Rise Of The Forsaken Luna

Ava sat at the table with Odin and Linnea, eating breakfast.

With each passing day, she felt more comfortable.

Odin looked at Linnea. “Have you told her about the upcoming Blue Moon Festival?”

“Ah, thanks for the reminder,” she said, wiping her mouth with a napkin. “Ava darling, you should attend.”

Ava had heard snippets about the festival in her past life but never got to attend. “What is it about?” She asked, intrigued.

“How do I explain this, um… it’s a long-standing allnight extravaganza where every unmated werewolf gathers to get lucky. In other words, it’s more like a sacred matchmaking service.”

“That’s how I met her,” Odin added with a smile, taking Linnea's hand in his.

Ava smiled back. “Well, when is it?”

“If I'm not mistaken, I think in four weeks’ time. It happens once every two years. I wouldn't love for you to miss such an opportunity.” Linnea replied.

“Maybe you could meet someone special, and finally have somewhere to visit. It's not healthy staying indoors all day, especially since we still don't know what happened to you,” Odin sighed, and Ava looked down.

Every night, she wondered what backstory would make sense, and didn't know whether to tell them the truth or not. They ought to ask questions or be in doubt.

“I’m sorry but I don't buy the idea,” she said, changing the topic. “When Selene feels the time is right, I'll meet someone special.”

Linnea looked confused. “What’s wrong, dear? A minute ago you sounded so thrilled.”

“Such festivals are usually… exclusive. You and Odin have already done so much for me, considering the fact that I'm just a stranger. I don't just want to bother you with my needs.”

“What do you mean? Don't ever think like that. We’re more than happy to help.”

“Yes, dear,” Odin concurred.

“I know you're concerned about what to wear for the festival but don't worry, I've got you covered. Odin and I used to work at the Pack mansion. Luna's cousin, Sage, was always so fond of me. I’m sure she can lend you a thing or two from her wardrobe. Also, I'm sure you two will get along just fine. She's a very sweet girl.” Linnea continued, savoring a morsel of food. “So, what do you say?”

“Can I think about it?”

“Why not? You've still got enough time.”

“Lest I forget, the Blue Moon Festival also serves as an avenue to meet a couple big names from other Packs far and beyond. We won't want our daughter to show up any less, right Lin?”

“Mhm.”

Ava froze. Did he just call her daughter? Ashleigh's parents died when she was only fifteen years old; it had been so long since anybody addressed her with that word.

She smiled, deeply grateful to the Moon Goddess, and they ate quietly for the next few minutes.

“Sage,” Ava pronounced. “Does she have a mate?”

“Unfortunately, she didn't get lucky at the last festival. I pray this year favors her.”

“But on the bright side,” Odin cheered. “They can go together.”

Linnea nodded. “Yeah.”

“Where is the festival going to be held?”

“The last festival was held here. This year, I hear it's gonna be at the grand hall of the Silverwood Pack.”

Ava choked on her food.

“Are you okay?” Linnea asked, as Odin filled her glass with water. “Here. Drink.”

Ava gulped down, taking her mind back. Did she hear right?

“I’m sorry, did I say something?” Linnea asked.

“No, it's not your fault. I rushed a spoonful.”

“Careful,” Odin said, handing her a napkin.

No doubt, they loved her unconditionally. In fact, they saw her as a blessing, a replacement from the Goddess for taking away their only child.

“What do you know about Silverwood?” Ava inquired, wearing a serious expression.

“Not much. Their Alpha and ours are best of friends. They are also the smallest in the region. They, um…” Odin explained.

“Can you tell me about their Luna?”

“They don't have one. Why do you ask?”

“I heard some young girls talk about her at the grocery store earlier today.”

“It doesn't matter.” Linnea shoved aside.

“Please, I insist. What do you know about her?”

Linnea sighed hesitantly. “It’s a very horrible thing to—”

“She was killed,” Odin choked out, cutting her off. “For the past four months, her history has been on everyone's tongue.”

“Oh dear,” Linnea rolled her eyes.

“What was her name, and why was she killed?” Ava managed to ask, clenching her hands.

She knew the answers to her questions but needed to hear what everyone believed, or rather, what everyone thought of her.

“Her name was, um… Ashleigh. Ashleigh Conrad.”

Linnea leaned closer, whispering to Odin. “Why did you mention her name? People say it brings bad luck.”

“No, it doesn't!” Ava objected, feeling a new kind of anger brew in her.

Linnea scoffed. “How would you know?”

“She was inhumane. A selfish and heartless witch who tried to sell her Pack to rogues. A family who lived near their borders claimed to have seen her there almost every night, meeting with them. Everyone loved her so much. Her Alpha loved her more than life itself but what did she do? Betrayed his trust. Not just his, she betrayed all their trusts,” Odin continued. “Thank Goddess, they gave her a befitting death. Who knows what would have become of Silverwood by now?”

Ava slammed her fists on the table, having run out of patience. “That’s not true!” She yelled and stood up abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor..

The couple paused, sharing a glance, and Ava ran upstairs, her breath shaky.

“I told you not to mention that cursed name but you never listen to me,” Linnea fussed. “Ava! Ava!! Ava, what's wrong?!” She called out, going after her.

“Leave her be,” Odin said calmly. “I can't help but feel she's hiding something from us.”

“Why do you say so?”

“Last night, I walked past her room and I heard her cry. It wasn't a sob. It sounded like she was deeply hurt.”

“Oh my! I’ve heard it too.”

“Eat. You'll talk to her later.”