The Lost Luna: Alpha Blayze's Lost Mate

Elara

The morning sun woke me up, making me smile even though my heart felt heavy like always. I picked up the fancy invitation from my table, still amazed it was real. "Today is going to be amazing!" I said to myself, trying to sound brave even though my voice shook. I looked down at my plain dress, knowing it was nothing like the beautiful ones the other girls would wear to the ball tonight.

I couldn't believe the Alpha King had invited all unmarried she-wolves to his son's mating ball. Our tiny pack never got royal invitations before. Looking in the mirror, I saw the same sad girl - messy dark hair and eyes that looked lost since Mom died. I tried to fake a smile, but it didn't reach my eyes.

"Mom, I wish you were here," I whispered, feeling tears coming. "Would you be proud of me? Or sad about what I've become?"

The smell of fresh bread made my stomach growl. I tiptoed downstairs, quiet as a mouse - something I learned to do after years of trying not to get noticed. The kitchen was buzzing with excitement, maids running everywhere getting ready for tonight.

Liza smiled when she saw me, her hands covered in white flour. She wasn't just my maid - she was like the mom I lost. "Can you believe it? A real royal ball!" Her eyes sparkled with happiness.

"I know, I still wonder how I get the card. If Linda sees it I'll be doomed."

"Don't mind her today we'll handle everything!" Lily added from the hot stove, her round face red from cooking.

"My baby sis gonna find a mate!" She hugged me.

"Ughhh Lilly, " I pushed her smiling. " I'm wolfless so...."

Liza words cut me through. "Don't ever think that's the obstacle stopping you from having a mate. Believe in yourself and the moon goddess above." She uttered.

"I'll try." I said smiling faintly. "Now it'll excuse me." I grabbed my herb basket, trying to ignore how my chest hurt at the word 'mates.' Not having a wolf was my biggest shame. The other girls never let me forget it, always whispering mean things behind my back.

I walked outside, heading to the pack clinic. The sun felt too bright, like it was mocking my dark mood. My empty basket swung at my side, feeling as hollow as I did inside.

Just as I reached for the clinic door, it swung open. My stomach dropped seeing Liv's tall figure blocking my way. Her pretty face twisted into an ugly sneer that made me want to disappear.

"Well, well. If it isn't the useless little Elara," she said, her voice dripping with hate.

My hands squeezed the basket handle so hard it hurt. Don't cry, don't cry, I thought desperately.

"Don't ever think of going to the ball." Liv stepped closer, towering over me. Her green eyes glittered with meanness. "You don't have a wolf, so no one will ever want you as a mate. You'll just be taking up space!"

I ducked my head, letting my hair hide my face like a curtain. Mom always said I was special, but her voice in my memories got fainter every day. Sometimes I wondered if I'd made it all up.

The clinic's herb smell wrapped around me as I hurried past Liv. It felt safe here among the medicines, reminding me of happy times when Mom taught me about healing. My hands moved on their own, picking up supplies while I tried to stop shaking.

The forest called to me next. Here, with the tall trees and singing birds, no one could hurt me. I touched the rough tree bark, pretending the forest accepted me when no one else did.