Luna

Chapter 3

A burst of laughter fills the silence of the room. I don’t even notice that it’s coming from me at first. How can I not laugh? A vampire living amongst wolves? It’s an impossibility. Just the thought of such a ridiculous scenario makes me tear up and laugh even harder.

It's one hell of a joke. Too bad no one else in the room shares my humor. Maybe the concerned looks on their faces is some failed attempt to continue the ruse.

 
“Moonlight are you alright?” Mom asks cautiously observing with worried eyes.

 
“Of course, I’m alright. Why wouldn’t I be?” I say through more snorts and giggles. “Oh come on that was funny. I’m guessing Aron put you all up to this.”

 
Only he would come up with a stupid line like that. It’s not the first time he’s gotten the family in on his so-called “epic pranks". Like the time they made me think I was invisible. At least this time I haven’t fallen for it.

 
“Nice try knucklehead.” I say peeking towards the stairs where Aron is probably hiding and snickering like an idiot.

 
“This is no joke.” Zeva says.

 
“Sure it’s not.” I jokingly nod as I get up to leave. “Look this was fun but I need some sleep. Now can I please go to bed?”

 
“Luna please listen.” Mom begs nearly in tears. Immediately I freeze. “It’s the truth. You are a vampire.”

 
Chills run through me at those words. I stand slack-jawed for a minute or two. My eyes grow wide as I look at everyone around me. I search for the slightest bit of insincerity only find sadness in their eyes.

 
My breathing quickens as I slowly realize. Moon above, they are serious.

 
I snatch myself away nearly stumbling over the table as I do. “No. No, you've all made a mistake.” I cry shaking my head as if to shake off the lie.

“It’s impossible. I’m not one of those things. I can’t be.”

 
“You are.” Zeva gently confirms.

“No, I’m not!” I snap at her. At this point, I’m trembling and my face starts to flush.

 
“I’m not some pale-faced savage. I don’t have fangs, I don’t burn in the sun, and I don’t drink blood. I am a wolf. That’s who I am.” I proudly exclaim. “I’m like you Dad.”

 
“No, you're not.” Dad admits in a brittle voice. A piercing pain emerges and my hands fly up to my chest. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. We never meant to lie to you or hurt you. We were only trying to protect you.”

 
“By lying to me.” I say.

 
“We thought it was a good decision at the time.” He then gestures over to Zeva.

Cradling my still quivering hands into hers she guides me over to the living room mirror. I feel like I’m floating as I move. It’s as if I’m asleep. If only I could open my eyes and awake in my bed. Instead, I’m heading further into this nightmare.

I stare ahead at my anxious-looking reflection. How could they say I am one of those things? Dad's dark hair spills over my shoulders, Mom's peach skin glows despite all the hours I spend in the sunlight, and my eyes a pretty amber. A near-perfect blend of my parents. The proof is in my image alone.

 
Zeva then places her hands on my shoulders muttering some spell as she does. I sway back and forth a bit and an odd tingling climbs up my body. Though it’s a little uncomfortable I trust her process. After a minute or two a sudden cold air washes over me and I feel normal again.