When Two Worlds Collide

Chapter 1

Back when I was still an innocent child, my birthday was the best day of the year. Every October 16th, the people, or should I say wolves, around me halted their everyday lives to praise the day that I first existed. All this I took for granted, without realizing that behind their joyous smiles, lay an unfortunate awareness that this happy fairytale could not last forever. I was a spoiled child, yet I was praised because I was the alpha's son.

I turn sixteen today, and all the pain that was shielded from my eyes as a child rushes at me like an unleashed tsunami. I now resent my inability to foresee the haunting pain that troubles me. If only I was less blind, the pain of his death surely wouldn't hurt so much, would it? That is the excuse I use, to avoid accepting that I'm not as strong as I think.  

Where is my father now?

He's gone forever to some place where he I can't ever see him again.

Birthdays are supposed to be joyous days of celebration, yet my village and pack is filled with the essence of a striking reality.

I wish I could hide away in my own little place, yet I am the alpha now. My pack feuds with a powerful coven of Roman vampires. I can't risk any more lives through my own selfish need to mourn. In order to fulfill my new responsibilities, I have to look out for the good of my pack by winning the war against the Romanians. Sure, the bloodsuckersare pretty skilled and experienced fighters, but I know we can take them on. Who knows? Their deaths could avenge my father's.

Just as my thoughts begin to turn increasingly vengeful, I hear someone walk into my room. It turns out to be my seven year old sister, Lena. Most people wouldn't even dare to walk into my room without permission, but Lena is an exception.

"Drew, we're burying Daddy now," Lena says while trying to choke back a sob but failing miserably. I am reminded that I am not the only one who must suffer the consequences of my father's death. Lena was always a daddy's girl, and she's already lost her paternal figure at the young age of seven.

"It's okay to cry, Lena. Letting out your tears will make you feel better," I said while walking out the door with her.

"Why do we have to be in a war against the vampires? I don't like wars. So many people are dying."

"I'm sorry, sweetie. The vampires are trying to take our land away from us."

Once Lena and I arrive at the burial grounds, we join the group of people that has gathered around my father's coffin. Some of my father's best warriors give Lena sympathetic looks.

Surrounded by dozens of black attire, I am once again slapped in the face by reality. I almost take a step back, but Lena grabs my hand, and I remind myself to stay strong, if not for me then for her.

From a short distance, I can see my mother, Tia, wiping away a few tears that slipped out of her chocolate brown eyes. I can't imagine what it's like to see your soul mate die.

I watch in silence as the funeral proceeds and choke back a sob when Dad's coffin is lowered into the ground. Once it is covered by layers of the Earth, most of the people start to leave the burial grounds.

I'm not most people.

Instead of returning to my home, I shift into a wolf and run into a nearby forest, only halting when I reach the Sorrow Lake. 

I kick off my shoes and put my feet in, feeling the cold water as it washes over my toes. Truly, a lake of sorrow it is. The name fits well.

Suddenly, Keziah, one of the strongest werewolves in my pack, sits down next to me. She's like an older sister to Lena.

"Do you come here often?" she asks.

"No," I reply. "This is te first time."

After a while she says, "It must be hard."

"What must be hard?" I ask, knowing fully well what her answer will be.

"First, you lose your father. Then, you become the alpha while we're in the middle of a war."

"It was bound to happen," I lie. "My father was too brave and noble. Many people admired the qualities he had, but I knew they would lead to his death."

We sit in a comfortable silence for a few minues, and before I know it, she has left me to my thoughts.

I'm going to win this war for my father. I owe that much to him.

I've figured out my birthday wish. It's one simple word. Revenge.

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I hope you enjoyed this chapter. =)