CHAPTER 18

I was at a loss for what to do as I pulled at a strand of my hair. I had never had hair this dry or unruly in the entire course of my life. I was unsure of what to do with it because it was a twisted, impossible mess. It appeared worse the more I rubbed at it. I sighed in utter frustration as I felt my cheeks begin to warm.

Nessa! Nessa, be damned! Such a witch!

I wanted to cry because my hair looked like a puffed-out pineapple. I just couldn't make this curly hair work! It was completely ineffective.

I turned when I heard a knock on the bathroom door.

I answered the door after Indigo questioned, "Mawee, are you okay?"

I said as I flung open the door, "No! No, I'm not!" Indigo's eyes widened at the sight of my hair. "I don't even know what to do about how bad I look."

I sob while pulling all of my hair back, passing Indigo, and going to the drawers to look for a cap or some other item.

Indigo responded, "I can fix it," and then she hurried out of the room as I kept looking for the hat. What a nightmare of hair! With everything tied together in a single knot, it resembled a blown-out puff.

She was holding a comb and a little jar when Indigo came back. I was instructed to sit down before she began to manipulate my hair, explaining that her sister had curly hair that was similar to mine but not as thick and much longer. No doubt.

I questioned Indigo, "Fleur, you mean?"

Indigo clarified, "No, Fleur isn't my sister; you haven't met my sister yet; she's only my cousin," and then she told me she was finished. In the bathroom mirror, I noticed that Indigo had combed my hair into two lovely pigtails.

I appeared to be a schoolgirl, exactly!

Whatever the case, it was still a vast improvement.

I could see why when Indigo said, "Take this," and handed me a big white gown. In their pack, Tinley had previously informed me that the required shift caused by the full moon was a special occasion, so everyone dressed in white. The white clothing would rip and tear when the full moon rose over us, symbolizing a new moon and the change it brought. Everything seemed so cliché to me.

Everyone was rushing to get ready since, after the required shift, there was supposed to be a big supper, a feast of some kind, to mark this day. Of course, there was a restriction that no one could shift indoors.

Since we have a new moon every bloody month, there is no need for you guys to act so hysterically about it. It's not all that unique.

Indigo exited the room after I grinned at her since I was at a loss for words. The moon was practically full as I got dressed and headed downstairs. My veins were pulsing more intensely than they had been the previous second, and I could feel it.

I don't know why there was howling everywhere when I exited the mansion, but I was expecting to see Indigo, Tinley, or another familiar face. And I wanted to track down Storm. The full moon, in my opinion, was the best justification for going nude, and I was interested in how this conservative pack regarded it. It actually wasn't a big deal in my pack, to be honest.

Then I realized that these people are without electricity, and the moment I realized this, I also noted that not a single lamp was flickering. It was completely dark. When individuals went outside, they typically carried a lantern, but I suppose that during this crucially important mandated shift, darkness was the norm.

While the howling grew louder and the moon above me grew larger and more beautiful, I could feel the moist grass beneath my feet. I stared at it as it shone and immediately became aware of an overwhelming feeling that, to be completely honest, I had never had before. I don't know why, but before now, I never really paid attention to the moon, and as I gazed up at her, I was filled with the grief of a soul that has lost its delicate lover. I yearned to grab it and touch it.

My eyes started to sparkle.

My bones felt like they were being squeezed and bent inhumanely. I yelled out, regretting that my final shift was the final one that was required. I detested how painful it was. I kept screaming as my wolf struggled to escape, and I could hear every bone in my body creak awkwardly and horribly. Eventually, she broke free and was as free as a bird.

This pack was a wolf's paradise, or, to put it another way, a shifter's heaven. It was so in tune with nature that I rushed around, feeling like I could do whatever I wanted and not worry about the consequences. All I did was run, feeling and loving the ground beneath my feet and all around me. In my pack, we could only change in certain places, and often those locations weren't very big because the pack was crowded with other wolves. Although it wasn't strictly illegal, shifting was frowned upon in urban areas.

