Christy Night

Chapter 1: Claustrophobia

Chapter 1

It was trapped and struggling, scuffling and scrambling. Beating at the cage with it's wings, whining and chirping noisily. Christy stared with fascination and empathy for the small petite creature. But she couldn't do anything.

Her little sister was obsessed with these birds, sometimes Christy feels she hasn't got much affection for the bird as much as to the feeling of empowerment, possession and control. She couldn't blame her, the pack life steals any semblance of freedom present. Even though at times, life seems content with the idea of comfort, den and unitedness which the pack provides.

The bird must be hurt being away from home and family. But still Christy could only stare at it flapping it's wings against the cage. She has freed several of Sarah's birds before and got into trouble afterwards with their mother. Long, extended, torturous scolding sessions with all sorts of ludicrous accusations thrown her way but she bear the brunt, it was after all the price for her stubbornness. Sarah had her fair share of stubbornness as well because she catches a new bird everytime.

And then Christy has to decide between the dilemma of freeing the bird or letting it flap it's wings uselessly. She chose wisely this time and let it be, because the last session was especially painful with all sorts of threats and promises being made. She sighed, tracing the bird's feather gently, trying to tame it. But it's beady eyes staring pleadingly into hers, tug at her heart.

Screw it, she thought. The brat could wail all she wants but she was the eldest alpha daughter of Bloodmoon and there will be no injustice to the innocents under her watch. Birds were a symbol of freedom, they're supposed to fly. Not caged as trophies, if such wild creatures would be trapped then what would that make of us?

She gave a discreet glance around her, no one was looking. Even though almost half the pack was here getting ready for the most awaited arrival. Her father has been waiting for ten years to sign a treaty with Tantalascar Tribe. They were sophisticated if not provoked and strong. Probably the strongest in the world and fiercely independent. That is why her father so desperately wants to form allies between the two packs. However there were rumors regarding the alpha, lots of them revolving at all times.

Christy cooed to the bird and unhinged the cage from its hook. The pack was in chaos at the sudden declaration of Tantalascar to form allies according to their terms of course. And their news of arrival the next day caused an uneasy hum and then wary panic with how many things there were to prepare for.

Christy ran with her sun dress and sandals on, the cage swinging in her hand. Laughter bubbling out of her when she left the pack house far away. Upon reaching the woods, she immediately clicked the cage open letting the bird fly away. She waved crazily, laughing along. Her long blond hair were astray and shoes covered in mud. She sighed happily, mission accomplished.

She left the cage in the woods, as if that would help. But her mother's so busy fussing over everything, she won't notice the absence of chirping until later. And Sarah... she would have to suck it up for now. She doesn't remember being so bratty and neither was Thomas. Her one year younger sibling who was nineteen. But maybe it has to do with him being a boy and next in line for the alpha position. He grew up fast.

She took her time walking home, swinging and occasionally stopping to admire and collecting wild flowers, whistling a tune. She saw about to be Beta standing at the edge of the woods, stoic. " Alpha has been waiting for you, they have arrived minutes ago and you were not there during the introductions. It's bad impression, Alpha's eldest wasn't present. Let's go before you further embarrass your father." Jake admonished, appraising her up and down with a disapproving look.