Mooncast (1st book of the Moon Novels)

1: New School (edited version)

©Kathryn E. Pilling

This work is owned by Kathryn E. Pilling. No person is allowed to copy, use or reproduce this work without the permission of Copyright owner. To do so, without permission, is illegal, and the infringer would be issued a fine, and a sentence in prison. This work is protected by the Copyright Law.

EDITED VERSION

Chapter 1

(Edited on 5/5/14 at 9:20)

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"Run," My father whispered through the pack link with what sounded like his last breath.

I ran as fast as my tiny feet could carry me, dodging trees and branches, trying to get away from the burning pack mansion behind me. I could smell smoke -smoke, blood, and burning flesh. The fire from the pack mansion lit up the entire surrounding forest with flames shooting high into the sky and trees catching fire. I could hear the screams of my pack mates as they burned to death or were mauled by teeth of a wolf. When I heard the pounding of paws behind me, I ran faster, fearing my impending demise. I no longer cared about evading the branches- only about getting to safety of the nearby human town. I had a few human friends there; mostly from school. They would be able to help me escape. They would protect me. They would protect me because my family can't anymore- that thought alone making me want to curl up on the forest floor and drift into the darkness; the never-ending abyss of death.

Not noticing the log on the ground, I tripped and fell face-first, rolling over other sticks and rocks that ripped open my face and arms. The pounding became closer- I could feel their hot breath on my skin. I could smell the scent of blood-of death- on their breath.

 With no time to get up and try to flee again, I grabbed my silver dagger- the last gift my father had ever given me, and scrambled to get onto my knees. I raised the dagger above my head seconds after the black wolf pounced...

I bolted out of bed, my Salvation Army t-shirt and long brown hair pasted to my neck. Breathing heavily, I threw back the covers and walked shakily to the bathroom, and rubbed my eyes, hoping to rub away the remainders of my nightmares. But I could still see them; I could still hear them.

Ripping off my soiled clothes, I jumped into the lukewarm-shower and let the water roll down my heated skin.

"Damn dream," I murmured to myself, "Why do I have to have that same dream every single night?" I sighed, rinsing my sweaty hair. Why did I keep having that dream? Nightmare really, my subconscious taunted. It had happened 3 years ago, and it still haunted me. Even at age 18, I was still having the same nightmare since that horrible day - the worst day of my life.

I stood under the water until it got ice-cold, still trying to wash of the blood and flames- even 3 years after. As I got out of the shower and grabbed a small grey towel, I looked at my bed-side clock.

It read 6:30 - an hour until I start at my new school.

I might as well make an effort, I thought to myself.

I dried my hair and brushed it until the curls and knots had disappeared, cringing whenever the old brush pulled out some of my hairs. I then put on mascara, foundation, lip-gloss, and eyeliner- bringing out my bright hazel eyes. I went to my closet and looked through my pathetic amount of clothes that I'd found at the local Salvation Army. Finally, I picked a strapless, sweetheart neckline, coral colored dress that complimented my tan skin, but had a slight tear at the hem. The dress was beaded with white flowers, and some of them were frayed, but I loved the dress anyway, and appreciated the fact that I got it for only $5.00. I paired it with some hand-me-down white heels and a white sweater.

I grabbed my brown backpack and a bagel while racing out of my new apartment- something I'd only been able to afford because I had worked three jobs when I had lived with the Robinsons, and had saved every cent that I'd earned.  Even if the Robinsons did throw me our when I turned 18, they never made me pay for rent or food, so everything I made, I was able to keep.

Racing down the street, I got there just in time to see the yellow bus come around the corner. I hid behind my hair. Everyone in my grade drove a car, or at least carpooled, and never went on the bus if they didn't have to. Even if they didn't know me, I looked older than the freshman, sophomores and a few odd juniors that occupied the grey seats. I hopped on the bus, sitting in the front seat so I could get off first. As the students passed me, I kept my head down and played with my flip-phone, trying to ignore the stares that I felt burning into my skin. I knew who the werewolves were and weren't and I also knew that if I didn't speak to the Alpha of this pack soon and announce my intentions of hoping to stay here, I would be jailed, and most likely, killed.

After the 10-minute bus ride, I jumped up out of my seat the second the bus driver pulled up to the student-ridden curb, and onto the sidewalk. I pushed past the underclassman and avoid the upperclassman- I didn't want to meet them any earlier than I had to.

After a few minutes of wandering the crowded hallways, I finally found the Main Office. When I pushed open the door and entered the dismal office. I approached the middle-aged woman behind the desk. The silver name plate said Mrs. Kelly. She looked up and smiled, but she still had caution in her brown-colored eyes.

"What can I do for you?" she asked politely, looking at me nervously. I could see her eyes shifter to the door every few seconds, almost as if she were waiting for someone to come and save her.

"I'd like to register for school." I said as I handed her my transfer papers from my last school. She read over them carefully, and I knew she read the word "orphan," when her eyes widened, then softened dramatically. She shifted her eyes up to me and smiled sweetly; complete changing her attitude from before.

"Ok sweetie. Let me get your schedule." I smiled gently and waited patiently as she typed on her keyboard. Soon, I heard the printer go off. She got out of her rolling chair, grabbed the paper, and handed it to me with a pleased smile on her face. I raised my eyebrows.

"I made sure to give you all of the best teachers! I hope you enjoy the rest of the year here at Graham Academy."

I chuckled lightly and looked down at my schedule with the 'best teachers'.

1 - English - Meyers

2 - AP Calculus- Jackson

3 - Chemistry - Blain

4 - Lunch - None

5 - Study hall - Brennan

6 - World History - Corrigan

7 - Gym/Health - Williams

8 - French - Damon

"By the way, you might want to speak to the Alpha. He's in the same grade as you. He likes to know right away of there is a Ripper in his territory." Mrs. Kelly said seriously, a hint of warning lacing her voice. She then smiled sweetly as if she had just complimented me on my hand-me-down dress. I had been so anxious about the students being werewolves that I hadn't realized that she was one.

"Thanks. What's your Alpha's name?"

"Adrian Erös."

The name sent pleasant shivers down my spine.

*****

(Edited on 5/5/14 at 9:20)