As I went across the grass, the meadows, the trees, and the patches, I came across many wolves. Even the sunflower field that Storm had barred me from the previous time was traversed by me. Wolves appeared unconcerned about me as they all passed me by without even noticing me. While some were chasing each other, none ran into me. Most of them were bigger than I was, but not by much, and certainly not as big as the enormous black wolf I had before encountered at the lily pond.

I ran for what felt like hours before realizing, when I was exhausted, that I hadn't kept track of my route. I paused to take a look, but nothing I saw felt at all familiar, so I swore at myself. I was an assassin, but at the moment, my recollection of the orders was poor. I was unable to keep track of my direction since my wolf overcame me completely. I was just aware of my desire to leave at the time. I made an effort to retrace my steps.

After wasting my time, I came across a pond.

I went there to drink since I was thirsty. My main thought the entire time was how I was going to get back. The moon's reflection could still be seen dragging over the water while it was still beaming so brightly above me. Even though it wasn't as bright as the rest of the night, it nonetheless filled me with essence. Next, I drank.

After drinking a lot of water, my black wolf moved to leave, but I suddenly and unexpectedly saw her.

Nessa was there.

I questioned whether I was hallucinating when I saw her because of the way her silver eyes shone on the water's surface. She was gone when I went back and checked. She was nowhere to be found when I turned to look, so I stopped and stood there, unsure of what was going on. Was I having hallucinations due to the moon's intensity?

I took another glance around and once more came to the realization that I was lost. No matter how much I tried to calm her down, my wolf, Riel—the name I gave her after my birth name, Rose—kept running around madly in circles.

I was also lost as she rushed back into the field to try to find her way. I couldn't recall how or through what route we had arrived. My wolf sat down, feeling worn out and somewhat discouraged, when we arrived at yet another clearing that was unrecognizably different. Both of us were lost. Were we going to do anything? After at least an hour of running, we still had not come across any more wolves.

I had no idea what to do, so my wolf and I just sat there. The moon was getting dimmer, which meant that the required shift would soon be finished. I just wish we hadn't gone this far.

I looked up, as there was a strong presence.

It was the black wolf that I had previously encountered. Who gifted me with the water lily?

After Riel and I stood up from our seated position, the black wolf tipped his head and bolted. After it, Riel ran. Now that I was a wolf too, it seemed even larger than I remembered. The enormous black wolf moved across the grasses, patches, and meadows without moving too quickly or slowly. I devotedly trailed behind in the hopes that the wolf would carry me home.

It did.

Before I knew it, I was back in my old surroundings. I was close to the pond with water lilies. The wolf then whirled around. I wanted to thank him as I saw it with its glistening gold eyes. He then sprinted out into the woods.

I too made a U-turn and headed back home, thankful to the wolf that I was no longer lost.

****

I made a hasty descent from the second floor. Tinley had prepared an outfit for me in anticipation of the feast at the full moon. White slacks, a white shawl, and a white tunic were worn; however, this time, golden beads were sewn onto every square inch of the fabric. I came down, pleased to be wearing something that I honestly and genuinely enjoyed for once. I liked how it complemented my now-blonde hair.

As was relatively traditional in this pack, I took a bath after the shift using rose water, coconut milk, lavender oil, and a combination of lemon and orange peels. According to Tinley, everyone attempts to look their best, dress their best, and smell their best during the feast of the full moon. Therefore, my bath was made in this particular way when she dispatched someone to prepare it. The baths in this box were wonderful. The water was constantly infused with something soothing.

Since there is a new moon every month, today's designation as a special day still baffles me. However, if that were the case, I would be left to question why no one was wearing cosmetics. There was no sign of makeup other than lip gloss and lip color. Not even something as straightforward as blush, let alone mascara or eyeliner. It was strange. Was makeup also prohibited? In all honesty, I wouldn't be surprised.

