Luna Ember

She was born in blood. Raised in lies. And crowned by vengeance. On the day Akira came into the world, her mother died and her father was captured by the ruthless Midnight Pack. Twenty-five years later, she was ready to reunite with him at last… until her...

Chapter 1 Akira Was Born

The rain soaked village of Rinnarie, the sound of raindrops pattering against the thatched roofs of the cottages. In a small cottage on the outskirts of the village, a young woman named Lyra lay on a bed of furs, her body trembling with the pangs of childbirth. The midwife, a wise and aged woman with a kind face and gentle hands, tended to Lyra with a soothing touch.

"Push, child," she urged, her voice gentle but firm. Lyra's face contorted with pain as she pushed, her body straining to bring forth new life. And then, in a burst of blood and water, a tiny cry filled the air. The midwife held up the newborn, a girl with a mop of dark hair and violet eyes that seemed to gleam with an otherworldly light.

Lyra weakly gazed upon her child, a sense of peace washing over her, and she whispered, "Akira... my little one." Her voice was weak, and her body went limp. The midwife's eyes widened in sorrow as Lyra's life slipped away, her final breath a whisper of her child's name. The heavy rain that has been pouring for three days immediately stoped after Akira was given birth to, and the sun came out.

The midwife's face was etched with grief as she carried Akira outside to where Atals, her father, was standing with her grandmother. The midwife handed Akira to Atals, her eyes filled with tears. "Your wife is dead," she said, her voice cracking with emotion. "I'm sorry, we couldn't save her."

Atals's face crumpled in grief, his eyes welling up with tears. He stared at the midwife, his mouth opening and closing as if he was trying to say something, but no words came out. His eyes dropped to Akira, and he felt a pang of sorrow and loss. How was he supposed to raise their daughter alone?

The grandmother's face was a mask of sorrow, her eyes red-rimmed from unshed tears. She reached out a trembling hand and touched Atals's arm, her eyes filled with compassion. "My son," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Just as they were grieving, a young woman ran towards them, her face etched with worry. "The Midnight Pack's army is here," she said, her voice breathless. "They're surrounding the village."

The army arrived, their faces stern and unyielding. The leader, a tall man with a cold gaze, stepped forward. "The Alpha of the Midnight Pack awaits you," he said, his voice devoid of emotion. "You are to hand in the petition of surrender and come with us."

As Atals carried Akira to his mother, his face was etched with a mix of sadness and determination. His eyes, red-rimmed from grief, gazed down at his daughter, and he felt a pang of worry about the uncertain future that lay ahead. He handed Akira to his mother, and she cradled the baby in her arms, her expression a blend of sorrow and concern.

The grandmother's eyes locked onto Atals, and she asked, "Do you really have to do this?" Her voice was laced with worry, and her brow furrowed in concern. She gazed at her son, her eyes pleading with him to reconsider.

Atals's expression turned resolute, his jaw set in determination. "For the safety of my family, and this village I will have to pledge allegiance to the Midnight Pack," he said, his voice firm but tinged with a hint of resignation. He bowed his head to greet his mother farewell, his eyes filled with a deep sadness.

As he turned to follow the army, he glanced back at his mother and daughter, his heart heavy with the weight of his decision. The grandmother watched him go, her eyes filled with a mix of sorrow and fear for the future.

As she looked down at Akira, her expression softened, and she gazed at the baby with a deep affection. "Immediately you were born, the rain stopped," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "That is not a good omen. You will face struggles in your life." Her eyes clouded over, and she gazed at Akira with a sad expression, as if she knew the hardships that lay ahead for her granddaughter.

The grandmother's face was a map of wrinkles and lines, etched by the trials and tribulations of her life. Her eyes, though, sparkled with a deep wisdom, and her voice was filled with a sense of foreboding. As she gazed at Akira, she felt a sense of trepidation, knowing that the baby's life would be marked by challenges and hardships.

The scene was poignant, the air thick with emotion as Atals departed, leaving behind his mother and daughter. The grandmother's words hung in the air, a prophecy that seemed to foretell a difficult future for Akira.

*TWENTY FIVE YEARS LATER*

Akira's feet danced with excitement as she walked through the bustling market, the vibrant colors and lively chatter of the vendors and shoppers alike failing to dampen her spirits. Today was a special day, her grandmother's birthday, and more importantly, the day her father was finally coming home after 25 long years. Akira's heart swelled with anticipation as she thought about meeting her father for the first time. She had always wondered about him, about what he was like, what he liked, and what kind of person he was.

