THE SHADOWS OF THE MOON

Celine had always known that Seraphina was special. Everyone had. From the moment of their birth, it had been clear-Seraphina, the miracle child, had been born weak, barely clinging to life. Their parents had fought for her survival, sacrificing sleepless nights, their own health, and even a part of Celine herself. Celine never minded. She had been too young to understand that the bone marrow she had given had kept her sister alive, but even as she grew, she had never regretted it. Seraphina was her other half. Her twin. Nothing would change that.

She would give her own life when the time comes.

But even the strongest bonds could be worn thin by time and circumstance.

Growing up, Seraphina was always the center of attention. She was lively, bright, and effortlessly charming, drawing people in with an ease that Celine never possessed. Celine didn't resent her for it-not truly. But there were moments, small and fleeting, where disappointment clung to her heart like a shadow when their parents fussed over Seraphina's well-being but overlooked Celine's quiet accomplishments. Like achieving the award for the youngest best defence warrior of the pack, or the best artist, or the topper of her school. All of those things didn't really matter when the pack members naturally gravitated towards her twin while Celine was left on the edges, observing but never quite belonging.

She had learned to swallow those feelings. To push them away. Because she loved Seraphina, and Seraphina loved her. That was all that mattered.

Until the night of their sixteenth birthday.

The moon was high, its silver glow casting an ethereal light over the pack grounds. Tonight was a night of celebration-Seraphina had shifted, a powerful white wolf standing proud before their family and packmates. The pack had erupted into cheers, embracing her as if she had ascended into something divine. Their parents had wept with joy, and Celine had clapped along with the others, smiling despite the emptiness curling in her chest. Surviving first shift is very important and given Seraphina's medical history everyone prayed for her first safe shift. Celine didn't mind that her sister yet again took all the attention or the fact that she got her wolf first, her safety came first. It was a night of celebration for both Celine and Seraphina's first shift.

And yet, no one had noticed when she had slipped away, wandering toward the quiet solace of the woods.

She had felt it, deep in her bones-a fire awakening, a calling she could not ignore. The change had come upon her in solitude, her body breaking and reshaping beneath the weight of destiny. Painful. Overwhelming. But hers. When the agony subsided, she stood on trembling legs, gazing down at the midnight-furred paws where her hands had been.

Her wolf was as dark as the night itself, sleek and strong, blending into the shadows as though she had been born from them. And yet, no one had been there to witness it. No one had been there to celebrate her transformation, to welcome her into this new existence.

By the time she returned, the festivities had quieted. Seraphina had already been showered in praise, their parents had already basked in their pride. Celine had barely opened her mouth to speak before their mother had smiled at her and said, "We should all get some rest. It's been a big night."

And that was it.

No one asked if she had shifted. No one noticed the quiet triumph burning in her heart. It was as if it hadn't happened at all.

But the next morning, all thoughts of sadness were overshadowed by a new excitement. Today was the day they would find their mates. Their wolf spirit will guide them.

Seraphina had practically dragged Celine from bed, her golden eyes alight with giddy anticipation. "Come on! What if they're here, Celine? What if we both find them today? Can you imagine? Our mates could be waiting for us!"

Celine smiled, pushing away the sting of last night's neglect. "Yeah... Maybe."

Truthfully, she had no idea what to expect. Seraphina had always been the hopeful one, the one who believed in love and destiny. Celine had never allowed herself to dream so freely, too afraid that she might wake up and find herself alone once more. But today, even she couldn't help but hope.

Finding a mate would mean that she wouldn't have to feel alone anymore, she would finally belong to someone. She will have someone with whom she can share everything.

The school hallways buzzed with life, students greeting each other with excitement, some already exchanging knowing glances-the first signs of the mate bond forming. Celine followed Seraphina, her heart pounding. Maybe, just maybe, today would be different.

Seraphina grinned as she stepped into the crowd, her presence commanding attention as always. "Come on, let's find them."

CELINE'S POV

Today was supposed to feel different. The first day as a full-fledged shifter, the first day of my life where everything was supposed to change. And in some ways, it had. My senses were heightened, every sound sharper, every scent more vivid. The world around me seemed clearer, more alive, like a veil had been lifted. I could hear whispers from across the hall, sense the tension in the air before it even touched me.

But at its core, nothing had really changed.

The paper balls that used to land on my desk with pinpoint accuracy? I dodged them effortlessly now, my wolf alerting me before they even made it halfway to me. The whispered conversations about what new prank would embarrass me today? I could hear them all, every snide remark, every cruel plan. And while I could now avoid most of their attempts, I knew one thing for certain: their perception of me wouldn't change.

I was still the quiet one. The outcast. The shadow behind my sister's light.

And that was fine. This was my last year here anyway.

