The Smile Behind the Poison
666 Words
“No, Mother, that can't be!” Alicia's voice echoed around the room. My hands 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 only added more fuel to the fire.
“No, Mom. Dad, you and I know that Orion was my childhood sweetheart. How can…” Her voice broke down as tears began spilling freely. The pain in Alicia's eyes caught me off guard; I had never seen her this devastated.
“I'm sorry,” I finally managed to say, though the words felt heavy on my tongue. If I had known, I would have stayed silent.
“You are not sorry,” she rose to her feet, slamming her hands on the table.
“If you were sorry, Elara, you would have rejected him,” she accused, her words slicing through the air. My eyes widened, shock mingling with confusion.
“Reject him if you love me,” Alicia's voice softened as she dropped to her knees before me. She reached out for my hands, gripping it tightly, her eyes shimmering with desperation. My body was wracked with guilt, yet 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 take 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 and leaned against it as worries swarmed my mind.
Tears streamed down my face. She has always had what she wants, but this time, I can't let go.
A loud bang struck the door, and I knew it was my angry foster sister knocking. With a tired sigh, I opened the door.
"Surprise!" Alicia shouted, a wide smile on her lips.
I blinked, stunned by the sudden shift. She looked happy, too happy and dressed in a glittering short gown, with makeup on. Still confused about what was happening, I watched as she stepped inside.
"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 an attempt at reconciliation.
"You can have a portion. I know I've hurt you in the past," she admitted, tears began 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, pulling her into a tight hug as tears streamed down my face. It felt as though the Moon goddess had heard my prayers, mending the bond between me and my foster sister.
She pulled back and cleared her throat. "Come on, sis, I got a beautiful dress for you," she said, holding it up.
"Will you come with me to the bar? Let's have some fun," she pleaded, her puppy eyes impossible to resist. I smiled, I had never seen her this sweet before.
"Sure," I nodded eagerly.
After changing into the dress, she helped with my makeup, and we left the room together.
We went to the bar, where some huge wolves were present, their various scents mingling thickly in the air as we walked in. The musicians were playing a lively tune.
"Tequila, please," Alicia ordered while I swayed lightly in my seat.
"Here you go, sis," she said with a bright smile, handing me a glass.
"Cheers," she said, her glass raised for a toast.
"Cheers," I echoed, our glasses clinked.
I gulped down the drink, and almost immediately, my vision blurred. Before darkness claimed me, I caught the glimpse of Alicia's mischievous grin.
"Loser," she smirked as I felt myself lose consciousness.
- Writer
