The wolfless Alpha

Aurora was done getting ready for school and took one last glance at herself in the mirror. She wore a white, baggy hoodie and long black trousers that hung loosely on her frame. She had always been insecure about her body. People mocked her for being fat, for being a little out of shape. Letting out a quiet sigh, she picked up her backpack and slung it over her shoulders. As she walked downstairs, laughter drifted up from the dining room. Her family was already seated at the table, eating breakfast and talking animatedly. For a brief moment, Aurora paused. Then she stepped forward. The laughter stopped. Silence fell the instant she entered the room. Aurora exhaled slowly and walked toward the table. “Good morning, Dad,” she muttered, pulling out the empty chair opposite her brother. He ignored her. As usual. Aurora knew better than to push further. She began eating the food her mother had already set aside for her. Five minutes passed in heavy silence, every second pressing down on her chest. “Aurora,” her mother finally said, breaking it. “How are you feeling? Knowing today is your last trial to determine your wolf.” Aurora sighed. There were only three chances to awaken a wolf, beginning at the age of fifteen. She had failed the first two. Today was the last. If she failed again, it meant she wasn’t a werewolf at all. And the hatred her family already carried toward her would only deepen perhaps to the point of becoming unbearable. “Hope she does,” her father said coldly. “Otherwise, she’ll be leaving this house.” Aurora’s fingers tightened around her spoon. “Even if she awakens,” Aaron, her younger brother, added with a smirk, “her wolf will probably be useless.” Laughter erupted around the table. Aaron had awakened a Class A wolf during Aurora’s second trial. Since then, he has become the pride of the family. And was seen as a potential future Alpha. The miracle child. He was the only person in the Lykora Clan to unlock a Class A wolf in over a century. “How can you be the next Alpha,” Aaron continued mockingly, “when you can’t even unlock a wolf?” Aurora clenched her fists beneath the table. She remembered the bet she had once made with him that she would become the next Alpha. Back when she still believed effort could change fate. “Aaron,” her mother said, trying to soften the moment, “don’t conclude yet. Today is her last chance.” Aurora lowered her head, shame burning hotter than anger. The food suddenly tasted like ash. She stood abruptly, slung her backpack over her shoulders, and walked out of the house. No one stopped her. Outside, tears welled up in her eyes, but she wiped them away quickly. Please, she prayed silently. Let me unlock my wolf today. ~~~~ At school, students moved in groups, laughing and chatting about last night’s training or upcoming trials. Aurora kept her head down as she walked to her classroom, avoiding eye contact. “Hey, Aurora.” Kelvin stood near the door, offering her a small smile. He was the only person who ever spoke to her. “Kelvin,” she replied softly as she set her backpack beside her desk. “How was your night?” “It was okay,” he said, studying her face. “Is something bothering you?” Aurora hesitated. She wanted to tell him everything. But she couldn’t. “No,” she said quietly, pulling her books from her bag. “Nothing is bothering me.” She said hesitantly, "Just know if you need help, I'm here for you," Kelvin said, with a smile, as Aurora muttered "okay" He opened his mouth to say something else but was interrupted by the teacher who walked into the class. ~~~~ After class ended, Aurora went straight home. She had no friends to linger with, and she needed to prepare for the unlocking ceremony. Her heartbeat quickened as the minutes passed. By the time she reached home, it was already 4:00 p.m. The ceremony would begin at six. She bathed quickly and lay down on her bed, exhaustion pulling her under. “Aurora… Aurora…” Her mother’s voice pulled her awake. “You’ll be late if you don’t get up now.” Aurora blinked sleep from her eyes and checked her phone. Fifteen minutes to six. Her mother sat beside her on the bed. “Aurora, if you don’t unlock your wolf today, it isn’t the end of the world. It’s just the beginning of another chapter. You’ll face difficulties, but with time and hard work, things will be okay.” Aurora understood what she meant. Those who failed to awaken their wolf were expelled from the werewolf community and labelled human. To werewolves, that was a curse. “Thank you, Mom,” Aurora whispered. ~~~~ The building loomed ahead of her. Dust filled the air as she stepped inside, and a wave of nostalgia hit her. Memories from two years ago flooded her mind, but she forced herself to stay calm. The hall resembled an old museum white walls dulled by age, the floor worn by countless footsteps. Children gathered inside, all here to unlock their wolves. Aurora found a seat. Whispers followed her. Everyone knew who she was, the girl who had failed twice. The oldest candidate is still standing. The ceremony began as the Elder of the clan stepped forward. “Welcome to our yearly wolf unlocking ceremony,” he announced. “Many of you here may become future elders and defenders of Earth.” He paused, scanning the crowd. "The Werewolves are the protectors of Earth." The Elder paused looking at the crowd. "For centuries, we had guarded humans from the Asuras of the Underworld, sealing the gates that connected the worlds. Asuras fed on human souls and fear, and without the werewolves, humanity would have fallen long ago." He paused as he walked down the podium, Sweat had already filled her head, and palms, as memories of the previous unlocking ceremonies filled her head "To protect humans, the truth was hidden. Only a select few knew of our existence. The government worked closely with the clans and the supreme alpha to keep the gates sealed. " Aurora had been born into this hidden world. And tonight, she might lose her place in it forever “Remember, if you fail this year, you still have two more trials.” Aurora’s heart clenched. He unrolled a parchment. “Aurora Fregly.” Her name echoed through the hall. She stood, legs trembling, and walked toward the stage. “Place your hand on the orb” the Elder instructed. Aurora obeyed, her palm pressing against the cold surface. Her heart thundered as she prayed. Suddenly A powerful gust of wind swept through the hall. Blue light flooded the stage. A mighty aura surged, pressing down on everyone present. Aurora prayed silently, She could feel it. The wolf. Strong. Vast. Awakening. Her breath hitched Her eyes brightened for once she felt they was hope. And then Everything came to a halt.