Chapter 4 The Birthday

As I reached the bottom of the stairs, my mom's warm smile greeted me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She stepped closer, smoothing the fabric of my gown in a motherly gesture before tilting her head to look at me.

"Are you ready to find your wolf and, hopefully, your mate, honey?" she asked gently.

My chest tightened at her words. This was the part I'd been secretly nervous about for weeks. Today wasn't just about getting my wolf-it was about the possibility of finding my mate, the person the Moon Goddess had destined for me.

Although my heart secretly hoped for Lucas, I wasn't naive. The bond was about more than just a crush. I wanted someone kind and devoted, someone who would love me as deeply as my dad loved my mom.

Taking a steadying breath, I forced a small smile. "As ready as I'll ever be," I replied, my voice steady despite the fluttering in my chest.

Mom nodded, her hand squeezing mine reassuringly before she and Dad led me outside.

Our backyard, a vast clearing that opened into the forest beyond, was breathtaking tonight. Strings of lights were draped along the trees, casting a golden glow over the lively crowd gathered there. Almost everyone in the pack had come, their laughter and chatter filling the air as they mingled and celebrated.

As we stepped into view, heads turned, and the pack members began approaching. One by one, they greeted my parents with respect and offered me congratulations. At first, I managed to smile and thank them, but as the well-wishers kept coming, the attention started to feel suffocating.

Just as my composure began to waver, a familiar hand grabbed mine and tugged me away.

"Okay, that's enough of the spotlight for one night," Susan said with a grin, dragging me toward the food table. Relief washed over me, and I couldn't help but smile at her impeccable timing.

"You look stunning tonight," she said, grabbing a plate and piling it with food.

"You too," I replied, laughing. "You clean up nicely, Suz."

She smirked, nudging me with her elbow. "Of course I do."

We both laughed as we stacked our plates with enough food to feed a small family. With our plates in hand, we found a quieter corner away from the bustle and settled down to eat.

The clearing was alive with activity, the golden lights casting a warm glow over everything. My gaze wandered as I took it all in. Some people were gathered around tables, chatting and laughing. Others were dancing to the upbeat music that filled the air. Children darted through the crowd, their laughter ringing out like bells.

"It's perfect, isn't it?" Susan said, following my gaze.

"Yeah," I murmured, my heart swelling with a mix of nerves and excitement.

Time slipped by quicker than I expected, the moments blurring together in a haze of music, laughter, and anticipation. Before I knew it, Susan nudged me gently.

"It's almost time," she said, her voice soft but excited.

I glanced at my watch. Twenty minutes until midnight. My heart thudded in my chest as I realized the moment was almost here. The moment that could change my life forever.

~~~~

The lively chatter and laughter around the clearing slowly faded as everyone instinctively turned their attention to the center. The priestess, dressed in flowing silver robes that shimmered under the moonlight, stepped forward. In her hands, she carried a silver knife and a ceremonial bowl etched with ancient runes. Her presence commanded respect, and the crowd parted to give her space as she made her way to the middle of the clearing.

I watched her with a mix of curiosity and unease. My heart pounded against my ribcage as the weight of the moment sank in. This was it.

As the priestess began setting up, murmuring prayers in a language I couldn't understand, the crowd stood in rapt silence. The atmosphere grew heavy, charged with anticipation. When the clock neared five minutes to midnight, my mother gently touched my arm, urging me forward.

"Go on, sweetheart," she whispered, her voice steady but her eyes shining with emotion.

I stepped toward the priestess, my legs trembling slightly under the weight of so many eyes. Reaching her, I inhaled deeply, trying to calm my nerves. She turned to face me, her expression unreadable, and motioned for me to extend my hand.

As I did, she lifted the silver knife and began chanting in that same unknown language, the words weaving a strange melody that sent shivers down my spine. Before I could prepare myself, she slashed the blade across my palm.

I gasped as pain flared in my hand, but I bit down on my lip, refusing to make a sound. Warm blood trickled from the wound, pooling in the ceremonial bowl she held beneath my hand. The sharp, metallic scent filled the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the forest.

The priestess continued her chanting, her voice rising and falling like waves. Her movements were deliberate, almost hypnotic, as she swirled the blood in the bowl before setting it down on an altar at the center of the clearing.

I clenched my fist to stem the bleeding, watching as she lifted her hands toward the moon. Midnight was seconds away, the air growing thick with tension. Everyone held their breath, waiting.

The clock struck twelve.

I braced myself for the rush I'd been told to expect-the exhilarating feeling of my wolf awakening. I waited for the surge of power, the connection to something greater than myself.

But nothing happened.

Seconds stretched into an agonizing minute. Then two. Whispers began rippling through the crowd, their excitement shifting to confusion. My stomach twisted as doubt clawed at my mind.

What's happening? Why isn't it working?

The priestess continued chanting, her voice unwavering despite the unease settling over the pack. Five minutes passed. Then ten. Still, the silence within me was deafening.

Finally, the priestess stopped, lowering her arms. She turned to the crowd, her expression solemn and her voice loud enough to carry across the clearing.

"THIS CHILD HAS NO WOLF!"

Her words echoed in the silence, each one landing like a blow to my chest.

An eerie stillness fell over the clearing. No one moved. No one spoke. I felt the weight of hundreds of eyes on me, their shock and disbelief palpable.

I stood frozen, my heart pounding so loudly it drowned out the world around me. My blood ran cold as the weight of her proclamation settled over me.

No wolf.

The words repeated in my mind, each time more unbearable than the last. My vision blurred, and for the first time in my life, I felt truly alone.