My two pigtails had been rebraided by Indigo, who also gave each of them a golden ribbon. The only difference between her attire and mine was that she didn't have any golden beads on it. She likewise looked gorgeous. Instead, her shawl was embellished with fine needlework and gold lace, and the row of buttons that ran the length of her white tunic top were also made of gold. She informed me that at special events or the full moon festival, this pack would only dress in white and gold.

And everyone else did, too, since every girl I saw had golden hair accessories like ribbons or beads, as well as golden or silvery clothing. Even Fleur, who was often pessimistic, donned a frock with gold and white polka dots. The ornaments caught my attention as well. The girls were all decked out in bright, sparkling gold jewelry. There were gold bangles, necklaces, and earrings all over the place. Both of Indigo's ears were pierced with two enormous golden earrings, and her hands were covered with golden bangles. A long golden pendant hung from Fleur's neck, and she also wore golden earrings, but they were simpler.

Although silver technically reflects the moon more, we wolves choose to avoid it since it burns. Witches are not burned, though. I discovered this fact while in assassin training. Try to put silver in someone's hands or toss it at them to determine whether or not they are a witch. A true reflection of the moon, a person is a witch if it truly hurts them, as it would undoubtedly hurt you. According to what I've heard, witches always adorn themselves with silver jewelry. Even Nessa had a pair of diamond-encrusted silver stud earrings that she wore practically constantly.

Wolves could deal with gold instead of silver; therefore, today this pack was decked in gold!

As I descended the steps, I observed the females, who were all dressed in gold ribbons, jewelry, clothing, and needlework. The candlelight that each person was holding illuminated the entire room. The entire home was illuminated by kerosene lights and candles, and it was the brightest the house had ever been at night. Nearly everyone was even holding a candle. I also had one.

A girl had a garment made entirely of golden material, and some golden ribbons kept her blonde hair up in a bun. She had no other white clothing on but her white stockings. However, the males were dressed entirely in white, with loose-fitting white pants and an untucked shirt. Some men even wore golden chains around their necks, and the shirt featured golden buttons.

My gaze looked around the mansion, which was similarly embellished with golden tapestries and ribbons, looking for Storm and Tinley. Trays of food passed by as I looked down at my clothing and enjoyed the way the gold beads glistened.

My gaze then shifted to Erica. On her hip, she was carrying Eni's. She appeared gorgeous. She was dressed in a big, white skirt that had beautiful golden lace embroidery and a golden long-sleeved shirt tucked in. She also wore a golden bracelet, a golden necklace, and golden earrings. Additionally, her single plaid had some lace threads woven into it that protruded in pretty parts at her back. It was so lovely that all I wanted to do was copy it. I love the way that hair would look on me! I desired it. I genuinely did.

In the hopes that she would bring me to Storm, I followed her. After all, she was his sister.

The entire house suddenly came to a stop as a shrill noise reverberated throughout it. I came to a stop at the same moment as everyone else. Around me, I observed the eyes and gazes becoming perplexed. The booming sound then reappeared. This time there were gasps and a scream in addition to it.

The scream was so loud and clearly came from a person in pain. Everyone around me, including Erica, ran to the source of the noise, and I did the same.

The huge drawing room already had a semi-circle formed as I entered. Erica persevered through it, and I gradually did too. The elderly woman who often sits next to Storm at meals was there in the thick of the chaos. She gave me the filthiest looks conceivable and claimed to be his godmother. If anyone disliked me and let it be known, it was her. Although Fleur wasn't very interested in me either, her energy wasn't quite as strong.

The sound then reappeared.

An older woman slapped a girl—Willow, I believe her name was—who immediately collapsed to the ground in agony. She sobbed vehemently. Tinley was in my line of sight, but she didn't respond or offer to assist Willow. Actually, nobody did. No one, aside from Erica, who set Eni's down and rushed over to Willow, who was sobbing on the ground, her cheeks were stained scarlet, and her eyes were bloodshot. She never stopped sobbing. The elderly woman merely gave her a disgusting downward gaze. Jude surveyed the chaos from a distance of several feet. After wiping away the girl's tears, Erica persuaded her to stand up.

