Cursed

"The vampire attacks are getting brutal these days. If we're not careful, Kieran will find us sooner rather than later," Aurora, Luna of the Ravenblood Pack, commented, her voice laced with concern.

"That shouldn't be a problem at all. He only wants Valeska. When he comes, we can just sacrifice her and be done with it," Roberto, Valeska's stepfather and the pack's Alpha, replied nonchalantly, as if she were nothing more than an animal being offered to the slaughter.

Valeska paled, her fingers tightening around the doorframe as she listened in secret.

She didn't know what she had expected her mother to say. Maybe some level of protest. Maybe a shred of the love that used to exist before her father died. But Aurora's response came without hesitation.

"You're right. She's an unfortunate daughter, after all. Getting rid of her would be a blessing from the Moon Goddess herself," Aurora said coldly. "She's wolfless and completely useless. A curse."

The words sliced through Valeska like a blade, sharp and merciless. She wanted to cry, but she refused to give them that power.

Before she could slip away, Lucius, her elder brother, entered the dining area, causing their parents to immediately quiet. He was the only one who still cared about her, and they all knew he wouldn't support their plans.

"Aren't you eating breakfast?" he asked, his sharp gaze flickering to where she stood.

Valeska quickly wiped away a stray tear and forced a smile. "No need. I'm good," she replied, sparing her mother one last glance before stepping outside.

She wandered through the pack's territory, passing patrol guards who sneered but didn't bother acknowledging her presence. She used to receive nods of respect as the Luna's daughter. Now, she was nothing more than an outcast. A joke.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a high-pitched, sickly sweet voice.

"What happened, big sis? You look all red and ready to cry," Amora mocked, her tone dripping with fake concern.

Valeska clenched her fists as the werewolf guards straightened and bowed to her half-sister, showing her the respect they denied Valeska.

"Get away from me," Valeska muttered.

Amora's grin widened. "Why should I? You're just a wolfless deviant, a disgrace to this family. You should be out on the streets where you belong."

Valeska exhaled sharply. "Are you done?" she asked impatiently, her tone laced with exhaustion. "If so, leave. I have no interest in your nonsense."

A low growl rumbled from Amora's throat.

Without warning, she shoved Valeska hard against a tree. The impact rattled her bones, and a sharp pain spread through her back.

The guards turned away, pretending they hadn't seen a thing.

Amora leaned in, eyes flickering with cruelty. "You'd better watch how you speak to me," she hissed. "I have a wolf, and soon I'll have a mate—unlike you. You barely get through your heat each month. You don't belong here, and you never will. If you ever cross me again, I'll shred you apart."

Then, as if a switch had been flipped, Amora's entire demeanor changed. She smiled, her voice light and airy. "Oh, right. Mum sent me to get you. She has something important to tell you." She winked before skipping away.

Valeska clenched her jaw before forcing her aching body to follow.

Inside the pack house, she barely had time to process what was happening before a red dress was tossed at her feet.

She blinked. "What's this for?"

Aurora crossed her arms. "That's what you'll be wearing to the annual mating moon ball. Get ready—it starts in five hours."

Valeska stared at her mother, stunned. She had to have misheard.

"What did you say?" she asked, her voice quiet.

Aurora's gaze hardened. "Are you deaf? I said you're attending the annual mating moon ball."

Amora snickered, holding up her own elegant gown. "Maybe she's suddenly gone deaf, Mother."

Valeska inhaled sharply, gathering herself before responding. "I don't want to go."

The room fell silent.

Amora's grin widened, clearly enjoying the moment. Aurora's eyes darkened with rage.

"What did you just say?" she asked, stepping closer.

Valeska took a careful step back. "You've made it clear that I'll never find a mate. Why send me to a ball when you're ashamed of me?"

A sharp crack echoed through the room.

Pain exploded across Valeska's cheek as Aurora's slap sent her head snapping to the side. A metallic taste filled her mouth as her lip split open.

She touched her cheek, eyes wide with shock. A single tear slipped down her face.

"How dare you question me?" Aurora seethed. "I am your Luna. You will obey me."

"You should be grateful we haven't thrown you out," Roberto added coldly. "The only way you can contribute to this family is by securing a mate. Not that I expect anyone to claim you."

"Because of you, Mother is humiliated at every meeting," Amora chimed in. "You're an embarrassment."

Valeska clenched her fists so tightly her nails dug into her palms. Her whole body trembled, but she refused to break in front of them.

"You will take that dress and go to the ball," Aurora commanded.

Valeska swallowed hard before bending down, picking up the dress, and walking stiffly to her room. She shut the door behind her, locking it.

The moment she was alone, she crumpled onto the floor. Silent sobs wracked her body as she clutched the fabric against her chest.

Aurora had never allowed her to attend the mating moon ball before. It was obvious now—she wasn't sending Valeska there to find a mate. She was sending her there to get rid of her.

But maybe that wasn't such a bad thing.

Maybe leaving this pack was better than staying in a place where no one wanted her.

Valeska wiped her tears and stood, staring at her reflection in the mirror.

"They want me to get a mate?" she murmured. "Fine. I'll get a mate."

**

The ball was grand, filled with elegant werewolves dressed in soft, sophisticated colors. Valeska stood out in her deep red gown, her presence jarring against the delicate pastels and silks.

Her mother had already abandoned her to focus on Amora, leaving Valeska alone in a sea of strangers.

She took a sip of her drink, trying to blend into the background when a familiar voice cut through the air.

"What are you doing here?"

Valeska's grip tightened around her glass as she turned.

Misha, her former best friend who turned her back on her two years ago after she couldn't transform into a werewolf. 

The daughter of the Shadowbane Pack's Alpha stood before her, looking as pristine as ever in a voluminous pink ball gown.

"Wait—don't tell me," Misha continued, smirking. "You're here looking for a mate? Are you serious, Val?"

Valeska braced herself.

Misha leaned in, voice dripping with amusement. "Do you really think someone will claim you? Stop dreaming."

Valeska exhaled slowly, forcing herself to meet Misha's eyes.

Let them talk. Let them sneer.

This time, she wouldn't break.