Rising from the Ashes of Her Past (A Lunas Tale)

In a regular fairy tale, it all starts with “Once upon a time,” and then a princess gets rescued by a knight in shining armor.

However, my story diverges from the norm right from the start.

Now, let's go back to where it all began… Or at least the beginning that I remember.

I always felt like something was different between my family and me. Whether you call it a sixth sense or kismet, I had an unshakable knowing that there was more to my existence. From what I remember, we had a wonderful life filled with smiles, hugs, and kisses. Little did I know, there was a dark secret lurking behind the façade, ready to shatter our family and alter the course of my life forever.

My father was the Alpha of the Shadow Borne Pack—the most prestigious and well-respected pack in all of Shadow Falls. Although I never saw him as an Alpha, he was more than just my dad–he was my best friend and my protector.

By birth, my father held the status of an Alpha, whereas my mother's innate designation was that of an Omega. Among all the ranks in a pack, this one is considered the lowest. It is important to note that, unlike other packs, our pack does not engage in the cruel act of subjecting Omegas to slavery. My father was extremely strict when it came to that type of treatment. He ended alliances with other packs due to their enslavement of Omegas.

The only thing I remember about my childhood is my mother always forcing me to wear dresses and always styling my hair differently.

“A princess must always be well-dressed and poised,” she would say while brushing my hair. I look back now and laugh at how stupid I must have looked.

The only makeup Mom ever wore was mascara and eyeliner; she didn't need makeup, if you asked me; she was a natural beauty. Her long black hair was always up in a low bun, leaving her ivory face untouched….

At five feet two, she was petite, but had just enough in the right areas that Dad couldn't keep his hands off.

Standing next to Dad's six-foot frame, Mom looked like a dwarf. His flawless tan skin looked great in any color, even though he always wore black or blue. He always combed his black hair neatly, and his bright-green eyes sparkled whenever he saw me.

Besides going to pack meetings, he devoted himself to training with the warriors, not letting his title as Alpha affect him. He always cautioned me, “Never allow your title to go to your head. Always remember where you came from.”

Despite going with my dad to train with the warriors, they never trained me. They were afraid of facing a reprimand if they caused me any injury.

Mom hated the fact that Father would train me. Training a child seemed unnecessary to her. “She is only five years old and a girl; she doesn't need to learn to fight,” she would tell father.

“You should be out there with us, showing the way for the other female wolves,” he would mention. Mom would give us the “whatever,” look and ditch us.

Unexpectedly, my dad suddenly fell ill, leaving the pack doctors puzzled about the cause of his illness and the reason behind his losing battle. I was only fifteen when he passed away, and it was on that very night when he called me into his room. As I entered, my heart sank at the sight of him. I remembered him as a strong, confident individual. He looked nothing like him. The tan color on his face was gone, and a clammy white color had replaced it. His green eyes were filled with pain instead of life.

He had an IV running through his arm, giving him the needed medicine.

I sat beside him and gently squeezed his hand, so he knew I was there.

When he squeezed back, I gently lifted his hand and placed it on my cheek. “Daddy, I'm here,” I said timidly.

His green eyes opened, and he smiled, “Baby-girl, my time is ending, and I will not be with you anymore. Arina, you are truly exceptional. You have a gift that no one knows of… You must protect it,” he said, taking a deep breath.

“Sadly, ‌I won't be able to keep the promise I made years ago.” Arina, there may come a time you may have to leave to protect yourself.” He said, pausing briefly to take a deep breath, “If anyone finds out the truth, it could cause irreparable harm,” he said, closing his eyes.

“Daddy, what are you talking about? W-what gift?” I asked.

I required clarification on what he said. It was his medication that, I believed, was responsible for his peculiar remarks.

As he opened his eyes again, a tear welled up, and a smile adorned his face. “It is of utmost importance that you remember my words and give me your word that you will run and head north. I was extremely eager to share with you, but I decided to wait until your eighteenth birthday. However, the moon goddess has different plans in mind. I have always loved you, Arina, and I will always be with you.” Those were his ultimate words, whispered softly before his last breath escaped, his eyes fluttering shut and his hand slipping from mine.

“DAD!” I yelled. “Daddy, wake up. Please. Don't leave me; I need you.” I cried, “I promise I will do as you ask. I love you,” I told him as I laid my head on his chest, hoping to hear his heartbeat.

At that moment, his home nurse burst through the door, panting. Her eyes stayed on the monitor momentarily before turning to me and telling me, “I apologize for your loss, Princess.” She stepped away from the room.

That was the last time I saw my father, and from that point on, it forever changed my life.