REBORN IN FURY

*Point of View: Lila*

It illuminates the camp of the Silver Moon pack, where my family and I reside. Despite being a werewolf, I'm not frightening. I like assisting everyone, and I'm nice. My friend Ethan is my favorite person. He has a broad grin that brightens my heart and he is powerful. We're holding hands as we sit by the fire. I feel secure in his warm touch.

With his hazel eyes gleaming, Ethan declares, "Tonight's special, Lila." "I will soon become alpha."

I squeeze his hand and nod. "You will be the most exceptional alpha ever."

I laugh along with him when he chuckles. Around us, the pack is busy getting ready for a large gathering. Since Ethan will eventually lead us, everyone is thrilled. Sarah, one of my friends, is seen lugging wood. I give her a wave in return. The moon makes everything gleam, and the air has a smoke and pine scent.

I glance at Ethan. "You mean we'll lead together?"

His grin seems a touch amusing, as if he's giving it a lot of thought. Yes, Lila. Together.

I have faith in him. Since we were little, racing through the forest and chasing rabbits, we have been great friends. We are unique because of our mate relationship now that we are adults. It ties our hearts together like a thread. Every time he's close, I sense it.

Clara's golden hair bounces as she passes. Despite her beauty, she never smiles at me. I don't like how much she glances at Ethan. However, I ignore the idea. I am loved by Ethan. He does, I'm sure.

Around the fire, the pack congregates. Elder John, with a gray beard, rises. He claims that Ethan will be a fantastic alpha. "However, he requires a strong partner."

I'm proud. I am that. Ethan's mate is me. However, Ethan doesn't turn away when Clara approaches him. Similar to when I eat too many berries, my stomach feels queasy.

Ethan gets up and says, "Lila, let's go for a walk." He leads me to the towering woods at the outskirts of the camp. As the moon observes us, I am once more joyful.

"How are you, Ethan?" I inquire. He is silent, which is unusual for him.

He gazes at the floor. "Just considering taking the lead. It's a large task.

I put a hand on his arm. "You're capable. I'll assist you.

He nods, but he doesn't give me a glance. "Thank you, Lila."

We return to the fire on foot. There, Clara is conversing with Elder John. Her laughter is keen, like a fox's. I stand by myself for a minute before Ethan joins them. Sarah approaches with anxious brown eyes.

"Are you okay, Lilia?" She queries.

"Yeah," I reply, but my heart aches. Clara and I both giggle as we glance at Ethan. I'm not sure what's wrong, but something is.

Later, I'm preparing for bed in my tent. I grin at the moon shining through the flap. We'll make plans for the future tomorrow, and I adore Ethan. I shut my eyes and imagine ourselves at the front of the group.

I'm awakened by a whisper. Even though it's dark, I can hear voices outside. I peep out. In the darkness, Clara is conversing with someone. She claims, "She's not good enough for him." "We must eliminate her."

My heart stops. Who is she referring to? Me? My feet won't move, even though I want to sprint to Ethan. I feel chilly when the moon disappears behind a cloud.

**Point of View: Lila**

Outside, I overheard Clara disparaging someone. "Get rid of her," she said. I believe she's referring to me. Behind a cloud, the moon has gone black, and my stomach is twisted. What if Ethan doesn't believe me? I want to tell him. I tighten my blanket and pay close attention. I can't sleep even after the voices have stopped.

The light peeps through my tent as morning arrives. I attempt to feel bold while I massage my eyes. Perhaps I misheard. Ethan adores me, but Clara has always been a little cruel. He is my friend. I get up and go outdoors after putting on my shoes. The Silver Moon pack has a lot going on. Children are giggling as they run about as others carry baskets of food. Clara's words are stuck in my brain, but I want to feel as pleased as they do.

By the cooking fire, I see Sarah. Her dark hair is pulled back while she stirs a saucepan. I approach, attempting to smile. "Hello, Sarah," I say.

Her eyes are gentle as she glances up. Good morning, Lila. Are you alright? You seem anxious.

I give a shrug. "Just didn't get much sleep."