Erica stared up at the elderly woman and then over at Jude as she felt her arm being yanked firmly. Erica shoved Willow to the ground, enraged, when she turned to face her once more. Willow sobbed more as her braid totally undid itself and her dark hair spilled out in all directions. While Willow continued to sob, Erica hurriedly stood up, her eyes turning crimson. Erica also broke down in tears.

What the hell is happening? I detest being unable to link.

No one did anything but continue to stare. Where the fuck was Storm was all I could think of as not a single person moved.

The elderly woman approached Willow once more, but this time she gave her a strong kick to the stomach. Willow's body shook and curled up as she yelled in agony. In me, something gave way. I was unable to complete it. I couldn't just watch this old woman bash this girl while doing nothing. Whatever she did, no one has the right to abuse her in this way. Willow was crying helplessly on the floor as I shoved everyone aside and hurried over to her. Next to her, I placed my candle on the ground.

I yelled out, "Stop!" and yanked Willow away from the elderly woman's foot. Her foot stumbled and landed on my arm.

There were audible gasps all around, and Willow grabbed my waist right away. She sobbed against me and into my tunic as I turned to look at the elderly woman who was staring down at me with domineering eyes.

My eyes darted up at the woman as I questioned her, "Why are you beating this poor girl?" She stamped the earth with her foot. "What could she have possibly done that you are not only beating her, but everyone is just standing by idly and watching you hurt her?"

I ask a general question that applies to everyone. Tinley then flies over to my side.

She tugged at my arm and said, "Mawee," while leaning against me. I threw Tinley's arm away as Willow sobbed.

The elderly lady's voice was the hoarsest I had ever heard as she yelled, "Now listen to me, you outsider girl!" I was offended when she pointed her finger at me. Nobody, and I mean nobody, has the audacity to blame me. No matter how elderly you are, hell will break loose before I accept having a finger pointed directly at my face. My father put a halt to that nonsense.

I got up. Together with me, Willow stood up while skulking behind me and sobbing. Tinley grabbed at my arm as well, and it took every fiber of my being to keep from twisting and breaking her arm—but she wasn't the problem just now. It was the old giant!

I have warned my Storm and Erica that those dark wandering eyes of yours will cause all of us nothing but pain, but they never listen to me. "Now, just be grateful we gave you a home, food, and clothing. Stay within your limits, where you belong! Do not interfere in things that are none of your business."

I snapped suddenly, coming into her space until her finger was barely inches from my face. "So you want me to stand back like all the cowards in this room and watch you beat this poor girl to death?"

I threw her finger out of my face out of rage because I could take it no longer.

Her eyes were clouded with fear and filled with unadulterated rage.

She struck me without thinking twice.

I'm not sure which happened first—the way my head jerked to the side and my entire body changed, forcing my shawl to tumble to the ground, or the echo that continued to ring in my ears. It rang loudly and sharply, and all I could hear for what felt like a very long time was the ringing in my ears.

Now, Erica approached the woman and drew her away from me.

Erica yelled, "Grandaunt! It's enough!" As I moved robotically, my eyes furrowed dangerously, and every muscle in my body tensed up.

The elderly woman echoed, "If her parents didn't teach her manners, then I will!" I clinched my teeth and reached out to touch my cheek. It was quite painful. My face was burning up. My spirit felt as though it had been consumed by a wildfire.

The woman pushed Erica aside as she prepared to charge at me once more while Erica clutched onto her arm. My fingers were on the edge of turning into claws, but I was prepared for her. I wanted to bleed. I should have. She extended her arm toward my hair, but a bigger person moved in front of us and grabbed her hand to stop her.

Storm.