- 23 hours ago
The Luna and Her Shadow
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00My sister was perfect, everyone said so. Our parents. My mate, my brother. Me. I was the one they forgot
00:07at my own mating ceremony. But Sarah's perfection was a lie. Her alpha credentials. Bought her. Illness. Faked to drain
00:15our parents dry. And the night she finally went too far. She grabbed a blade and turned it on them.
00:21Today was supposed to be my mating ceremony. The day Tristan Vane would mark me as his Luna. In front
00:27of the whole Asheville pack.
00:28We'd trained together since we were pups. Everyone said we would be the perfect match. Future Alpha and future Luna.
00:36Balanced. Predictable.Safe. I smoothed down the front of my cloak for the hundredth time. Glanced toward the entrance again.
00:44Still no one. Not a single soul had shown up. Not my parents. Not my brother Rafe. Not even Tristan.
00:51Just me that standing alone in the silence. I pulled out my phone. Checked for the fifth time. No new
00:57messages.
00:58My thumb hovered over Tristan's name before I called again. It rang twice. Then went to voicemail. I stared at
01:05the screen. Unsure whether to laugh or throw it against the stone wall. Then the pack announcement flashed across it.
01:12Welcome home Sarah Thornheart. A video autoplayed. And there they were my family all of them. Gathered at the arrival
01:20gates of the northern ridge. Where the sky crafts landed. My father beamed. My mother teared up.
01:26Rafe had lifted Sierra into a spinning hug. Even Tristan was there. Standing just behind her. Sierra's golden hair glinted
01:34under the lantern lights. Her arm curled tightly around Tristan's. Like she belonged there she always did.
01:42My chest burned.
01:45A moment later. My phone buzzed again. This time it was Tristan.
01:51Stop being dramatic Kira.
01:52His voice came through dry.
01:55Like I'd called to complain about the weather.
01:59We'll do the ceremony later.
02:01He didn't even try to hide it.
02:03Sarah just got back from Alpha training at Wolfsbane Academy.
02:07The line cut. I stared at the screen. My claws itching to come out.
02:12Around me.
02:14The ceremonial hall remained silent.
02:17Filled only with the soft rustle of moonflower petals falling to the floor.
02:21I looked down at the cloak I'd spent hours sewing silver threads into.
02:25It pulled around me now like shed fur.
02:28Like something I didn't deserve to wear.
02:30I slipped it off.
02:32Left it there.
02:35The Ashevale pack buzzed with noise when I returned.
02:38Someone had roasted meat on the back grill.
02:41Sarah's perfume floated through the halls.
02:43Rose and sweet leaf.
02:45Strong enough to push every other scent away.
02:47Laughter echoed from the main room.
02:49A celebration dot loud and thoughtless.
02:52No one noticed when I slipped inside through the kitchen door.
02:55I went straight to my room.
02:57Sat on the edge of my bed.
02:59Stared at the list I'd written in my journal.
03:01A simple list.
03:03Every time I'd been forgotten, overlooked, passed over.
03:06I added another entry at the bottom.
03:08Mating ceremony no one came.
03:11A knock slammed against the door.
03:13It creaked open.
03:14Rafe stepped inside like he owned the place.
03:16His boots heavy on the floor.
03:18There you are.
03:20He looked me over.
03:21Took in the fur cloak now folded by my desk.
03:24The half-written letter to the council.
03:27Sarah wants your meatloaf.
03:28He said.
03:29Make it spicy.
03:31She says she missed the way you cook it.
03:33I stared at him.
03:34Hands resting on my lap.
03:36You missed my mating ceremony.
03:38Rafe blinked.
03:39Then shrugged like it didn't matter.
03:41It's just a ritual.
03:42He said.
03:43You and Tristan could next moon.
03:46Or the one after.
03:49Rafe picked up my journal from the desk.
03:52Flipped through it without asking.
03:54His eyes landed on the fresh page.
03:57You still writing this stuff down?
04:00At the top.
04:01In bold letters.
04:02Final warning.
04:04He snorted.
04:06What's that supposed to mean?
04:08You gonna run away?
04:11To be a rogue?
04:12He tossed the journal back onto the bed.
04:17Just make the meatloaf, Kira.
04:18I stood slowly.
04:20Walked past him toward the kitchen.
04:22My hands stung as I pulled out the meat from the cold box.
04:25The new soap they'd brought back for me to use Sarah's favorite brand.
04:29Had left red blotches on my skin.
04:32Rafe leaned against the wall behind me.
04:34Watching too closely.
04:36Why are you so quiet?
04:38He asked.
04:39Planning to poison her or something?
04:41Before I could answer, her voice rang out from the main room.
04:45Rafe.
04:45The chestnuts.
04:47He rolled his eyes.
04:50Coming.
04:51He turned and left, without a second glance.
04:55I washed my hands under cold water.
04:58Watched the red fade into pale pink.
05:01My eyes drifted to the counter.
05:04There sat the ceremonial cake I'd ordered.
05:06Still untouched.
