The Rise of The Autumn Queen

ia's

n eerie glow from the full moon. It ought to have been a happy occasion. Blake, the stron

olf in the pack had its eyes on me, and they were full of curiosity, hopes

middle of the group. I briefly believed I saw a glimmer of

er, were all dashed t

remonial grounds, "Cassia." "As Alpha of the Autu

ing under me. I could hear gasps all around me, but my attenti

r than any blade: "I reject you, Cassia

. I was having t

be the Luna of this pack and that I was born powerful. But n

but I fought the need to cry. I needed

ed, my voice trembling. "We are fri

strength. Instead of someone who breaks under

ht of their stares on me as the group mumbled in surprise. While some o

group, her blond hair glistening in the moonlight. I had always had trouble with Sienna. She was the Beta

a, you're just too soft." "You'll never be able to

rget like a blade. My chest beg

though I wanted to get away from the hurtful rem

and frigid. He told the guards, "Take her

ere on me; some were empathetic, but the majority were shining with contempt. I

forward. I recoiled, but he caught me tightly

ull away. There was too much humiliation. I couldn't stand it. I w

I was escorted away from the throng. "I anticipate

dn't turn around. I was unable

d there looking into the dark trees, my body trembling with emotion. Even though the gang was

e to do what I wanted to do. I was left standing in th

only sound in the quiet woodland was the gentle rustle of leaves

at it would provide me with the tranquility I requ

ces, low and muttering, from a distance. My b

was familiar to

myself, "No.

into the darkness. I was invisible. Not righ

ing in my chest, I

ng enough?" Blake's aggressi

ak." However, Blake, she lacks the strength to be the leader of the

ated in a tone that was aloof and almost icy. "I

ngth? Was that the only purpose of this? Had

d in assuming she could manage this. I need a stron

m. I felt every ounce of anguish and pride pour through me. Blake had never

es and laughed bitterly. I had to l

d as I resumed my stroll. Something, n

he darkness. The rogue's claws swung at me, jus

elled. Out of the shadows, another outlaw

pecting. I wasn't prepared

o go, his hold becoming iron-tight. Trying t

hird rogue materialized in

only option. I couldn't allow them to kil

with all the vigor I could manage. He stumbled backward, but I wa

moved quickl

eps slamming through the undergrowth

er and faster. Around me, the woodland became hazy. I

on the uneven terrain after my foot caugh

on top of me before

ing tur

eard a voice-a voice I

t? Did Bl

dy been killed

the forest engulfed me,