My hands clenched around the small plush bunny, Mr.Fluffles, mother had made for me as I seeked the comfort of her. She had suddenly disappeared from our house without telling me, leaving me to wander our shabby cabin without any clue. The window rattled as the roar of the crowd led me to peer out of it. Mother hadn't said anything about a commotion? As I peered, the red moon's reflection caused beautiful murals to stain my cheeks. Its beauty was remarkable, yet distracting. Readjusting my focus I unlocked the window before gently squeezing from its containment. Mommy knew she couldn't contain me, maybe she was playing games. Silly mother. Squeezing Mr.Fluffles I approached the crowd who had been storming the courtyard of the village. Mommy always said it was a small village, and told me we need to be humble and that at least we had a home. As I got closer the crowd got louder, more agitated. As I got closer, Mr.Fluffles became more than just a plush toy, he became my comfort. Because as I got closer, I realized why I hadn't seen mommy. No matter where I searched. She had been standing right there, in the middle of the village courtyard. Covered from head to toe in white lace and frilly cotton fabric, a white tunic long enough to cover her up to the top of her thighs. She stood gracefully next to other women from our pack, being more beautiful than any of them. I hoped I would someday grow into that beauty too. As if the universe could read my thoughts, the sound of loud static echoed across the courtyard, signaling for the crowd to silence. It obeyed, as I scooted closer to Mommy. Tightly shuffling through the crowd to avoid touching anyone.

“Tonight we repay our debt” the static was cut off as the gruff voice of a man sounded throughout the courtyard.

As I inched closer to mommy panic began to rise in my chest. Why was she standing there? And not beside me? My thoughts were cut off as the same voice began speaking again.

“For tonight is the night we expand. Yet this territory does come with a cost..”

I tuned out the voice as I squeezed closer to the front of the crowd. Almost there!

“Tonight we must begin the sacrifices!” the voice finished as the crowd roared with a mixture of agony and excitement.

I had finally made it, standing at the front of the crowd reaching for mommy. Hoping she would notice me and Mr. Fluffles.

“On my count it shall commence!” the voice exclaimed.

“One…”

“Two…”

“Mommy!” I yelped through the sound of the man, running towards her.

It was only then when she noticed my teary expression. It was only then her crystal blue eyes had met mine, they were teary just like mine. And even with the sound of the crowds cheering, and the countdown it felt as if it were just me and mommy. Hands met my arm, tightly yanking me backwards, away from mommy.

“Three!” a gun sounded after the voice, causing mommy and the rest of the women to jerk forward.

I was slowly being pulled from the panicked women. Away from Mommy, as she too was panicked. Frozen in the courtyard she stood, an apologetic look on her face as the others ran into the forest.

“Mommy!” I yelped, fighting the hands that held me in place.

She didn't respond, at least not with her words. A small smile made its way to her face as she raised her hand, reaching for me. I froze, watching as she bent forward placing a small sparkly item upon the floor. Her necklace she had worn since I could remember. Symbolic of her love, specifically for me. That's what she had told me.

“Syrah!” she yelled my name, her voice cracking with sorrow.

“Never forget. I love you despite it all” She called, almost being hushed in comparison to the crowd.

But I had heard her. I had heard every word she had spoken. The Red Moon glazed the village red as it reached its peak. Tinting my mothers beautiful blonde locks a deep amber. Just then she transforms into her wolf. Her limbs contorting and molding to that of her beast. Before she turned and ran into the woods. With nothing left but the shining silhouette of the amulet. Tears fogged up my vision as the crowd moved to the forest's edge to watch the women race deeper into the forest. But I stood. Eyes trained on the sparkling ruby of the amulet, as dust kicked around it due to the morphing crowd. Approaching very slowly, I tightly cuddled Mr.Fluffles. Kneeling down before it, I gently picked it up. Tears making soggy trails upon my cheeks before falling to the sandy floor I kneeled upon.

I love you despite it all. That was our promise. One that I would never forget, and one that would never change. Till my dying breath.

Clenching my ruby amulet in my right and an empty cup in my left, I stood with an agitated look. Chelsea and her rat squad squirmed in the overly sweet red wine I had just thrown at them. Staining their matching white designer bodycon dresses.

“Ugh, Fugly *****!” Chelsea screeched

Her makeup dripped down her face due to it not being waterproof. Which was surprising considering she was big money. Daddy must not have given her her weekly allowance.