05:07The bonding rings lay beside it.
05:10Sealed in their velvet box.
05:12I didn't cry.
05:13I just stood there for a long time.
05:17Staring at all the things that were supposed to matter.
05:21My wolf had been quiet all day.
05:24But now her voice was sharp in my head.
05:27They've made their choice.
05:29So will we.
05:30Vela.
05:31My inner wolf growled low.
05:33I looked toward the window.
05:35Beyond it, the dark trees of the northern woods swayed gently.
05:39Sarah was back.
05:40She had everything.
05:41And me.
05:42I was done waiting.
05:45I set the meatloaf down on the long oak dining table.
05:49The scent wafted through the air.
05:51Like a forgotten promise.
05:53Laughter echoed from the living room.
05:55Father sat comfortably.
05:56Usually buried in Alpha Council meetings and Ashevale pack logistics.
06:00Today, he listened intently as Sarah gushed about her time away.
06:05She said, her eyes shining.
06:08We practiced under the pack elder Grayfing.
06:11He said I had the instincts of a born Alpha.
06:16Strong enough to lead any pack.
06:19Mother clutched Sarah's hand.
06:21Eyes shimmering with emotion.
06:23My sweet girl.
06:24She sniffled.
06:25You've lost weight, haven't you?
06:27You need more rest.
06:29Too much time and training will weaken your wolf.
06:32To all your senses.
06:33Rafe sat beside them.
06:35Still dutifully peeling chestnuts.
06:37Like some beta servant.
06:39I stood quietly at the threshold.
06:41Between the kitchen and the living room.
06:43Watching Dart never invited.
06:45That room was warm.
06:46Bright Dart.
06:47Full of voices and attention.
06:49This room mine was quiet.
06:51Dim.
06:51Forgotten.
06:52Sarah's voice rose with performative sweetness.
06:55Her head tilted.
06:58Kira.
07:00Why are you just standing there?
07:02Still mad at me for ruining your ceremony?
07:05The conversation screeched to a halt.
07:07Three pairs of eyes turned toward me.
07:09Like I was a problem that had just come back.
07:12Father's brow furrowed.
07:14Kira, come here.
07:15Mother gave me that impatient look.
07:17The one that always followed whenever Sarah cried.
07:21Don't sulk.
07:22You're the one who picked that unfortunate date Sarah had just landed.
07:27We were all exhausted from the airport run.
07:30You know that, don't you?
07:32Then came the dagger.
07:35If you're going to be petty with your sister, she said, then you're no daughter of mine.
07:41Sarah gasped why Dash I'd full of faux concern.
07:44Mom.
07:45Don't be so harsh.
07:48Kira will feel hurt.
07:50But her smirk said otherwise.
07:52She knew my ceremony date.
07:54I told her a week in advance.
07:56She'd even replied.
07:57Can't wait.
07:58Got a surprise planned for you.
08:01Surprise, indeed, since we were pups.
08:04Sarah had always managed to turn every situation into a test.
08:08One where the pack had to choose.
08:10They always picked her.
08:11Even my mate chose her.
08:12I should have felt something.
08:14Anger.
08:15Betrayal.
08:16Sadness.
08:16But there was only stillness.
08:19I'm not angry.
08:20Those three words sliced through the tension.
08:22Like claws through bark.
08:24Everyone stared.
08:26Father blinked.
08:26Mother narrowed her eyes.
08:28Sarah tilted her head with a mock confused pout.
08:31They'd expected a tantrum, not serenity.
08:34Which meant they knew what they did would hurt me.
08:36They just didn't care enough to stop.
08:38Father exhaled.
08:39Good.
08:40That's good.
08:41We're a pack.
08:43We don't hold grudges.
08:45Of course.
08:46I said it nodding with perfect obedience.
08:48It was the same voice I used during full moon rituals.
08:53When addressing the elder wolves, the relief in their eyes was instant.
08:57They turned their attention back to Sarah.
09:00Dinner began.
09:01The maid had added several dishes besides my meatloaf.
09:05Crab legs.
09:06Lemon garlic scallops.
09:07All Sarah's favorites.
09:09Father murmured, piling food onto her plate.
09:12You're too thin.
09:14Eat more.
09:16You'll need your strength before the orchestral trial.
09:19Mother dabbed at her eyes again.
09:22Rafe chimed in with a grin.
09:24Don't worry.
09:25If any of those city wolves give you trouble...
09:28He cracked his knuckles.
09:30I'll rip their throats out.
09:33Sarah laughed.
09:35No need.
09:37I've got this.
09:38They all chuckled.
09:40I ate in silence.
09:42The warmth of the meatloaf doing little to thaw the cold within me.
09:45Then, for the first time that evening, Mother glanced at me.
09:49She hesitated.
09:50Picked up a spoonful of meatloaf.
09:53Placed it on my plate.
09:54Try it.
09:56Don't think we don't care about you just because we fuss over Sarah.
10:01I care about you too.
10:03The words felt, rehearsed, like a line from a script she'd used to often.
10:07I looked down at the food.
