BENEATH THE ALPHA'S MOON

ARIA'S POV

The mornings in Silvermoon had a familiar feeling: chilly, still, and filled with the scent of damp soil mixed with smoke from the ever-burning cooking fires. I woke up before daybreak, as was my routine since omegas weren't allowed to sleep in. Omegas had no rights at all.

My back ached from lying on the hard floor of the servants' quarters, but I managed to get up, brushing hay off my thin blanket.

Now, the room was empty. The others had already gone, never waking me. If I were late, the blame would rest entirely on me.  

I stepped into the cold, feeling a shiver as the brisk air touched my skin. My breath formed white puffs as I exhaled. Across the yard, warriors finished their morning drills, moving precisely in the soft light.

Their laughter resonated through the quiet, yet they never looked at me...except to mock me. I kept my gaze down and hurried toward the kitchens.

"About time," Maren, the head cook, snapped as I slipped inside. Her grey hair was tied back, and her arms dusted with flour. She never raised her hand to me, but her sharp tongue was enough. "Get to peeling those potatoes. We've got hungry mouths to feed."

"Yes, ma'am." I grabbed a knife and a sack of potatoes, settling myself at the corner table. My fingers moved quickly, though the knife had grown dull long ago.

It felt like this all the time- endless work that no one else wanted to take on. Omegas weren't trusted with weapons, decisions, or honour. We cleaned, carried, and bled just for a chance at some recognition. It's tough, but that's how it was.

But I reminded myself that today was just another day to get through. Only one more to endure. Because tomorrow... tomorrow was the day I celebrated my birthday.  

Eighteen. The age when a wolf finally senses the bond of destiny, and the Moon Goddess reveals their true mate. Some omegas dream of finding a warrior who will lift them up, while others dare not hope for anything.  

As for me? I clung to hope as if it were a lifeline keeping me alive. Perhaps fate wouldn't be unkind forever. Maybe tomorrow would bring a significant change.  

I was still holding onto that thought when a sharp voice interrupted my daydream.  

"Well, if it isn't little Aria, lurking in the kitchen once more."  

I froze for a moment as I recognised that voice. Glancing up, I saw Lila, a she-wolf from Beta lineage, standing in the doorway with two of her friends. Her golden hair sparkled in the glow of the fire, and a sly smirk was on her lips.  

"I'm just quietly observing", I said softly, making it sound more reassuring and warm.

Lila moved away from the wall and approached, her heels echoing on the stone floor. "Really? Because that's all I ever see you do...lurking around, hoping no one notices. Like a mouse."

The girls behind her