Her New Moon

21

Frozen, there wasn't any use in putting the flames out. The girl continued to writhe in pain. Fire. Every part of her body was burnt alive. When was this torturous process going to end? They said dying is peaceful. Oh, how wrong they were.

Miraculously, the pain subsided, fading as if someone had poured cold water. That horrible odor. Was that how a burned body smelt like? Surprisingly, Driana did not feel tired. Curious how being flamed to death brought no fatigue to her body.

"Am I dead?" Driana spoke, shocking herself at how real her voice sounded.

Furrowing her brows, she opened her eyes. Cracks filled the rock ceiling, arching to the floor. Jagged stones popped out from the walls. Strange patterns and bumps were visible in the cave. Everything looked so clear and close for a nearsighted girl. Perhaps the afterlife perfected your flaws. Footsteps approached, and she sat up defensively.

"Oh!" Driana sighed in relief, then frowned. "Did you guys die too?"

Sam's expression looked pained. "Driana-"

"No!" Driana gasped in horror. "It's impossible that Laurent got all of you!"

"That's not it. He's dead."

"But what's wrong?"

The pack members had similar expressions as Sam. Each one of them was in grief. The familiar odor entered Driana's nose. It was a faint wet dog scent. The girl scrunched her face in disgust. Thankfully, it wasn't that strong. However, her ears picked up on the sound of thumping. More than one unrhythmic drum. Heartbeats. Driana's hand flew to her chest, eyes widening at no pulse. Shaking, she stared at her hands, which had gone pale. Realization dawned upon her.

"I'm one of them!" She shouted in disbelief. "I'm a vampire!" Her gaze slowly met the pack, and she pushed herself against the rock wall. "I'm going to die, aren't I?"

The wolf pack had visible tear tracks that ran down their cheeks. Seeing their friend who had transformed into their enemy brought them guilt. Shape-shifters existed to protect the innocent from the hands of a vampire. However, thoughts of failure swallowed them whole.

"Where's Paul?"

"He couldn't handle it," Jared said, looking down in guilt. "He blames himself."

Driana furrowed her brows as she thought of Paul. Her vision no longer saw the pack and the cave. It was replaced by the forest blurring at an inhuman speed, wolf paws hitting the floor. Wait, was she seeing Paul's view in real time?

Driana sighed, cautiously standing up. She closed her eyes. "Get it over with."

Hands clasped her shoulders, and Driana's breath hitched. As the arms snaked around her body, she accepted her fate. The grip tightened into a simple hug. Opening her eyes, Sam started crying. Each pack member took turns embracing the girl. If only Driana's body could form tears. Knowing Driana, the pack didn't need to see how upset she was.

"I- We can't," Jared spoke quietly. "You were a victim."

"It's not fair," Jacob added. He turned to Sam. "It doesn't have to be like this. Right, Sam?"

Driana shook her head. "It has to. I'm an enemy now. It's your job to rid people like me."

"No."

Everyone stared at Sam. He stood between the pack and Driana.

"You're our friend. You haven't hunted anyone yet. Not even on our lands. Perhaps we can make an exception. I can't guarantee the council will listen. Since we knew Driana before this happened, I think there's a chance you can stay alive."

"I-"

Driana paused, grasping her neck. The inside of her mouth to her throat felt dry. Feeling like the desert, it began burning the inside. She looked at the pack, who were concerned. They blocked the entrance to the cave, fearing that she'd escape.

"Help me," Driana croaked out. "Help me hunt."

"How?" Sam inquired.

"The Cullens drank from animals," Driana heaved out. "Surround me in case I stray too far."

Sam faced the pack, nodding. They stepped out of the cave, shifting into wolves. Sam's wolf form gestured with his head to step out. Driana hesitantly took a couple of steps forward. Everything seemed surreal. With her newfound vision and smell, she could pinpoint her surroundings. Inhaling deeply, she focused. She felt herself smile, unleashing a new side of her.

"There."

Driana led the way, the wolf pack following closely. The speed set her adrenaline running. The freedom and unending energy made her feel a strange type of happiness. The wolves ran alongside her, keeping a close watch. A herd of deer grazed peacefully. Driana could hear their pulse, the smell of blood running. She pushed the thoughts of no longer being human away.

"I'll try to eat as much as I can grab," Driana told the pack.

Climbing a tree, her superior strength made her light as a feather. Leaping from wood to wood, she inched closer to the herd. Thanks to her stealth, she went unnoticed by them. Driana wracked through her brain, creating a plan. Two deers stood closest to the tree she perched on. She eyed them, timing the moment. Making her decision, she jumped, using strength and speed to snap their necks. Sinking her teeth into their warm skin, the blood eased her dry throat. Satisfied, she remembered to give thanks and disposed of their bodies. Driana turned around, stepping back as the wolf pack stared.

"I'm sorry," Driana timidly said.

"You did what you had to do," Sam assured.

"As sickening as that was, that was cool!" Jared complimented.

"Really?" Driana asked, fiddling with her nails.

"Yeah!" Embry piped up. "You're much more awesome! All those moves you pulled made you look like a sick spy."

"You're still Driana to us," Jacob told her. "Except the freaky red eyes."

Embry nudged him, frowning.

"Thanks," Driana pursed her lips. "If I keep this animal diet, I can sustain myself. However, I need practice in keeping control."

"You need to stay within these grounds," Sam said. "We can't have you wandering past the lines near the humans. Being under control could change the council's mind."

Driana crossed her arms in thought. "If I can handle this lifestyle, maybe the council will see this positively." She sighed, staring at them. "If not, I want you to kill me."

"What about your mom?"

Driana hugged herself, pouting. "She can't see me like this. If anyone knew what I became, I'd bring danger." Nonexistent tears rolled down her face. "Tell them, the ones I love, that I died."