Rejected Luna: Royal Blood

nesses to my pain, before turning back toward the pack's territory. I walked slowly, each step measured, trying to hold onto that tiny spark of resilienc

wandered off, and everyone knew that the "wolfless warrior," as they mockingly called me, wasn't exactly a thre

and uncomfortable, but it was mine. I pulled the thin blanket over myself and closed my eyes, trying to block out the memories of the night. But sleep didn't come easily. My mi

ded to be done that day. I dressed quickly, pulling on the same worn clothes I always wore-a plain shirt and pants that had seen better days. As I s

trying to avoid the places where I knew the others would be. I wasn't in the mood to face the

re laughing and joking, their spirits high as they made their way toward their morning drills. I recognized them-Luk

roup, slowed his pace and glanced at me with that infuriating smirk he always wore. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and everything a young wolf should b

is voice dripping with sarcasm. "The wolfle

nto my path, blocking my way, and the others quickly gathered ar

ing his head in mock concern. "Not going t

e challenge in his eyes. He wanted a reaction. He lived for it. But I wa

rm, a cup of water in hand. The movement was so fast, I barely registere

mean to do that. Must be hard being you, huh? No wolf to protect you, no strength, no power

ith anger and embarrassment, but I held my tongu

h, wait. Not even a cat would want you, right? Too weak, too useless. What do you even

uch it hurt. I kept my expression blank, my body tense as I waited for them to get bored and move on. It w

because you keep your mouth shut? Is that it? You think we don't see the way you look at us, with those sad little eyes? We're the future of this pa

flinch. I couldn't. Showing weakness would only make it worse. So, I stood there,

epped back. "Come on, guys. Let's go. We've got better things to

one on the path, water dripping from my clothes and shame burning in my chest. I watched them go, a m

ld do about them. Nothing I could say or prove that would change their minds. So I had to focus on what I could contr

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tep. There was no time to dwell on their cruel words or the sting of their laughter. The day was just beginning, and as much as I wanted to

was old enough to carry a bucket or sweep a floor. The other kids had been given real responsibilities-training, hunting, learn

rotecting. And without a wolf, I was already at a disadvantage. So, I worked hard, every day,

king my stomach growl, but I knew better than to help myself before the others had eaten. Instead, I went to the side door, where a large pile of

otonous, but at least it allowed my mind to wander. As I worked, I tried not to think about Lukas and his friends, or about t