The Luna's Contract

7. Feeling

( CAMILLA )

Aunt Mirabel - came through the door with a big smile. Her disturbed gaze lingered on me, but after a moment it was on Matilda sitting behind the table.

"Come on, my dears, it's time. Try not to cause trouble. We'll see each other again; it was nice to have a chat." Matilda's gaze shifted to Conan and Marcel and then to me.

With little effort, I pulled my body away from the chair, took a few steps across the room, exchanged places with my aunt, and soon the corridor was in sight. Memory is my strong point, so my feet led the way, knowing the destination. The rapid footsteps of Conan and Marcel echoed in the corridor. It is difficult to hold so many thoughts in my head, which is why the nagging pain is becoming unbearable. Steps underfoot, a turn to the left, a big door to the main meeting hall where people were still having fun.

"Camilla, stop. We need to talk." Conan's calm voice drifted around, causing my feet to stop instantly.

I glanced over my shoulder at the two men, as different as night and day. My body turned towards them, a glint of eagerness in my face, curiosity rising in my chest. Fingers rose towards the index finger, slowly circling, trying to soothe the information as much as the pain.

"Let's get out of here to somewhere a little more secluded and quieter." Marcel's soothing voice drifted around, his gaze flicking over my shoulder to the curious people looking in our direction.

"No, not now. Today you will both leave me alone. Now it's better that those around you don't understand what the hell you're doing here." The calm words left my lips, the pain became bearable little by little.

Marcel walked straight towards the glass staircase without saying a word. Conan stared into my eyes for a few moments but shook his head and hurried in the opposite direction to his brother. I seem to be able to breathe and think clearly again. The tension left my shoulders like a huge stone rolling off them. My wolf was whimpering inside as if it was demanding to get out of here as soon as possible, and to escape to freedom for the first time. A gentle hand touched my shoulder, causing me to flinch, bringing me back to my senses. I looked towards the girl with a worried expression. Hazel watched me as and without words I instantly melted in her embrace.

"Are you all, right?" Hazel's green eyes turned to me, concern shining in them, one of her hands lingering on my shoulder.

"Yes, let's get out of here. I don't want to be here anymore. The atmosphere here is giving me a hell of a headache. I think my wolf wants to get away." I gave a quick smile, my heart, which had been beating like crazy after the news, took on its usual rhythm.

Hazel nodded towards the door, which was coming towards us at a fast pace. Suddenly a male silhouette blocked the way, my angry gaze fixed on the man who was blocking our path to freedom. Fists clenched tightly at my sides in anger, a tight jaw showed disgust at the person standing in front of me.

"Sergeant Camilla Heins, will you dance with me?" Declan held out his hand, smiling his crooked and contemptuous smile.

"No." A short reply left my lips with which echoed and rumbled from my chest.

Declan – was that one person who made training in the army a living hell. This man has a high rank, so normally his words mean a lot to me during service. However, next to his blue eyes, his stern face, the mole above his nose and his long brown hair, there is a character that makes me cringe inside. The hatred just trembles in every fiber of my body - he is a bastard.

"I won't let you leave until you've given me one intimate and close dance." Declan dipped an eye, the corner of his lip rising to highlight the dimple in his cheek.

He hasn't taken his eyes off me since the first practice. Every day has been like a personal hell belonging to his unit, it all ended when I met Hazel and she took me over to her team. Although that didn't stop him from still following and watching from the sidelines like a psychopath. Declan is very close to the former Alpha Jordan, they used to talk privately for a few minutes every time he came to the training ground. This person is like a riddle that I do not want to try to solve or resolve.

Declan reached out and put his hand on my shoulder, a cold shiver ran through my body in response to his touch. Taking a step back, a low growl came from my chest expressing annoyance. Dark blue eyes looked straight at me; a smile of satisfaction graced his face.

"Don't you dare touch her." Conan's calm voice sounded next to me, making me cringe.

"Your orders are not valid today. You have no right to tell me how to behave Conan." Declan's fierce glare shifted towards Conan, a tone of displeasure leaving his lips.

"I don't need a title to break your arms. Step away from the door, now." Marcel's muffled and firm voice spread around.

I didn't dare look at the Grey brothers, but I didn't take my eyes off Declan, whose facial expression changed as he looked at Marcel. Fear seemed to shimmer in his eyes, and his jaw tensed to show the anger he seemed to be holding in. With a slow step, Declan moved away from the doorway. I pushed the door open with my hand, freeing myself from the tension around me. A warm wind blew against my face, ruffling my short blond hair. Hazel walked next to me without saying a word. The path led onwards. Before turning left, I glanced at the Dome, where two figures stood on the stairs looking my way. Two men holding my back without a word or a request. A strange feeling in my chest, the she-wolf still anxious with her tail held high, proud.

"Are you going on the hunt, it starts in an hour?" Hazel's voice caught my full attention.

It was still light around, even though the sun was already rolling on the horizon. Summer is the most wonderful time to enjoy the warmth, long days and carefree swimming. It's the most wonderful time of year when nature is green everywhere, the sun kisses your cheeks, and life is just bustling around.

"No. My wolf has become rather restless. I'll run a few little laps to enjoy the first change, then head home." I counted the tiles under my feet leading to the nearest forest.

