Rise Of The Forsaken Luna

FOUR MONTHS LATER

“Oh, thank goodness. She’s waking up,” a low voice whispered.

Ashleigh's eyes blinked open to an unfamiliar ceiling, revealing two faces peering over her like vultures surveying a fresh corpse.

Her breaths came in shallowly, a strange wave of energy coursing through her, and at that moment, a heavy wind blew as if in protest with her rebirth.

The middle-aged couple shared a glance before helping her sit up on the bed she rested in.

“How are you feeling, my dear?” The woman asked.

Ashleigh winced, scanning her surroundings. “W-Where am I? Who… who are you people?”

Every inch of her body felt alive, as though her real self had been asleep for eons and was finally awakened.

The man explained. “I’m Odin, and she's my wife, Linnea. We are normal members of Sunshield Pack. We found you naked and unconscious in our backyard early this morning. You must have fainted. We couldn't just leave you there, so we brought you inside.”

The small room was clean, containing just a single bed, nightstand, wardrobe, wooden dresser, and a chair.

Afternoon sun spilled from the single window draped with thin, faded curtains.

“What’s your name?” Linnea inquired. “Tell us, dear, what happened to you?”

Ashleigh's hand hurriedly moved to her neck, where the silver blade should have left a scar. Surprisingly, there was none.

She recalled being killed. A painful memory she wished could be erased. “I-I don't know,” she lied, swallowing hard, her face carefully blank.

Linnea looked at her husband. The girl was probably in shock.

“It’s okay dear… you don't have to remember right now.” She reached for the wooden jug and tin cup on the nightstand, and poured her some water. “Here you go. You must be thirsty.”

Ashleigh took the extended cup and downed its content in a few gulps. “Thank you.”

“More?”

She shook her head.

“Can we call you Ava?” Linnea asked, running her hand over Ashleigh's long gray hair. “It was our daughter’s name.”

“Where is she?”

“She… she passed away last week. This used to be her room.”

“I’m so sorry,” Ashleigh apologized, feeling bad.

“It’s fine,” Odin sighed. “You’re our second chance.”

Speaking of ‘second chances’, Ashleigh pushed the sheets aside, and stood up, feeling an irresistible pull toward the dresser.

She paused, staring back at the comely young woman in the mirror.

She had long, soft gray hair that flowed past her shoulders, a pair of orange eyes, pale skin and a sexy body.

It was her, yet she looked so different. Her ‘ugly’ features, according to Hans, were now refined. Almost ethereal. In essence, the new Ava was far more beautiful than Ashleigh.

“The dress was Ava's,” Odin said. “We’re glad it’s your perfect fit.”

Linnea had dressed her in a simple, floral sundress that reached her ankles. “No need to worry,” she added, holding Ashleigh’s arms from behind. “You can wear all her clothes while you stay here. Luckily, we didn't burn them as planned.”

The couple thought she was admiring the apparel.

“Ava,” Ashleigh mouthed, tasting the name on her tongue. It felt new, somewhat mysterious and unburdened.

She smiled maliciously.

RIP to the weak, barren Omega; now, she was someone new—someone Selene, the Moon Goddess, for whatever reason, had decided to give a second chance at life.

She was AVA, and the world had no idea what was coming.

Her eyes met the door at a corner of the room.

“That’s the bathroom,” Linnea supplied, noticing her gaze. “You’re most welcome to use it. There's an unused towel and hairnet in the wardrobe. Also, don't hesitate to ask for anything else.”

“Thanks. I won't.”

Odin clapped his hands together, his expression softening. “I’ll let you ladies get along while I go check on the… um… garden.”

He gave Linnea a loving squeeze on her shoulder and nodded at Ava before slipping out.

As soon as Odin left, Ava turned around to face her newfound mother. “What is it like here? I-I can't remember anything.”

A flicker of concern crossed Linnea's face as they sat back on the bed. “You don't remember anything about our Pack? Not even a little?”

Of course Ava didn't. She hadn't belonged here.

“No.”

“Sunshield is one of the strongest and oldest Packs in the region. We are known for our prosperity and stable borders. Our leader is the reputable Alpha Crane. He keeps things running smoothly and rarely tolerates any trouble.”

She paused, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. “What do you remember, dear? Even a little piece? Something clearly happened to you before we found you. How did you end up… naked in our backyard?”

Ava forced a bewildered smile, shaking her head. “I’m afraid I have no idea.”

“Don’t you think we should visit the healer?”

“No. There’s no need for that.”

“Don’t you want to get your memory back?”

“No, I'm fine. Hopefully, I eventually will.”

“You sure?”

She nodded. “Yeah.”

Linnea sighed, her innate kindness winning over her doubts. “You must be famished,” she continued, placing a hand on Ava's arm. “Why don't you go freshen up and join us for lunch?”

“Sure.”

“I just finished preparing Odin's favorite. Venison soup, paired with toasted, cheesy sourdough, and a glass of rich tomato juice.”

“Sounds delicious,” Ava said, her stomach rumbling in agreement.

Linnea chuckled. “I know, right? Trust me, you are going love it. A hundred percent.”

“Well, I better hurry before it gets cold.”

“Yeah. Um, I’ll go now,” Linnea said, placing a kiss on her forehead before leaving.

Ava laid back in bed.

How long had passed since her demise?

She stared at the ceiling, suddenly remembering Giselle—her little sister. Moreover, the only family she had left.

Was she safe?

Why didn't she show up during her execution?

What if Hans had done something terrible to her? Even worse, locked her away till she died of lack.

Could he have gotten a second chance Luna?

The only way to find out would entail going back there, but how?