BLOOD MOON PROPHECY

LYRA's POV

The sky was dark. The wind howled through the trees, tugging at my hair and clothes.

I stood in the middle of the forest, fear gripping my chest like a claw. Birds scattered above me, their wings slicing through the air as they chirped in frantic alarm.

I wrapped my arms tightly around myself, spinning in place, eyes darting into the shadows.

"Who's there?" I screamed, but only my voice echoed back, bouncing off the trees, louder than before...mocking me. My fear multiplied.

A sudden clap of thunder split the sky, and I screamed again, louder, drowning out my own echo.

"Help! Help!" I cried, desperation shaking my voice. The ground beneath me trembled. Cracks split the earth like veins. I lost my balance and fell hard on my backside, scrambling backwards, heart pounding, breath ragged.

"Lyra," a voice whispered my name.

It echoed, like the wind itself had spoken.

"Lyraaaaaa," it called again, harsher now, deeper, more chilling.

"What do you want?!" I cried, crawling backward as my legs refused to support me. My voice cracked. "Who are you?!" My eyes darted everywhere, but the forest seemed to close in on me.

"Lyraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa..." The voice screamed my name like I was a thousand miles away, like it was trying to pull me into the void.

************************************************

"Yes!" I gasped, jerking awake. My body shot upright, drenched in sweat. My chest rose and fell rapidly as I clutched my blanket, trembling.

My mom burst into the room, eyes wide, her hands clenching her robe. "What happened?" she asked, her voice heavy with worry.

A tear slipped down my cheek as I looked at her. "I had the dream again," I whispered, then broke down completely. "This time... it was worse. So much worse."

Her face crumpled. "Oh no." She stepped closer, her bare feet soft on the floor. With a sigh, she reached out, parting the old woollen curtains that surrounded my mattress.

She sat beside me, her hand warm as it found mine and pulled me gently toward her. "Come here." She opened her arms, and I melted into them, burying my face in her chest. Her hug felt like safety, like home.

"Why do I keep having these dreams?" My voice was muffled, barely a whisper.

She stroked my hair with gentle fingers. "I don't know," she said quietly. "But you'll be fine. I promise."

She pulled away just enough to look me in the eyes. "You should get ready. The annual shifting ceremony... It's today, remember?"

"Mother," I said, my voice rising, almost a shout. "I've been attending the ceremony since I was fifteen. I'm twenty now. Twenty! And I've never shifted. Not even once." I bit my lip, trying not to feel the sting, but sadness still crawled into my heart.

The annual shifting ceremony was sacred. It was when we were supposed to finally connect with the wolf inside...to become whole.

But not me. Never me.

It was like the wolf inside me didn't want me. Like it had abandoned me.

Just like everyone else here had.

Everyone hated me because I wasn't real. Not yet.

Will today be different?

Will I finally shift?

"You're real. You're strong," my mother said softly, trying to lift my spirit. But I shook my head.

"I'm not. You're just saying that because you're my mom."

"No, I'm not...."

"I'll get ready," I said, cutting her off, my voice flat with finality.

She sighed and nodded, leaning forward to kiss my forehead before walking out.

I stared at the door after she left, my throat tight.

I hated my life.

And I knew it.

************************************************

The Moon Field buzzed with excitement. It was crowded, noisy, and lively. Kids and young adults bounced on their feet, laughter and chatter rippling like waves.

Joy shimmered on their faces.

It was their time...to prove they were true wolves.

Not imposters like me.

I sat behind a tree at the far end of the field, hugging my knees. The moon hung brightly overhead like it had been waiting for this moment. The sky grew darker by the minute, yet the moon seemed to shine even stronger.

I dug my fingers into the dirt, playing with my toes. I had no friends. No one spoke to me.

They all ignored me like I carried a curse.

"She's not a real wolf. Stay away from her."

I'd heard it more times than I could count. It had carved itself into my soul like a scar.

The Moon Keeper's voice boomed, sharp and commanding, cutting through the noise. "Silence!"

The crowd quieted instantly.

I slowly stood and joined the circle of soon-to-be wolves, though every step felt like dragging chains.

"Tonight," the Moon Keeper declared, his voice rising above the night, "you become real wolves."

"You will receive the power the Moon Goddess has gifted you. You will become one of us."

"Tonight," he said again, raising his arms toward the moon, "you stand before the moon. Tonight, you find your true self. Your wolf. Let the spirits of the ancestors guide you. Let the bond awaken."

My heart thundered. My hands were clammy. My feet ached inside my shoes, and dizziness crept into my head.

Why was I still nervous? I'd been here before..five times.

Because I already knew what would happen.

I would fail. Again.

The Moon Keeper's sharp gaze swept over us like a blade.

"Step forward," he ordered, eyes locking onto Caleb.

Of course.

Caleb grinned and strode forward like he owned the ground. He always had the spotlight. Always wanted more of it.

"Close your eyes. Connect with your wolf. Let him take over," the Moon Keeper said.

Caleb obeyed. His fists clenched. Silence wrapped around the clearing.

Then, his body began to shift. His bones snapped. Muscles bulged. A scream of pain ripped from his throat.

In moments, he was gone.

In his place stood a sleek black wolf, proud and strong. He howled joyfully at the moon.

The crowd roared in celebration.

I swallowed hard. My chest felt tight.

One after the other, they stepped forward. Each one transformed. Some easily, some with struggle...but all succeeded.

The field filled with howls and thudding paws.

Laughter. Pride. Joy.

But I stood frozen.

Then the Guidaun's eyes found mine.

"Lyra," he said. The air fell still. Everyone turned.

Heat rose to my cheeks. My heart sank.

"Step forward."

I couldn't move.

My feet felt glued to the ground. My mind screamed. My hands trembled.

A sharp headache pulsed through my skull, stealing my breath.

The world spun around me.

"She's nothing."

"She doesn't belong here."

"She should be banned."

"She's not even a real wolf."

"She's useless."

Their words echoed in my mind like knives.

I swallowed hard, blinking back tears.

Will I transform today?

Or will the wolf reject me again?