Moon of Misfortunes

7

It had been a week since I last saw Rubio. Instead, an older woman, about fifty, had taken over delivering my meals. She entered with a curt nod and a silent presence, her dull emerald eyes stern and burning with unspoken hatred. The wrinkles that creased the skin around her eyes only intensified her harsh expression. Her graying hair was always pulled back into a tight knot, held in place by a single pin. She moved quickly, as if afraid I might suddenly turn into a rabid beast and attack her. Her disdain for me was palpable, and I couldn't help but wonder what stories she'd been told.

Rubio's disappearance left me with a deep sense of unease. With each day that passed, my anxiety heightened. Was he ever coming back?

My mind also wandered to my mate and my pack. I hoped that everyone was alright. In a sick way, I missed Nikolai. I often daydreamed about what our life could have been and should be. I pictured Nikolai with his infectious smile, flashing his pearly whites with two pups tucked under each arm, posing for a picture. Even in my daydreaming, I'm still plagued by his performative façade. I sighed heavily, feeling the weight of my isolation.

Despite missing Rubio, his absence allowed uninterrupted time to read my book. I devoured it from cover to cover, desperate to find a way to save myself from this unjust sentence. The book offered a wealth of information about the laws governing our world. I learned more than I ever had before, gaining a deeper understanding of the legal intricacies that could be my salvation. However, I also realized the task ahead; my knowledge was still insufficient to challenge the High Council's Elders.

I spent hours reading over the pages, committing every detail to memory. I traced the delicate script with my fingers, absorbing the words as if they were my lifeline. Each chapter revealed more about the laws, their origins, and the loopholes that might be exploited. Yet, the more I learned, the more I understood the Council. 

I discovered that most of the books in the small storage room were law books. Coincidentally, I was determined to read all of them in a final Hail Mary effort to save myself. I returned my pondering gaze to my latest read, Psychology of Criminal Law Vol.1. It was fascinating, to say the least. According to its pages, I would be classified as a "remorseless psychopath" based on my charges and responses in court. I rolled my eyes and sighed. How could I feel remorse for a crime I never committed?

I snapped the book shut and pressed my eyes together, seeking a moment's rest. Slowly, I opened them again and placed my left hand over the cover of the faded orange material. I'd had enough reading for one day; I was completely exhausted, both physically and mentally. I stood up, stretched, and tucked the book between the mattress and the box spring. I took a couple of steps back and assessed my hiding spot, ensuring my handiwork was satisfactory. Confident that it was fully concealed, I turned off the overhead light and gazed outside at the night sky. It was a soft blend of blue and black, with stars littering the expanse. The moon was bright and dreamy, its creamy white rays beaming into my cage. I decided it was time to stop stalking the sky and go to bed.

I crawled back into bed, my long silk deep green gown brushing against my legs as it trailed behind me. I was fortunate enough to borrow a few outfits, at least until my execution. I pulled the covers up to my chin and gently shut my eyes. I began to relax, surrendering to sleep.

Sleep came quickly and deeply, allowing me to slip into my dreams. I roamed freely in a vast, open field under the warm embrace of the sun. The sky was a clear blue, unblemished by clouds. Birds sang in the trees, their melodies intertwining with the gentle rustle of leaves. I could feel the soft grass beneath my feet and the cool breeze against my skin. It was a stark contrast to the suffocating environment I was trapped in.

I saw my pack in the distance, their figures blurry yet familiar. Nikolai stood among them, his face lit with a warm smile. He looked younger, like when we had first met. The sight filled my heart with an overwhelming sense of peace and longing. I ran towards them, my feet barely touching the ground as I sped across the field.