10:09It slowly set my utensils down.
10:11No.
10:12I'm full.
10:13What's wrong with you lately?
10:15Her expression shifted.
10:17Startled, then irritated.
10:18She started to say more.
10:22But Sarah suddenly clutched her throat, eyes wide.
10:28Mom.
10:29I...
10:29I can't breathe.
10:31Her voice cracked, breath rasping.
10:33She staggered backward, knocking over her chair.
10:36Panic erupted instantly.
10:39Mother screamed.
10:41Father stood so fast the table shook.
10:44What's happening?
10:45Rafe was already at her side, sniffing her neck and face for signs of poison.
10:50His beta instincts glaring.
10:55Her scent's spiking.
10:56Something's wrong.
10:57My heart thudded in my chest, not from fear.
11:00From the quiet, twisted irony of it all.
11:03In the chaos, no one noticed me standing completely still,
11:07just watching.
11:08Vela's voice stirred faintly in my mind.
11:10She's not choking, Kira.
11:12She's shifting.
11:14Something inside her is waking.
11:18Cira's rash bloomed across her skin,
11:20like a warning from the moon goddess.
11:23Ostrals flaring, hovering over her convulsing form.
11:28Is this...
11:29an allergic reaction?
11:32Why would this happen now?
11:35Like a dagger drawn under moonlight,
11:37in the next heartbeat her palm collided with my cheek,
11:40sending me sprawling across the tiled floor.
11:43Kira!
11:46What did you put in the food?
11:48Have you forgotten your sister's triggers?
11:50My head rang.
11:52The room swam.
11:53I could feel Vela stir within me.
11:55A low growl rising in the depths of my chest.
11:58But I shoved her back.
11:59Swallowed the heat clawing at my throat.
12:02You were so quiet.
12:03So obedient.
12:05And now this?
12:06His voice heavy with disappointment.
12:08You meant to harm Sarah.
12:11How did I end up with a sister like you?
12:14Enough!
12:14Father slammed his fist on the table.
12:16The sound reverberated like thunder.
12:18Get her to the healer now!
12:20The room cleared in a blur.
12:22My parents and Rafe carrying Sarah out.
12:25Frantic and breathless.
12:26Like she was the moon's own fragile vessel.
12:29I was left alone.
12:31Face throbbing.
12:32Heart hollow.
12:33It wasn't me.
12:34I whispered the words aloud.
12:36They echoed off the silence like lies.
12:38They wouldn't believe me.
12:40They never did not after everything.
12:43I felt something wet and hot on my palm.
12:46The maid had returned.
12:48Her eyes wide as she caught sight of my hands.
12:51Lady Kira.
12:53Your hands.
12:56They're.
12:58Swollen.
12:59I looked down.
13:00Red lines bloomed across my skin.
13:02Like fire veins.
13:04I'm fine.
13:05I lied.
13:06Brushing past her.
13:08In my room.
13:09I reached for an old leather bound notebook.
13:12As I opened its worn cover.
13:14The scent of old ink and pine dust rose.
13:17Memories not even the wolf in me wanted to recall.
13:20That winter.
13:21Prey was scarce.
13:22Rogues pushed at our borders.
13:24The council demanded more from father than he could give.
13:27When resources thinned.
13:28When space and safety grew tight.
13:30Someone had to be sent away.
13:32I volunteered.
13:33The obedient daughter.
13:34The easy one to forget.
13:36The outpost clung to the cliffs beyond the pack's borders.
13:39A place carved for old warriors and outcasts.
13:42No pack song reached that far.
13:45Only wind and silence.
13:46There I learned everything.
13:48They visited once a year for solstice rites.
13:51Each time.
13:52They stayed less.
13:53Brought more gifts for Syrodot spoke less of me.
13:56When I finally returned.
13:58The Ashevale pack had grown stronger.
14:00Courts and galleries echoing with pride.
14:03My new quarters.
14:04A forgotten supply room near the rear exit.
14:07No windows.
14:08No warmth.
14:09Just a reminder.
14:10I wasn't part of the vision they'd built.
14:13I packed my things into a worn duffel.
14:15The wedding leave I'd once requested felt laughable now.
14:19I reached for my phone not ready to send a message to my superior at the outpost.
14:23Requesting return.
14:26A name flashed on screen.
14:28Tristan, my mate.
14:29Or at least the one fate had paired me with.
14:32What did you do to Syrah?
14:33He demanded.
14:35Skipping any pretense of concern.
14:37She's in the healer's hall.
14:40You poisoned her?
14:42It was an allergic reaction.
14:46Don't lie to me.
14:47You've always been jealous.
14:49How could you hurt your own blood like that?
14:52His words were fire.
14:54Burning through any remaining illusion I had.
14:57Yes.
15:00I hurt her.
15:02I'll apologize when she recovers.
15:05Are we done?
15:07He fell silent for a second.
15:09Stunned by my calm.
15:10We'd argued about Syrah before dozens of times.
15:13He used to flirt with her under the pretense of concern.