She nods as if she's aware of a problem. "Want to have some breakfast?"

It tastes like nothing when I eat a bowl of oats. I can't seem to find Ethan. He normally checks the camp first thing in the morning. I see him conversing with Elder John near the training field. Clara is also present, standing beside him. Too near. It feels like someone is crushing my chest.

I hold my dish tightly as I approach them. Ethan waves when he sees me. He says, "Come here, Lilia."

I grin artificially and go to join them. Clara has keen eyes, similar to a hawk observing a mouse. She says, "Good morning, Lila," but her tone is unpleasant.

I say, "Hello," glancing at Ethan. "Is it possible for us to speak?"

Elder John scowls. "Lila, we're talking about pack business. Ethan has a lot of work to do.

Ethan gives a nod. "All right, later?"

I return the nod, but my heart sags. For me, he's never too busy. I feel Clara's gaze on my back as I turn to go. I pick at my breakfast while sitting near a tree. Sarah approaches and takes a seat next to me.

"Lila, what's wrong?" She queries. "You are not who you are."

I'm afraid, but I want to tell her about Clara. What if I'm not believed by her? Instead, I remark, "Ethan is acting strangely." "Now he's with Clara all the time."

Sarah surveys the training area. Yes, I did notice. Clara has been conversing with the elders often. She wants to be significant.

I bite my lip. "Do you believe Ethan has feelings for her?"

Sarah gives a headshake. "Lila, you are loved by him. Everyone is aware of it. But it's hard to be alpha. Perhaps he is just under stress.

I nod, but my condition remains unchanged. I go to the brook to wash my bowl after finishing my porridge. I'm a little awakened by the chilly water. I gaze at my image. My chestnut hair is disheveled, and my green eyes seem exhausted. Today, I don't feel like Ethan's mate.

I notice Ethan exercising with several wolves back at camp. He wields a wooden sword and is powerful. Clara is observing him and applauding when he succeeds. My feet feel heavy, yet I want to go over. Rather, I assist Sarah in chopping lunchtime veggies. I feel in charge of something when I hold the knife.

Sarah chuckles as she remarks, "Lila, you're chopping fast." "If you don't slow down, we won't have any carrots left."

It's phony, but I chuckle too. I can't stop thinking about Clara's comments from last night and her grin. I must speak with Ethan. When training is over, I find him cleaning his face with the water barrel.

"Ethan," I remarked as I approached. "May we speak now?"

His hazel eyes are distant yet kind as he stares at me. Yes, Lila. What's going on?

I inhaled deeply. "You're unique. You don't speak to me as often as you used to since you're usually with Clara.

He scowls. "I'm simply occupied." I have to cooperate with everyone, even Clara, since I am alpha.

I responded, "But she doesn't like me." "Last night, I heard her saying negative things."

Ethan narrows his gaze. "What was it she said?"

I take a deep breath. "Someone needs to leave because they are not good enough," she stated. I believe it to be me.

He gives a headshake. "You're dreaming, Lilia." Clara is just assisting with packing. You are my friend.

I should feel better after hearing his words, but they don't. He seems to be attempting to persuade himself. My heart heaving once again, I nod and turn to go. I go to the camp's outskirts, where there are many trees. I look at the earth while perched on a rock. The sound of a bird chirping does not lift my spirits.

I assist with the pack meeting setup later. The elders will discuss Ethan's transition to alpha tonight. I try to keep active by hanging lanterns. Clara passes with a basket full of flowers. She pauses and gives me a glance.

She responds, "Lila, you're working hard," in a kind but icy tone. "Ethan is fortunate to have you."

Nothing comes out of my mouth. Her statements seem deceptive. I see her whisper to Elder John as she leaves. His expression is stern as he looks at me. Once again, my stomach turns.

The pack congregates around a large fire during the gathering. Elder John gets to his feet. He declares, "Ethan will soon be our alpha." However, an alpha needs a powerful partner. Someone who can take the lead alongside him.

Thinking about Ethan and myself makes me grin. Clara, however, advances with a proud stance. She replies, "I've been assisting Ethan with his planning." "I am aware of the needs of the pack."

