Moonfire Academy (NaNoWriMo 2023)

Chapter One

It didn't matter how many years passed, the pain of losing a loved one never eased. Cressida had been told that as the years passed, her father's death wouldn't hurt as much. Everyone had lied. Ten years, and still the wound in her heart hurt as bad as the day she entered her home to find her father lifeless on the floor, in a pool of blood.

As she knelt before his grave, she brushed her fingers over the soft golden flowers adorning his grave, wishing with all her heart that she could turn back time and arrive a few minutes earlier. Perhaps, If she had, she could have aided her father in fighting off his attacker.

"Darlin', the alliance has been sealed."

"This is a mistake." How could their leaders think that making an alliance with the vampires would lead to a good outcome? The undead should never be trusted. Her father found out the hard way when he trusted Nehemiah. "How can the alpha stand by and allow this? That bastard should be dead."

Her mother placed a hand on her shoulder, giving it a slight squeeze. "The alpha seeks what is best for all packs. Besides, Nehemiah has--"

Cressida rose to her feet and turned on her heel, running her hands through her lustrous brunette hair, feeling the wolf spirit within trying to claw his way out. Her mother's voice faded into the distance as she picked up her pace and sprinted through the forest. 

Soon, she would be able to leave this place and live amongst the humans, no longer bound by the pack bond to follow her alpha's wishes. An outgrown root caught at her feet and she went sprawling to the forest floor. With a deep breath, she sat against the rough bark of an enormous tree and stared up at the sky. Father, please give me strength. If this continues, I might lose my sanity.  

The tear-shaped golden pendant around her neck shone bright and before her, the wolf spirit became visible, appearing ghost-like. You must control those emotions of yours.

"Easy for you to say." With an inhale, she clasped her hands around the pendant. "The alpha--"

He is doing what is needed. Cressida, I chose to bond with you because I saw potential. Do not make me regret this.

"You should have bonded with someone else. I don't seek to remain in this pack for eternity."

His eyes shone golden against the dazzling sunlight. Destiny had other plans for us.

Within seconds, he vanished into thin air. She sat in silence for a few more minutes, listening to the relaxing melodies of the forest that calmed her wild heart, relaxing her aching muscles. Around her, the plants seemed to dance in the calm breeze, the fragrance of lilies teasing her nostrils. 

Seraphina landed before her as light as a feather, a bright smile on her full lips. "Oh, I didn't think I'd see you today. Aren't you supposed to be getting ready to return to the Academy?" Seraphina moved and the flowers adorning her soft green curls appeared to shimmer iridescent. Even her deep rich brown skin seemed to have a subtle shimmer. 

"Aren't you as well?"

"Oh, I've packed everything. I was heading to your home so we could head to the portal together." Seraphine took her hands and hauled her to her feet. "What's that scent? Goddess, it's repugnant."

"Funny."

Cressida's eyes met her ex-boyfriend's blue ones. He stood just as arrogant as any other alpha, Despite having torn her heart to pieces, it became apparent that a month was not enough to stop loving the bastard. As she recalled finding him in a room at one of the bars in the city with another woman, her heart ached, but she managed an expression that revealed nothing.