Moon Child

What I Am

- Selena Rhys -

“What? Me? …a werewolf?” I exclaimed. If my guardian is joking with me right now, it’s not a very good one.

“Yes, dear. I’m sorry you had to find out this way” she said apologetically. I mean, I can’t wrap my head around it, but I don’t think finding it out this way is the main issue here.

“H-how? I feel like a normal person. How can you be sure that I’m a werewolf? Are my parents werewolves too? Are you a werewolf?” I asked her, trying to understand where this news is coming from.

“Okay, I understand this is difficult to believe. But hear me out first, okay dear?” she said so endearingly that I just had to nod at her.

She inhaled sharply before she spoke again.

“Yes. You are a werewolf. Even if you feel like a normal human being right now. It’s because you haven’t come of age yet. At the first full moon after your 16th birthday, you will experience your first shift. It would be difficult without your parents. But I will do my best to make it less painful for you. Now, after your 16th birthday, even before your first shift, you might be able to connect with your wolf. This phase is called the illumination, this is a time when your wolf is strong enough to connect with you but not strong enough to take physical form yet. So, if you start hearing voices in your head after your sixteenth birthday. Please don’t panic.”

She stopped and looked at me to see if I’m still listening. I nodded at her again to continue.

“Your parents… they… they are also werewolves. They were descendants of the fallen southern pack. They both died during the hunt. And as for me…” she hesitated.

“I… I am a sorceress. Or was a sorceress… because I already retired, you see. My last task is to take care of you until you can protect yourself”

“Protect myself? Why?” I asked confused. Why would anyone want to harm me? I’m just a girl. I don’t even know what I am now. Am I a human being? a werewolf? I just found out about this new identity and now I already have enemies that are after my life?

“I know, I know… you have a lot of questions for me. But this is all I can tell you for now.” She said.

“But that’s not fair.” I almost choked in disbelief. “You can’t expect me to sit still while you drop a bomb like that. You have to give me more explanation, please. I deserve to know.” I pleaded to her.

“I have been the most patient and obedient person to you. Remember when you told me not to ask questions about my parents? I never asked about them even when I’m so curious I could die inside. And when you told me to never leave our little home in the woods. I followed you again without any word. But this time, please don’t leave me in the dark anymore. Please Dolores.” My tears fell without inhibition. I can’t take not knowing anything anymore. I have to know.

She cupped my face in her hands and wiped my tears away.

“I can’t bare seeing you like this. But… I’m not sure if I can say more.” She hesitated.

“Listen to me my dear Selena, you are a werewolf. But not just an ordinary one. This is the reason why people would want to harm you or use you. I… I can’t… explain – as much as I would want to. But remember this. There’s a full moon tomorrow. I need you to go outside under the moonlight and look at your image on the nearby lake. Make sure no one is around you when you do this. Make sure no one sees you. Do you understand me?” she said as she suddenly looked at the direction of the town.

“I might not be able to come home tonight. There’s something that I must do. But don’t forget what I told you.” Dolores said hurriedly as she took her belongings and rushed outside.

“Dolores! Wait!” I shouted, trying to catch up to her. She took me in her arms and kissed my forehead.

“Take care of yourself, my child. And don’t forget who you are” she said as she vanished into the woods.

I just stood there for a good couple of minutes. Trying to replay my conversation with Dolores in my head. Okay, self. You’re a werewolf. But not just a werewolf. You’re like… special. A princess werewolf perhaps? Am I royalty? I thought out loud. All the fiction novels I’m reading is starting to get in my head. Novels? Books! I remembered the book I was reading a few days ago. I rushed inside to find it at my study table.

“Aha!” I exclaimed as I held the book in front of me. The History and Fall of the Southern Pack. This book might have the answers to my questions. I cleared the mess that was my table and began to read.

- Calum Beckett –

We arrived at the small town of Počitelj, Bosnia a day earlier than expected. As soon as I spoke with the inn keeper to confirm our reservation, he led us to our separate rooms. I guess they don’t receive travelers here that often. I dropped my luggage near the door and scanned my room. The space was small with not much to offer. There’s a small window near the bed which at least gave enough view of the lake and mountain range around us. I walked towards it and looked outside. My wolf stirred in excitement.

It has been quiet the whole trip but after we arrived here - it wouldn’t stop pacing inside me. Could she be here? The silver child. Can he sense her?

I went down to the bar and found Alex drinking.

“Where are the others?” I asked. I took a seat beside him and ordered a drink too.

“I think James and Gunner went out to find information. As for Adam, let’s just say I’m happy with the peace his absence brings” he said, looking at nothing in particular. Alex seemed to be in deep thought when he spoke.

“Say Alpha, why did you accept this job? The west pack council wanted the silver child alive. But our objective since the beginning is clearly the opposite. So, why did you agree to this?” he asked.

I pondered upon his question. I took a sudden interest at the small scratches on the bar table in front of us.

“I need to confirm something.” I said, finally breaking the silence between us. He looked puzzled.

“Roman said my father kept the silver child… and that he took a witch for an ally. If there is some truth to it. I want to know. And right now, the only way to confirm it is to accept this job…but. Don’t worry. I already thought of ways to go around the agreement. We can kill the silver child and fake an accident or kill her after we deliver her to the West Pack. Either way, we must find her first.” I said decisively.

Adam suddenly barged into the inn, panting heavily.

“Guys! Guys! You need to hear this!” 

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