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."