The Alpha They Cursed

The first thing Elias Ashford learned about the werewolf world was this:

Weak wolves do not survive.

The second thing he learned was that people feared weakness more than monsters.

“Move.”

A shoulder slammed hard into Elias as he walked through the crowded market road of Crescent Fang territory.He stumbled slightly but kept walking Behind him, laughter followed.

“Careful. The cursed one might cry.” He probably can’t even heal properly.

“I heard he still hasn’t shifted.”

Elias ignored them. He had mastered that years ago. At sixteen years old, he stood taller than most boys his age, with dark hair that constantly fell into his eyes and a quiet expression people often mistook for weakness. But silence was safer. Speaking back only made things worse. The market was crowded tonight because of the Moon Trial.The biggest night of the year.

Lanterns glowed silver across the streets while pack members celebrated, drank, and waited for the ceremony to begin. For everyone else, tonight was exciting. For Elias it felt like an execution. His final trial. His last chance to awaken his wolf. If he failed again, the pack council would officially label him cursed under ancient law. A wolfless werewolf. An embarrassment.Someone unfit to remain within pack territory.

Elias tightened his jaw and continued walking through the rain. He could already imagine the looks on their faces later Pity, Disgust.

Relief that the cursed Ashford boy would finally disappear.

“You came after all.”

Elias stopped walking, That voice soft but sharp, He turned slowly Vivienne Silvercrest stood beneath the glow of a lantern, dressed in black ceremonial clothing lined with silver thread For a second, the noise of the market disappeared.

She was beautiful in a dangerous kind of way Dark hair rested over one shoulder. Golden eyes watched him carefully, Not mocking, Not pitying, Just curious, Which somehow felt worse. Elias looked away first.

“I didn’t have a choice.” Vivienne stepped closer.

“You could run.”

A bitter smile almost appeared on his face.

“And prove them right?”

“They already think they’re right.”That stung because it was true, Elias exhaled slowly.

Vivienne Silvercrest was the daughter of Alpha Cedric Silvercrest leader of the strongest bloodline in the northern territories.

Future Luna. Future queen to whichever Alpha she eventually chose. People practically worshipped her.

Which was why standing this close to Elias Ashford made no sense.

“You shouldn’t talk to me publicly,” Elias said quietly. “People will misunderstand.”

Vivienne tilted her head slightly. “And what exactly would they misunderstand?”

Before Elias could answer, a loud horn echoed across the territory. The Moon Trial was beginning.

The streets instantly came alive as people rushed toward the arena. Elias felt his stomach tighten.

Vivienne studied him for a moment. Then, surprisingly, she said softly,

“You’re scared.”

Elias laughed once under his breath. “Of humiliation? Not anymore.”

“No,” she replied quietly. Her golden eyes locked onto his.

“Like something bad is about to happen.” For the first time that night Elias felt cold.

The arena was enormous. Thousands of wolves filled the stone seats surrounding the Moon Altar at the center below. Rain poured harder now, crashing against stone and silver banners. At the very top platform sat the pack leaders.

Alphas, War chiefs, Nobles.And directly at the center “Darius Ashford”, Elias’s father.

The Beta of Crescent Fang,Powerful, Respected, Ashamed of his own son. Their eyes met briefly. Darius looked away first, That hurt more than Elias expected.

“Elias Ashford.” The elder’s voice thundered across the arena.

“Step forward.” Whispers spread immediately.

“He’s really doing it?”

“What a joke.”

“Just exile him already.”

Elias walked toward the Moon Altar while the entire arena watched. Every step felt heavier, The rain soaked through his clothes completely, The elder raised a silver blade and sliced his palm open before placing his bleeding hand against the altar, Ancient symbols glowed softly.

“Place your hand on the Moon Altar and receive the Moon Goddess’s judgment.” Silence filled the arena.

Elias stared at the glowing stone.Then slowly he placed his hand against it Nothing happened The crowd burst into laughter instantly.

“You see?!”

“He’s cursed!”

“What a disgrace!”

Elias lowered his eyes, Of course, Nothing. Just like every other year. The elder sighed heavily.

“The Moon Goddess has rej”

CRACK.The sound exploded across the arena, The laughter died instantly.Another crack followed,Then another.Everyone looked up A massive fracture spread across the giant Moon Goddess statue towering behind the altar.Gasps erupted everywhere.

“What’s happening?!”

“The statue !”

Suddenly the air changed. Pressure slammed across the arena so violently that people screamed. Several wolves collapsed instantly. Even Alphas staggered backward in shock.

Elias grabbed his chest sharply,Pain exploded through his body Something inside him moved. Something ancient. Then a voice echoed in his head.

Deep,Cold,Terrifying.

Finally.

Elias froze The voice continued.”After centuries I found you”. Dark markings spread across Elias’s arms like living shadows.The rain around him began turning to ice before touching the ground. Fear spread through the arena.Vivienne stood abruptly from her seat, her expression pale.

“No way”

The Moon Goddess statue suddenly glowed silver. Then slowly its giant stone head lowered and Bowed Toward Elias Ashford The entire arena went silent And one by one every Alpha in the arena dropped to their knees.