Chapter 2

Ayla’s POV

“Who are you“ I asked again as the shadow rushed forward, revealing a masked man. Suddenly, a bright light gleamed from my necklace—it was so powerful that the assassin groaned in pain before bolting away through the balcony.

What the hell just happened? Someone tried to kill me. Why are there no guards around? I have to report this, but who do I report to?

With a heavy heart I walked back to my room, stepping into my space, I slammed the door shut. My hand reached for the golden-chained pendant around my neck. This is the only thing I have left of my mother—i never knew it possessed such power.

I sat down on my bed, my mind clouded with thoughts. Who could have sent the assassin? Who in the pack wants me dead? Was my father’s death just a coincidence? Or is there something else playing behind the scenes?

~ ~ ~ ~

The noise outside the mansion snapped me awake. I slowly stepped down from my bed and peered out the window, the warriors of the pack were setting the pyre ground. It is our tradition that the bodies of our deceased are burnt to ashes. They say it allows their soul return to the moon goddess.

I shut the blinds and walked into the bathroom, staying in the shower for a long time. I stepped out and opened my closet, my eyes fell on the gown I had worn during my mother’s returning. Now, in just six months I am about to wear it again. I grabbed hold of the white silk gown embedded with stones and put it on, wrapped my long dark hair in a bun, fixing a white ribbon to it, then I waited.

The pyre ground gradually filled up with pack members as I stared from the window. I was supposed to go out now, I am to set the fire to my father’s body. My hands trembled slightly, but my face remained expressionless. The door creaked opened and Elena walked in, draped in a white dress. Everyone was to wear white—as per tradition.

“Ayla, we await you.” She said, her voice calm and soothing.

I turned around and looked at her, “Lena, I was almost killed last night.” I muttered. she rushed forward, shock evident on her face.

“What? How? Are you okay?” She asked.

I scoffed, staring out my window, “I’m fine. I mean, does it matter if I’m not?” I asked, her expression changed to a stern one but was quickly replaced with a smile.

“I know it’s hard but you have to be strong. Remember, you will become Alpha someday. Let’s get through with the returning, then we will find who tried to kill you.” She said. I nodded slightly and walked out of the room with her trailing behind me.

The crowd bowed the moment I stepped out. Hypocrites. They pretend to respect me in public, but whisper curses on me behind closed doors. Elder Vagner was already in front waiting. I walked closer, taking the vacant spot beside him.

He began saying the words, to send my father off.

“From the earth we rose, by the flame we are cleansed and to the wind we return. Fire takes what is mortal; The sky claims what is eternal. Let the smoke carry your name to the stars. May the goddess recognize your spirit in the rising flame . We give your flesh to the fire, that your soul may run free.”

When he was done, he turned to me, his voice held so much sadness. “send him home, Lady Ayla.” He said, picking up the torch and handing it over to me.

Taking the torch from him, I looked back at the crowd and the expressions on their faces were a totally different story. I led the torch to the fireplace and it caught fire, then I took slow steps to the pyre.

Staring down at my father, he is now as pale as a ghost. A tear streak down my face, but I wipe it off immediately. I shut my eyes, sighing deeply, then tossed the torch into the pyre, red and blue flames engulfed it, blurring my sight because it was the only thing I could see at that moment.

I stood there for what felt like an eternity, watching as the flames consumed what was left of my family. Tears blurred my vision, running uncontrollably down my face—until a low, predatory growl shattered the silence behind me.

“Mine!”