15:17Ordered her favorite foods during our dinners.
15:19Ignored my needs.
15:21My wants.
15:22She's your sister.
15:24He always said, like that made everything acceptable.
15:27To my family, I was always the overreacting one.
15:31The unstable one.
15:32When Syrah went to the Alpha training, I'd felt peace for the first time even Vela had
15:37been calmer.
15:38Now, the storm had returned.
15:40If anything happens to Syrah again.
15:43Tristan warned.
15:44There will be no mating ceremony.
15:47Then the line went dead.
15:48I pictured him rushing into the healer's den.
15:51Brushing hair from Syrah's face.
15:53Playing the hero to the girl he truly wanted.
15:56My claws threatened to unsheathe.
15:58Instead, I smirked.
16:00Hung up, called my mentor back at the outpost.
16:04Later that night, the front door creaked open.
16:08Mother and father returned.
16:10Exhaustion painted across their faces.
16:13Rafe followed.
16:14His head low.
16:15My duffel sat by the door.
16:17I was ready to leave.
16:18From upstairs, I heard them speaking in hushed tones.
16:22Until the silence cracked open with betrayal.
16:25If only Tristan's family had better standing.
16:27Mother sighed.
16:29He's so good to Syrah.
16:31Sarah likes him.
16:33Father added.
16:34Had I known, I never would have paired him with Kira.
16:38Mother continued.
16:39Still, Tristan and Kira are more suited.
16:42Let Sarah chase her dreams.
16:44He can still chase care of her.
16:47Even as Kira's mate.
16:49The words sank like stones in my gut.
16:52Even now, they plan to keep Syrah close to my mate, to my mate.
16:56I descended the stairs, my presence sudden, cutting off their whispers.
17:01Mother flinched as she saw me.
17:04Kira.
17:07You...
17:08You're still here?
17:10I said nothing.
17:11Just grabbed my bag.
17:13Vela stirred again.
17:14We were never one of them, Kira.
17:18But we are not alone.
17:21About giving up my mate, as if I were merely a placeholder in Selene's shadow.
17:26When I walked past her, calm but cold her face stiffened with fear.
17:30I'm returning to the outpost.
17:32I said flatly.
17:34Ignoring the faint ache in my chest.
17:36The burn of betrayal that still lingered.
17:39Mother exhaled sharply.
17:41Realizing I wasn't about to explode.
17:43Father gave a curt nod, his approval silent.
17:46Good.
17:47Less trouble for the pack.
17:48Rafe, however, stepped forward.
17:51You're taking your thing?
17:54Are you really running away because we're upset about what happened to Sarah?
17:59You think that little apology call makes it okay?
18:01Their guilt from earlier so fleeting.
18:04Had already been replaced by righteousness.
18:06It always shifted like that.
18:08A second of shame.
18:09Then back to their cold duty.
18:12Your sister was hospitalized, Kira.
18:15Father growled.
18:16And you haven't even properly apologized.
18:18The air thickened, like wolves closing in on their prey.
18:22I could feel Vela pacing within me, her for bristling, lips curling in warning.
18:27Call her.
18:28Vela urged.
18:29Let them hear her lies for themselves.
18:31I took out my phone.
18:35Sarah picked up quickly.
18:36Her voice soft, as why are you PY laced with smugness like a wolf who thought she'd won?
18:41Kira?
18:43Oh, is it because you found out Tristan is here with me?
18:47Are you angry?
18:48The silence that followed was immediate.
18:50Even Rafe flinched.
18:52My parents exchanged a glance.
18:54The perfect image they had of Sarah beginning to crack.
18:57I didn't react.
18:59I didn't need to.
19:00It's good he's here.
19:02You'll need someone at your side.
19:04Sarah hesitated.
19:06Do you really mean that?
19:08Of course.
19:09I replied coolly.
19:10I don't know what caused your reaction.
19:14But I'm sorry.
19:16I apologize.
19:17A pause.
19:18Then I ended the call.
19:20My family stood still, Dot shocked.
19:22Perhaps because I'd apologized without resistance.
19:25Perhaps because I hadn't played the dramatic, jealous wolf they expected.
19:30Lifting my duffel.
19:33Now am I allowed to leave?
19:35Their silence was answer enough.
19:37I turned, my heart lighter for the first time in days.
19:40Walked out the door.
19:41No longer their dutiful amiga.
19:43Let them sit with their doubts.
19:45Let Sarah play her little games.
19:46I was done begging for scraps of affection from a pack that never truly wanted me.
19:53This time, no one tried to stop me.
19:56Rafe's voice called out behind me.
19:59Faint and unsure.
20:00Why didn't you make a fuff this time?
20:02I didn't answer.
20:04There was nothing left to fight for.
20:06Back at the outpost.
20:07I shut everything out.
20:09Phone on airplane mode.
20:10Focus locked on the border.
20:12For 13 days, I trained hard.
20:15Took extra shifts on patrol.
20:17Keeping my head down, my thoughts quiet.
20:19The work was brutal.
20:20But steady.
