Descending of the Moon

Chapter 1 - Aria's POV

I saw my reflection in the broken mirror leaning against the wall. My long, dark hair is all tangled, and my violet eyes look scared, as they usually do. I'm short for a wolf, just over five feet tall, with a body that some might think is delicate. But I know the truth - I'm just weak.

"Nyx," I whisper to my wolf. She stirs within me, a presence both comforting and frustrated. Nyx is everything I'm not - strong, fierce, and unafraid. Sometimes I wonder if she got stuck with the wrong human.

Sighing, I quickly braid my hair and pull on a threadbare t-shirt and jeans. No point in trying to look nice. No one would notice.

I quietly leave my room, trying not to make any noise. The pack house is quiet at this time, but I know better than to wake anyone. The last time I accidentally woke someone, I got a black eye that took weeks to heal.

The kitchen is my first stop. It's my job to have breakfast ready.

For the higher-ranking wolves before they wake up. I turn on the coffee maker and start making pancake batter, moving quickly and smoothly from years of practice.

While I'm working, my mind starts to wander. How would it feel to wake up without this deep emptiness inside? To have someone – anyone – look at me with anything apart from disgust or indifference?

"Don't be stupid Aria," I told myself. "Dreams like that aren't for omegas like us."

Nyx whines softly in agreement, her presence a constant comfort in the back of my mind.

"Well, well, if it isn't our little omega bitch," a gruff voice sneers. "Slacking off again, are we?"

I duck my head, averting my gaze. "N-no, Beta Marcus. The pancakes are almost ready, and the coffee-"

A rough hand grabs my chin, forcing me to look up. "Did I say you could speak, runt?"

I frantically shake my head, biting my lip to stop myself from crying out when he tightens his hold.

"That's what I figured," he snarls, pushing me away. "Hurry up with that food. And don't forget to scrub the floors after. I want to see my reflection in them by noon, or you'll be sleeping outside tonight. Got it?"

I nod meekly, relief washing over me as he stalks out of the kitchen. It could have been worse.

Nyx growls in the back of my mind, wanting to lash out, to defend us. But I pushed her down. Resisting would only make matters worse.

The rest of the morning is a whirlwind of tasks and quick glances. I clean floors, do laundry, and pick up after wolves who deliberately create more mess for me to clean. Throughout it all, I try my best to stay unnoticed, to become invisible.

It doesn't always succeed.

"Hey, omega!" a taunting voice shouts as I carry a basket of laundry down the hallway. I stop, recognizing Liam's voice, one of the pack's more cruel enforcers.

I slowly turn to face him and his group of friends. They're all smirking, and I know that expression well. It never means anything good for me.

"Ugh, don't talk to her," one of them says, loud enough for me to hear. "You might get her bad luck."

They burst out laughing, and I bow my head, focusing on what I am doing. I heard it all before, but it cuts deep. My eyes water, but I force myself to blink them away. I am not going to give them the time of day and show them that I'm crying.

"Why?" I wonder silently, my hands trembling as I work. "Why did you make me this way, Moon Goddess? I'll never be good enough. I'll never be accepted."