Desperate for peace, I left the pack house and wandered to a nearby town. There, I found refuge in an inn that catered exclusively to she-wolves. It was a sanctuary, a place where I could momentarily escape the crushing weight of my regrets.
As I lay on the bed, staring at the wooden ceiling, memories flooded my mind. I reflected on the past, each regret a painful reminder of what I had sacrificed. Amidst my reverie, a mind link broke through my thoughts.
"My daughter..." It was my mother's voice, the Moon Goddess, filled with the familiar blend of love and concern. She had always been my guiding light, warning me, and advising me. And yet, here I was, steeped in remorse and sorrow.
Her voice was a balm to my wounded spirit, a reminder that despite my mistakes, I was not alone. But it also served as a stark reminder of the price I had paid for my choices, a burden I would carry with me always...
Flashback
It was my 18th birthday, a monumental occasion for every wolf of our kind.
"Are you excited to find out who your mate is?" asked my mother, the Moon Goddess, her eyes sparkling with a mix of joy and concern.
"Yes, Mom! Can you show me?" My heart raced with anticipation as I waited for the revelation.
The Moon Goddess possessed a mystical orb that revealed one's destined mate. As the image materialized, I saw him—Alpha Roan of the Golden Moon Pack, from Bellflower Town. His strong, commanding presence filled the orb. My heart soared. But then I noticed my mother's expression shift, her smile fading into worry.
"Your mate…" She began, her voice tinged with hesitation.
"What is it, Mom?" I asked, my curiosity grew into a knot of anxiety.
Her gaze softened, filled with maternal concern. "He is cursed. His bloodline bears a curse that has plagued them for generations. This curse was placed by a wolfless woman, wronged by his ancestor, who was friends with a powerful witch. It's a dangerous fate, Lori."
My mind raced, trying to grasp the gravity of her words. "What kind of curse, Mom? What happened?"