Born To Be Your Apocalypse

Sabrina's POV They say your life can change in a single moment. They were right. Mine changed in a single night. Because what should have been the happiest night of my life, ended with my family's blood staining my favorite dress and my screams echoing into the darkness. **** “Easy on the powder, Sabs,” Kyle called from the doorway, his voice full of that big-brother mischief. “You’re beating your face up with all that stuff. Zane Grayson doesn’t like chubby girls, remember? One more layer and he’ll think you’re trying too hard to hide those cheeks!” I snorted and flicked my makeup brush at him. It missed, but the laugh that bubbled out of me felt warm and real. “You’re such an i***t, Ky. I’m not chubby…I'm just adequate! And I’m not dressing up for Zane. Tonight’s the Moon Dance and his swearing-in. The whole pack is going to be there. I just need to look good so I can represent the family.” Kyle snorted. “Please. The family already has me carrying the good-looking department. You're just trying not to embarrass us.” I gasped and reached for the nearest pillow. “Take that back, Kyle!” “Not a chance.” He pointed at me dramatically. “And don't throw anything else at me. Mom said if you leave another dent in my head, she'll make me wear a helmet to pack events.” Before I could launch the pillow, he slipped out of the room, laughing. I snorted despite myself, and the laugh that bubbled out of me felt warm and real. One of these days, I'm going to teach him a lesson for always teasing me. I turned back to the mirror, smoothing the deep green silk over my hips. The fabric whispered against my skin, cool and soft, catching the light in my cozy bedroom. Every corner smelled like home…lavender from the soap Mom made and the faint pine drifting through the open window. My curls fell just right after all that work. For once, I felt pretty and ready. Downstairs, Dad’s deep voice rumbled up the stairs. “Kids! Your mother is already tapping her foot. Let’s not keep the Alpha waiting!” A pause followed. “And you both know what happens after the foot tapping,” he added, his voice carrying more amusement now. “The next stage is her launching a spatula at whoever is slow enough to make her wait.” Kyle and I burst out laughing. “We’re coming, Dad!” Kyle shouted back. “In a minute!” I called, quickly grabbing the last few things I needed. We hurried down together, Kyle still poking at my side and making me swat at his hand every few steps. Mom waited by the door, her eyes lighting up the moment she saw me. She pulled me into a quick hug, her familiar scent of rosemary and warm jasmine wrapping around me. “You look beautiful, my baby,” she said softly, pulling back to admire me. “You have to hold your head high tonight. Our family stands close to the Alpha’s for a reason.” Kyle leaned against the wall, looking me over dramatically. “Wow,” he said, nodding like he was judging a masterpiece. “I hate to admit it, but Mom’s right. You actually cleaned up pretty well, Sabs. Almost like a respectable member of society.” I rolled my eyes. “Almost?” Before I could say more, Mom shot him a look. “Kyle.” “What?” He lifted his hands innocently. “I’m complimenting her.” “You’re teasing her.” “Both can be true.” Mom shook her head, turning back to me with a proud smile. “My daughter is a stunning jewel. Don’t let your brother’s nonsense make you think otherwise.” Kyle’s mouth fell open. “Wait. Your daughter?” Mom raised a brow. “What about me? Am I not a stunning jewel too?” A snicker came from behind us. Dad leaned against the doorway, clearly enjoying the show. “More like a rough rock,” he said, barely holding back his laughter. Kyle looked personally offended. “Dad!” Mom immediately reached over and playfully smacked Dad’s chest. “Stop teasing your son.” Dad only grinned. “He started it.” “He started it? Matthew, what are you? Five?” Mom said, rolling her eyes before looking at Kyle. “Besides, my son is not bad either.” Kyle stared at her. “Not bad?” he repeated, placing a hand over his heart dramatically. “After all these years? That’s the best I can get?” I couldn’t help laughing as Dad shook his head. “You should be grateful she didn’t say you’re lucky to be here,” Dad teased. Mom shook her head, turning back to me with a proud smile. She kissed my forehead, then glanced toward the festival grounds glowing in the distance. “I’ll catch up with you all later tonight. The Luna asked me to check on her before the ceremony…she’s been a bit off lately. Save me a spot near the front.” After a round of pecks, she slipped away towards the direction of the Alpha's quarters, her shawl fluttering behind her. The pack paths were alive with energy. Lanterns swung from branches, casting golden pools of light. The air hummed with laughter, the sizzle of meat on open fires, and the sweet drift of night-blooming flowers. Pack members called out greetings as we walked. Everyone knew the Quinns. A powerful Beta bloodline. Respected. Trusted. Loved. Our family had served the pack for generations. We stood beside the Alpha family, not because of a title, but because our strength, loyalty, and bloodline had earned us that place. This was our world. From the outside, we were the perfect model family. The kind everyone looked at with admiration. A strong Beta father. A graceful mother. A promising son who will be the next beta. And… Me. Well, I was the exception. I noticed the looks people tried to hide. The whispers that faded the moment I came near. The way some members of the pack watched me like they were only holding back from pushing me out because of my family’s name. They thought I was a disappointment. Why? Because I was almost nineteen years old and still wolfess. A wolf without a wolf. In our world, your wolf was your strength. Your identity. The other half of who you were. And I had spent my entire life without mine. But what they didn’t know was that I wasn’t truly wolf less. Not really. Dad had delayed my transformation himself, and he had a reason. A reason he refused to tell me no matter how many times I asked. He only promised me one thing. On my twentieth birthday, he would finally set her free. My wolf. And I couldn’t wait. Because maybe then, everyone would finally understand that I wasn’t the weak link in the Quinn family. Maybe then, they would finally see me. The central clearing opened up before us, packed with pack members in their best clothes. Music played…drums and fiddles mixing under the rising moon. Everything felt perfect. Too perfect. Then the scream tore through it all.