20:22By the end of it, something inside me had settled.
20:25The next day, I turned on my phone, it vibrated non-stop.
20:29Messages crashing in from the pack.
20:31From Tristan or from people I'd once thought of as friends.
20:35I opened my friends' messages first.
20:37Dozens of them, all furious.
20:39All aimed squarely at Sarah and Tristan.
20:43One photo that made my blood still, a family photo.
20:47Everyone was there.
20:48My parents, Rafe, Sarah, and Tristan.
20:52He stood beside her.
20:53His expressions soft dot familiar.
20:56Like someone who'd finally found his place.
20:58Like someone who'd always belonged at her side.
21:01The caption read,
21:02With my beloved family members.
21:04My friend had commented beneath it, unable to hold back.
21:08Your sister's not even in the photo but her fiancée's doing a great job playing her brother and her mate.
21:14Huh?
21:14I replied to her briefly.
21:17Told her not to waste her energy.
21:19Then I went through the rest of the messages.
21:21They all blamed me.
21:23For letting someone challenge Sarah for making her look bad.
21:26For upsetting the image she'd carefully crafted.
21:29I responded to each with a polite, distant apology.
21:32Then I locked the screen.
21:36Kira!
21:38Rafe called.
21:39His voice tight with concern.
21:42Finally.
21:43What have you been doing?
21:44But in the background I heard Sarah laughing.
21:48Dad!
21:48Mom!
21:51Tristan!
21:52Their voices were light, carefree.
21:54This carousel is so cute!
21:57Like none of them had ever driven someone away.
22:00You were worried?
22:01I asked calmly.
22:03Silence.
22:04We couldn't reach you.
22:06We wanted to invite you along, you know.
22:09It's not our fault.
22:11Your friend's comment really upset Sarah.
22:14She cried for hours.
22:16We had to take her out to cheer her up.
22:18But I already apologized.
22:20I said dot more silence than a weak reply.
22:23It's for the best.
22:25I guess you've learned your lesson.
22:27Then Tristan took the phone.
22:28Kira, did you tell your friend to post that?
22:30You're disgusting.
22:32I've said it before, Sarah's your sister.
22:35I'm just taking care of her for you.
22:37That's what your family does too.
22:39But you, you're always jealous.
22:41Always playing the victim.
22:43Maybe you should think about why no one chooses you.
22:45The words were cold, delivered with purpose.
22:49The words didn't sting not anymore.
22:54Because 13 days ago,
22:56I'd heard the truth from the alpha and luna of our bloodline.
23:00Tristan had never wanted me.
23:02He was playing a part.
23:04Just like the rest of them.
23:06If I'd stayed quiet, he would have kept pretending.
23:09You were never the choice, Kira.
23:12Vela's voice murmured inside me.
23:15Only the placeholder.
23:18A few seconds passed.
23:22His voice softened.
23:23He realized, maybe that he'd gone too far.
23:27But I was already looking at the flight details my classmate had sent me.
23:32Tristan, we're done.
23:33What?
23:34I'm not your shield anymore.
23:38Or a substitute.
23:41The line went quiet after my words.
23:44Then came Tristan's low chuckle.
23:46Confident in all the wrong ways.
23:47Kira, are you serious?
23:51After everything we planned for the mating ceremony?
23:54You're really ending it over a tantrum?
23:57I exhaled slowly.
24:00So you do remember how long this has been arranged?
24:04He still thought I was bluffing.
24:06Come on.
24:07You're just upset.
24:10I said I'd make it up to you.
24:14Acting cold won't change how I feel.
24:16I didn't need to explain anymore.
24:18When I heard Rafe arguing with him in the background I hung up.
24:22Then I blocked every number tied to the Ashevale pack, Tristan included.
24:26That night, I slept through the night for the first time in weeks.
24:29And I dreamed art in the dream.
24:31I saw a young girl curled on the floor of a cold outpost barrack.
24:35Her uniform was too big, her hands covered in healing scrapes.
24:39She scribbled something into a journal.
24:42Half numbers.
24:42Half thoughts.
24:44Never full sentences.
24:45A quiet record of everything she swallowed down.
24:48Today, I covered someone else's patrol again.
24:51No one said thanks.
24:53But I didn't want trouble.
24:54Today, I trained with a broken rib no one noticed.
24:58Maybe they wouldn't care even if they had.
25:01Today, I was told to smile more, be softer.
25:04Don't make others uncomfortable with my silence.
25:07The journal wasn't a countdown.
25:08It was survival.
25:10Note she left herself to remember that it wasn't her fault.
25:13In the last entry, she wasn't wearing a wedding dress or anything dramatic.
25:18Just her worn boots.
25:19A cloak that smelled of the wild wind in her hair.
25:23Her shoulders lighter.
25:24I should have walked away sooner, she whispered.
25:27I stood beside her, older and unflinching.
25:32But you're walking now.
25:35I didn't leave the outpost.
25:39I stayed through the cold, through the silence.
25:42Through the rough edges of pack life on the border.
25:45No one held my hand.
