Strength

1. goodbye

Anastasia's POV

Birthdays were supposed to be a joyous day for anyone. For us, the 16th year of our lives was supposed to be the most exciting. Our first shift was destined to happen, marking the real start of our lives as wolves.

Typically, it occurs a few months before our actual birthday, giving us time to get to know and get used to our wolves being a part of us. On our birthdays, it is the time for the Acceptance Ceremony, where we join the pack through the blood of the Alpha.

But for me, it was different. I shifted only 1 week before my actual birthday. It scared my parents. Being the Alpha and Luna of the pack, they were afraid that their child would be the runt of the pack.

There was a legend about a special Black Wolf, fur as dark as the night and eyes that shine like the moon, who would rise as the strongest wolf.

Everyone thought it was my older brother until they realized it wasn't. When it turned out to be me, many wanted to own me.

I refuse to be. I refuse to be less than.

A big party was organized, with a hidden purpose.

Every pack in the country was invited, with the purpose of matchmaking me.

I felt betrayed, like my parents are selling me for an alliance and more land.

"Ana! Ana sweetie, get yourself ready for the party! Make yourself presentable please!"

I hear my mother shout from outside my door after she knocked.

I don't answer, as i plot my next step.

I look down at my bag packed full with my belongings and essentials. I knew this decision would hurt not only my family but also myself.

I knew security would be high, but they would be more concentrated around the pack house rather than on patrol as usual. As long as i can get past the guards around the pack house, it would be no problem.

I may be young, but as the daughter of the Alpha, training was all that i did.

With all the knowledge I've learned from my training and also my own reading, i knew i was properly equipped.

The jump from my window was probably the easiest part. Getting past the guards was another story.

I tried avoiding eye contact as i calmly walked towards the forest.

"Hey! Ana! Where are you going!"

I hear the familiar voice of my personal trainer.

I try to pretend not to hear him, but he was by my side within seconds.

I couldn't help but feel sad. He was practically my older brother.

My tears started falling because i knew i couldn't hide anything from him.

"What's wrong Ana? Talk to me."

I look up at him, "I can't stay here. I can't be matchmade and married off like i'm nothing. I can't let them dictate my future.".

I watched him closely through the tears in my eyes, trying to make out what he was thinking. He could either let me go or drag me back.

The next moment, he pulls me into a hug, which made me cry even more.

"I love you Ana. You're the little sister i never had. I want you to be happy. But i want you to be safe too. I know you're capable of taking care of yourself. So you be safe. You hear me?"

I hug him a little tighter, not knowing when would be the next time i see him.

"Ana, i will let you go. But i will have to report you as missing too. So if you go, you gotta stay hidden. Because your parents would not be pleased."

I nod as he wiped my tears. He looks around and sees no one in sight.

I gathered myself, took a couple deep breaths.

"Go. Go Ana."

I looked into his eyes once more, before taking off, as fast as my legs could take me.

Not looking back, i ran through the woods, feeling a dull tug in my heart.

For once, i felt lonely.

I always heard about stories on how wolves speak to you telepathically. Like a voice at the back of our heads. Like a best friend stationed in us.

But i never heard anything from her. Instead of feeling the same as those written in books, my wolf feels different.

When i first shifted, it was like i don't have full control over my body. I felt like i almost lost myself to my wolf.

I never told anyone anything. I didn't want to freak anyone out. But ever since then, i was afraid to shift.

Sometimes i feel like my wolf is fighting me, fighting to come out, fighting for control. I have read about legends of wolves taking control and how the humans never came back. Rumors spread about a pack of savage wolves that have no control. Nobody ventured far enough to find out for themselves. Even if they have, they never returned.

The moment i crossed the territory lines, it felt like a weight was thrown off my shoulders. I couldn't hear the mindlink anymore, and i couldn't feel my pack anymore.

But what came next was worse than anything i have ever felt.

It felt like my skin was on fire. A throbbing headache developed and my vision blurred. Black spots started appearing in my vision, rendering me blind.

I only heard about Wolf's Heat feeling like this. But i never expected myself to experience it this early, considering i haven't met my mate yet.

I collapse, unable to hold myself up. I was paralyzed from the agonizing pain. I manage to turn and lie on my back and stared at the night sky. A tear escaped my eye as i thought about how im gonna be defeated by the destiny written out for me by my parents.

As i closed my eyes in defeat, i felt a surge of power, and then i feel the pain of my bones breaking.

By the time it was over, it dawned on me that i just had my second shift.

The risk of losing myself was nagging at me at the back of my mind. Fear rose, but i couldn't do anything but let my wolf take us away.

It was a fight of dominance, which i knew i had to win. My wolf was fighting me the whole way, but i fought harder.

And for the first time, she spoke to me.

"I'm trying to keep us safe."

I was taken aback, but if this helps me get a grip on my wolf, im taking it.

"Why are you fighting me?"

"Just like you, i don't like to be owned."

Hearing that, i knew this fight with my wolf was going to be hard.

Not realizing it, my wolf brought us to a clear lake, and willingly allowed me control.

I knew the fight isn't over, but for now, we have more important priorities.

I opened up my bag and took out these special herbs.

I found out about their ability to hide my scent, as well as my wolf's.

Those who have gone through their first shift has a specific scent that allows others to know.

I took out my empty water bottle and threw in a portion of the herbs before filling it up with water.

Taking a mouthful, i knew i had to keep moving, even if the herbs can help to hide me for a while.

As i took off running, many things ran through my mind.

I need a new identity and i need to have a whole game plan if i want to stay hidden.

As a small town came to sight, i knew i had to make a quick but important decision.