I had already spoken to my parents about it-I was leaving after graduation. I had spent years saving up, working odd jobs whenever I could. I wanted to be a doctor, and I knew this pack wasn't the place for me. They hadn't been thrilled about it, of course. My father had gone silent, my mother had tried to reason with me, but in the end, they knew they couldn't stop me. I had been preparing for this for too long. I just needed their approval-the rest, I could manage on my own.

What I hadn't told them, what I couldn't say out loud, was that part of the reason I wanted to leave was Seraphina.

Not because I didn't love her-I did. More than anything. But because I needed to step out of her shadow. She was the star of this school, of this pack. People adored her, gravitated toward her without effort. I was just tolerated because of her. Her friends spoke to me only when she was around, but when she wasn't looking, their kindness faded into indifference-or worse, cruelty. I had learned to live with it, to expect it, but I didn't want to anymore.

Just one more year. Then I'd be gone.

The first period passed uneventfully. As I packed up my things, I barely had a moment to breathe before Seraphina appeared out of nowhere, her golden eyes glowing with excitement.

"Hey, sis, did you find him?" she asked, practically bouncing on her heels.

I blinked at her in confusion. "Find who?"

Before she could answer, the speakers crackled overhead, and an announcement rang through the halls. "Attention, students. Due to unavoidable circumstances, the second lecture has been canceled."

"Oh my goddess, wow!" Seraphina practically squealed, clapping her hands together. "That means we have extra time! We can wait... or you can help me find my mate!"

She was practically vibrating with excitement. Of course, she was. The idea of mates, of fated love, was something she had always dreamed about. For her, it was the most magical thing that could ever happen.

For me? I wasn't so sure.

I adjusted the strap of my bag on my shoulder. "Sera-first, I have to go to the library for some work. And second, I can't help you find your mate."

Her face fell. "Why not?"

"Because only your wolf can guide you to your mate. Not me."

Seraphina groaned, running a hand through her wavy blonde hair before nodding in realization. "You're right. Sorry, I totally forgot." Then, as if a new thought struck her, she brightened again. "Do you think we'll have the same mate? Because, you know, we're twins? Like in those movies?"

I sighed, shaking my head. "I don't think so. Real life and reel life are different."

She pursed her lips, considering my words. Then, as quickly as she had appeared, she grinned and gave me a quick wave. "Okay, fine. Go do your nerdy library stuff. But don't forget-we're going to find our mates this year! It's fate!"

I forced a small smile. "Yeah... maybe."

She didn't notice the hesitation in my voice as she disappeared into the crowd.

I adjusted my bag again, turned on my heel, and headed toward the library. Fate or not, my path was already set. I had one year left here, and then I was leaving it all behind-mates, pack, and everything that came with it.

For the first time in my life, I would start fresh.

Without my sister.

I entered the library, expecting the usual hum of quiet whispers and the soft rustling of pages. But the moment I stepped inside, something shifted. The air was heavier, more charged than before. It wasn't just the silence that made me pause-it was the feeling of being watched.

I frowned, glancing around. Everything seemed normal. Students were scattered across the room, some bent over books, others typing away on their laptops. There was nothing outwardly strange, but still, the sensation of unseen eyes on me prickled at my skin.

Is it my wolf... or just my imagination?

Shaking off the unease, I made my way to my usual spot near the back of the library. A quiet corner where I could study undisturbed. Maybe I was just on edge. My senses were sharper now, my instincts more attuned to everything around me. It would take time to adjust. That's all this was.

Still, as I pulled out my books and tried to focus, the feeling didn't fade. If anything, it grew stronger.

My breath hitched when I finally glanced up and spotted them-watching me through the library window.

Eyes. But not just any eyes.

They weren't human. They weren't werewolf either.

They were cold, unnatural, glowing faintly in the dim light.

Vampires.

CELINE'S POV

I felt a sudden pain in my chest and the next thing I know I lost my consciousness.

When I woke up I was in the school's infirmary.

"How are you feeling dear?" A nurse asked.

"I-I am fine, how did I get here?" I questioned.

"Some one in library saw you and brought you here," she answered gently.

"Thank you, can you tell what's wrong with me?" I asked.

"Oh don't worry. It sometime happens with the new shifters. New shifts are not easy, you should take proper rest. I am writing you a note so that you can take a day off," she said and I sighed in relief.

After what I saw in library I really needed a break.

Dropping a quick text to my sister I decided to leave.

On my way out I met the guy who helped me.

"I-thank you for helping me," I thanked him. I didn't know who he was, I don't think that we share any classes together.

"It's fine. Are you feeling better now?" He asked and I nodded.

"I am going back home, its better I take some rest," I said awkwardly and he nodded.

"Take care. By the way, I am Evan." He then introduced himself.

"I will and I am-"

"Celine, I know. You are in my sister's class, I have seen you." He said.

"Your sister?" I asked.

"Yeah, Aurora." I nodded in realization and thanked him once again before parting ways.

I had been feeling off ever since I received my wolf. Shouldn't I feel relieved that I had a wolf now? That I wasn't alone anymore? That I finally had someone who shared the same feelings as me?

