Adira's Rise: The Rebirth of a Crimson Queen

Adira’s POV

I've always dreaded the Crimson Pack gathering. I listened from the shadows at the back of the room as Caspian, the Alpha, stood tall and dominant in front of the assembled pack members. His black eyes scanned the throng as he declared his intention to locate a Luna, and his presence was tremendous.

"The moment has arrived," Caspian said in a firm, commanding voice. "We need strength for our pack a Luna who will support me and guide you all to success.

Whispers and murmurs filled the room. The tiny glimmer of hope that ignited in my chest was unavoidable. Perhaps, just perhaps, he would see me for more than the helpless Omega that everyone made fun of.

"Adira?" A high-pitched voice was heard, and then there was laughter. From the front row was my half-sister, Lyric. "Do you genuinely believe that the Alpha would ever select you?"

Everyone turned to stare at me, and my face flushed. I wished I could vanish and attempt to blend myself with the wall.

Caspian's voice sliced like a razor through the laughing, "Silence." His sharp eyes fell on me as the room fell silent. I briefly believed that I saw something in his eyes—perhaps pity?

Then he spoke, and I felt helpless by what he said.

"You are not what this pack needs, Adira," he stated in a chilly tone. You don't have the courage, strength, or Luna traits. Never deceive yourself into believing differently.

The audience let out a gasp. My eyes pinched with tears, but I held back. Not in this place. Not in public.

"Are you getting it?" Caspian had an icy voice.

With my voice too constricted to answer, I nodded. I turned and ran out of the hall, the pack's muttering and sneering smiles fading around me.

I was called to the hallowed grounds a few hours later. The stone altar in the middle of the clearing could be seen by the eerie glow of the full moon, which hung heavily in the sky. Waiting, Caspian stood there, his great frame rigid.

With my heart thumping in my chest, I cautiously walked up. The pack's eyes weighed heavily on me. I sensed their condemnation even in the darkness.

"Adira," Caspian declared in an emotionless voice, "I formally reject you as both Luna and my mate."

The words struck me hard. Even though my knees were shaking, I made myself stand up straight. "Please," I said in a barely audible whisper. Allow me to establish my worth. I am capable of strength. I can provide what the pack requires.

Caspian's face remained unchanged. You are unable to alter who you are. Adira, take your seat.

I turned away, tears streaming down my face. It was an intolerable shame. As I stumbled into the forest, the murmuring of the pack faded, replaced by the rustle of leaves and the distant howl of a wolf.

“Adira...”

I froze. The voice came from the darkness and was low, almost like a growl.

"Who is present?" With a trembling voice, I demanded. I looked around the shadows, but nobody came out.

"You don't realize how big your destiny is," the voice muttered. "But you have to endure first."

The presence left me alone in the uncanny silence before I could reply.

I just wanted to vanish by the time I got back to the pack grounds. Lyric, however, had other ideas. She had a smug smile on her face as she waited close to the main hall.

She responded pleasantly, "Where were you, Adira? Preoccupied with schemes to steal from the pack?

I scowled. "What are you discussing?"

Lyric raised a tiny satchel and shook it, causing the sound of coins to reverberate. "Caught red-handed." This was concealed in your room. There is a serious penalty for stealing from the pack.

"It's not mine!" I objected. "It was planted by you!"

One of the Elders yelled, "Enough!" and moved forward. "Adira, we have no other option because of your persistent violations and frailty. By this decree, you are expelled from the Crimson Pack.

"No!" Desperation crushing me, I sobbed. "I didn't do anything wrong, please!"

With their verdict final, the Elders turned away. As I was led to the boundary of the area, Lyric grinned. Tears clouded my vision as I ventured into the wilderness, broken and alone.

As I hit the ground, darkness enveloped me. My mind wandered and my body felt heavy. A dim glow emerged amid the emptiness, intensifying until it engulfed me.

"Who..." I started, but my voice reverberated in the silence.

A magnificent wolf with silver fur and star-like eyes appeared out of the light. The wolf said, "Adira," in a calming yet strong voice. "You've been selected. You will gain strength from your pain, but it is just the beginning.

"Why me?" With tears running down my cheeks, I inquired. "I am nothing. I have experienced rejection, humiliation, and exclusion.

The wolf remarked, "Because you are more than they see." "You possess a power that can alter everything. If you embrace it, you will surpass them all.

I felt a surge of warmth as the wolf caressed my chest with its snout. I felt more energized and determined as the glowing mark grew brighter.

I was once again in the jungle as I opened my eyes. An odd sensation of clarity took the place of the pain. My hands felt strong and stable now, and I gazed down at them.

"I'll be back," I said in a strong whisper. "And they'll realize who I am."