THE SHADOWS OF THE MOON

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.