MY LUNA

~Ciara~ Father is going to kill me today. I can already feel it. It's going to be swift because Father is too hot tempered to make my death last in a slow torturous manner. It'll be over before I know it. And that shouldn't calm me down but it does. Because it makes what I'm doing easier to carry out. I curse as the window creaks when I open it slightly. Holding in a breath, I strain my ears for the tell tale sounds of footsteps but no sound is forthcoming. Satisfied that my demise can wait a little longer, I heft the quiver against my back and maneuver my way through the window, sliding down the walls to reach the trimmed lawn. Landing in a heap, I head west toward the daunting woods knowing full well that I am breaking a major Alpha Jones's rule. No movement during curfew Except I wouldn't be Ciara Jones if I never cross my Father. Besides, I need as much practice time I can get before tomorrow's tournament. Father can stick his curfew and secretive meetings up his ass for all I care. I take a sharp turn the moment I enter the woods but a whiff of scent stops me dead in my tracks. Butter and sea salt. f*****g hell. Closing my eyes, I let out a resigned sigh, “Playing bodyguard is a low bar. Even for you, Asher.” Silence meets my statement. But then,just as quietly as he's been following me, Asher materialises in front of me sporting a scowl. Placing a hand on my hip, I smile sweetly at him, “Don't tell me this was all a misunderstanding and you were heading for a tryst in the woods?” His stomy expression remains “You're breaking curfew.” “Yeah, no s**t. I didn't realise.” “Time to go back Ciara.” Rolling my eyes at him, I adjust the quiver–God, why did this have to be heavy– “We both know that's not happening.” “It wasn't a request, Ciara.” “I have a full quiver of arrows that need to be shot at a target, Ash.” Turning away, I start walking, “Feel free to join in on the fun if you'd like.” “Don't make me do this, Ciara.” He's in front of me now. “Go on, then.” I cross my arms, “Be the puppet my Father loves.” Asher's eyebrows crease, “Alpha Jones is looking out for you. For us. All of us.” Picking at my nails, I nod, “Uh-huh, he's the saving thread of Stormclaw. Anything else I missed in the devotion class?” “Enough.” Asher says it so forcefully that I look up at the bite in his words. His face is impassive as he points behind me, “House. Now.” Shaking my head, I ignore his command and keep walking further into the woods. I smirk as I hear him curse just before a sliver of heat traces my wrist. I look down at the source of the sensation and find Asher's fist enveloped around my wrist, his grip not hard but just enough to stop me in my tracks. And apparently enough to make shivers run down my arm and tingles up my toes. I hate it. I move away immediately like I've been burned because it feels like that. Except in a good way. Asher's eyes trace my form apprehensively before his stoic demeanor comes back. “I will alert full patrol if you do not comply.” He hesitates before adding, “And you know how that will pan out.” His pity is in stark contrast to my rage. He looks away when he notices the fire in my eyes. How dare he taunt me like that? Maybe because he knows that if patrol is involved, then your father won't be the only one disappointed. The whole pack will be. Except it's been like that my whole life hasn't it? Clenching my fists, I bite back a scream and return back the way I came from. Beating myself up for how I didn't miss that Father would obviously have eyes on me. Like he does everytime. I reach the wall of window of my room's window and Asher clears his throat. Turning to glare at him, I ask, “What?” He straightens and looks away from me, “Alpha commands that you get in through the front door.” Is he planning to kill me in front of them? A strained smile graces my face, “Lovely.” Stomping my feet–whivh I know is childish but I just can't help myself– I journey through the vast gardens and the stone fountain to the porch. Two patrol members manning the doors look at me briefly before looking away. Asher stretches a hand towards me and I give him a questionable eyebrow, He clears his throat and looks away, “Your quiver. I can hold onto it for you.” I roll my eyes and push the door open, “Enough with the gentleman act, you rat.” It was cruel, I know. But that's how it's been between I and Asher for a while now. The large chandelier greets me first, it's bright light illuminating every dark corner of this harrowing place called home. But the illusion of light dies down when I notice what is waiting for me. Father is pacing the living room, hands on his hips. Seated on the arm chair next to him sipping wine is Amelia. Her hair is in a bun and she doesn't look as put together like she usually does. Makes it seem like Father pulled her out of bed even though she's donning a shirt and pants. Dropping my quiver on the floor next to me, I announce my presence even though I know they probably smelled me all the way from the porch, “So was I the only one who didn't get the memo that there's a family meeting?” Asher gives me a dirty look and Amelia just sips her wine. Father stops pacing and turns to me. The little girl in me who fought so hard for his approval would have shivered at the expression on his face but the Ciara of now is different. She enjoys the constant disappointed look. “What the bloody hell is wrong with you?” I shrug, ignoring the ice in his word delivery, “I wanted to practice.” “In the middle of a f*****g curfew?!” Father finally loses it and roars. I watch Amelia drain the rest of her glass before standing next to him. She gives him a look that makes him curse and turn away. As if he couldn't stand to look at me one second longer. This all sponsors an unwanted trip to the past for me. Asher and I, in our fencing uniforms, standing next to one another. Scared shitless for our lives after patrol caught us engaging with human kids. We were just seven back then. I was more concerned that Asher would get into more trouble with Amelia when she found out I was the one who put her son up to the reckless idea. Moreso than the eternal frustration I cause my father. Except back then, Asher and I had been on the same side. Not now. Now when we're separated by a large margin of what was once the most unbreakable childhood friendship. When he advised against my rebellious acts. Instead of thwarting them and reporting to my father like he does now. Amelia's tired smile brings me back to the present, “Some things just don't change, do they C?” I love Amelia. I really do. She was the most of a mother figure my entire life. But she's also the deputy council head of the pack. That means her loyalty lies with the wolves. And not me. Still, it hurt a little to keep failing her aswell. I c**k my head, “You told me to always be my best. This is me trying to ace the tournament.” “No.” Father spats vehemently, “This is you trying to humiliate me further than usual. As if your existence isn't enough shame for me to encounter.” His words bite. They do. But I'm used to it. Sometimes. Amelia cuts in, “Dangerous matters are at stake,C. We're just trying to protect you and the pack. But when you sneak out during curfew, it complicates so many things. Like your safety.” I nod at her but my mind is still fixated on the words of the man behind her. Amelia advances forward and grabs my hand, clasping it in hers, “And your safety is our utmost priority. You know that. So please don't compromise us like that anymore. There's a reason for the curfew” I suddenly feel foolish. Amelia didn't deserve to leave her house in the middle of the night and have her son tail me just so my Father wouldn't run crazy that his only heir might go missing. Something I suspect he would secretly love. “How am I supposed to know anything going on in this pack when you hold secretive meetings and just expect us to follow instructions with no insight?” I ask, flailing my hands. Father scoffs, “And what do you of all people could possibly know about the pack?” He turns his back to me and downs a full glass of whisky before saying in a low tone, “You're not even a real wolf.” His haunting remark is punctuated by his stomping footsteps into his study. Along with a loud bang of the door. Dead silence follows after. Two more patrol members that I hadn't noticed earlier leave the foot of the staircase to stand on either side of the study's doors. “He didn't mean it.” I force a smile as I look at Amelia, “I'm sorry he made you wake up for this. I'll obey curfew next time. Goodnight.” Picking up my quiver, I lock eyes with Asher when I raise my head. He looks at me similar to a way he used to. It warms me but then burns hot with anger. I don't want his pity. I leave mother and son in the living room and make my way up the stairs. He didn't mean it but he's not wrong. I'm not a real wolf. And I've long given up on being one.