A LUNA'S SHADOWS (RE-WRITE IN PROGRESS)

(Adira)

As a pup, I used to spend hours playing in the small woods of the forest behind our house. The moist soil between my paws was often the most curious thing. How did it stay moist? What is it good for? Those were the questions I repeated over and over. Then one day I came to a puddle, right as I nipped my brother and he had fallen into it. Something came over me, urging me to look into the small puddle once it cleared. So I did, staring at my black furry face as if waiting for something to happen. In a second, one second, I changed. My eyes glowed purple. My face is now that as an adult, and I just wished that moment had prepared me for my life to come…

Strolling to my bedroom mirror on my dresser, I stared into it. Checking my eyes, no purple yet. Thankfully, because that would be weird. Picking up my brush and running it through the web of my jet-black curls is the pain of every morning. Each stroke feels like I’m ripping my scalp off. I let my freshly brushed hair fall to my shoulders and pick up my mascara. Two swipes of that black goo and my dark brown eyes are good for the day. Pulling my red tank top and black jeans on, topped with my leather jacket. Now set for the overcast day of which is also my eighteenth birthday. Legal to drink, yes!

A fist funnelled into my shoulder and it causes me to turn around. My attention landing on my painfully annoying twin, Xavier. I still use the whole I was five minutes early. Pretty often, but hey, siblings right? I grabbed his arm and slammed him on the floor. Without so much as a puff of energy used.

“Did you forget I am older? “I whisper into his ear.

“Not by a minute!” He protested.

“It is by five!” I chuckled.

“Kids, keep your wolfy rough housing for the forest!” Mum said with a sigh.

Being a wolf is fun. We felt wild. No, we don’t have an entirely different being that speaks to us, that sounds a little crazy. But, humans? They believe anything. In my current home, humans surround us. I was yet to see a wolf here in the city of Callie Pines. Our estate is newly built, but the reserve backed directly behind our home. Dad’s best choice yet!

“Right.” I said, rolling my eyes.

I step into Xaviers back as I let go.

“Adira!” He groaned.

He grabs my ankle, but I slip from his grip.

“One day!” He groaned.

With one effortless jump, I land at the bottom of our polished staircase with a ‘thump’.

“Adira!” my mother scolded.

Dad frowns as he watches his coffee ripple and turns his gaze from the table to me.

“You need to be much more mindful!” He scolded.

“Ugh.” I rolled my eyes.

“I’m serious, Adira!” He yelled.

“I heard you.” I said.

I slipped into a kitchen chair across from my father and grabbed a slice of toast. My brother loudly pulled the chair out across from me while he eyed me off angrily. Throwing him a grin as I chew my food. He piled a mountain of toast in his mouth, the frown still frozen on his face. I push myself out of the chair and walk to the front doorway. My phone rings just as I see a car pull up. Answering the call and putting the phone to my ear.

“Hello?” I said.

“Are you ready?” His voice mellowed down the phone.

“As always!” I said with a smile.

He hangs up; I swing open the front door.

“Have fun, love!” My mother called.

“Enjoy your day, we will see you tonight!” my father yelled.

“I will see you all later!” I yelled.

Bolting out the door and watching Elijah swing the front car door open. A single rose lay on the leather seat of Elijah’s sedan. Climbing into the car and shutting the door, I flash a smile at the man in the driver’s seat. He is human, and probably the best one I knew. He placed a neatly wrapped red box on my lap and kissed me on the cheek.

“Happy birthday!” He said.

“You’re so sweet!” I smiled.

Unwrapping the box to reveal a wine glass with a purple, glittering eighteen cups. He knew me well. I admired the man who stared at the road, a white dress shirt not nearly showing enough of his perfectly tanned skin or muscled body. Lunch was perfect. He spoiled me, just as he did with every date. The past four years with him had been perfect. He had been two years older when we met at a friend’s birthday. We had been inseparable since; he was perfect and caring. We pulled up at my dates beachside apartment building. They had the most amazing views overlooking the sandy beach.

Following him up the stairs, he unlocked his door and pulled me inside. The buzz of the alcohol still pumping through me. His hands pulled at my top. I felt his breath on my neck. My heart is pumping faster with every passing second. Then my phone rings, the quiet ring beeping from my back pocket. At first, I ignore it. But again it rings. Pulling away from the handsome man in front of me, amid my frustration, I answer it.

“Hello,” I said bluntly.

“Listen to me, Adira Stone.” A man said in a panicked voice.

“Who is this?” I questioned.

“It is your uncle Jay!” He said breathlessly.

“No, you’re dead.” I whispered.

“I don’t have time to explain. Write this address down, throw your phone away. Come alone, your parents and brother were captured this morning. Don’t go home.” The man said. He whispered an address.

I glanced up at Elijah in a panic.

“I have to go!” I said, pecking Elijah on the cheek.

“Wait, do you need a lift?!” He yelled after me.

“No!” I said.

I bolted out to the cold. The late afternoon sun bore down on me. A few grey clouds scattered around, threatening to rain. When the closest bin appeared, I threw my phone in it.

How did I know this isn’t a trick?

I didn’t.