But instead, there was an unshakable unease within me, like something lurking just beyond my reach, waiting for me to acknowledge it. It wasn't fear, not entirely, but a gnawing sense that something was changing-something I wasn't prepared for.

When I reached home, I was surprised to see my father still there. He was almost always busy, rarely home during the day. But he wasn't alone. Beta Gregor and Gamma Elias were with him, their expressions grim as they sat in the living room, deep in discussion.

They looked serious-too serious.

I hovered near the entrance, curiosity pulling me closer. Whatever they were talking about, it wasn't casual. I could feel the tension in the air, thick and suffocating, like the weight of an approaching storm. I should have just gone upstairs, ignored it, but something told me this conversation was important.

I took a careful step forward, trying to listen. But just as I shifted my weight, the floor beneath my shoes let out a soft, treacherous squeak. My breath hitched, and within seconds, three pairs of sharp eyes snapped toward me.

My father frowned, his brows drawing together. "Celine, what are you doing here at this time?" His voice was firm, but there was something else beneath it-concern? Annoyance?

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Oh, I wasn't feeling well," I admitted, my voice quieter than I intended. "The nurse advised me to go back home and rest."

For a moment, he just studied me, his intense gaze making me shift uncomfortably. The Beta and Gamma were watching me, too, their expressions unreadable. My skin prickled under their scrutiny, a feeling I couldn't quite place creeping up my spine. Why were they looking at me like that?

After a pause, my father sighed. "Alright, then. Go back to your room and get some rest."

Dismissed. Just like that.

I hesitated for a fraction of a second, but their stares made it clear I had no choice. Nodding, I turned on my heel, forcing myself to move at a normal pace. But instead of heading straight upstairs, I slowed my steps just enough to stay within earshot.

The moment I was out of sight, I took a deep breath and focused my hearing-one of the many gifts that came with being a shifter. I tuned in, letting the conversation filter through.

"Its about time you tell her," Beta Gregor's voice was low but firm. "She's in danger."

My heart skipped a beat.

There was a beat of silence before my father's voice, weaker this time. "It's-it's too soon."

"No, it's not." This time it was Gamma Elias who spoke, his tone calm but unwavering. "Our warriors at the border have already spotted other supernatural beings. This is a danger to the pack, and you know it. More will come if we don't act."

Other supernatural beings?

I sucked in a sharp breath. My mind immediately flashed back to the library-the piercing, unnatural eyes watching me from the window. Could it be connected?

My father let out a weary sigh. "Okay, okay, fine. I'll tell her. But we need to make a joint decision before anything is done."

Tell who? Tell me?

I didn't have time to hear more. The conversation seemed to be wrapping up, and I knew they'd be moving soon. My heart pounded as I turned and bolted up the stairs, slipping into my room just before their footsteps echoed from the living room.

Shutting the door behind me, I pressed my back against it, trying to steady my breathing. My mind was racing, a hundred different thoughts colliding at once.

What did they mean by danger?

Were the other supernatural beings here because of me? Or was this about Seraphina? Was she in danger again?

I rubbed my temples as a dull ache formed in my head. It was too much, too fast. I needed answers, but I also needed time to think. Slowly, exhaustion crept over me, and before I knew it, my heavy eyelids slid shut.

I woke up to a family meeting going downstairs and by the way they were going at each other, I was glad they didn't call me early to be a part of it.

When I walked downstairs to ask my sister what was happening she was already crying.

"Dad, Mom?" I called them.

"Oh Celine, thank goddess. You need to cut your classes too." My mother ordered.

"Wait what?" I questioned.

"Seraphina has already agreed but we can't let her stay alone, so you will be accompanying her," My mother answered.

"But why?" She didn't answer so I turned to look at my father.

"Dad, can you tell me what's going on? I have plans, I am not going to cut short my classes because of something you are not sharing with me." I declared and that got their attention.

"Celine, Seraphina its important for both of you to understand that things aren't going to be the same from now on. Seraphina will be joining the main pack warriors from tomorrow along with her school. And you will accompany her, your presence is not required in pack house but I will be at ease if you can look after her." My father explained.

"But she is only sixteen, we are both sixteen. Why do we have to be at the pack house? What kind of training are we talking about here? Pups chose to be the warriors at eighteen and that's when their training starts so why now?" I tried to fish out more information.

"Celine, you have done so much for your sister. We are family, and family does things for each other. Do you really need a reason to protect your sister?" My mother asked softly.

Family.

That's it.

That's how I have to leave everything for my sister, sacrifice everything for my sister because she is family. But every time, I want something it is always brushed aside.

I was fed up, but had to endure fearing that they might not let me leave when my time comes.

"Okay." I agreed in a small voice not knowing that the worse was yet to come.

ven as I drifted into unconsciousness, one thought haunted me.

Something was coming.

And I wasn't sure I was ready for it.