CHAPTER TWO
920 Words
AURORA’S POV
“No, Mother, that can't be!” Alicia's voice echoed around the room. My eyes trembled as I dropped the fork.
“Come on, Alicia, it's a win-win for us. If she becomes the Luna and he becomes the Alpha, we will be respected in the werewolf community.” Mother's attempt at reassurance seemed to only add more fuel to the fire.
“No, Mom. Dad, you and I know that Orion has been my childhood sweetheart. How can…” Her voice broke down as tears began to fall. The pain in Alicia's eyes took me aback; I had never seen her so devastated before.
“I'm sorry,” I finally managed to say, though it felt heavy on my tongue. If I had known, I should have kept quiet.
“You are not sorry,” she stood to her feet, slamming her hands on the table.
“If you were sorry, Aurora, you would have rejected him,” she accused, her words slicing through the air. My eyes widened in shock, curiosity mingling with confusion.
“Reject him if you love me,” Alicia began to plead, her voice softer as she knelt before me. She reached out, gripping my hands tightly, her eyes shimmering with desperation. My body was wracked with guilt, but part of me hated the request she was making.
“Come on, reject him for me, if you love me,” she pleaded again, tears streaming down her cheeks. I couldn't bear it anymore. I stood up, overwhelmed.
“I'm sorry, Alicia, I can't do that,” I muttered, rushing up the stairs. Behind me, the sound of plates crashing to the floor echoed through the house.
I locked the door, resting my back against it. Worries swarmed around me, and tears began to stream down my face. She has always had what she wants, but this time, I can't let it go.
My mind drifted back to the past, to the days when I was still a child.
Flashback
"Father, it's time for my bedtime story," my small voice called out to him.
"Alicia, I need to tell your sister first. You should sleep now," he responded, disappointment washing over me as he walked out of my room.
Another memory surfaced. "Father, you promised me something if I did well in the competition," I reminded him, hopeful.
"Come on, Aurora, you should pity your sister who got nothing. Let us celebrate her to cheer her up," he said, pulling my cheeks gently before walking away.
Tears rolled down my cheeks as I remembered everything. "She has taken what's mine since I was a child. I'm not letting this slip away," I declared with newfound determination. She had hurt me so much in the past, always taking what was mine. This time, it's my turn.
A loud bang sounded on the door, and I knew it was my angry step sister knocking. I sighed and opened the door. Before she could say a word, I walked downstairs towards my dad and mom.
"Aurora," they called out to me. I approached them, my heart heavy with the weight of their expectations.
"I know how difficult this is for you, but I need you to quickly get married to Orion, the son of Alpha Dane, so he can take the throne, dearie," Mom coaxed, a smile spreading across her lips.
"I will," I faked a smile, walking out of the sitting room.
After spending some time at my mother's grave, I walked back into the room. The light was off, and I fumbled to locate the switch.
"Surprise!" Alicia shouted, a wide smile on her lips. I smiled back, noticing the sudden change in her demeanor. She looked happy, wearing a glittering short gown with makeup on. Still confused about what was happening, I watched as she stood up.
"Come on, Aurora, don't be afraid, okay?" She placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "It's fine, really," her voice carried a warmth that suggested she was trying to make amends.
"You can have a portion. I know I've hurt you in the past," she admitted, tears beginning to form at the corners of her eyes. My mind replayed the painful memories of the past.
"It's fine, really," I sniffled.
"I just want us to love one another. I've forgiven you, Alicia," I said, hugging her tight as tears streamed down my face. It felt as if Mother had heard my prayers, bringing me and my stepsister back together.
Pulling away from the hug, Alicia cleared her throat. "Come on, sis, I got this beautiful dress for you," she said, showing me the dress.
"Will you come with me to the bar? Let's have some fun," she asked, her puppy eyes pleading. I smiled, never having seen her this sweet before.
"Sure, I will," I nodded eagerly. Changing into the dress, she helped me with my makeup, and we walked out of our room.
We went to the bar, where some huge wolves were present, their various scents mingling in the air as we walked in. The musicians were playing a lively tune.
"Tequila, please," Aurora ordered while I danced in my seat.
"Here you go, sis," she said with a broad smile.
"Cheers," she raised her glass for a toast.
"Cheers," I echoed, our glasses clinking together. Gulping down the drink, my vision began to blur almost immediately. I caught a glimpse of Aurora's mischievous grin.
"Loser," she smirked as I felt myself lose consciousness.
- Writer