She was wearing a beautiful blue floral gown, the intricate patterns and delicate fabric a testament to the craftsmanship of the village's seamstresses. A white cloth covered her face, leaving only her bright, violet eyes visible, which sparkled with excitement as she browsed through the stalls.

As she wandered through the stalls, Akira's eyes scanned the various goods on display, her mind focused on finding the perfect gifts for her grandmother. Akira's fingers trailed over the various items on display, her touch gentle as she selected a few things for her grandmother.

She picked out an ancient hair pin with a golden design engraved on it, the delicate curves and lines of the pin catching her eye. The seller, an old man with a kind face, smiled as he wrapped the pin in a small piece of cloth. "A fine choice, young one," he said, his voice warm.

Akira smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners, as she handed over the coins and took the package from the vendor. She continued her shopping, picking out a pair of shoes that she thought her grandmother would like. The shoes were soft and comfortable-looking, and Akira could imagine her grandmother's feet nestling into them with a contented sigh.

But as for her father, Akira wasn't sure what to buy. She didn't know what he liked, what his interests were, or what kind of gifts would bring a smile to his face. She decided to wait until she met him, hoping that she would get a sense of what he might like. For now, she would focus on celebrating her grandmother's birthday, meeting her father, and worry about her father's gift later.

As Akira walked back home, her mind wandered to her father and how he would react when he saw her. She imagined him smiling, his eyes lighting up with joy, and her heart swelled with excitement. Lost in thought, she didn't notice the stranger standing in front of her until her shoulder hit his broad chest.

The stranger, a man with a huge build, black short hair, and dark brown eyes, towered over Akira. His expression changed from calm to surprised as Akira's shoulder collided with his chest. Akira, realizing too late that she had bumped into someone, tried to regain her balance but tripped over her own feet.

The man's hands shot out, grasping her waist to prevent her from falling. His grip was firm but gentle, and Akira felt a jolt of surprise as she gazed up at him. Her eyes met his, and for a moment, they just stared at each other.

The bag of gifts that Akira was holding slipped from her grasp, falling to the ground with a soft thud. The contents spilled out, scattering across the ground. The acient hair pin and shoes lay amidst the dirt and dust, and Akira's heart sank as she realized her grandmother's gifts were ruined.

The stranger's eyes flickered to the scattered gifts, and his expression softened. He released Akira's waist, and she stumbled backward, her face flushing with disgust and anger. As she bent down to gather the gifts, the man's hand reached out, his fingers brushing against hers.

As they both reached for the gifts, their hands touched, and Akira felt a jolt of surprise. The man's eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, they just stared at each other, the world around them melting away.

Chapter 2 Her Father's Return

As Akira picked up her stuffs from the ground and stood up, her eyes flashed with annoyance as she kicked Gavin, the alpha heir of the Midnight Pack. Gavin's expression changed from surprise to annoyance as he dusted the dirt from his clothes. "Why did you kick me?" he asked, his voice laced with irritation.

Akira's expression was defiant, her arms crossed over her chest. "You're the one with no manners," she said, her voice firm. Gavin's expression turned incredulous, his eyebrows raised in surprise. "So unreasonable, I was clearly saving you," he said, his voice rising in frustration.

The people in the market began to stare, drawn in by the commotion. Gavin's expression turned exasperated as he continued, "If I didn't hold you, you would have fallen on the floor." He shook his head, his eyes rolling in annoyance. "Why are the people here so strange? I saved you, and you didn't even thank me. Instead, you hurt me," he said, his voice laced with disappointment.

Akira's expression remained stubborn, her eyes flashing with anger. "Who were you saving? I wouldn't have fallen down," she said, her voice firm. Gavin's expression turned sarcastic as he said, "It's your good luck today, I'm open-minded. I'm not going to argue with you." With that, he turned to leave, his movements swift and confident.

As Gavin walked away, Akira's expression turned angry, her eyes narrowing in annoyance. "He didn't even apologize for touching me inappropriately," she muttered to herself, her voice barely above a whisper. "Rude," she added, her voice laced with disgust. With a final glance at Gavin's retreating form, Akira turned to continue on her way, her movements swift and angry.

****

As Atals dismounted the horse, a mix of emotions crossed his face, exhaustion, relief, and a hint of nostalgia. His eyes wandered to the familiar surroundings of his long-last home, and a soft smile spread across his face. "That feeling when you're home," he said, his voice filled with warmth, "the best feeling." His expression was serene, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he took in the sights and sounds of his childhood.