“I'm sorry, I slipped” I spoke, not an ounce of sympathy in my voice.

“Slipped! You practically launched your drink at us, you ****!” Angelina, rat squad member 1 growled.

Her acrylics got at least two inches longer. Something that shows the verge of transformation. Personally, I hadn't launched my drink at them. I had merely tilted my cup a little too far.

“Yeah you… Um…” Daisy, rat squad member 2 began before looking at her wrist where she had conveniently written insults.

“You, Ditz!” she yelped, finishing with quite the blow.

Chelsea groaned as she aggressively reached for my throat, in which I dodged flawlessly. For the alpha's daughter she was quite bad at everything. Everything but sleeping in between other peoples sheets. I really wish I hadn't taken Debra’s offer for this catering job.

\~\~50 minutes earlier\~\~

“Please Syrah!” Debra exclaimed in a panic, rocking her newborn gently in her arms. “I just need someone to fill in for me while I take care of little maxine. And I know you'll be responsible” She pleaded, resting her free hand on my shoulder.

“Debbie, you know I can't do this” I protested, shaking her friendly hand off. It's not that I didn't want to help Debra, hell I've helped her plenty in the past. But tonight was different, tonight wasn't just some night I could go cater for a party. Tonight was The night. The night before my whole world shifted. The night that I had lost it all. I gripped the ruby amulet my mother had gifted me. The night I was orphaned. The night of the Red Moon. It had always managed to shock me how often Agust, our alpha, managed to throw a lavish party for higher ranks on such a gruesome and depressing night. While the nobles are drinking their expensive wine, mothers and daughters are being sacrificed to the parasites of the night. The vampiric council. All due to an old treaty made by the dictators of our pasts. Sol-pack was promised territory and peace, as long as we provided a supple supply of young women to feed the Lune-Clot’s disgusting hunger. Rage began to boil in my mind just at the thought alone, and I let it. Debra looked at her feet in worry, immediately regretting her decision on asking. I sighed, giving her a small smile.

“Maybe another time?” I suggested, trying to ease Debra’s worried look.

“Maybe… It's just that… I don't know how long I have with her until I'm next…” Debra’s amber eyes began to swell with tears as she cuddled her newborn caringly. Pity swelled, causing an irreversible ache in my heart. I had understood her worry. I understood the fear of not knowing when you will be the next sacrifice running through the lush altar. I had felt it all too well after my mother was sacrificed. I released a tense sigh as I reached for a loose strand in Debra’s brown curls. Fixing it I spoke.

“Fine. It's not like they would sacrifice a person catering for their party” I reassured, for Debra. But mostly for the fear that surfaced at the base of my navel. I hadn't enjoyed the thought of being so close to the people who practically chose the next Red Moon Hera, as they called the women at the slaughtering line up. But Debra’s bright expression eased those nerves immediately.

“You will! Thank you so Much Syrah!” She exclaimed, immediately regretting it as Maxine squirmed in her baby carrier.

“You wont regret it” she spoke, relief sounding through her voice.

After 15 different thank you’s and the instructions for the gig. I stood in my cottage staring at the worn mirror mother had in her bedroom. The work attire was bland to say the least. Debra had clarified that we were instructed to wear white or else we would be forced into a months training ground cleanup. Due to not wanting to spend a month picking up dried condoms and broken wooden dummies, I stood in the mirror dressed in the only white clothing I owned. It was a loose fitting maxi dress I had sworn I threw away years after not liking it. It reminded me of a generational wedding dress. Its skin tight lace sleeves ending just about my wrists, and frilly skirt hanging just above my ankles. The only piece I could stand about it was its low hanging neckline, hanging low enough to be considered sexy but not showing enough cleavage to be considered promiscuous. I sighed looking at my complexion. This was the first time I had felt dolled up since My mother had applied play make-up to me as a little girl. My light blonde hair curling perfectly at its edges. Complimented by a soft red application of eyeshadow, black mascara, blush, and lipstick. It was formal and sophisticated, yet wasn't enough to catch the unwanted attention of others. How it also brightened my deep aquamarine eyes as well. I almost looked like my mother, and if it weren't for my small yet curvy physique I would look just like her. Sighing, I grabbed my satchel that had been resting on my mothers bed behind me as I gave my reflection one last approving glance.