25:46No one asked if I was okay.
25:48But that was fine.
25:49I didn't need them to.
25:51While others gathered around bonfires or joked during downtime, I trained harder.
25:58Took extra shifts.
25:59Learned everything I could.
26:01Territory lines.
26:03Emergency signals.
26:06How to hold my ground when no one came to back me up.
26:09I became someone useful.
26:11I became someone useful.
26:12Someone who didn't flinch when things got hard.
26:14Not the overlooked daughter.
26:16Not the broken bond.
26:20Just a wolf doing her job.
26:22And doing it well.
26:26One night, during a rare chat with a friend back in the pack she messaged with a grin I could
26:31almost feel through the screen.
26:32Kira, you won't believe this.
26:35The Asheville pack are losing it without you, even Tristan.
26:38Total meltdown.
26:40I blinked, then smiled faintly.
26:42Why would they care?
26:43No clue.
26:44But they're trying every trick to reach you.
26:47Guess they finally noticed the silence.
26:49A moment later, my phone buzzed with a call from an unknown number.
26:53I almost declined.
26:55But something told me to answer.
26:57My mother's voice came through, tight with forced warmth.
27:02Kira, thank the moon goddess.
27:04We've been trying to reach you.
27:06Why did you block us?
27:07We thought something happened.
27:09We, we weren't fair to you.
27:11I know that now.
27:14Come home.
27:15We'll celebrate your birthday properly this time.
27:19I went still.
27:21They found it, not the notebook, but what it meant.
27:24The record of everything I never said out loud.
27:26All the moments they ignored.
27:28All the wounds they couldn't see or didn't want to see.
27:32I don't like birthdays.
27:34There was a long pause on the other end.
27:35A silence that sounded more like guilt than love.
27:38She asked again.
27:40At least, come home.
27:42I looked around my small dorm room.
27:46The scent of coffee clung to my worn blanket.
27:51My boots were muddy from the last field run.
27:56A door-geared book rested beside my pillow.
27:59Or mine.
28:00This was peace.
28:01This was mine.
28:03I am home.
28:06I said and hung up.
28:10I made my rejection clear.
28:12But it didn't matter.
28:13They came anyway.
28:14I returned from patrol to boot still caked in dust and ash.
28:18Only to find them waiting outside the outpost gates.
28:21For shadows I had no use for shadows I had no use for anymore.
28:24My father, my mother Dot Rafe, and Tristan.
28:27The Ashevale Pax Corps.
28:29They lit up like they'd found something they'd lost.
28:33Kira!
28:35Kira!
28:36You're back!
28:37Before Rafe could block him.
28:39He looked wrecked bloodshot eyes.
28:42Shaky hands.
29:11Long time.
29:13Small reactions.
29:14But they were there.
29:16I heard what you said that day.
29:18I added.
29:19My mother looked away.
29:21My father's jaw clenched.
29:22Even Rafe didn't meet my eyes.
29:24Tristan was never meant for me.
29:26He loved Sarah from the start.
29:28But his bloodline wasn't good enough for her.
29:31So you gave him me instead.
29:34I was a placeholder.
29:36A distraction.
29:37A Luna decoy.
29:41That's not...
29:42My mother tried.
29:43But even she didn't sound convinced.
29:47We didn't know.
29:48Rafe muttered.
29:49I didn't need to hear the rest.
29:51Yes!
29:52I liked Sarah before!
29:54But that changed!
29:56Tristan's voice cracked next.
29:59We were bonded!
30:02Of course I cared for you!
30:04I nodded once.
30:05And his eyes lit up.
30:07Until I said...
30:09But you didn't show up for our mating ceremony.
30:12That was your last chance.
30:14There won't be another.
30:16There can be another!
30:17He blurted.
30:18I already ordered your new bonding robes!
30:22Same maker!
30:23Your favorite fabric!
30:26The ceremony can be redone!
30:29It can be better!
30:32Please, Kira.
30:34I never stopped caring.
30:35He reached for me, hands desperate.
30:37I just...
30:38didn't think you'd really leave.
30:42I was stupid.
30:45I was scared.
30:46Once.
30:47I would have leaned into it now.
30:49It only reminded me how much colder he'd made me feel.
30:52You say you love me.
30:54But love doesn't use someone to patch up a broken past.
30:57Love isn't guilt.
30:58It's not obligation.
30:59You leaned on my loyalty like it owed you something.
31:02You knew what I wanted.
31:03I wanted to be chosen.
31:05I wanted someone who would choose me.
31:07Even if no one else did.
31:08His hands dropped.
31:10His body curled inward.
31:11Like I'd taken something vital.
31:13I didn't reach out.
31:15He wasn't my mate anymore.
31:16And I wasn't his shield I turned to go.
31:19Only to be blocked by the rest of them.
31:21Right.
31:21The rest of the story.
31:25I crossed my arms.
31:27He came here for redemption.
31:30What about you three?
31:32My father cleared his throat.
31:34Looked down at the cracked earth.
31:36After reading your journal...
31:37He started.
