SELENA: The awakening of the Moon Goddess

“If you want me to stop crying, Selena, then cancel this crazy idea of yours!”

Mom’s voice shrieked through the dining room. Her eyes were swollen from days of crying, her face lined deeper than usual. Her fingers trembled as she clutched her handkerchief tight.

“Human territory is dangerous! You don’t know what you’re walking into.”

I tapped my fork against the plate, holding back the irritation bubbling in my chest.

“Mom, this has been my dream for years, and I’ve already decided. Nothing’s gonna change my mind.”

My voice was low but firm, almost like a growl.

From his chair, Dad reached out and patted Mom’s shoulder, trying to calm her, though his eyes betrayed his worry.

“Let her be, love. Our girl’s stubborn. The more you forbid her, the more she’ll push back.”

“I just don’t want to lose Selena!”

Her sobs cut deep into me, guilt tightening my chest.

“You know what happens to wolves who can’t control themselves in the human world. Many have broken pack rules and been punished for it. And Selena has never even lived among humans before! Do you really want her to be one of them?”

“I know the risks, Mom. But I can’t live my whole life caged in these borders. I want to see the outside world. I want to know what it’s like to be one of them… even just for a while.” I cut in before Dad could respond.

Dad’s sharp gaze locked on me, piercing but thoughtful, as though weighing something far bigger than himself.

“Then you better be ready. This isn’t a game, Selena. One wrong step, and you’ll regret it for the rest of your life,” he said finally.

Mom turned to him with pleading eyes, but Dad just pulled her into his arms without another word.

Before my resolve could waver at the sight of Mom’s grief, I blurted out, “I’m ready, Dad. I swear, I won’t let you down.”

—

In the end, they let me go. Mom sent me off with a face full of pain and worry, while Dad masked his emotions behind a string of long advice that sounded more like spells than guidance.

Rowan, my older brother, was assigned to keep an eye on me. His normally calm face now showed clear annoyance. But I knew—behind the gruffness—he cared.

“I can’t believe I’m actually here…” I whispered with a wide grin, like a kid finally getting a Christmas present.

The smell of wet grass mixed with the scent of humans filled the air. Strange, but intoxicating.

“Wipe that goofy smile off your face, Selena! You look like a pup leaving the den for the first time,” Rowan mocked, arms crossed.

I rolled my eyes, trying to steady the wild thumping of my heart.

“Let me enjoy this, Rowan. This is more than just a dream to me.”

“A dream that almost tore our family apart,” he snapped. “Mom cried every night because of you.” His voice cracked, holding back hurt. “And Dad—he couldn’t even sleep, too busy drilling every pack rule into your head.”

I shot him a challenging look.

“You think I don’t know that? I went through hell just to get here, Rowan.”

My words came out sharp, heavy with meaning.

“This wasn’t some rash decision. I know the risks. And I’m ready!”

He stared at me for a long moment, then sighed, frustrated.

“Fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. Remember, if you break even one rule—”

“I know, Rowan! I know!” I cut him off quickly, “…it won’t just endanger me, but the whole pack.” I mimicked his voice with mock seriousness. “You’ve said it a million times, maybe more.”

Rowan’s face darkened. “This isn’t a joke, Selena. The Alpha won’t hesitate to punish you if you cause trouble.”

“I won’t cause trouble,” I shot back, resisting another eye roll. “I’m not that stupid.”

Rowan muttered under his breath, then pulled me into a tight hug. I felt the warmth of his body, the protection he always gave—even if it came wrapped in harsh words.

He let out a long sigh, his eyes softening.

“I don’t doubt your determination, Selena. I just… don’t want you to regret this.”

I fell quiet, studying the worry etched into his face.

“I know. And that’s why I need you.”

My voice wavered, thick with emotion.

“I can’t do this without you.”

He nodded. “Alright, little sister, I trust you. But if anything happens, you know where to find me.”

“Always,” I whispered, smiling with gratitude.

Rowan hugged me again and kissed my cheek before walking away. A strange emptiness washed over me as I realized I was alone now—but this was exactly what I wanted.

—

I stepped hesitantly through the grand campus gates, my eyes scanning the bustling scene. Everything here felt different from home—so alive, brimming with new things that pulled me in. My excitement grew as it hit me: I could finally live like a normal human.

As I walked deeper, a few guys turned their heads my way. The breeze lifted my wavy brown hair, strands falling across my face. I tucked them behind my ear, squared my shoulders, and walked with more confidence. The stares made me a little nervous, but it felt like admiration.

“Hey! You new here?”

A male voice made me turn.

He was handsome, dimples showing as he offered his hand with an easy smile.

“I’m Dave.”

I smiled back and shook his hand. “Selena,” I answered simply.

“Freshman, right?” he asked, more casually now.

“Yeah, first day,” I said, a little awkward with his sudden friendliness.

Dave chuckled. “Need a guide? This campus can be a total maze if you’re new.”

I hesitated. Should I trust a human I just met?

Isolde—my wolf—growled in disapproval.

“No! Don’t go with him, Selena,” she warned sharply.

“If I keep doubting, when will I start living like them?”

I answered Isolde in my mind and smiled at Dave.

“Sure. That’d be great.”

Dave nodded and started walking, chatting as he led the way. But as we passed one of the buildings, Isolde suddenly howled inside me, pacing restlessly.

“What is it, Isolde? Why are you acting up like this?” I snapped in frustration, thinking she was just annoyed about Dave.

“I smell something… familiar, Selena. Don’t you feel it too? It’s… him—”