The Alpha's Fated Outcast: Rise Of The Moonsinger by Ejiofor Dorcas

166 Harvest Moon Festival – Arrival Day…

Miriam

My heart swelled with pride as I stood near the edge of the training arena, watching Lyla read the itinerary. Her poise and confidence reminded me so much of the life I once had. The youth I thought would never end.

Now watching Lyla–my child, grow into a better version of everything I was, made my eyes red with unshed tears. I had thought having the baby would ruin my life forever, but now I’m glad I did and listened to keep my baby. She was the best decision I ever made.

Today was the first day of the Harvest Moon Festival. Not only were packs arriving in their pairs: and numbers, but every hand was on deck to ensure the festival went well. Mother Liora had entrusted Lyla with the significant task of managing all the young apprentices that had come to the pack. Their job was to ensure the festival arena remained free from dark energy.

Lyla finished reading. Her voice was firm but kind. “Make sure to double–check every corner of the arena,” she instructed. “We can’t afford even a hint of negativity seeping into this celebration and Ferals.”

The apprentices nodded earnestly, some already dispersing to their assigned areas. Lyla then turned to me, practically bouncing on her toes as her eyes sparkled with excitement. “Nan…I’m going to the gates,” she said. “Nathan should be here any minute now, and I want to be the first person to welcome him.”

Without waiting for more than my acknowledging nod, she darted away, leaving me to handle the rest of the delegation. I watched her disappearing back, a fond smile on my face when suddenly, a voice came to me from behind.

“What is that girl doing wearing the white pearl?” the voice asked. It was Terra.

They selected Terra, like the other priestesses, to attend the Harvest Moon Festival,

representing the current ailing Wisewoman. Her presence here should fill me with joy but more than anyone, I’ve been dreading this confrontation.

Also, as I have stopped talking with Mother Liora, this was her doing. She must have briefed everything on Terra.

“What were you thinking, Miriam?” she followed up without waiting for me to answer her first question. “We need to talk about that white pearl around the Moonsinger’s neck”

The smile on my face faded as I sighed heavily. “Not now, Terra,” I said in a low voice, glancing around to ensure no one was listening. “I’m not in the best of mood to talk about anything right

now.

I turned to leave when Terra grabbed my arm, forcing me to stop. “That pearl is sacred to Sigma, Miriam! You know this. It was designed specifically for Sigma females when they first get their wolves. It’s meant to help them control their extraordinary power. It’s not some common trinket to be used as a wolf–taming accessory, so why do you have it on her? You’ve gone too far this

time”

in Tarra’e union irritated me. “You think I don’t know what

C

Moon Festival–Arrival

“You think I don’t know what that pearl represents?” I snapped, yanking my arm free. “I’m doing what’s best for her. Lyla doesn’t know the truth about herself yet, and I intend to keep it that way until

She’s no longer a two–year–old. She’s an adult. Why are you still keeping things from her?”

urge to scream. “Why do you all think adulthood is a gateway to everything? Do you know what she has been through? What she had to suffer for the longest time and now that

a Sigma host? It’s a training tool, Miriam,

love of the gods,

would not end well. Fine, we all agree she’s your daughter, but you can’t shield her forever, Miriam. If

have to face

in talking to Mother Liora again.”

“The other priestesses have noticed that there’s a friction. Stop avoiding her.”

time, I continued quietly. “Right now, I want to deal with one thing

time.”

heel, walking away before Terra could respond, leaving her

courtyard.

true. However, if I regulated the pearl, like giving Lyla’s wolf freedom once every two or three weeks, everything would be fine, and

I saw Lyla. My heart softened at the sight of her walking

scene brought a sad smile to my face. My daughter’s happiness was worth

that freedom would come with truths

as I scanned the group, bracing myself and dreading to see Luna Vanessa after all these years, but she was nowhere to be

Moon

something before coming to the pack house? It was unlike her to miss such an important event, especially not the

deep voice rumbled behind me.

his broad shoulders blocking out the mid–evening sun. His

that had gotten me into trouble all

threatened to surface–memories of stolen moments and whispered promises, of choices made and paths not taken. The secrets I have carried

managed, composing myself and hating how my voice wavered slightly. “I didn’t hear you come. I didn’t

and why am I here?” his lips curved into a small smile, but his