every move look like a story. I tried to listen. I even tried to smile when she laughed. But each word made the hollow inside me feel bigger.

Everyone she said, made me realize how worthless and empty I am…Father has always been right, I'm good for nothing.

I caught my reflection in the window glass. My eyes were red. My shoulders slumped. I looked like a ghost of the girl I used to be.

Elena’s voice broke my thoughts. “This will be your first tournament as Luna,” she said warmly. “It must feel exciting. Hope you know you will be competing too?”

I forced another small smile and nodded though my heart twisted. “Yes,” I whispered. “Exciting.”

If only she knew. Roman would rather the pack think I am sick than let anyone see what I am.

“Luna?” Elena tilted her head. Her eyes searched my face. “Are you sure you are alright? You seem sad.”

I looked away. My throat felt tight. “I’m fine,” I lied. “Just tired, like I said.”

Inside my mind, thoughts screamed. Why was I born like this? Why doesn't the moon goddess like me, why curse me with this kind of life? Why must I live as a constant shame?

I wanted to speak. I wanted to let it out, to tell someone how small and useless I feel. But the words stayed locked in my chest, and Elena wasn't that someone.

Elena leaned forward. Her voice was soft. “If you ever want to talk, I’m here. Sometimes it helps to share, even a little.”

I nodded faintly, and faked a smile. I would rather die in silence, than tell you anything.

"So how is your mom?" I asked. "Hope she is okay?"

Her lips curved into a smile, "She is good, she is just trying to settle down from her trip. She plans on visiting you very soon."

"That will be nice....so I heard you traveled a lot. How was it?"

She adjusted her sitting position. "It was exciting, see different places, with different people, with different mindsets. It was exciting and fulfilling."

"Wow that sounds really fun." I replied excitedly. "You had the opportunity to live free, why did you come back, after a long time?"

Her eyes softly swept over me, her smile still plastered on her face, "because this is home, and I left a part of me here."

"Oh!" I nodded my head slowly.

"Yes," She replied smiling.

For a moment, the room was quiet, we just stared at each other, smiling. I don't know what she wants, but I won't fall into her trap. First it was her mother and now her…I know something is going on.