Howl at the Moon

Chapter 3

   My legs gave out, and Acel quickly supported my mom while Dawn grabbed me. I hugged her tight fearing that if I let go she would cease to exist. She slowly turned me towards her and I put my face in her neck, getting tears all over her shirt.

   "Wha- what happed?" I sobbed my voice cracking.

   "We were having a meeting, just your father, the council and me. We heard a noise so we went to check it out, I went to the front and your father, your father, went to the back of the building. I heard a scream, but by the time I got there..." Her voice cracked while she spoke. A silent tear ran down her cheek, but she managed to partially pull herself together, as did I. As leaders we cannot look weak, there are those who believe that a woman should not lead, we must be strong. We cannot let them think that we can be pushed around, we just can't.

   "I want to see him."

   "Luna, he doesn't look very good."

   "I want to see him." I said it more forcefully the second time. She huffed at my stubbornness.

   "He's in there; I have to deal with this." She pointed to the infirmary, and began to walk away. "Damn werewolves," she muttered.

   "Mom? How do you know it's werewolves?"

   "You'll see." She gave us all a meaningful look, as if to say "be careful." But what is there to fear? They're gone... right?

   We all entered the familiar infirmary, the bright walls screaming at us. The nurse opened her mouth to say family only, but I gave her a look. A look that exuded confidence and superiority. I don't use it often, because I don't like manipulating people, but I need it now. The nurse let us pass without another word. We made our way to the rooms used only for those of the upmost importance in the tribe, that's my family. I took a deep breath and reached for the doorknob. My arm froze, I couldn't do it, and I couldn't look. The man that would clean my scrapes, and carry me on his shoulders; the man who loves and protects me no matter what, is behind that door. I can't bear to see him that vulnerable. I turned to run only to be blocked by Dawn and Acel.

   "Luna, you never run away. You can do this!" Dawn put her hand on my shoulder to show her support. Acel then gave me his winning smile, one that you can't say no to.

   "We are here for you! We are not going anywhere; if you need us we will be right behind you." I nodded, trying to hold back my tears. How was I so lucky to be blessed with such amazing friends? I took a deep breath and opened the door. It's time for me to be there for the man who is always there for me.

   My eyes immediately landed on my father. There are so many wires connected to him, it makes my heart hurt. That's when I noticed the large gashes on his body. From his forehead to his torso, and probably more below his clothes, were deep cuts oozing black blood. His skin was pale, his hair clumped with dry blood, his breathing shallow. His heart monitor was beating so slowly I feared that his heart stopped. I want nothing more than to see him open his eyes and shout "gotcha!" He was always joking around, laughing. Oh what I wouldn't do to hear him laugh again! It would always light up a room, it's needed now. His room is dark, with no natural light. If he was awake he would demand that it was painted right away! Perhaps yellow, his favourite colour.

   Maybe if I had gotten home on time this would have been me, not him. How I wish it was me. Then I remembered the vow that I made, I vowed to protect. Today I failed but it will not happen again. I kissed my father's head and leaned my forehead against his, letting my last tear fall. I then stood up and wiped it away. I took a deep breath, and exhaled all my fears. I have no time for fear, fear controls people. I will not be controlled.

  "Acel, Dawn, we have work to do. I don't know for sure if it was werewolves, the gashes could have been caused by them, or regular wolves, possibly bears, or other supernatural creatures, but if it was them they will feel my wrath." My voice was deadly quite. They would live to rue the day they were born...

   "Whatever you need Luna." Dawn had silent tears running down her face. She loves my dad too; he is like her second father.