31:38We realized the pain you went through.
31:41He tried to explain about Cira's childhood illness.
31:44About how they'd poured all their care into her.
31:47Out of fear.
31:48He said they didn't know how to love me once I came back.
31:50Said they hadn't seen what Cira was doing.
31:53My mother spoke next barely above a whisper.
31:57The allergic reaction wasn't your fault.
31:59It was the peanuts.
32:01I accused you.
32:03I hit you.
32:07I'm sorry.
32:09Did it hurt?
32:13Once.
32:14I would have dreamed of this.
32:15Them admitting it.
32:17Seeing me saying the things I needed to hear.
32:19But now.
32:20It was too late.
32:21I wasn't that girl anymore.
32:23Not the one waiting by the door for someone to pick her.
32:28Their faces fell when I didn't answer.
32:30My mother looked like she might cry.
32:32My father tried again.
32:34Rafe hovered like he didn't know where to stand.
32:38But I was done carrying their shame for them.
32:40Are you done?
32:41I asked.
32:44Cira, don't be like this.
32:45Rafe started.
32:48Don't waste my time.
32:49I cut in.
32:51I've got better things to do than hand out forgiveness just because you feel guilty now.
32:55This isn't a waste of time.
32:57Rafe snapped.
32:59We came all this way to apologize.
33:01I looked at him.
33:02Really looked Rafe.
33:03My golden-eyed brother.
33:05Once my favorite person in the world.
33:08You want to know why it's like this?
33:10I said my voice stayed even.
33:12Because I used to love you all too much.
33:15Then I turned and walked away.
33:17They didn't follow.
33:18Maybe it was the finality in my voice that froze them.
33:21Or maybe they didn't know what to say when everything they thought they could rely on crumbled in front of
33:26them.
33:26They gave me space.
33:28For a while.
33:29But eventually, the attempt started again.
33:32Sometimes, I found packages outside my door.
33:35Venison stew wild berries.
33:37Bundles of herbs wrapped with care.
33:39There were no notes, just their scent.
33:42I never took them.
33:43I passed the food to others in the den.
33:45Those who hadn't yet turned their backs on second chances.
33:48I didn't need to give them a chance.
33:51Not anymore.
33:53A few months passed.
33:55The attempt slowed, then stopped.
33:57I found my rhythm at the outpost.
33:59Patrol shifts.
34:01Training sessions.
34:02Quiet meals in my dorm room.
34:04The young wolves there started to recognize me.
34:07Not as the alpha's forgotten daughter.
34:09But as the one who didn't complain.
34:11The one who showed up.
34:13The one who could handle anything.
34:15One evening, a package appeared outside my door different from the others.
34:19No venison.
34:20No berries, just a plain envelope.
34:22Inside a single photograph.
34:24It had fallen out of someone's wallet during the chaos of Cira's departure.
34:29I recognized the angle immediately.
34:31Someone at the Wolfsbane Academy had taken it.
34:34The time stomp on the corner told me, when the same week as my mating ceremony.
34:38In the photo.
34:40Cira.
34:40Laughing on someone's lap, not Tristan's.
34:43Someone else's.
34:44The note beneath was brief.
34:46She wasn't who you thought.
34:48Neither was her training, eh?
34:50I stared at the photograph for a long time.
34:53Then I filed it away.
34:54Evidence.
34:55For a storm I knew was coming.
34:59The rumors started subtly.
35:01First through packed communication channels.
35:03Whispers about the Wolfsbane Academy.
35:06An investigation had been launched.
35:08Something about falsified credentials.
35:10I didn't seek out the details.
35:12I didn't need to.
35:14My ally at the outpost kept me informed.
35:16The reports came in fragments.
35:19Cira had returned to the Academy after leaving Ashvale.
35:22But her time there it hadn't been what she claimed.
35:25Those stories about the pack Elder Greyfang.
35:27Her instincts of a born alpha.
35:30Fabricated all of it.
35:31She'd bought her way through.
35:33Use charm.
35:34Use favors.
35:35Use Tristan's name like a key to doors that should have stayed locked.
35:38When our parents sent money for her training expenses.
35:42She'd spent it on herself.
35:44On clothes.
35:45On parties.
35:46On the kind of life that left trails of damage no one could see yet.
35:50Then she'd come home.
35:51Play the victim.
35:52The golden child.
35:53The one who could do no wrong.
35:55My parents believed every word.
35:57They emptied their savings for her.
35:59Again and again.
36:00Until the money ran out and Cira needed more.
36:05The breaking point came on a night when our parents finally traveled to Wolfsbane.
36:10Unannounced.
36:11Worried they'd been sending money to an address that no longer existed.
36:14When they arrived at the Academy what they found was chaos.
36:18Empty dorm rooms.
36:19Unpaid tuition bills.
36:21A trail of forged documents stretching back months.
36:24And Cira dash gone.
36:25No one knew where.
36:26It took three days to track her down.
36:28When they did.
36:29They walked into a scene that would haunt our bloodline forever.
36:33I got the report from an ally.
