Chapter 6

Sophia

Checking my reflection in my small mirror, I tuck a few strands of hair behind my ear, which have escaped from my braid. Running my hand over my white dress, I try to smoothen it as much as I can. Honoring the Moon Goddess, all the she-wolves wear white, especially the unmated she-wolves. 

This is the only nice dress that I own that I have been wearing for the past few years on the Red Moon. But since tonight is Full Moon Ball, I decided to wear it even though it is not Red Moon because I want to look a bit presentable in front of others.

Wiping my face with the small hand towel, I once again check my reflection before I head out towards the training ground to help others prepare the ground for the Full Moon shift. 

All the unmated wolves will try to find their mates during the ball. And later, when midnight strikes, everyone would come outside and shift into their wolves and go for the run. Newly mated wolves will celebrate their unions while the other will run alongside their family and friends. 

I join a group of pack members setting up tables and chairs for the post-ball feast. Almost everyone leaves as soon as I join the table, and moves to work on the other table. I can hear their taunts directed towards me and the sound of their laughs that they are having at my expanse.

But not paying attention to their words, I keep my focus on the work at hand; the sooner I finish here, the sooner I can get back into the safety of my room.

I am not allowed to attend the Full Moon ball as per my father's order because he is embarrassed to be associated with me. Joke on him, his blood runs through my veins, even if he want he can never turn his face from this truth.

Just as I finish setting up one of the last tables, I feel a rough shove from behind. I stumble but manage to catch myself before falling.

"Watch where you're going, bitch," a voice sneers.

I turn to see Kane, one of the warriors, glaring at me with a smirk on his face.  His smirk identical to Cynthia's a strong giveaway he is her nephew. 

Not only look, but it seems like they even share the same mean streak. Maybe it is their blood.

"Sorry, Kane," I say, trying to keep my voice steady. "I didn't see you there."

"Yeah, well, maybe you should pay more attention," he snaps, stepping closer. "Or maybe you are seeking opportunities to get closer to me." His eyes move up and down my body, causing a shiver to run down my spine in disgust.

I feel a surge of anger but force myself to stay calm. 

"I am not interested in you." Keeping my face neutral, I look at him, "In fact, if anything, you disgust me."

His smirk falters, replaced by a flash of anger.

You should watch your mouth, Sophia," he snarls, grabbing my throat. "You don't get to talk to me like that."

He closes his fingers around my throat, blocking my airways. Everyone stops doing whatever they are doing and looks in our direction. 

It is becoming difficult for me to breathe, and I try to free myself by clawing his hands away from my neck.

"Let go of me, Kane." My voice comes out choked as my vision becomes blurry due to lack of oxygen.

Suddenly, a large gray wolf comes out of nowhere and attacks Kane. I hear screams of horror coming from some she-wolves, along with Cynthia's screams. 

My vision turns hazy as I feel myself losing control of my body. I begin to fall down as my eyes shut. 

Even before I could fall down, a strong pair of arms wrapped around me while holding me close. 

A strange comfort washes over me while my nose registers the most amazing and intoxicating smell I have ever smelled. 

I am trying to fight against the darkness and forcing my eyes to open, but I am failing miserably.