CHAPTER 002
1057 Words
CHAPTER 002
MALI ‘S POV
Mali stood by the porch steps as the sun hung low behind the hills, illuminating the clan lands with orange shadows. With everything she might need for the trip ahead, her backpack weighed down her shoulders. She glanced in the direction of the little wooden house where her family was waiting. The front door opened with a creak.
Suriya was the first to leave, his angular features softened by a warm smile. "You're going to the Wounded Moon Pack," Anong said. Are you certain you know the way?
Mali gave one nod. She spoke clearly despite having a tight throat. "Warriors from the east trail are leading me." They've already gone that way."
Her father approached her and put a comforting hand on her shoulder. He had a steady, grounding touch. "Just watch out, okay? Four days. That’s all I ask. We’ll be waiting.”
"I’ll be back," she whispered. "Soon."
After giving her a brief embrace, he half-smirked and said, "Next time, bring Kitsada." He never came.
Mali choked back a small laugh. "I'll give it a shot."
However, all humor vanished when her eyes locked with her mother's.
With her arms folded and her face unreadable, Ploy stood close to the doorway. Her well-tied hair tossed in the wind, but her face did not move. Chilly. Disconnected.
In an attempt to concentrate on the little pleasures, Mali knelt down to give her younger sister a hug.
"Be good while I’m gone," she murmured, smoothing Anong’s red hair.
Anong grinned and held up two fingers. Bring me some meat! The smoked kind!”
"I’ll try if there’s time. Mali continued, glancing sideways.
Ploy's voice was as sharp as ice. "The meat from last time is still in the freezer. Please focus your time on the most important tasks.
Mali's heart pounded with excitement. "I just had a thought, Mother—"
With a nervous laugh, Suriya moved between them. "Mali, don't worry about her. Simply leave. It would be nice to have some deer meat.
With a slow nod, Mali raised her pack on her shoulders. "Look after them. Take care of both of them.
"We shall," Suriya pledged.
She took one final look at her childhood home. Her stomach twisted. Despite her transformation into the Luna, she and her mother remained apart. This separation was perhaps the most painful aspect of her transformation.
Just before sunset, Mali met the escort party at the entrance to the clan's east trail. Kitsada's Gamma, Niran, was in the lead. He gave her a quick nod.
"Are you prepared?"
She exhaled through her nose. Indeed. It has everything.
"The weapons crate is being carried by Boonmee. Halfway through, we'll switch packs.
Mali looked at Boonmee, a reinforced case strapped firmly on his back, who had already transformed into a large gray wolf. "All right. Let's leave.
She spun around, transformed into a silver wolf, and joined the others in running. The forest engulfed the trees, making them hazy as they passed.
But her chest still ached from the hours of travel. There was a problem. Her wolf kept looking back, but she didn't understand.
The sensation became intolerable by the second night.
As Niran stirred a pot, his face was illuminated by the crackling campfire. With her hands pressed to her forehead, Mali sat cross-legged. Smoke did not burn her eyes. She felt as though her entire chest was giving out.
Abruptly, she stood up. "Niran."
Startled, he looked up. "Yes?"
"I must return."
"What?"
She was on her way to her bag already. "I have to leave now. There's a problem.
He stood up and gently yet firmly grasped her hand. "You can't. Kitsada issued precise directives. You must complete this mission before returning.
Her voice broke. "Release me. I'm not inquiring.
"Please, Mali—Luna. Such an act is not something I want to do. However, you will be defying an Alpha order if you return now.
She pulled her arm away. "Then later, let him punish me." I'm heading out.
A pause occurred. Then Niran lowered his gaze and moved aside. “May the spirits guide you back.”
Mali didn't answer. She shifted instantly, her paws slamming urgently into the ground. With each step, pain gnawed at her ribs.
She ran more quickly.
However, her legs gave way as she entered the southern borderlands of the clan.
Howling, her wolf fell to the wet ground.
Her insides seemed to be rupturing. She was having trouble breathing. Unable to think. Her body trembled, unwittingly returning to her human shape in the moonlight, exposed and defenseless.
"No," she gasped and crawled. "No, no, no..."
Kitsada's mark on her neck burned like acid. She was losing her mate bond.
With shaky, desperate steps, she pulled herself upright.
By the time she reached the central grounds, torches illuminated the area. A crowd surrounded the ceremonial podium.
Kitsada was standing on the platform when she noticed him. Anong was standing in front of him.
She was accompanied by her younger sister.
And Ploy's behind them. Present. Calm.
Before forcing herself to stand, Mali's knees briefly buckled. She shoved through the crowd, ignoring whispers.
"Is that Mali?"
"She wasn't expected to return just yet."
"Why is she not wearing clothes?"
She arrived at the stage, her face marred by tears and perspiration, and her breathing was labored. Her voice broke.
"What is this?"
Kitsada turned slowly, shock making his face go white. "Mali? Why are you here?
Her voice fell completely apart. "Why am I in this place? What are you doing? Are you spending time with my sister?
He parted his lips, but nothing came out.
Anong cast a shame glance down.
Ploy moved forward. "You were not there. Someone had to take your place.
Mali gazed at her, a sense of horror sweeping through her chest. "You... You orchestrated this?"
Her mother muttered, "You were never fit for him." "You always had a place elsewhere. It's time for you to accept it.
As the crowd appeared to enclose Mali, her vision became blurry. Everything whirled. She gasped for air.
"Kitsada," she muttered. "Assure me that this event is not taking place."
However, he remained silent.
He didn't dispute it.
He simply gazed at her with remorse.
Something inside her broke in that silence.
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