Exiting my cottage I was greeted by a subtle afternoon breeze, catching my hair in a slight sway. I quickly gripped it, holding it firmly as I approached the town hall in which the party was being held. Due to my part of town, the town hall hadn't been far. Crossing the courtyard I froze to look at the memorial statue marking the center of the village. It was caringly carved to depict Fergus, the former creator of Sol-Pack, shaking hands with Apollo, the former Creator of Lune-Clot. Frowning, I glanced at the base of the statue, where words were etched into the stone base. “Peace, in love of war” That was a saying that marked the treaty of the Red Moon. What a joke. I continued my not so satisfactory walk to the town hall as the sound of classical music began to blare from the open windows of the building.

Exceeding my expectations wolves made out behind nearby bushes and drunk neighbors stumbled out of the building. The sky had just begun to turn purple and people had already become wild. Inhaling a comforting breath of air I exhaled and entered the Townhouse. Immediately I was greeted with the sense of regret as the hallway leading up to the grand party was filled with hushed whispers, and snuffed giggling of a flirtatious conversation. I was never one to be social, so I was never invited to one of these parties. Neither did I have the status of beta or beta’s mate or child. But now entering the main hall I understood why. Luxury was one word to define it, but what I was purely picking up is what some would describe as entitlement. rich parents gathered at what seemed to be a snack and drink bar, clinking their fancy prosecco and wine while feasting on small slivers of sweets. While another corner of the room was occupied by teens decorated from head to toe in luxurious clothing brands, from the finest Gucci, to the prettiest prada. I didn't even want to imagine what was going on in the corner that seemed to be filled to the brim with small toddlers chasing each other with perfume bottles and silver letter openers. Why would someone entrust their children with weaponry? I had no clue, but this seemed like the perfect environment to do so.

“Ah Great! Another volunteer” a voice sounded from behind me.

I jerked, quickly turning to face a thicker petite man in dirty slacks and an apron. I'm guessing this was going to be my boss for tonight.

“Yeah, I'm here to fill-” I was immediately cut off as the man raised his arm to hover in front of my face.

“Don't say anymore, just enjoy your evening. What did you say your name was again?” The man huffed, pulling out his clipboard in what seemed to be dissatisfaction. Not knowing if Debra had told them I was switching or not. I gave him the answer he was probably expecting.

“My name is Debra” I lied, giving him a weak smile.

“Ah! Debra, you're all signed in. Please enjoy the rest of your evening” The man then scribbled a little on his clipboard before walking through a door I hadn't even noticed upon walking in. Turning my attention to the party I swallowed. Debra had said she was catering, right? Then why had that man just told me to ‘Enjoy my evening’? I would have thought it was strange if I wasn't being tempted by the red wine that sat on the snack table. Following orders I approached the lovingly decorated snack table, picking out a wine glass of red wine. Taking a sip, I gagged. It was impossibly sweet. This would give anyone a cavity if they drank even half of the cup. Not knowing where to mingle I approached an empty table sat closer to the stage where a live band orchestrated. The music was light and flamboyant, quite literally putting me to sleep. Yawning, my eyes scanned the room. Interestingly enough there seemed to be a pattern, all women were dressed in white whether it was formal or not we were like a sisterhood of nuns. It was strange, but maybe the men really wanted to clean the training grounds. Shrugging my nerves off I stood sauntering over to a nearby trash can to throw this disgusting excuse of a drink away. Only to overhear a nearby conversation.

“I heard she's, like, an orphan now. How pathetic” A woman's voice sounded from a nearby table, causing me to cawk my head in the direction of the conversation.

“My daddy says she rarely even shows her face around the pack to begin with, good riddance if you ask me.” another voice chimed in causing me to make a realization. Orphaned, barely shows her face around the pack. They were talking about me, and not silently either. My eyes caught the people gossiping and immediately recognized them. Chelsea and her squad of rats. We had history to say the least. She had constantly bullied me throughout my youth, using her status as the alphas daughter to her advantage. Constantly taking things from me, whether it be my confidence or my dignity. She had a hold over me, even now that I was at the ripe age of 19. I'm tired of it, I'm no longer going to be pitiful to her and her goons any longer. She wanted to gossip, I'd give her something to gossip over.

\~\~Now\~\~

I take everything back, I'm glad I took Debra’s place. Now I get to see what this dog looks like soaked head to toe in wine. I gently placed the empty wine glass atop a nearby table.