As he walked into the compound, his mother stood outside the house, flanked by their maids. Her face was etched with sadness and relief, her eyes brimming with tears as she saw her son for the first time in 25 years. Atals's expression turned somber as he kneeled down on the ground, bowing his head in respect. "Dearest mother, your son is back," he said, his voice laced with regret.

His mother's expression softened as she rushed to his side, helping him up. "Get up, my son, get up quickly," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. As Atals stood up, their eyes locked, and her gaze faltered, her sadness evident. "We have finally met again, my son," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Atals's expression was contrite, his eyes downcast. "Mother," he said, his voice filled with remorse, "I'm sorry." His mother's expression was gentle, her eyes forgiving. "It's okay, it's fine," she said, her voice soothing, as she led him inside.

As Akira came running from the gate, her eyes shining with excitement, she stopped suddenly, her gaze fixed on her father standing with her grandmother. Her expression transformed into one of joy and affection, a bright smile spreading across her face. "Father!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with emotion, as she rushed to hug him.

Her father's expression was one of deep emotion, tears gathering in his eyes as he gazed at his grown-up daughter. "You're so grown up, I can barely recognize you, my child," he said, his voice trembling with nostalgia and love. As they hugged each other again, Akira's expression was one of pure happiness, her eyes closed in contentment.

"I've finally seen you," Akira said, her voice filled with emotion, as she pulled back to look at her father. "I've missed you, even though I didn't know you, my heart felt empty since I was growing up," she added, her expression turning vulnerable. Her father's expression softened, his eyes filled with regret and love.

"I've missed you too, my child," he said, his voice gentle. "I'm sorry for leaving you alone," he added, his expression filled with remorse. Akira's expression turned understanding, her eyes filled with compassion. "It's okay, grandma told me that you had a mission," she said, her voice reassuring.

The grandmother's expression was one of warmth and happiness as she watched the father and daughter reunite. A gentle smile played on her lips, her eyes shining with tears of joy. She seemed to be savoring the moment, happy to see her family members bonding after so long.

As they went inside and started celebrating, the atmosphere was filled with joy and laughter. The grandmother's birthday feast was a grand affair, with delicious food and drinks aplenty. Akira, her father, and her grandmother were all smiles as they sat down to eat and drink together.

Akira's eyes sparkled with excitement as she stood up, her chair scraping against the floor. "Oh, grandma, I have a surprise for you," she said, her voice filled with anticipation. "Hold on, let me get it." Her grandmother and father exchanged a curious glance, their faces breaking into smiles as they watched her leave.

Their expressions were warm and expectant, their eyes following Akira as she hurried out of the room. The grandmother's eyes shone with happiness, her face radiant with joy. Atals's expression was one of contentment, his eyes filled with warmth as he gazed at his mother and daughter.

Just as Akira disappeared from view, the atmosphere in the room shifted dramatically. The doors burst open, and assassins surrounded the table, their faces hidden behind masks. The leader of the assassins, Zephyr, walked calmly to where Atals was sitting, his eyes fixed intently on his target.

Atals's expression changed in an instant, his eyes narrowing as he took in the sudden threat. His face hardened, his jaw clenched in anticipation. Zephyr's expression was cold and calculating, his eyes glinting with malice.

"Now will be your end," Zephyr said, his voice low and menacing. "I won't let you ruin our plans." The air seemed to vibrate with tension, the moment hanging precariously in the balance. Atals's eyes locked onto Zephyr's, his gaze fierce and determined.

The grandmother's expression was one of shock and fear, her eyes wide with worry. She seemed to be frozen in place, her hands clutching the tablecloth as if for support.

Chapter 3 Destruction

Atlas’s fierce gaze never wavered from zephyr’s, his mind with Filled with tension, how would he protect his family. The grandmother, still clutching the tablecloth, seemed paralyzed with fear, her eyes darting towards the door, hoping Akira would not come in yet.

Zephyr’s cold, calculating demeanor sent shivers down everyone’s spines as he signaled one of his men to hold Atals. As they tried to touch him, he pushed one of them and three more gathered him and carried him from his chair to the ground, beating him to a pulp.

Atal’s mother’s eyes closed tightly as she could not bear the pain of watching her son get beaten up, her body trembling with fear with tears streaming from her eyes. Meanwhile, zephyr walked to where Atals was sitting as he sat on the chair, his eyes observing the table. And he reached for a cup of wine, his gaze fixed on Atals as he drank the wine.

