The Rebirth of the Moon Priestess

Amara’s POV

I tried to blend into the background as I stood at the edge of the clearing.

In the heart of the Lichen Pack's domain, everyone was huddled around the fire pit. Their sneering faces were illuminated by silver light from the full moon that hung high overhead. I could sense the weight of their critical look and hear the murmurs.

That's her. The omega who hasn't changed yet.

"Eighteen and no wolf yet? She is doomed.

"How unfortunate for the pack."

I balled my fists together. I was afraid my heart could burst from the loud pounding it was making. Despite my want to flee and hide, I made myself stay. They wouldn't get the satisfaction from me.

Behind me, a voice mockingly said, "She ought to have been expelled long ago."

Lydia, the Beta's daughter, was standing with her arms crossed and a sly look on her lips when I turned around. "Amara, what are you even doing here? There are actual wolves here.

My voice trembled as I said, "I'm a part of this pack." "This is where I belong."

Lydia gave an eye roll. "You are an orphan. No power, no wolf, no family. You're nothing at all.

Others chuckled. I looked down after swallowing the lump in my throat. They were correct. My parents had been slain in a rogue assault when I was ten years old, leaving me the only orphan in the pack. Since then, I've managed to exist by remaining little, silent, and invisible. Everyone expected me to change and find my place now that I was eighteen.

However, I hadn't changed.

I hadn't discovered anything either.

Elder Garrick said from the middle, "Everyone, quiet." "Alpha Rowan is here now."

As he moved forward, the crowd dispersed.

Rowan.

Tall. Strong. His unkempt black hair cascaded across his angular cheekbones. His eyes—cold steel—swept over the crowd like a king examining peasants. My heart thudded faster.

My fated partner was him.

Our relationship solidified the minute I turned eighteen, and I knew. I hadn't told anyone, though. Not quite yet.

Rowan came to a halt and stood proudly behind his council and Lilith, the stunning she-wolf that was always by his side. She always pretended to be Luna even though she wasn't, and she wore a crimson dress.

He did not even give me a sidelong glance.

The ceremony went on, with new wolves emerging and shifting for the first time as they were greeted with howls and shouts. No one ever called my name. Nobody had any expectations of me.

After it was completed, everyone dispersed into smaller gatherings to celebrate and dance.

And I was by myself. Once more.

By the time I spotted my opportunity, the fire had gone out.

Garrick and the others were talking to Rowan as he stood close to the elder's tent. He had his arms folded. He appeared irritated.

With trepidation, I inhaled.

It was either now or never.

With my heart pounding, I approached him slowly. I felt like I was moving toward fire with every stride, yet I was unable to stop. My hands were perspiring. I had a dry throat. However, I had to do it.

"Alpha Rowan," I whispered as I came to a halt a little distance distant.

His eyebrows went up a little as he turned his head. "Yes?"

"I... I must talk to you. By themselves.

He raised a hand, but the elders appeared taken aback. "Give us a minute."

They gave a nod and took a little step back. Lilith remained behind, her look narrowing.

With a shudder, I took a step closer. " I'm your partner."

His face remained the same. "Pardon me?"

"I sensed the connection," I said. "On my birthday. Your mate is me. I—I assumed you were feeling it as well.

There was a long delay. He looked at every inch of me. Slowly. Icy.

Then he chuckled. It was not a nice chuckle. "Are you serious?" he asked. "You believe that an omega who is incapable of shifting would be paired with me by the Moon Goddess?"

My eyes hurt with tears. "I'm telling the truth."

He stated rather plainly, "I don't feel anything." "And I would turn it down even if I did."

Lilith smirked and moved forward. "Perhaps her wolf passed away before it was born."

My mouth quivered. “Please, Rowan”

He interrupted me by saying, "I'm an Alpha." "I need a strong Luna." Someone with the ability to guide me. Not a damaged girl without a purpose or a wolf.

The words struck me more deeply than I had anticipated.

He yelled, "I reject you, Amara," loud enough for everyone in the vicinity to hear. "My mate is not you."

Everything stopped. I was having trouble breathing.

Everybody looked at us. Snickers, whispers, and gasps. "Have you heard that? He turned her down! “She thought he’d choose her?”

Rowan turned away without another word.

Lilith smiled triumphantly.

My heart was broken into a million pieces, and I was motionless.

Then I heard a voice, so faint it seemed like a wind-blown whisper.

"The moon shall rise in blood, and the Priestess shall awaken..."

I turned around. Looking directly at me from the other side of the fire pit was an elderly seer who was stooped and blind. She had a white shine in her eyes.

"What were you saying?" I inquired.

Lilith's voice interrupted her before she could say anything more.

"She is a witch!" Lilith pointed at me and yelled. "Have you missed the prophecy? It's her! She is doomed!

Chaos broke out in the audience. "She poses a threat!"

"Death will come from her!"

"She needs to be exiled!" I looked into Rowan's eyes again. Fear? Something flared in his eyes. Uncertainty?

Then his voice came clear and cold. "Amara will be exiled. Tonight.

I kept hearing the words. "Amara will be exiled. Tonight.

I was immobile. I was unable to talk. My surroundings became hazy. My entire body felt numb, and the crowd's clamour subsided. The sound of my heart cracking was all I could hear.

Rowan didn't give me another glance. As though I had already left, he turned and left. Like I didn't exist. Like I never did.

Lilith smiled, relishing each moment. She had prevailed. I was left with nothing.

Two of the guards moved forward. My arm was seized by one of them.

I said, "Let go of me," but my voice was too faint to be believed.

They were indifferent. As if I were a criminal, they pulled me away from the fire pit. Silently, the rest of the pack observed. I had no voice. Nobody got to their feet. Even people who had grown up with me turned their heads away. As if I repulsed them.

I refrained from crying.

Then no. Not in their presence.

They took me to the boundary of the area, where the wind was cooler and the trees darkened. A tiny bundle of fabric was thrust at my chest by the guard standing next to me. I had nothing else.

"You don't return once you cross this line," he continued, indicating the pack's boundary. Never.