“Maybe you should go clean yourself up. Or you could look worse than this orphan, and smell even worse” I grimaced as Chelsea’s expression contorted into an aggressive snarl. Wiping loose droplets of wine from her face she composed herself.

“Good Riddance, indeed” she muttered as her and her rat squad wandered off to what I could only assume was the bathrooms. I sighed, facing the wine glass as my reflection caught my eye. I looked strong, and I felt even stronger. Smiling the sound of a microphone turning on caught my attention. Turning I wandered over to the nearby stage, reclaiming the seat I had originally occupied.

“Good evening, my fellow pack mates and welcome to the 21st annual opening party of the Red Moon tradition” August our alpha exclaimed, causing a loud roar of cheers and clapping to echo throughout the hall. Suddenly the feeling of someone tapping my shoulder caught my attention. Turning to face the perpetrator, I was met with a lengthy old woman.

“Dear, please follow me” she spoke softly, calming whatever nerves I originally had. Not wanting to lose Debra a job I nodded before following the old woman out to the courtyard. I slowed as uncertainty flooded my system. Even though I felt as though this was just another part of the job, something didn't feel right.

“Now dear, please stand with your fellow volunteers,” the old lady commanded, gesturing to the long line of young women standing in front of the statue of the village square. All dressed in white. Hesitantly I approached the line, confusion replacing my nerves. The town speakers began to blare, causing me and a couple other women in the line to clutch their ears. Squinting I faced the old woman with the same amount of confusion on my face as I had felt inside. As if the screech of the speakers was a dinner bell, wolves began to flood the streets. Slowly packing up the courtyard creating a sort of pen around the line of women. That's when realization hit me.

This wasn't a catering gig, this was me volunteering to be on the slaughtering line. I had volunteered myself to become a hera. The next line of Blood bags to feed the sum of this world. Scanning the crowd in fear, a familiar face caught my eye. Debra, she clutched tightly onto Maxine as her husband embraced the two, a sense of relief flooding their faces. Betrayal stung within the deepest confines of my heart. Debra was to be next, she was supposed to be the one standing up here. But she had lied to me. All to protect herself and her family from the grief of losing a mother. I would have understood if she had explained her situation, but she had fed me to the lions. She had lost my pity. Lost my respect. I gripped my amulet, keeping my gaze on Debra and her family. Suddenly a cackling caught my attention, cocking my head in the direction of Chelsea caught my attention. I'm assuming she knew all along, and that's why she had been so smug about this. For I was indeed in the guillotine of my volition. As the crowd became more and more dense, so did my emotions. The sense of guilt and regret clouding any form of escape. For even though I was put on a pedestal of death, at least I wasn't alone? Turning my head to face the women who stood beside me one thing ultimately became clear. This is where we are destined to die. The sobbing faces of each woman made that truth ultimately inevitable. My eyes began to water as memories of my mother standing in this very position came flooding back. Was her sacrifice all for nothing? Were we just meant to be here to be sacrificed? Questions flooded my mind as tears flooded my eyes. Bringing my sleeve up to wipe my tears, the speakers blared once more as the familiar voice of our alpha sounded throughout the courtyard.

“Tonight we repay our debt!” He exclaimed.

“For tonight is the night we expand. But this territory does come with a cost. Ten young women for our fellow suppliers to feast upon” August explained, causing everyone but the line of women to cheer. Biting my lip, I faced the woods. I wasn't ready to die. I still had so much I needed to repay. So much I needed to live for. My heart beat rapidly against my chest as I realized what I must do. Adrenaline feeding my never ending will. I needed to live.

“Tonight we begin the sacrifices!” Our so-called alpha exclaimed, receiving a roar from the crowd. My grip on my amulet tightened as I lowered myself into a ready position.

“One my count we shall begin!”

I tuned into my instinct, adrenaline driving my very being. Focusing only on one thing, my will to live. Releasing my amulet I gripped the bottom of my dress preparing to run.

“One...”

My breathing began to quicken, every breath fueling my want for survival.

“Two…”

I must live, for our vow. Mine and my mother.

Exhaling, I waited in anticipation for August's gruff voice to yelp the final number.

“Three!”

The crowd roared as I staggered forward. Not wasting a moment to lag. Running as fast as my legs could carry. Into the den of my enemies. Towards my freedom. Towards my survival.