Atals who was on the floor, looked at him fuming with anger, balling his fists. The grandmother noticed Akira was coming, her heart pounding in her chests, her gaze was on Akira, her eyes locked with Akira signaling her with pleading eyes not to come in.

Akira stood in confusion, and immediately her eyes darted towards the room, father lying on the floor. Her eyes widened in horror, as tears rolled down her eyes. She immediately hid behind the door, looking at her grandmother and father being treated like trash.

Atals noticed Akira behind the door, seeing his daughter crying made his heart sank. Tears streaming from her eyes, seeing her father in this state. Atals whispered “run.” His eyes filled with sorrow seeing his daughter cry.

Akira’s hands clutching the door frame as she was crying silently, she shook her head telling her father no, but her father kept telling her to run, his eyes already red, his body shaking rapidly.

Zephyr immediately stood up and changed into his wolf form, as he charged towards Atals, sinking his claws into his neck tearing it apart. Akira’s eyes popped out, widened in horror as she covered her mouth with her hand, looking at her father lying on the floor.

Akira's body shook violently as she stood frozen behind the door, her eyes fixed on the horrific scene unfolding before her. Her father's battered form lay on the floor, his eyes pleading with her to escape. The sound of her grandmother's desperate cries and the thuds of her father's battered body seemed to echo through her mind, amplifying her fear.

As she gazed at her father, Akira's face contorted in anguish, her eyes brimming with tears. Her lips trembled, and she bit down hard to stifle a scream, her body shaking with each ragged breath. The cold wall behind her seemed to be the only thing holding her upright, her legs trembling beneath her.

Her father's eyes, filled with a mix of pain and desperation, locked onto hers, and he mouthed a single word "Run." Akira's heart wrenched at the sight, her body reacting instinctively to the terror unfolding before her. Despite her father's pleas, Akira's legs seemed rooted to the spot, her eyes fixed on the gruesome scene.

The sound of her grandmother's cries grew louder, and Akira's gaze darted towards her, seeing the older woman's desperate attempts to protect her son. And immediately, Zephyr turned to the grandmother’s direction, as he slits her throat with his claws, blood smeared beneath Zephyr’s feet.

Akira's body shook harder, her breath coming in short gasps as she struggled to process the chaos around her.

As the reality of the situation sunk in, Akira's instincts finally took over, and she turned to flee, her body propelling her forward with a newfound sense of urgency. She ran as fast as her shaking legs could carry her, the sounds of violence and despair fading into the distance as she desperately sought safety.

Akira's legs pumped furiously as she sprinted through the passage, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Tears streamed down her face, her eyes blurry with grief and fear. She ran with every ounce of strength she had, her heart pounding in her chest like a drum.

As she burst through the gate, her some of the assassins caught sight of her, and one of them shouted, "Hey, stop!" Their faces twisted in cruel grins, their eyes gleaming with excitement as they gave chase. Akira darted between the village, because she knows different paths in the village, she tried to evade her pursuers, if only for a moment.

The assassins' faces were set in determined lines, their eyes fixed intently on Akira as they chased her through the narrow lanes. One of the assassins shot an arrow towards Akira, and the arrow pierced through her shoulder.

“Ahhh!” Akira shouts in pain, but still continued running, she removed the arrow from her shoulder as she was shaking in pain and continued running. The assassins were relentless, their footsteps pounding the earth as they gained on her.

Akira's breath came in short gasps as she ran, her lungs burning with exertion. She zigzagged through the village, her feet pounding the dirt paths as she desperately tried to lose her pursuers. Her heart was racing, her senses on high alert as she navigated the familiar paths.

Finally, she reached the forest, the trees looming above her like sentinels. She plunged into the dense underbrush, her feet pounding the earth as she ran for her life. The trees seemed to blur together, their branches whipping past her face as she ran.

But Akira's strength was beginning to wane. Her legs trembled beneath her, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Blood was flowing down her shoulder. She stumbled, her foot catching on a hidden root, and she fell to the ground, her body weak and trembling.

As she lay there, Akira's body convulsed with sobs, her tears streaming down her face like rain. Her heart pounded in her chest, her breath coming in short gasps as she struggled to process the trauma she had just endured. The forest around her was silent, the only sound the soft rustling of leaves and her own ragged breathing.

Akira's eyes were closed, her face twisted in a mixture of pain and fear. Her body was wracked with sobs, her tears falling onto the dry earth like a benediction. She lay there, helpless and alone, her heart heavy with grief and her spirit crushed by the violence she had witnessed, she became so weak and eventually fainted.