THE SHADOWS OF THE MOON

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.