Chapter 1 Life of Nia
NIA’S POV
Life didn't exactly feel the same after the death of my mother; her death forced my father and me to run for our dear lives away from the Crescent pack into the woods. There is bad blood between humans and the werewolves. However, that didn't matter in my parents' case; it was love at first sight for both of them. My mum had found her mate in my father, who is a human. She didn't care about turning her back on her kind. My dad was a wandering explorer who settled wherever the nights met him. Being the daughter of the head of the omega clan in the Crescent pack, they had to let my mother and her love interest be. When they gave birth to me, it was a bit hard for everyone to accept a half-breed like myself, but they couldn't voice out their displeasure because of how vicious my mother could get. She is the pack's healer, and her presence is the bane of the pack's existence.
Things went on smoothly until she got stuck with an unexplainable disease; a healer treated my mother with everything considered appropriate for use. Eventually, she gave up the ghost despite being a healer. Rumors began to spread that the goddess cursed her due to her association with my father. Some members of the pack got enraged and came after my father and me. My grandparents tried their best to protect us, but they had to let us go when their lives were also on the verge of danger. My father and I had since then found solace in the middle of the woods after working hard to build us a livable cabin for seven days. I have never met someone as hardworking and resilient as my father. I see him walk around with slumped shoulders cause the death of my mother weighs intensely on him, and some nights, I hear his quiet sobs. I made a promise to my dead mother to ensure that he finds happiness eventually. I hope to grow up to improve his life; he is stuck because of his need to look after me. Sometimes, it's my fault that my family got plagued with so much trouble. Probably, if I hadn't been born, both of them would have had no choice but to go apart and live as expected by the order of their opposing society.
My eyes lightened up at the sight of my father, and I ran towards him, helping him with the hunting sack in his hand. "Nia," he called out in his usual husky tone. "How is my angel doing today?" I giggled, hugging him by the waist. "I'm fine, dad. What took you so long?" Laughing lightly, he showed me his bounty. He had hidden the deer with one hand behind his back. "Here you go, my princess." I jumped in excitement, grinning from ear to ear. "We are going to have a feast tonight." He ruffled my hair. "Yes, baby. We would have a feast. Come with me; let's get to work."
I followed him to the back of the cabin, where we skinned the animal and prepared daily meals. Having wandered for a long time, my dad knows how to survive wherever he finds himself. We got down to business as usual, mostly involving him doing everything while I watched in awe. I sighed, staring at his muscled arms. "When are we going to leave this place, Dad?" I asked. He kept mute, still focusing on the woods he arranged to make a fire. "Dad!" I whined, stomping my foot. He exhaled, "Stop being dramatic, Nia. I need to get this done on time to enable us to retire into the safety of the cabin before nightfall."
“This is exactly why I am tired!" I lamented. "Until when would we keep running? They don't want us at the Crescent pack, but we can try out another pack where no one would know about us."
Aside from hiding away from the angry members of my mother's pack, we still have to deal with rogue wolves around the woods. They move around, searching for prey to pounce on. And from what I have heard, they feast on humans. Since we took solace in the woods, my father and I permanently retired too early into the cabin. There is no liberty to sit outside when the moon shines brightly. I don't know how long this has to continue.
"I wish it was that easy, baby. You are eleven, and you still haven't shifted. I don't know what I would do if we settle into another pack, and you get subjected to bullying from your peers because you are different," he said.
“Mum clearly said I would shift when my body is ready. What does this have to do with me being a half-breed?" I bellowed angrily.
He kissed his teeth, "It has everything to do with you being a half-breed. And I know it's my fault, baby. I need to protect you at all costs, pending the time you can stand up for yourself. Full werewolves shift from age eight, and you have never shown any sign regarding harboring a wolf."
Tears pricked at the back of my eyes. I remembered how my few friends became more distant when they all turned, and I was still my usual self. I heard people talking about me being a complete version of my father and how I would never be able to change into a wolf or own one. Their words made me feel like an outcast; probably, that is what I am.
Wiping the tears that trailed my face angrily, I stood up and entered the cabin, shutting the door tightly behind me. "We would talk about this during dinner, baby. I promise!" Dad called out. "I'm sorry if I said something wrong. I love you!” I tried not to smile at his assuring words. But changing my mind, I grumbled and moved to open the door and apologize for my rude behavior. The moment I opened the door, his eyes stared at me fearfully. "Go back inside," he whispered.
