Chapter4:Liora's POV

That very night, my shame in the pack increased as I couldn’t face anyone. Even looking at my reflection in the mirror was hard. I sat quietly on the only place that accepted me without pain: the edge of my bed. My hands continuously trembled, my mind a whirlwind of self-doubt and boiling anger.

I had put in my best, trained restlessly in secret every night, to what end exactly? To be cruelly humiliated once more before the whole pack? All the displays and my training only pointed in one direction, that I was nothing less than what they always knew me for, a weak Omega with no place in the pack.

I felt hot tears rolling freely on my cheeks. I managed to wipe them off but furiously. I can't spend one more day in this pack anymore. Not after the second humiliation, the stare on every corner, even in the dark. I don't belong to this place anymore; I must leave.

I had to leave while I still had my mind intact.

The decision was impromptu, but I couldn't care less. I needed alone time, just a moment to get away from the pack, to leave the place that sees no good in me but only as a rejected, useless, and weak mate. And while in my thoughts, I remembered the Night Howlers, that's the only place that can accept me in this form.

The Night Howlers happen to be the neighboring pack. They are well known for not just their strength but also their ruthlessness. They mercifully take in rogues, even outcasts, and anyone lacking in one way or the other but willing to prove their worth. Even though they were fierce, and feared by many packs, they were also accommodating. And right there, I made up my mind to take up the journey.

I quickly grabbed an animal skin bag and packed a few of my belongings. I made sure to get some clothes, including a few pieces of bread and, finally, a bottle of water. I know I don't have much, but I also don't need much to escape my reality. I should leave everything behind; the humiliation that the rejection has caused me is unbearable. I am ready to start afresh, but this time, far away from the place that rejected me and never gave me the comfort of a home.

I quietly crept out of my room, ensuring not to alarm anyone. At this point, every member of the pack was fast asleep, considering the energy they had put into mocking me. My heart kept pounding heavily in my chest, fear gripping me, trying to weaken my resolve.

The moon was up and glowing to give light over the forest and neighboring packs. With a last breath, I ran out, my feet aching from the fight earlier, but I couldn't have left. I dared not look back. I continued running.

I ran until I had exhausted all the air in my lungs, and it started burning; I kept running until I couldn't feel my legs any longer. I continued running until I had crossed the border, leaving behind everything that concerned the Silver Moon pack and everyone I had ever come in contact with there, not even saying goodbye to Mira.

I aimed to reach the Night Howlers in a good piece, and I wasn’t going to let anyone stop my mission.

The cold from the night was harshly biting my skin, but I care less. I made up my mind not to stop. Not when I have gotten to this point. Not after the pain I went through. I could feel the pain, the humiliation from the rejection as if they were minutes ago. Staying in the Silver Moon pack will only hinder my healing, opening fresh wounds every day.

I need a fresh start, I still need to prove my worth to Jaxon and the whole pack. Jaxon chose power and alliance over me, but I will return stronger and better.

I have heard numerous beautiful stories about the Night Howlers. The stories of their strength and accommodating spirit have gone wild, but not without mentioning their ruthlessness.

As I crossed the border, I had no idea of what to expect from the Night Howlers. I didn’t know if I would pass their test or if I would be thrown away again as a weak wolf. Are their arms still open to receive strangers? I kept asking myself, but a trial would convince me, so I had to try.

Finally, I entered the territory of the Night Howlers, but before I could take a few more steps forward, a group of fiercely-looking warriors appeared. Their graceful movement was appealing to watch. Like that of predators, they moved around with their muscles taut, showing signs of readiness to fight. One of the warriors, a tall, stern-looking but well-built muscular man, moved closer with his green eyes fixed intensely on me.

“What brings you to the Night Howler, Omega?” he asked with his commanding voice, while his eyes roamed on me, dutifully assessing me.

“I only seek refuge, please,” I replied with a calm voice.  “I’ve left my pack for good. The humiliation there is unbearable, so I decided to come here.”

He carefully studied me before he continued, “Why do you think we should take you in?” he asked with a challenging tone. “Do you have anything valuable to offer the Night Howlers?”

“I’m stronger than I appear,” I replied. “And I’m more than willing to do anything to get a place here. I will do everything required of me to prove myself if necessary.”

The warrior gave out a chuckle at my zeal. “You’re the bold one,” he said truthfully. “But boldness isn't the only thing required to get a place here. There are lots of ways that you will show your strength. Alone won’t save you here.”

I nodded in agreement. “I’m more than ready,” I replied. “I will do whatever it will cost me.”

He faced the other warriors.  “Take her immediately to the Alpha,” he ordered with finality in his voice. “Let him be the one to decide her fate here.”

The walk to meet the Alpha was tiring and exhausting as I had no time to rest from my long journey. The warriors kept ordering as we made our way to the camp. Their eyes were on me, both suspicious and curious about why I left my pack, my home. Never leave me. I might be a spy, and I understand why they don't trust me yet. I came in as an outsider, a rogue that might be a threat to their pack.

When we finally arrived at the camp, a warrior led me inside a tent; the tent was located in the middle of the pack. Inside the tent was a huge man. He was gracefully sitting on a throne which I discovered was made of wood and fur on a close look. I observed him even as he regarded me also. He was very tall, dark-haired, and muscular broad-shoulder. On his angular face were piercing blue eyes, sharp in calculation.

His gaze was intense. “Who are you young lady?” he asked with authority and I almost lost my voice.

“I am Liora Nightingale,” I replied boldly. “I was part of the Silver Moon Pack hours ago, but I left. My fated mate rejected and humiliated me publicly. The pain and stigma from that scenario left me a shadow of myself, and I have come here for refuge.”

His voice became so grave that I started shaking. “And why do you think this is the best place for you to come? Remember, you're just an Omega from the Silver Moon Pack, a rival pack.”

“I’m worth more than just an ordinary Omega,” I said, my voice firm. “I have a lot of skills. I am stronger than I look, and I’m not requesting a place for free; I will fight for it.”

He studied me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. “Very well, then” he finally replied. “I will allow you to train with us. But, you should take note, if at any point you fail or you mistakenly show signs of weakness, be rest assured that you won't be part of us any longer. Weakness is part of what we detest and abhor in this place.”

I nodded in excitement. “I will do my best not to disappoint you,” It's a promise.

“Good, Liora” he called my name. “Then start the training with immediate effect.”

After meeting with the Alpha, the following days became tedious. The Night Howlers are good at what they do, determined to bring out the best in me; they pushed me to my limits but also watched closely for signs of weakness. My strength, together with my endurance and my will, was put to the test. Tired or not, I trained harder, resolved to prove my worth, to erase the narration of being seen as a weak Omega.

I made discoveries of alarming things about myself, things that I never knew existed. I saw powers that were wasting in me, laying dormant for years without expression. I became stronger, more fierce, and, above all, more confident with each passing day.