Prologue

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.

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