Bluey Ember

The thought has exasperated me from childhood. One's overall life, decided by a single stone. But this night, it wasn't exasperation that kept me awake, it was anxiety, a feeling of anxiousness that has consolidated the question I've asked since I learned how to walk and think. In the stillness of night, I do find solace that tomorrow is a new day, but I wished tomorrow will never come. Lost in thoughts on the uncertainty of tomorrow, I was drawn back to reality by a voice, as I felt a touch on my back. It was Mom. "It's time" she uttered. "Take a deep breath and move towards the crowd" In case you are confused, I wasn't anxious because of the stone deciding my fate, but me living the life and carrying the burden on my shoulders. After this night, I would start my duty officially. To lead my people through thick and thin. Most importantly, break the curse. I am Luna. Luna St Louis. My family has led the Blood pack wolves so long that people have forgotten the age we came into power. But all those years are normally discarded. They believed our real duty started from the period of the Curse. And the curse being a touchstone, we have ruled for thirty-five years, and for thirty-five years have we sorrowed under the curse of the fate stone. Young maidens who weren't able to change into wolves as soon as they turned sixteen, where married off to a beast. Yes, that's what they call him. A beast. Even the males are given to him, as slaves till they kiss the dust. If only one maiden from the family of St Louis, my family, born with the mark of the ancient wolf, could change into full form on her sixteenth birthday, then there's hope for the blood pack. The moon of the ancient appears once in a whole decade, so if I fail tonight, not only will I be married off to the beast, but my community will be subjected to another ten years of suffering, that's if we can produce another offspring after that ten years. My dad, being the leader is already at the altar holding firmly, the stone of destiny, with his insights locked on the moon. I could tell he wants the ritual to be a success. For me, the training, the prophecy, everything has been so intense for it to be false. I was only scared of the duty not failure. "Come hither my girl" my dad said. I walked into the altar maintaining my gaze at the enthralling being I just saw. "Is he from this community?" I wondered. "Meet Tristan" he said. He further explained he is a spirit wolf, born same night as me. I have always wondered what a spirit wolf was like. The tales about their strength, everything. He was going to transform today, I was excited. "It's time lad, step into the circle" he told Tristan. As he did as bid, the energy in the air became heavy, the circle pulsated with an unearthly light as the stone began to hum with power, responding to the offering of his lifeblood. Yes, a dagger would be used on your palms and you will place it upon the stone. As the last drop hit the stone, a surge of energy shot through his body, his bones began to c***k and reshape, stretching and expanding to accommodate his new form. The pain was excruciating, I could feel it. What I am going to pass through! Then, he fell to his knees, writhing in pains, the wolf in him was fighting for control. A primal being that demanded total dominance. Soon, I witnessed a wonder. I haven't been allowed to see first transformation until today, and my first observation was a spirit wolf. There, Tristan stood, a majestic wolf with thick, shaggy fur that drowned his body. His ears stood tall, twitching at the slightest sound and his scout was lines with sharp, gleaming teeth. But despite the fearsome appearance of his wolf form, his humanity still shone through. His blue eyes, once hidden behind human eyelids, now glowed with intelligence and self awareness. His canine instincts merged with his human reasoning, creating a unique and powerful entity. I was struck with admiration, then I was brought back again. "It's your turn bunny"