Episode1
I smile, tucking my little sister’s hair behind her ear as I weave the strands into two tight braids. Julia sits on the dirt-packed floor while I perch on our creaking bed.
The mud walls of our hut sweat damp air against my back. The straw roof rustles with every gust, threatening to give way. Mama and Papa sleep on the one tiny bed; Julia and I curl up on the floor.
My stomach twists with a hollow ache. I haven’t eaten since yesterday’s watery broth. I ignore it and focus on the little girl in front of me.
“Do the braids look good?” Julia’s soft voice pipes up.
“Well, I’m not a stylist, but I’m trying my best.” I grin, my fingers darting to her sides to tickle her.
She bursts into giggles, little feet kicking in the air. “Sto—stop it!” she squeals, squirming away.
I laugh and pull her back to finish.
I’ve barely started when the scabby cloth over our doorway is ripped open.
Papa rushes in. The rag around his waist is stained crimson. His chest heaves, his eyes darting to every corner like a cornered animal.
“Papa! See the braids Saph made me!” Julia flaunts the crooked plaits.
“Pretty, my love.” His voice cracks. He scoops her onto his shoulder. “Come. We have to go.”
“What’s wrong, Pa?” The blood on his clothes turns mine cold.
He doesn’t answer. He grabs my hand in a crushing grip and drags me outside. The wind bites my skin, raising goosebumps. Screams echo in the distance, with the clash of metal and guttural howls.
“Pa—“
“Shhh. Just do what I tell you.” He pulls us behind a thick bush.
I nod, my throat closing.
From our hiding spot I can see the farm. The guards are missing from their posts. Grown omegas scramble through the corn with their children, faces twisted in terror.
“Where’s Mama?” Julia’s voice is muffled against Papa’s neck.
“On her way.” He swallows hard.
She isn’t. The thought hits like a blow.
“Are we being attacked?” The question escapes before I can stop it.
“Yes. I have to get you both to safety before they get here.”
The missing guards, the fleeing omegas, the blood. My heart hammers. “What pack?”
He doesn’t answer. He guides us through the tall corn, sharp leaves slicing my arms, then past the rice farm toward the woods—the forbidden boundary.
At the edge of the cold stream, Papa stops.
“What’s wrong?”
“Your mother. She’s alive. I thought she was dead.” He sets Julia down and crouches, eyes locked on mine. “Repeat after me. I, Sapphire Weston, reject Black Cove to be my pack.”
My eyes widen. A rogue? Rogues are hunted. Killed on sight.
“It’s the only way.” His hands grip my shoulders. “I have to go back for your mama. If you don’t, Blood Moon will find you.”
Tears burn down my cheeks. “I, Sapphire Weston, reject Black Cove to be my pack.”
A searing pain rips through my chest. I gasp, clutching my heart. The agony dulls into a hollow ache, leaving only emptiness.
Papa makes Julia repeat the words. She does, trembling, crying.
He runs his fingers through our hair and presses a desperate kiss to our foreheads. “Sapphire, take good care of your sister.”
“But Papa, I’m omega. They’ll kill us—“ I hiccup, my vision swimming.
“Shhh. You’re strong, my darling. Stronger than you know.” He kisses us again, tears streaking his dirty cheeks. “Just run. I’ll find Mama, and we’ll come for you both. I promise.”
He holds out his pinky. I lace mine through it.
“Now go. Run, and don’t look back until you’re safe.”
He turns us around and pushes. Julia’s little hand is tight in mine, cold water soaking our feet. I glance back once. Pa is already running into the corn.
We run. Julia cries softly, her baby blue eyes rimmed red, our clothes hanging off us in rags.
At the border between our pack and the woods, I turn around.
A pair of cold blue eyes meets mine at the far end of the farm. The stranger is covered in blood, dressed in clothes I’ve never seen. A shiver slides down my spine as he steps forward.
“Run, Julia! Don’t look back!” I scream, shoving her ahead of me into the woods.
“I’m scared, Saph. I want Mommy.” She sobs, stumbling over roots.
“We’ll be fine.” My voice shakes.
A distant howl pierces the air, followed by the smell of smoke. The howl of victory. My pack is taken. My family is gone.
I fling Julia across my shoulders and run faster. For Papa’s sake.