36:35Read it in my dorm room.
36:36With Vela silent beside me.
36:39Even she had no words for this.
36:41The Ashevale pack had arrived at a cheap rental in the city.
36:45Found Cira surrounded by people I didn't recognize.
36:48Bottles scattered across the table.
36:50Her eyes wild.
36:51Her hair tangled.
36:53She wasn't the golden child anymore.
36:55She was something broken.
36:57Something dangerous.
36:58You always loved me.
37:00She'd shouted at them.
37:02Her voice raw.
37:03Cracking at the seams.
37:05Then she grabbed a blade.
37:06So why did you send all your money to that bitch Cira?
37:11Everything happened fast after that.
37:13Too fast for anyone to stop.
37:15The blade flashed.
37:16Rafe moved without thinking trying to protect our parents.
37:20Trying to protect everyone.
37:21Like he always had the blade found his side.
37:24He crumpled.
37:25The healing that should have fixed him in moments didn't come.
37:28Or rather.
37:29It came wrong.
37:30Something about the wound.
37:32Something she'd put on that blade.
37:34His wolf form would never be the same.
37:36His strength.
37:37Dulled.
37:38Permanent.
37:39Cira ran.
37:40Disappeared into the city.
37:41Left her brother bleeding on the floor.
37:43Left our parents holding each other.
37:45Wondering how their golden child had become a stranger.
37:49Rafe survived.
37:50Barely.
37:51But the brother I'd known the one who peeled chestnuts and protected.
37:54Cira and forgot my birthday would never be whole again.
37:57That was when everything broke.
37:59Finally.
38:00Our parents had to see her for who she really was.
38:03They cut her off.
38:04But Cira didn't disappear.
38:06She found someone new to feed off.
38:08Tristan.
38:09He took her in.
38:10Despite everything.
38:12Despite what he'd promised me.
38:14Despite every warning I'd ever given him.
38:16But she never told him.
38:18What she'd caught during those nights at Wolfsbane.
38:21During all those reckless flings with whoever would have her.
38:24A disease that burned through the blood.
38:26Silent at first.
38:27Then not.
38:28She gave it to him.
38:29Without knowing.
38:31Or maybe knowing.
38:32Not caring.
38:35In a fit of rage.
38:36When he discovered what she'd done.
38:38When he realized she'd played him the same way she'd played everyone.
38:41Tristan killed her.
38:43Cira de Ra.
38:44Ah.
38:44Once the darling of the Thornheart family.
38:46Died in blood.
38:48By the hand of the man who should have been my mate.
38:50Rafe was left broken.
38:52His wolf slowed.
38:53His strength dulled.
38:55And Tristan.
38:56Imprisoned for murder.
38:57I stared at the names in the report.
39:00But I felt nothing.
39:01I closed the file.
39:03Turned back to my work.
39:04I didn't return to the Ashevale pack.
39:06I stayed at the outpost.
39:08Where my strength was earned.
39:10Not inherited.
39:11Here.
39:11I wasn't just a shadow.
39:13I was Kira.
39:14The warrior they respected.
39:16The wolf who didn't need to rely on anyone else.
39:19They gave me space to grow.
39:21To rise as I always should have.
39:22They respected me.
39:24Not because of my bloodline.
39:26But because of what I could do.
39:29When my name appeared in the trade reports my family came to find me.
39:33They couldn't even get past the gates.
39:36The guards turned them away.
39:37An alpha's daughter.
39:39A beta's sister.
39:40The former mate of a convicted murderer.
39:43None of it mattered here at the outpost.
39:45You earned your place or you didn't enter.
39:48I watched from the watchtower as they argued with the guards.
39:51My father's voice carried in the wind frustrated.
39:54Desperate my mother was crying.
39:56Rafe stood apart.
39:57His posture wrong.
39:59His wolf struggling against a body that no longer moved the way it should.
40:03And Tristan wasn't there.
40:05Locked in a cell somewhere.
40:06Knowing what he'd done.
40:08Knowing what he'd lost.
40:09They mourned the daughter they had tried to silence.
40:12The sister who had once begged for their love.
40:15The wolf they thought they controlled.
40:16They would mourn me forever.
40:20The one who no longer needed their name to rise.
40:24Vela pressed close against my ribs.
40:26Warm, steady, fierce.
40:28We made our choice.
40:30She said the same words from that first night.
40:33But now they meant something different.
40:35Then not a surrender.
40:36A declaration.
40:38I looked out over the northern ridge.
40:40The moon hung full and bright above the treeline.
40:43Somewhere out there, a pack was falling apart.
40:46But here in this outpost on the edge of the world I had built something real.
40:50Something that belonged to me.
40:52Something no one could take away.
40:54Not their daughter.
40:56Not their mate.
40:57I said softly.
41:01Not their shadow.
41:03Vela's approval hummed through my bones.
41:06Their warrior.
41:07She said.
41:08Their alpha.
41:09Our own.
41:11The moon.
41:11The moon.
41:12The moon.
41:12The moon.
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