"You want to talk about what's going on, how you're feeling, you know I'm always here, right?" Hazel's voice was full of worry, though her face betrayed not a drop of emotion.

"It's a bit difficult with all the information Elder Matilda has given me. Though I think it will become clearer as time goes on. I think I'm in a bit of shock." I shook my head, my feet stepping on the green moss, my gaze wandering through the treetops.

"What did Elder Matilda tell you?" There was a note of curiosity in Hazel's voice, her green eyes lingering on me, but soon wandering off somewhere in the trees ahead.

"I will have to choose between Marcel or Conan, three stages lie ahead. It all seems to have come so suddenly. Although the she-wolf is happy inside, showing only positive emotions, I feel a little confused myself. Your brothers, they are strangers to me." I paused; my head tilted to the sky.

Hazel didn't say anything, probably lost in her thoughts. Birds were chirping around, singing dreamy melodies, a gentle breeze was making the leaves rustle with mysterious words that no one understood. Fresh air circulated back and forth from my lungs, making my body feel free and clean. How is all this happening? The first transformation into a werewolf, when the true nature can no longer hide and emerges into the light of day. I have seen Hazel a million times before, becoming a three-meter wolf, with a beautiful thick yellow coat that glistens in the sun. Huge jaws, two dandelion-yellow eyes that turn amber in the dark. It is like a snap of the fingers, a switch when the body transforms. Hazel had said there is no pain, just a feeling of infinite freedom in the chest, heightened sensations and less control. Yes, werewolves are nature's children, but how do you come back when the wolf has taken over most of your body and your feelings? What's to stop it from coming back and forcing me to regain my human form?

"Worried again?" Hazel's voice scattered the strained thoughts, her green eyes lingering on me, a wide smile shining on her face.

I shook my head no even though it was a lie. I closed my eyes, a deep breath relaxing my body, which was still a little tense. My mind cleared to the purest things that make me happy: nature, freedom, peace. A strong thump made me open my eyes wide, four dark brown paws digging into the moss. Is that me? The gaze shifted to Hazel, who had changed shape, her fur glistening in the sunset rays. So easily, like one second and that was it.

I ran forward at incredible speed, although it would be wrong to say it was me. It is very difficult to control myself at this moment, everything is not going according to my wishes. Though my thoughts remain sober and sharp. A strong wind was teasing the dark brown chestnut coat. It watched every tree and bush that flashed by. The colors are incredibly vivid and make this world look like a fairy tale. Every detail, a leaf dancing in the air, the texture of the bark of the tree trunk, even the little bugs crawling in the moss - everything is so detailed. A rich feeling of bliss in the chest - a new kind of uplifting classiness. That's what it takes to be yourself, independent, free, strong and able to do anything.

Hazel ran alongside me, not a step behind, occasionally glancing in my direction as if to see if I was OK. Suddenly, my paws hit the ground, stopping, refusing to move forward. There was a strange fluttering in my chest, and a loud howl came from my jaws as I looked at the setting sun. Such a powerful, low, sound echoed through the woods and meadows, probably heard by all. I want to return to my body. The sun is setting, soon darkness and evening will occupy everything around. Ahh, I shook my big snout, is that a negative answer from the wolf?

Hazel looked at me, probably seeing the worry in my eyes. I tried to close my eyes, to relax, to return to my human body. The she-wolf resisted, not letting me close my eyes, but the darkness around me won. The next moment, I was myself, the dress that adorned my body badly damaged. My fingers brushed my lower self, a smile shining on my lips, all this new - an incredible experience and feeling.

"Are you all, right?" Hazel's eyes shone with two question marks, and her forehead had a few small wrinkles showing her infinite excitement.

"That was wonderful. Although for a moment I thought I was going to be trapped in that body." I sighed, turning on my heel as I walked along the forest path.

The deep evening was gathering around me, changing the light. Time flies so fast, it's hard to realize what time it is. Hazel playfully nudged my shoulder demanding my full attention. My thoughts seemed to be still racing, trying to gather all the feelings that seemed to be fluttering in my chest.

"Don't worry, the first transformation is always the hardest. In time, your wolf will realize that it is time to be free and time to return to the body that belongs to you. You've done very well, and your appearance is truly breathtaking." Hazel smiled brightly, her gaze drifting somewhere into the dark treetops that slowly swayed.

The forest path was soon replaced by city streets, back to civilization. A left turn, every track is familiar, my whole childhood was spent here. I stopped at a gate that seemed to invite me to return home. I put my arms tightly around Hazel, who soon emerged from my embrace.

"See you tomorrow, don't be late for practice." Hazel winked, turned on her heel and raised her hand in farewell.

"Thank you." Silent words left my lips, thanking her for always being with me.

I pushed open the gate, the windows of the house were dark, strangely Mirabel still hadn't returned. A few minutes later, I knelt on the mat and pulled out the spare house key. My feet soon found their way to the bedroom. I hit a switch, the light spread throughout the room. The bedroom is a place where I don't spend a lot of time, but it's like my own paradise. A small double bed, a table lamp and a wardrobe at the other end of the room. A soft rug under the armchair by the window and a bookshelf nearby. Fingers snagged the wardrobe door, the first clothes that came along enveloped the body, replacing the dress. A strange clinking made me wince, what is it? I ran my gaze across the room, nothing unusual. Another soundless clink - a pebble bouncing against the window pane.