I feel like I'm becoming smaller as the pack whispers. Nothing is spoken by Ethan. He only gazes at the flames. My voice is trapped when I want to yell that I'm his mate.

Ethan is alone by the fire after the meeting. "Why didn't you declare me to be your partner?" My voice trembles as I ask.

He lets out a sigh. It's difficult, Lilia. Clara is seen as powerful by the elders. They're pressuring me to choose her.

My heart stops. "Select her? However, I'm your friend!

He looks aside and adds, "I know." "I simply need some time to reflect."

Tears well up in my eyes, but I force myself to hold them back. My chest aches as I turn and sprint to my tent. I cuddle up on my bed inside. The moon is back and beaming brightly, but it no longer seems welcoming. I consider what Clara said, how far away Ethan was, and how the elders seemed. I sense that something negative is about to happen.

Outside, I hear footsteps. I peer through the flap of the tent. Clara is speaking to an unknown guy once again. He has a scar on his face and is tall. "Tomorrow evening," Clara murmurs. "Verify that Lila has left."

My hands tremble. What if Ethan doesn't believe me? I want to rush to him. With a nod, the guy vanishes into the shadows. Clara seems to be aware that I am observing her as she glances at my tent. Her teeth are as sharp as a wolf's. I retreat, my heart pounding. Something horrible is going to occur tomorrow night.

**Point of View: Lila**

I keep hearing Clara say, "Make sure Lila's gone." I'm afraid she'll hear how loudly my heart beats. Outside, the moon is brilliant once again, although it's chilly. What if Ethan doesn't believe me? I want to hurry up and tell him what I heard. With Clara and the elders, he has always been so different. I clutch my knees and snuggle up on my bed. I feel so little, but I have to have courage.

When morning arrives, the camp is bustling. I go outdoors and massage my eyes. My stomach feels too twisted to eat, yet the air smells like freshly baked bread. Sarah is seen carrying buckets of water. She gives me a grin, but her eyes are troubled.

She remarks, "You're pale, Lilia." "What's the matter?"

I'm afraid, but I want to tell her about Clara. Looking down, I reply, "Just tired."

She gives me a shoulder pat. "Come assist me. It will improve your mood.

I go to the brook after her. My hands are splashed by the chilly water as we fill buckets. It somewhat awakens me. I keep scanning my surroundings in case Clara or that frightful guy bursts out. Sarah observes.

"You're jittery," she remarks. "Explain the situation to me."

I inhaled deeply. Clara was heard yesterday night. She said that she wants me to go.

Sarah opens her eyes wide. "Gone? As in, abandoning the pack?

My throat tightens as I nod. "I believe she has a sinister plan."

Sarah scowls. We must inform Ethan. He is your partner. He will pay attention.

I don't know. Ethan has been so distant that it seems like he is no longer mine. I do, however, nod. "All right. I'll give it a go.

I search for Ethan once we have finished bringing the water. He is conversing with Elder John near the training field. Clara is also present, grinning as if she were the greatest. Once again, my stomach turns. My hands are sweating as I approach.

"Ethan," I murmur in a low voice. "Is it possible for us to speak?"

His hazel eyes are fatigued when he glances at me. "I'm busy, Lilia. Okay, later?

Senior John clears his throat. "Ethan, pay attention. We are discussing the alpha ceremony.

Clara gives me a sly smile. "You need to assist with the cooking, Lilia. It's crucial.

Despite my need to shout, I just nod and turn to go. It feels like someone is sitting on my chest. Sarah and I go to the kitchen tent to cut wood. I feel stronger after striking the wood, even if the axe seems heavy.

Sarah chuckles and remarks, "Lila, you're hitting hard." "Reserve some wood for the next day."

I attempt to smile, but I can't get Clara's grin out of my thoughts. It is imperative that I speak with Ethan before it is too late. I discovered him polishing his boots by the fire pit by himself after lunch. I sat next to him after taking a big breath.

I say, "Ethan, I have something to tell you."

