The Mask

Chapter 4 - Ash

Recap~

I scanned my surroundings and when I found nothing, I stood up, ran to my window and crashed against it, feeling the shards of glass hit me in the process as I hit the ground roughly from my room, which is on the third floor.  

Angel's POV

I landed on the ground with a loud thud, feeling the familiar soft, shiny grass against my palms and feet as I push myself up from the ground. I'm still raging inside upon remembering that the two people I loved the most is already gone. Not only are they my parents, but they're my only family. And now that they're gone, I don't know why I should continue living. It's as if I don't have a purpose anymore, knowing that the two people who really loved me are now in heaven, hopefully with the Moon Goddess. Oh, dear Moon Goddess, have mercy on my parents.

I can hear my Aunt shouting, telling me to come back to the house and discuss the manner, but I was too angry to care, too stubborn to listen and too heartbroken to see anybody at the moment.

I ran and shifted to my wolf form, ripping the clothes I was currently wearing and having the need to release some of the anger I am currently feeling. My wolf is fortunately bigger than average since I do have 100% Alpha blood in me. My wolf's fur is pure snow white, almost covering my whole body, but is tinted with red on all my four legs and tail, making me look like a ball of fire. 

I was still angry, not to the BloodMoon Pack for killing my parents, well I still am angry at them, but I am more angry at myself, for not being able to protect my parents. For not helping them in times of need. For leaving them and not protecting them like what they do to me these past 18 years. For not being able to hug them and tell them that I love them. For not returning the love they showed to me. For being so selfish to only think of my own safety and not their own. 

These thoughts only made me me even more furious than I already am. I ran even faster through the woods, thinking that I am not going to be the same girl who would rather follow orders from people than help them fight against evil. I am not going to be that weak girl again who is not allowed to fight just because she's a girl. I am going to kill and destroy the BloodMoon Pack. I am going to execute each and every one of them, ripping their skin part by part, feeling their blood in my hands and burning their bodies. I am going to seek revenge. I am no longer that sweet, obedient and innocent Angel. I don't want people calling me Angel for it will make me appear weak and I swear to myself I ain't gonna be the same girl. I am no longer Angel. 

I am Ash, daughter of the most loving Alpha and Luna, Melissa and James Ashford.

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A few hours later~

I ran and ran deep in the woods, drowned in my thoughts, still feeling the excruciating pain of losing your love ones, but anger slowly dying down.

I was so caught up with my own thoughts that I didn't notice the large log in front of me. I tripped and rolled, going even deeper to the woods, my snow white and red fur getting dirty, my eyes blurry from all the running and crying I had been doing, and body so exhausted. 

I shifted back to my human form and leaned beside a tree. It was already night time. I looked up at the sky and saw that the moon is shining brightly, with hundreds and thousands of stars surrounding it, each twinkling as if they own the universe. How can a beautiful night be destroyed so quickly?

I then realized that I was naked since I ripped the clothes when I shifted. I covered my body with my arms, trying to warm myself since it was a cold night. I tried having a nap since my wolf and I are exhausted, mentally and physically.

A snap of a twig or branch was what brought me back to reality. I sat up, arms still covering my body and being alert of my surroundings. I looked at my right and my left, trying to see if there was anybody there. 

Since I am in my human form, my eye senses are not as keen as they are in wolf form. It was really dark and I couldn't quite see anything.

I then sensed a familiar scent and took another sniff to it. I then realized that it was Aunt Marie Jane. Relief washed all over me, knowing that I was more or less safe. I still don't trust her, but I guess she knows a lot about what's happening, may it be about my parents or the pack that killed them so I have to trust her whether I like it or not, since she is the only one I have left.

"Aunt Marie Jane? Come out, I won't bite." I chuckled, not wanting to be angry anymore.

Seconds later, there now stood Aunt Marie Jane with   black leggings and a navy blue v-neck shirt with a silver necklace dangling in her neck. She must have changed her clothes.

Very smart of you to notice that Angel.  

I was surprised since I can feel my wolf feeling really energized after resting for about 20 minutes. Hmm guess she is now stronger since I can feel it in our bond.

It's Ash, not Angel! And ughh, fine  you're the smart one now.

Whatever Aaaash

"So, I see you're already okay, my dear?" My Aunt said. I pushed Asprin at the back of my mind and focused on my Aunt.

"Ummm... Yeah. Sorry for destroying your window and running away. I just needed some time to process everything that is happening." I said, trying to explain to her and feeling embarrassed upon realizing on how childish I was acting ever since I arrive in her place. 

She waved her hand, reassuring me that I don't need to apologize. "My dear, no need to apologize. I understand that what you are feeling right now is something you don't feel often and I am more than willing to help you, that is if you have any questions about your parents or something.

As if reading my thoughts, questions started pouring out of my mouth without stop. "Why are my parents dead? Who killed them? Why did they kill them? Why did they destroy our pack? Who are they? What's the black box? Why is to so important? Tell me!" 

I realized I had asked all those questions in one breath, so I took deep breaths, trying to slow down my now fast beating heart from saying so many things.

"Angel, my dear..."

"It's actually Ash, Aunt. Sorry." I interrupted.

My Aunt eyed me slowly, probably thinking if I forgot my name of something or if she had talked to a different girl.

"Is your name not Angel, child?" She asked, confusion written in her face.

"Oh it is. I just prefer Ash?" I asked, silently hoping she wouldn't ask more questions on why I changed my name.

"Okay then. Ash, don't you think we should discuss the manner inside the house?" She chuckled lightly, gesturing me.

I was confused at first but then realized that I was still naked. My eyes widened and I can feel a blush creeping in my face, embarrassed that my Aunt saw me naked.

"Don't worry Ash. I brought you some clothes. Go and change behind a tree." My Aunt said.

I did what she told and changed. 

After changing, we then went back to my Aunt's house, questions still swirling in my mind.

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