Lost Moon, New Dawn Chapter 01

Lost Moon, New Dawn Chapter 01

As soon as I finished adjusting the tripod and looked through the viewfinder, a chill ran down my spine.

The clients waiting for a family portrait were the very people who had tormented me for more than ten years.

My family.

The instant our eyes met, my mother, Luna Isabella, froze.

Her ever-present, practiced smile vanished, and tears welled in her eyes.

“Dorothy… is that really you?” she whispered, her voice trembling. “You’re… still alive?”

My fingers hovered over the shutter button, ignoring her display of emotion as if she were a complete stranger.

“Luna, please smile and look at the camera.”

My father abruptly stood up. Even though he tried to rein it in, his Alpha aura filled the room.

“Still so stubborn?” he snapped. “Five years. You vanished without a word. What kind of grudge lasts five years? We’re your family!”

His sharp gaze raked over me like a wolf sizing up prey.

I glanced at the corgi sitting obediently at my sister’s feet.

Its name was Dorothy too.

I did not understand why my father was angry.

They had taught me since childhood that my only purpose in life was to serve as my sister’s living bone marrow bank.

I was a tool. Nothing more.

As for my place in the family? Even a dog could replace me, easily earning a spot in their family portrait.

My sister Celeste’s eyes slid over my paint stained work apron. Her tone was laced with condescending pity and thinly veiled contempt.

“Failed at living on your own, huh? You really turned yourself into a beggar.”

I casually adjusted the lens focus.

“If you want to continue the shoot, we’ll proceed according to the schedule. If not, the deposit won’t be refunded.”

My mother wiped her tears and slipped back into her gentle Luna demeanor. She reached out, trying to pull me into a hug.

“A family portrait needs the whole family. Dorothy, come here. Come to Mom.”

I stepped back, avoiding her touch.

“You booked four slots. Three people and one dog. The dog is already in position. Please return to your seat and we can begin.”

My father’s face darkened with rage. He felt his Alpha authority being challenged.

“This is outrageous,” he roared, pointing at me with open disdain.

“When you were a pup, you cried and begged to be in family portraits. Now you’re acting like some kind of queen?”

Sensing his aggression, I was about to call for the gamma when Celeste quickly stood and laid a calming hand on his back.

“Don’t worry, Father. We’re having dinner with the Holt family later anyway.”

She glanced at her delicate watch, scribbled a number in her notebook, and tore out the page and placed it on the counter.

“We’re on a tight schedule today. There’s no time for your little soap opera. If you can’t afford food, you can call this number.”

“It connects to our servant quarters. Maybe one of the maids can spare you a piece of bread.”

I did not take the paper.

“For bookings, please call the studio’s official number.”

My parents both turned pale, on the verge of exploding, but Celeste glanced at her watch again and calmly set the paper down.

“I’ll be forming a bond soon with the Alpha of Stormcrest Pack. You’ve probably heard of it.”

“Stormcrest Pack is one of the strongest packs out there.”

“Out of sisterly duty, I could find you some cleaning work. Think about it.”

With that, she swept out with my parents, her entire posture radiating the pride of a she-wolf about to become a Luna.

I had just asked the beta to dispose of the note when my Alpha, Orion Green, called.

…

“My love, I’m really sorry. I ended up with a business dinner tonight.”

“I tried canceling several times, but they insisted on meeting. We’ll have to move the final fitting for your dress to tomorrow.”

“It’s fine,” I said softly. “Who are you having dinner with?”

Orion sighed in frustration.

“One of the pack’s former allies. The Alpha and Luna of the Frostwood Pack. Apparently their daughter will be there too.”

“We were about to sign a new contract, but they suddenly wanted to renegotiate the terms. It’s strange.”

“Maybe I should just walk away. Their pack’s influence has been shrinking lately.”

I understood immediately.

I stayed silent for a few seconds, but Orion picked up on the shift in my mood at once.

“You don’t sound right. Did you run into difficult clients again? We agreed you opened the studio to enjoy it.”

“Anyone who makes you unhappy should be shown the door.”

I smiled faintly. “It was my biological parents and my sister. They came in for a family portrait.”

“It sounds like… they’re the ones having dinner with you tonight.”