I didn't understand what he meant until I saw the shiny, dark, golden eyes that peered through the darkness of the night. In a flash, I saw a full fur jump at my father with its claws, and with my heart in my mouth, I stood dead on the spot. I practically peed on myself as I watched my father struggle with the fierce-looking brown wolf. My dad had learned some fighting skills from my mom when she was still alive and well. He could wield just about any weapon he laid his hands on. He had snatched the long knife he was making use of from the ground to defend himself. My hands shook hard as I held onto the doorknob, watching him try hard to protect himself, but the wolf obviously had enough time and wouldn't back down easily. I felt dizzy when the wolf clawed at my father's arm, tearing off his flesh. I gulped hard at the horrendous sight, hoping to gather enough courage to help him. But I know staying locked up here is the best assistance I can offer him now. As if he knew this horrifying day would come, he has always pleaded with me to stay indoors just in case such a situation occurs. That way, he would have enough courage to fight, knowing I was safe.
A short sigh of relief escaped my lips when Dad slashed the wolf with his knife on the face. I am sure the wound will go deep. However, that single act made the wolf more vicious, and with one loud howl, he jumped at my dad, clawing at his neck directly. Within a few seconds, I saw my father on the ground with blood gushing out of the deep gash on his neck. Sneering, the wolf strolled majestically toward me. For a moment, I thought it had seen me. Instead, it held the dead deer with its canines and walked away.
I couldn't move my legs as the tears fell uncontrollably. I waited, hoping my dad would stand up and say he had only pretended to be dead to distract the wolf, but he never came to me. Summoning courage, I walked with wobbling legs towards my lifeless father. My hands shook hard as I tried to touch his pale face. The moonlight shone brightly on him, and I could see his features.
"Wake up, Dad." I held him by the shirt, shaking him hard. "Wake up! You promised to look after me till I get to shift. You can't leave me all alone, please. Wake up." I wailed.
It took a long minute for it to dawn on me that my father was dead and wouldn't be coming back home to me ever again. Yelling painfully, I leaned on him, crying profusely. I can't believe I lost two parents in a year. Maybe my friends were right about me having an unfortunate star. Why do the people who love me and would do anything to protect me have to leave me hanging without keeping their promise? There will never be an answer to my questions, and I am not getting any of my parents back. The tears burst like heavy rain, and I didn't try to hold myself back as my dad's blood-soaked my clothes.
***********************
My eyes fluttered open, and I tried to remember where I was and what happened. When my eyes met my dad's already blue face, it reminded me of the unfortunate incident the night before. I can't believe I fell asleep in such chaos. It was morning already. I tried to cry, but the tears weren't coming. My eyes were tired. Standing up, I entered the cabin, grabbed a bag, and stuffed a few clothes into it, not forgetting to hold the only thing that reminds me of my family: a picture locket with a picture of my parents and myself from when I was six months old. Looking around the cabin, I know it's useless to stay back. I can only last a night before I meet the same fate as my father. I can only hope I can navigate the nearest village before nightfall.
Giving my father one last look, I silently promised to try my best to survive. He had risked everything for me. With tears, I followed the path that led directly out of the woods. My dad had intentionally created the route in case we eventually needed to run one day. I believe he had foreseen this tragedy happening. Another about of tears trailed down my face as I walked the path with the fear of getting into the wrong hands.
When the sun was about to set, I caught sight of the village. As I walked into it, happy to be among people, I saw everyone running around as the weather had changed, and it seemed like it might rain. There was a house with a large oak tree in front of its gate. I ran to the place to shield myself from the rain. The rain didn't care that I was an orphan and had just recently lost my remaining parent. It poured heavily on me, and despite hiding under the tree's umbrella, it wasn't enough to protect me from the pelting drops. Signing into resolve, I leaned against the tree bark, trying hard not to cry bitterly. The rain stopped just like it had started; aside from the wet ground and leaf, there was no actual sign of its presence.
My head tilted as I got sleepy, and out of nowhere, a bright light shined on my face. A woman who appears to be around the same age as my dead mother or probably some years older stood, arms akimbo, next to the person with the torchlight.
"I was wondering if it was a person or a wild animal. Who are you?" She inquired.
"Please don't hurt me. I am just a little girl," I called out to avoid getting shot on the spot.
They moved closer to me as the light got lowered. The person holding the torch was a man. "What is a girl of your age doing here unguarded?" The man asked.
I sniffed, "I was coming with my father, but he got into an accident and died on the way," I lied partially, knowing it would be too much of a hassle explaining myself.
"Where is your mother?" The lady asked.
"She is dead, too," I responded.
"Which means you are an orphan, and you have no one to be with," the man stated, looking towards the lady.
I could guess that they were couples from the way they interacted with each other. After what seemed like forever and a long look at me, the lady reached for my hand, "come, let's get you some warm food and a blanket. You would freeze out here," she said, leading me into their house with the man following behind.
