Luna

Chapter 5

“Smile child smile.” Aunt Tatiana beams as she happily strides past me. She has more energy than ever as the light of the full moon invigorates her. “It’s too fine a night for frowns.”

“You’re right.” I mumble in agreement as I attempt it again. I feel the corners of my mouth slowly upturn into a small grin. But when I spot the glowing moon, it falls.

“Focus on something else, anything else.” I whisper to myself. There is no shortage of distractions.

The tall trees, the cold night air hitting my face, the calls of creatures from the chirping crickets to the hooting owls, or even the rocks and dirt crunching under my feet as we continue up the path.

“Remember you are fine,” I coach. You’re not upset, jealous, disappointed, or sad. You are excited and happy.”

I’m not happy about how far we have to walk that’s for certain. This nearly two-hour-long trek up Phantom Peak does little to improve my mood, or the aching in my feet, or the nagging thoughts I’m failing to push into the back of my mind.

The night I planned for years and the future I spent countless hours pondering over has been snatched away. Even as I walk the straight path ahead of me I feel more lost than ever. At least they will get what they want, I think as I enviously watch my cheerful siblings. Aron, Vivian, and Neil will get to know the joys of becoming wolves and I, at the very least, can live vicariously through them and pretend as I unknowingly always have.

I take in a long deep, breath of the forest air. I can do this. I will make it through this night.

“It’s not only shameful but disrespectful.” I hear her grumble in protest. My head turns cautiously back to Amarok and Serafina whose judgmental eyes have been burning a hole in the back of my skull since we left.

“Our sacred rituals should not be witnessed by the likes of her.” She continues. “We fought too hard and too long for one of them to come and mock our traditions.”

“Sera, my love calm yourself.” Amarok whispers back placing a sympathetic hand on her shoulder. “There’s nothing we can do about it. Besides it hasn’t done any harm. Not yet.”

If it weren’t for the consequences I’m certain I’d face, I’d turn around and give them both a slap that stings as much as their harsh words. Maybe even a good punch or kick or two. However, I doubt that would make me look any less than the monster they already think I am. To think my fate in the Timberwoods may depend on someone so cruel, I realize giving out a deep sigh.

“Stop it. Get out of that head of yours.” Aron says coming to my side.

“Easier said than done.” I reply.

“Is that so?” he says with a mischievous smirk. “Well, you’re lucky to have a smart brother like me. I have the perfect division.”

“Diversion.” I correct. “Yep, you are the smartest guy in the world.

“Whatever. Race you to the top.” He says excitedly tapping me before running up the hill ahead of us. “And if you don’t run I’m taking your desserts for the next week.”

“Aron, don’t you dare.” I say rushing up after him.

“I dunno it might be too late now. I don’t think you can beat me. Neil, Viv get the lead out, let’s go.” He calls back at them.

“Vivi is a snooze, Vivi's gonna lose.” Neil chants as he follows behind.

My inside voices of worry are quickly replaced by the pounding of our feet and cheerful howls as we race up the mountain. Aron is way ahead of me but I don’t care. My only goal for this moment is to forget.