Hi Everybody!
It's been a long time coming. Hopefully the chapters will flow a lot better now that the story is underway.
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Hope you Enjoy!
<3 Shadowsung
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Chapter 4
The two friends laughed and planned mischief while cooking various food stuffs on the fire. It was the first time Anna had had any fun in being herself for a very long time. The girls shared life stories and future dreams, growing closer as the night drew on. Anna sobered up the mood as she told Emma about her life so far.
Emma stared at Anna openly, "You're shitting me," she said disbelievingly "you mean to tell me that you are, like, a princess or something?"
Anna nodded seriously, "I was. My father was the Alpha of the King pack, and as his daughter I was next in line to receive it once I had chosen my mate."
"What do you mean, 'was'?"
"Well, after Mum died, Dad took a second mate, who had me demoted because I was framed for theft." Anna explained.
"Why didn't your dad stop it? How could he do that to you?" Emma asked incredulously.
Anna felt tears well up in her eyes, "he died," she said quietly.
Emma turned to her friend, "I'm so sorry Anna, I didn't mean to pry."
Anna swiped the tears from her eyes, "It's ok," she said, "I know he and mum are smiling down on me from Luna's embrace. Their souls will be returned to this world, or I will meet them there."
"Who or what is this Lunar you keep talking about?"
"Luna is our goddess and supreme deity. She is reflected in the moon that calls to our natures. We honour her and Mother Nature in our respect for all living things."
"Oh... But where does that leave you?" Emma asked, "I mean, will you be Alpha, or what?"
"To be honest, I don't want to be Alpha of the pack anymore. I'm so tired of it all; the politics and challenges. I used to love being a Betalpha- Princess to you, but since Mum and Dad died and my Uncle was forced away, I have... I had no one. I was so lonely and miserable I was almost glad to be sent here."
It's true that I have had to deny and hide my second nature; but I have made friends who care about me. It doesn't feel like the pack cares about me anymore; they think I am a spoilt brat and a thief. They all seem so fickle- I used to be popular and loved, I used to have so many friends. Ever since Mum died, I have slowly lost everything I used to have - and love about- my life."
"I'll be your pack," said Emma quietly, "even though I'm not wolfy, I'll always be your friend."
And with that they sat in a comfortable silence; arms around each other and staring into the fire's burning depths.
Anna looked up at the slowly setting moon, with a sigh she realised that they would have to leave very soon or risk being spotted by the early risers. She looked across at her friend who had a stick and was poking their fire.
"Emma, we have to go," she said softly. Emma looked up from her prodding, looking half dazed. Anna pointed to the faintly glowing horizon.
Emma's eyes widened in shock, "It's nearly dawn already? But I was having so much fun!"
Anna laughed, which was interrupted by a yawn. The night had been exhausting on top of the two previous nights that she had spent in her forest. She got up slowly, shivering in the cold breeze that blew once she left the perimeter of the warm fire. They silently packed up the supplies, banked the fire and set out towards the school.
After a few minutes of silent trudging, Emma broke the silence, "So what happens if you.... Transform.... While wearing clothes?"
Anna burst out laughing as the pair cleared the forest and made their way across the great expanse of lawn. "I don't transform, Emma; I'm not a robot! If I phase while wearing clothes, they will be ripped to shreds under the pressure of my growing body. Sometimes the hems and cuffs manage to stay intact, but they tend to be very tight and uncomfortable."
"I still can't believe you're real," she said, shaking her head in awe, "So what else is out there? Is there really such things as fairies?"
"I don't know, to be honest. I haven't ever seen one, but I suppose it is possible."
They walked in silence across the grass, making tracks through the film of dew.
The light in the kitchen at the back of the great building was on, meaning Cookie was up and making breakfast so they couldn't sneak through there. Anna considered leaping up to their window, but with the sun beginning to clear the horizon she couldn't risk being seen.
They casually walked up to the front door and opened it as quietly as possible. They snuck through the darkened corridors and back up the ancient steps.
With a sigh of relief, they slipped into their room and cold beds. Anna had just fallen back asleep when the bell tolled overhead, inviting everyone to start the day.