CHAPTER TWO
~~ANIKA VALERION~~
I braced myself, clutching the hem of my linen dress until my knuckles turned white.
I had heard the history of how it felt. Brutal pain before victory and I found myself craving that agony.
I waited, every nerve ending screaming, wanting to feel the blood-curdling pain, to collapse to the ground, and to watch my bones shift into unusual angles as my wolf surfaced. I was so desperate to feel the break that I almost didn't notice the inability of my body.
Beside me, Joana was already writhing, her fingers elongating into claws as her clothes ripped apart.
For a fleeting moment, I saw a few others still standing just like me. A surge of hope hit my chest.
“Maybe we are just a little late”, I whispered reassuringly to myself, my voice trembling.
Unfortunately, as minutes ticked by. Nothing happened. The anticipation I had for this moment began to diminish.
One by one, the others around me shifted, their bones snapping into place until powerful wolves stood where teenagers once were.
I remained standing. I remained unturned.
The Alpha stepped forward to the edge of the ledge.
"I welcome all the new wolves of the Eclipse pack tonight! Tonight, you have been reborn!" Alpha Marcus declared, proudly.
The pack let out a collective howl in acknowledgement to his declaration.
“Ând now, we address the one the moon goddess has passed over. By the ancient laws of the Eclipse Pack, those who do not transition by their eighteenth year are demoted to the status of an Omega or a Null.” His voice turned cold. “I label you a Null.”
I stood perfectly still, the brand of my status starting to feel as though it had been burned onto my forehead!
“The Ceremony is concluded. Take home your new wolves and celebrate, kids.”
I took slow steps towards the exit of the square, wanting nothing more than to be home, in Nana’s embrace.
"I told you, Anika," Joana, who was already back to her human form, sneered, stepping into my space. "I already knew you’d be a failure."
“How about you go celebrate the victory of a successful transformation instead of being in my face?” I genuinely intended to sound calm and unbothered but my words came as tiny whimpers.
In a fit, she shoved me. Hard. I hit the ground with a small thud, feeling my bare skin tear open as it came in contact with rough ground.
The crowd began to disperse, they all saw but made no attempt to stop my bully from harassing me.
Tears rimmed my eyes. I should know better than to expect help from a pack that obviously loathes me for being weak.
Joana’s lips spread into a wide smile. “What? Expecting some stranger to be kind enough to save you out of this situation?” She snickered. “It wouldn’t even happen in your dreams.”
I scrambled on the ground, attempting to get up to my feet and just walk back home. Joanna’s legs kicked my ribs, forcing me back to the floor.
A group of teens passed by and cheered her on.
"You were never meant to shift. And, so proof. Even the moon goddess agrees with me.”
She stooped down, intentionally stepping on the hem of my dress. “What? Why are you so quiet now? Why not exchange words like you did earlier, Scrawny Outcast.”
I winced.
“Even the Omegas will look down on you now. I’ll make sure to request you for my personal quarters. I’d love to see you on your knees scrubbing my floors."
Joana leaned down further. She began to trace her fingers along my jaws and chin, every intent of her movement screaming nothing but threat.
“Maybe I should give you a mark to match your status.”
She whispered and extended her claws. The tip prickled at my skin. “How nice would that be?”
I flinched.
“Enough!” An utterly displeased voice boomed, interrupting the scene Joana was causing.
I looked up to identify the face of the one person who had dared to interfere and I recognized instantly.
Conor Mortain, first but illegitimate son of the Alpha. Unlike his brother, Xander, Conor had always been the available one. He made sure everyone in the pack recognizes him.
The trail of Joana’s fingers on my skin ceased instantly and she rose to her feet, hands trembling as she brushed through her perfectly styled hair.
“Lord Conor…” she slightly bowed in a show of respect.
Conor stepped forward, concern etched on his facial features
“Back away.” he spelt out rigidly.
He immediately knelt in the dirt beside me. "It is a dark night for our pack when we allow a sister to be bruised while she is already grieving the lack of a wolf."
He reached out, softly lifting my chin so I could directly stare into his eyes. His thumb wiped away the trail of tears that smeared them "Don't cry. It is a tragedy, truly but we are all aware that the Goddess works in mysterious ways, perhaps she finds you special."
He offered a hand and I reached for it.
Joanna paled beside me, and I believe her resentment toward me doubled in that instant.
Before my hand could touch Conor’s and accept the assistance he’s offering, â shadow fell over the both of us.
“The comfort you offer is nothing but a lie, Conor.” the new presence pronounced coldly.
“L-Lord Xander?” Joana’s voice trembled as she acknowledged the man whom she had addressed would be unable to resist her.
Xander Mortain stood there, his arms crossed over his broad chest. He didn’t look like one who had the intention to help out. He appeared bored, irritated.
“Xander.” Conor said, his smile remaining in place even though his eyes hardened.. “I was only offering the girl some comfort. Surely even the 'Cold-Blooded Heir' understands that kind words would help in this situation."
"Kind words?" Xander stepped closer. "You’re using her as a prop for your audience, Conor. You waited until she was on her knees, until the crowd was watching, to play the role of the merciful brother. Like you always love to do.” He said through gritted teeth.
Conor’s jaw tightened. "I am trying to uphold the dignity of the pack—"
Conor stood up “And what is your way, brother? To stand there and stare at her with the same disgust you show the rest of the world?"
Xander ignored his brother’s comment. He turned his gaze to me for the first time.
No, he didn’t offer me a hand to bring me to my feet nor did he say comforting words.
"Go home," Xander grunted, "Conor's pity isn't going to give you a future."
He did not wait for me to thank him. He walked away. Conor turned back to me, his smile wider.
“Pardon his manners. My brother has always been an arrogant type.”
I scrambled to my feet, wrapping my arms around myself. “Thank you, Lord Conor. I’ll leave now.”
I mouthed, taking unsteady steps toward home.
As I walked past Joanna, who had been standing beside me the whole time, I deliberately looked the other way, ignoring the fire in her eyes that was now blazing even hotter at being cast to the sidelines…