Whispers of the past

Zendaya's POV

The night after everything that happened, I couldn't settle into my new room. Sleep hovered just out of reach, tugged away by the prophecy that had made Damien visibly tense when his Gamma mentioned it. What did it mean? And more importantly, what did it mean for me?

The weight of it sat heavy on my chest.like I was carrying something I never asked for. My mind churned while I lay still. Battling an invisible war between duty and dread. Eventually, exhaustion won pulling me under.

I didn't remember falling asleep. But loud knocking startled me awake, yanking me from an uneasy dream. My head throbbed. Morning light bled through the curtains, and for a split second, I thought I was back at the Craven Pack, preparing myself for Luna Elena's icy words or Annabel's smug looks.

Instead of anger, a soft, quiet voice greeted me when I opened the door. A small girl, maybe thirteen years old, clearly an Omega from her build and demeanor, stood there, eyes lowered.

"Good morning, Luna. Breakfast is ready," she whispered, bowing slightly, before scurrying off. Leaving me frozen in place.

Luna.

The term startled me. It reminded me that I was not part of the Craven Pack anymore but was now in the Ravenclaw Pack, holding a title that I felt undeserving of and unprepared for.

Snapping out of it, I hurried to the bathroom. I washed my face and fought my bed-tangled hair into submission, tying it into a loose bun. I pulled on a simple vest, hoodie, and black tights, then stared at my reflection.

The woman in the mirror looked tired. Lost. A total stranger. Could I play the role of Luna here?

I didn't have answers, but I needed to move. The dining hall beckoned, even my stomach agreed.

The room was quite, apart from the soft clanging of dishes and cutlery. But it wasn't the noise that unsettled me—it was the presence that dominated the space.

Damien.

He sat at the far end, relaxed in posture, which was shocking. His fingers glide lightly on the newspaper, a mug resting near his lips. muscles ripped beneath the sleeves of his black shirt, catching in the sun light.

I took a seat opposite him, trying not to notice how the air suddenly felt warmer.

"He's so handsome," Cassidy, my wolf, purred. "Shut up," I muttered mentally, irritation flaring. I stabbed at my food, but my eyes betrayed me. They kept darting to him—his lips pressing together, the subtle twitch of his jaw. How could someone look both relaxed and dangerous?

"You can take a picture, it will last longer." His voice cut through the air like a blade. Heat flared in my cheeks. Damn it.

"Good morning," I mumbled, avoiding his gaze. But I could feel his eyes on me—sharp, unreadable. It made my skin itch.

Then, without warning, he moved towards me. The sound of the chair scraping made my heart leap. His scent—pine and musk—hit me first, rolling over me in waves as he took the seat beside me. Close. Too close.

I held my breath.

His fingers grazed my chin, gently tilting my face up. His eyes, dark and intense, searched mine. His breath ghosted over my lips. A chill ran down my spine.

His wolf was close—caged just beneath the surface. I could see the flicker of gold behind his iris. Something primal and raw, clawing to break free.

"You smell so good, mate," he murmured.

He leaned in, dragging his nose along the curve of my neck, Right where the mate mark would be. Sparks burst beneath my skin. My whole body stilled, trembling from the heat. I forced myself to breath, to not give into the fluttering in my chest. I needed space now.

He pulled away slowly, leaving my skin cold in his absence, I exhaled feeling indifferent, and turned my focus back on my plate, As if it was better than who stood next to me.

"I'm going to work, little mate," he said casually, unfazed by my noncaring demeanor. "I'll see you when I get back."

And just like that, he was gone. Leaving me enveloped in the heavy silence of his absence.

Cassidy whined in my head.

"You were rude for ignoring him. Why can't you just admit you like him?" I shoved my plate away and sighed. Because liking him feels dangerous.

But why was I so guarded around Damien? Was it fear? Or pride? Or something deeper—like the ache of never being wanted before, and not knowing how to accept it.

I didn't know anyone here, not truly. I hadn't made friends back at home, and now I was supposed to be Luna in a place that felt so foreign.

And I hadn't even been marked yet. Did the pack see me as their Luna, or was I just an outsider Damien dragged in?

Cassidy's voice interrupted my thoughts again. "You should've asked Damien for a tour this morning. Now you'll have to make things, if you want that tour."

Great. Just what I needed—more alwards conversation with that hulk of an alpha. Still, sitting her sulking wouldn't solve anything. I decided to explore. Maybe distraction would keep me from spiraling.

The Pack house was massive—a sprawling three-story mansion with two distinct wings. I was staying in Damien's wing, our rooms conveniently close to each other.

As I wandered down one hallway, portraits lined the wall. They were arranged chronologically, showcasing the lineage of the generation of Raven Claw Pack Alphas. One picture caught my eye—a young Damien, His innocent, boyish smile standing beside two regal-looking wolves. His parents.

Something about that smile—the innocence—gripped me. What happened to that boy?

A door beside the portraits sat slightly ajar. My curiosity got the better of me. I pushed it open. Dust floated in beams of sunlight, covered furniture filled the room. At the center, a large portrait hid beneath a white veil.

My fingers hesitated before lifting the cloth.

The woman in the painting was breathtaking. Soft features, warm smile. She looked like light. My breath hitched. Was she Damien's first mate?

A wave of uneasiness washed over me. Why was her picture hidden away? And what had happened to her?

Before I could ponder further, a hand touched my shoulder. I spun around, adrenaline spiking.

"Luna," Beta Enzo said calmly, bowing slightly.

I clutched my chest. "You startled me."

"My apologies," he said, his tone formal. "Alpha Damien asked me to show you around the pack."

He thought of me?

I blinked. "Thanks, but I think I'll pass. I could use some rest."

As I turned. Enzo followed. Too closely. Till we got to my door.

His voice softened. "If you need anything, Luna….anything at all, I'm here."

His presence suddenly felt intense. Not unkind. But something about the way his eyes lingered made my instincts twitch.

"I ll keep. That in mind," I said, brushing past him.

Making a mental, to return to that room. There were answers there. The door clicked shut behind him, and once again, I was alone.

Along with questions, I had no answer either.