Moonlit Destinys

Ava

"Happy birthday, Ava," my mother said, her voice filled with pride as she squeezed my hand. "I can't believe my little girl is all grown up."

"Thanks, Mom," I said, my throat tightening with emotion. "I'm just grateful to have another day with you and Dad." My father chuckled, his eyes crinkling with warmth as he ruffled my hair.

"You'll always be our little girl, no matter how old you get," he said, his voice thick with affection. I felt a surge of contentment as we all settled around the breakfast table.

"So, what's the plan today?" I asked, biting into a piece of bacon while cleaning the pans from breakfast.

"I'm only working a half day," my mom said, pouring herself another cup of coffee. "And your father only has two work orders. Should be easy enough for the party tonight."

I nodded, smiling. "Perfect. I'll see you both later." They nodded back, finishing breakfast quickly before grabbing their things and heading out the door. I stood there for a moment, enjoying the lingering warmth before turning to tidy up.

Just as I finished the dishes, a sharp knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. I opened it to find Lucas and Elara standing there. Lucas greeted me with a quick kiss, his arms wrapping around me in a comfortable embrace.

"Happy birthday, Ava," he said, his voice warm.

"Thank you," I replied, feeling the corners of my mouth turn up. But when I looked at Elara, I noticed she was staring off, her arms crossed tightly. I hesitated before inviting them inside, and we settled at the kitchen table.

We began breakfast together, and while Lucas and I exchanged glances and small talk, I couldn't ignore Elara's distant silence. She picked at her food, her gaze drifting out the window.

"Elara," I asked gently, "are you okay?"

Her eyes snapped to mine, a flicker of frustration crossing her face before she forced a smile. "I'm fine," she said, but her voice was tight, and I knew she wasn't telling the whole truth.

Lucas shot me a worried look. I reached across the table to take her hand. "Really, Elara, you can tell us. What's bothering you?"

She sighed heavily, shoulders slumping as she leaned back in her chair. "It's just… seeing you two together is harder than I thought. It's not your fault," she added quickly, her voice strained. "But it makes me realize what I'm missing out on, especially with everyone online asking when I'm going to find someone."

Her admission hit me harder than I expected. I squeezed her hand. "Elara, you're my best friend. We want you to be happy too. But the internet? They'll always have something to say. You're stronger than their opinions."

Elara's lips twitched into a brief smile. "Thanks, Ava. I just need to work through it." Her eyes softened, and for a moment, she seemed more at ease.

We finished breakfast with a quieter mood hanging over us, and as we cleared the table, I couldn't help but think about how complicated friendships could be, even with the people closest to you. The weight of Elara's feelings lingered as I started my daily chores.

As the morning sun climbed higher, I lost myself in the rhythm of my tasks—pulling weeds, feeding the animals, and hanging laundry to dry. By midday, I paused to admire the vibrant flowers blooming in the garden, the air humming with warmth. A spark of excitement settled in my chest; today, I felt, would be different.

When I headed into town, the market was bustling. The mingling scents of spices and fresh produce greeted me, pulling me into its vibrant embrace. I moved through the crowded stalls, my basket swinging at my side, but a familiar tension tightened my shoulders as I caught the eyes of the townsfolk.

"Watch it, dog," someone muttered, shoving past me. I stumbled but kept my head high, forcing myself to breathe. My foot ached as another passerby stomped on it, sending me sprawling into the dirt.

Laughter echoed around me. "The mutt belongs in the dirt!" someone taunted. I didn't bother to look up; I'd seen those sneering faces too many times. They blurred together, a constant reminder of my place here.

A yank on my hair made me gasp, and I caught my breath to stop the tears that threatened. "Stay away from our future Alpha, you filthy dog," a voice hissed before shoving me back down. Dust clung to my clothes as I lay there, fighting the sting of humiliation.

But today wasn't for crying. Today was mine.

Pushing myself up, I brushed off the dirt and continued with my shopping. I forced a neutral smile onto my face as I reached the butcher's stall. "Morning, Tom," I said, trying to sound friendly.

Tom barely looked at me as he handed over the meat. "Happy birthday," he muttered, his disdain barely concealed.

"Thanks," I murmured, taking the package. The coldness still stung, but I moved on.

At the deli, Pat's eyes narrowed as she pushed a package of sliced meats toward me. "Happy birthday, Ava," she said, each word clipped and begrudging.

"Thanks," I replied, trying not to let her bitterness get under my skin. I moved on, holding my composure as best I could.

My final stop was the bakery, where Helen's expression was a mask of disdain. "Here's your flour and sugar," she said flatly, shoving the items across the counter.

"Thank you," I said evenly, though irritation flared in my chest. Why did they have to make everything so difficult? I refused to let them ruin my mood.

As I walked away from the bakery, I spotted a flyer pinned to a bulletin board, its bold lettering catching my eye:

"Last Chance for Blind Marriages Tonight!"

I lingered, curiosity getting the better of me. Lucas crossed my mind, and I dismissed the idea, but not before tucking the flyer into my pocket. The thought of romance—finding love outside the boundaries of expectations—was strangely appealing. Besides, there was a coupon for free pizza on the back, and I couldn't pass that up.

Finally, I made my way to the candlemaker's stall. John greeted me with his usual, knowing smile. "Ava, happy birthday! Take all the lanterns you need."

"Thanks, John," I said, gathering a handful of lanterns.

He leaned closer, his voice low. "Tonight's the new moon—a night of fresh starts. I have a feeling something big is coming your way."

His words sent a shiver down my spine, and I couldn't help but smile. "You always say the right thing, John. Thanks."

As I turned to leave, John's voice stopped me. "Wait, I have something else." He pulled out a pair of elegant black flats. "I made these for you—quiet and durable. I think you'll find them useful."

I hesitated, surprised by the unexpected gift. "John, they're beautiful. Thank you." I slipped them on, marveling at the perfect fit and the way they seemed to hug my feet just right.

"Enjoy your day, Ava. And don't forget those lanterns tonight," he said, his eyes twinkling.

As I walked away, a strange sense of anticipation settled over me. My old shoes tucked in my basket, I felt a spark of hope, a whisper that today might truly be the beginning of something new.