Dark shadow

CHAPTER 3

THE RITE OF THE FULL MOON

My heart began to race, and I nodded, stepping outside with him. I could feel Ama's eyes on us as we walked away, her face filled with concern

“Melissa, there has been a talk going round in the village and a talk that concerns me”

The Alpha said, once we were a safe distance from the house. "They are saying that you are not to be trusted, that you may be a danger to the village."

I felt a wave of panic wash over me, my stomach churning. "But that's not true!" I protested. "I would never hurt anyone, I promise!"

The Alpha held up a hand, silencing me. "I know that, Melissa. I have no doubt of your innocence. But I am worried that the villagers may not be easily convinced. They are frightened, and fear can make people do and say things they would not normally do."

"What do we do?" I asked, feeling helpless. "How can we prove that I am not a danger to them?"

The Alpha was silent for a moment, his brow furrowed in thought. "There is only one way," he said at last. "You must take part in the Rite of the Full Moon."

I gasped, my heart sinking. The Rite of the Full Moon was a sacred ceremony, one that took place only once a year, during the full moon.

"Did you say the rite of the full moon?" Ama interrupted, leaving both of us in shock, we had been so engrossed in the topic and didn't notice Ama standing there.

"There's no way you would let an 18-year-old child participate in the rite" she added dragging me behind her.

The Rite was a test of a werewolf's loyalty and strength, and it was said that only those who passed the test were truly worthy of being part of the pack. But it was also a dangerous and grueling task, and many who attempted it did not survive.

"Are you sure that is the only way?" I asked, my voice trembling. "I am afraid I will not be strong enough to pass the test." I added as I went out of Ama's back to face Alex

The Alpha met my gaze, his eyes filled with compassion. "I know it is a difficult thing to ask of you, but I believe it is the only way to prove to you that you mean no harm.

"You don't have to do it, if you don't want to"

Ama said turning to me pulling me close to her.

"You are still very young, and I doubt you will make it. Even if you do, I doubt you will pass," she added, her voice trembling. I looked to Ama who was almost pleading on her knees and looked to Alex.

I had always imagined what it would be like to be loved by the villagers. I was tired of being an outcast and I knew this was my only chance

I knew I had to do it, in order to prove that I meant no harm to the villagers and to gain their trust

I took a deep breath, trying to gather my courage. I knew that if I did not attempt the Rite, I would always live in fear of the other werewolves, and I would never truly be a part of the pack. I had to try, no matter how scared I was.

I looked at the Alpha, determination filling my heart. "I will do it," I said, my voice firm. "I will attempt the Rite, and I will try to pass"

"I can do this", I turned and said to Ama.

If I don't participate, I might end up becoming a laughingstock to the villagers.

I looked into his eyes and I could see that he meant well for me. "How much time have we got before the rite of the full moon? " I asked silently, hoping that it would be weeks away.

"The full moon will take place in two weeks' time" The Alpha said, "I know you're afraid, but I could help you get ready. When I was 10 years old, I participated in the rite and passed so I know some tricks ", he said with a smile on his face .

I looked at him and I could feel my heart beating faster. There was something about him that I just couldn't explain, was it his eyes with the color of the setting sun or his face sculpted like one of those Greek gods Ama painted and kept in

her living room . I felt so drawn to him and I kept asking myself why.

" What do you say about me training you?" He asked abruptly, taking me out of my thoughts , " It's fine if you won't feel comfortable around me", I was only suggesting ".

"It would be my pleasure" I said, "Thank you so much Alpha". I said with a look of appreciation on my face .

"Alex ", he said .

"Just call me Alex"

"Thank you Alex , I said with a low voice, unsure if I was free to call him Alex.

"We start the first thing tomorrow evening" he said walking away.

I watched him walk away and smiled, a little part of me impatient to spend time with this Wolf I have felt so drawn to.