SIX MONTHS TO DIE
1148 Words
Zenele’s pov
“I would rather be dead than end up like that.”
I muttered the words under my breath, staring at the horrifying body lying twisted on the floor. My stomach churned.
Melinda folded her arms. “Then you’re willing to pay with your life?”
I inhaled sharply. Damien’s voice echoed in my head; the reminder that I should have died long ago if not for them. Maybe the Moon Goddess kept me alive not out of kindness, but so I could avenge my parents before I finally joined them.
“Only if you help me make them pay,” I said quietly.
Melinda’s expression shifted. “Who exactly are they?”
I've told her before, why's she asking again?
“Alpha Lucinda and Luna Sierra, though it happened a long time ago,” I whispered, “but their household must pay for what they did.”
I watched Melinda closely, studying her reaction. From the way her face tightened I knew this won't be easy.
“Alpha Lucinda and Luna Sierra are dead,” she finally said, “but they left behind a son; Alpha Varek.”
My heart thudded. “What pack?”
“Moonstone Pack.”
“Then I’ll make Varek pay for his father’s evil deeds,” I said. The words felt like a vow and yes they are.
“As I said, I’ll help you,” Melinda replied, “but everything must be done before six months pass.”
Six months?
I swallowed hard.
“After six months… I’ll be dead?”
Her gaze held mine. “...Yes.”
She looked away for a moment, and I could tell she was thinking of her sister, just as I was thinking of my parents. At least Melinda knew hers unlike me. I felt rejected, even my wolf rejected me, I've never heard my wolf’s voice… not once.
I exhaled. If all I had left was revenge, then so be it.
“I accept,” I breathed.
Melinda’s lips twitched upward into a smile she barely managed to hide.
She seemed… relieved.
“Can you tell me about your sister?” I asked. “If I’m dying for her cause, I'd like to know her.”
She met my gaze sharply, the question clearly catching her off guard as she forced a smile.
“Of course. My sister Rena was a witch; one of the most powerful among the night witches. She died fighting for justice against other powerful witches who betrayed our kind. She killed them… but not before they killed her.”
The sadness in her voice was unmistakable.
“Alright,” Melinda said abruptly, clearing her throat. “We begin the journey tomorrow.”
Was this really the right thing to do?
My fists clenched. Yes. It was better to die for revenge than live in suffering.
“We should sleep,” Melinda added, stepping inside the hut. I followed her.
Inside were two beds and a door leading somewhere deeper.
“You can rest here.” She said, pointing towards the bed.
I sat on the soft bed.
“This is way better than the rock I used to sleep on”. I muttered more to myself as I closed my eyes.
The next day
“Up, up, beauty UP!” Melinda’s sharp claps jolted me awake.
“It’s morning already?” I yawned.
“Yes.” She stood in a flowing gown, hair loose and shimmering down her back.
“You need to get ready,” she said. “I have a dress for you then we’ll eat breakfast and head to Moonstone Pack.”
The way she said it made a smile tug at my lips.
Is this really happening?
She took my hands. “Come on.”
She guided me through the door and surprisingly we got to a large adjoining bathroom.
After bathing, I slipped into the pink gown she’d given me. It fit perfectly hugging my curve. Then I stepped back to join Melinda.
“Wow,” Melinda exclaimed, her eyes widened. I noticed her gown matched mine, mine was pink and hers blue.
“Now they’ll believe we’re sisters,” she said.
“Sisters?” I repeated, confused.
“Yes. We need a disguise to infiltrate the pack. And remember, we only have six months.”
“I know,” I said.
Melinda raised her hand and flicked her middle finger upward. The two beds dissolved into glittering dust, replaced by a tall mirror and a neatly arranged makeup set.
“Come, sit,” she said, guiding me toward the seat. “Let me make you up.”
I sat looking at my reflection. My skin looked pale, eyes tired yet still holding onto some piece of beauty that had survived my suffering.
Melinda began applying makeup. I closed my eyes, letting her work her magic.
All my life, I’d seen others wearing makeup, transforming themselves. I had never worn any, not even a light powder.
“You’re ready,” Melinda said.
I opened my eyes and gasped.
“Wait… is this me?”
“Yes.” Melinda smiled. “You’re beautiful.”
I felt something warm in my chest; something I hadn’t felt in a long time. Pride? Hope? I wasn’t sure.
“Now we’re ready to leave,” she said, gently gathering my hair and styling it.
When she finished, we left the hut. Melinda carried a small purse as we walked deeper into the forest.
“How long to Moonstone Pack?” I asked.
“About two days.”
“Two days? Meaning we’ll sleep in the forest?”
“Of course. It shouldn’t be new to you,” she said, smirking lightly.
We walked until noon, then rested. Melinda handed me bread and beef.
“This will help us,” she said, taking a bite of hers.
I ate and drank my water before we continued deeper into the forest. When night approached, Melinda murmured a spell. Her hut shimmered into existence.
“Wow…” I whispered.
“Let’s go in.”
Inside, I collapsed onto the bed.
“Give me a minute to get dinner,” she said, slipping into the inner door.
Alone, I sat up, suddenly alert.
“Zenele… Zenele… run. RUN!” A cold voice whispered, laced with urgency and panic.
My heart slammed into my throat.
“Who are you?... What do you want?” I stammered.
There was no response, just that chilling whisper curling around me.
“Zenele… run… run”.
“Melinda!” I called but she didn’t answer.
“Melinda!” I yelled more loudly.
But still nothing. Was Melinda in there?
Fear took hold of my legs. I ran to the hut's exit, gripping the handle, and yanked it open.
I stepped forward, still scanning the hut but then a freezing grip clamped around my neck.
- Writer