For a moment, his face is gentle as he glances up. "Lila, what is it?"

I add quickly, "I heard Clara last night." She was conversing with a guy. She said that she wants me to go. I believe she has a sinister agenda.

Ethan puts his boot down and frowns. "Clara? Why would she act in such way?

I say, "She doesn't like me." "She desires to be your partner."

He gives a headshake. "You're my partner, Lilia. However, the elders advise that I need a stronger person. Clara has been really helpful.

My heart stops. "More powerful? Ethan, I'm strong. I cherish you.

He rubs his neck and turns his head away. "I understand. Simply said, being alpha is difficult. I have to consider the pack.

I blink away the tears that hurt my eyes. "Are you in love with me?" I inquire.

His eyes are sorrowful when he stares at me. "Lila, I do. However, I am unsure of what to do.

I get to my feet, trembling. "I'm supposed to be your choice."

My boots thumping the ground, I sprint to the trees. I sob while hiding behind a large tree. The birds remain silent, as if they are aware of my sadness. I consider Clara's strategy. The alpha ceremony is tonight. What if she forces me to leave at that point?

I return to camp after wiping my face. Everyone is preparing for the ceremony as the sun sets. While I assist with lamp hanging, I continue to observe Clara. She is behaving sweetly while laughing with Elder John. The dude from last night with the scar is here. He's observing me from the woods. My skin is chilly.

Sarah discovers me. She says, "Lila, did you speak with Ethan?"

"Yes," I replied. "He didn't think I was real. He is perplexed.

She gives me a hug. "We'll work it out." Tonight, stay near me.

I'm afraid, yet I nod. The pack assembles around a large fire as the ritual begins. Ethan, who seems confident yet uneasy, stands in the center. Elder John rises and speaks loudly.

"We select our alpha tonight," he states. "An alpha needs a mate who can support him, but Ethan will take the lead."

I wait for Ethan to shout my name while holding my breath. However, he gazes at the floor. With a broad grin, Clara takes a step forward. She declares, "I'm prepared to assist Ethan in leading."

The group shouts, but I feel like I'm falling. Ethan avoids eye contact with me. My heart shatters. Sarah takes hold of my hand and squeezes it tightly.

"Remain strong, Lilia," she murmurs.

I remain even if I want to flee. I can't hear Elder John, but he continues talking. The guy with the scars is getting closer, staring at me. My stomach turns around. I take Sarah's hand in mine.

"I saw that man with Clara," I mumble, gesturing.

Sarah opens her eyes wide. "You must leave this place."

Elder John shouts my name before we go. "Come forward, Lilia," he says.

I got a cold. Everyone's eyes are on me. When we eventually look at one other, Ethan's face is expressionless. My legs are unsteady as I make my way to the fire. Clara glares at me and no longer smiles.

Elder John explains, "Lila, the pack needs unity." Some people claim that you lack the strength to be an alpha's partner.

My mouth opens, but nothing comes out. Ethan takes a step forward. He adds, "Lila's my mate," but his tone is low, as if he's unsure.

Clara chuckles. "Ethan needs a leader, not a follower."

The group whispers. I feel like I'm becoming smaller. I gaze at Ethan, pleading with him to choose me. He starts to say something, but the scarred guy emerges from the darkness before he can finish.

He yells, "She's a traitor!" and gestures at me. "She is collaborating with outlaws!"

The group lets out a gasp. Ethan's gaze widens. I cry as I shake my head. "No! That is untrue!

With a sly smile, Clara approaches Ethan. You see? We don't have her.

I wait for Ethan to protect me while I stare at him. His face is ripped as he looks at me. Then he looks aside. He responds in a chilly tone, "Lila, you must go."

My whole universe collapses. The scarred guy approaches me, but Sarah snatches my arm. I see Clara whispering to him as the pack begins to shout. My heart is pounding. I have no idea what to do. Abruptly, a peculiar breeze blasts across the camp and the fire ignites brightly. Everyone becomes cold. "Run, Lila, now!" is whispered in my ear by a quiet but powerful voice.