002

Suddenly, a red-headed girl around my age slipped and fell right in front of me.

"Oh God, I’m screwed," she groaned, stomping toward me and hugging me tightly.

I stood frozen, speechless. Then I pushed her slightly away. As I scanned her, I caught a whiff of her scent, causing my forehead to twitch with confusion.

A Lythari werewolf.

My brows furrowed as I stared at her, lost in thought. What was a Lythari werewolf doing in Valtor territory? It's forbidden for werewolves to cross into other clans — punishable by death. Her presence here could get both of us killed.

"What are you doing here? You know you could be detained," I warned, folding my arms across my chest. My eyes bore into hers, searching for answers.

She rolled her eyes, ignoring my question. Then, she removed her hoodie, revealing a fitted top underneath, and handed it to me.

"You're naked. Take it."

I gasped, looking down — I really was naked. I grabbed the sweater from her, my cheeks flaming with embarrassment.

“Gosh, what a disgrace,” Lyla, my wolf, screamed in my mind.

I quickly darted behind a tree to put on the sweater.

Once dressed, I found the red-haired girl sitting on a pebble stone, lost in thought. I sighed and sat beside her.

“Thanks for the jacket,” I murmured.

She nodded without looking at me.

"You didn’t answer my question. What are you doing in our territory? Aren’t you scared of being killed?”

She turned, her face blank, but her eyes glistened. “I was chosen... for the Blood Moon Boot Camp,” she choked out, her voice hoarse but steady.

My heart sank.

So I wasn’t the only ill-fated one?

I drew my knees to my chest, my hair whipping in the wind.

No one likes the Blood Moon Boot Camp. It's exile in disguise — a cruel punishment. Especially for females.

“I’m also going,” I confessed, my gaze on the ground. It hurt being among the rejected, but if telling her eased her burden, it was worth it.

She smiled softly and suddenly hugged me, leaving me stunned again.

I blinked rapidly, trying to break free.

Why was she happy in a moment like this?

Noticing my confusion, she said, “I’m just relieved I’m not alone. I have company now,” she giggled.

So she was actually glad? How did she know she’d find me?

Manic.

I shook my head in disbelief.

“Any info on when we’re descending?” I asked.

Her grip tightened on her clothes, her face paling. She exhaled shakily. “Tomorrow.”

I dragged a hand through my hair, my chest tightening.

Tomorrow? So soon?

I turned to her as another thought struck me.

“Then what are you doing? Trying to run away?”

“Yes,” she said boldly.

I stared at her. “But why? Even if we run, we can’t escape fate. Karma always catches up.”

My thoughts glitched as I asked, “Why were you chosen for the Boot Camp?”

She raised her brow lazily. “I haven’t found my stupid mate.”

I couldn’t hold back my laughter. I burst out laughing, and after a moment, she joined in.

“I guess we’re one of a kind, huh? My mate’s running away from me,” I added.

Maybe... he’s scared of me.

After a moment of silence, she asked, “Why didn’t you kill me or report me to the council?”

Her question cut through me. Why didn’t I?

There was no time to dwell on it. I had my own fate to face.

I sighed and stood up to leave.

She stood too. I stared at her.

Was she... coming with me?

“Don’t worry. I’m going back to face my judgment,” she said.

I breathed out in relief — being caught would mean death.

I extended my hand. “I’m Evelyn.”

She shook it and grinned. “I’m Rita. Nice to meet you.”

We both chuckled.

“See you at the Blood Moon Boot Camp,” she said with a wink.

I waved back faintly. She shifted into a large brown-red wolf and dashed into the forest, her speed stirring leaves into the air.

I stood there, watching her silhouette fade into the woods.

Then I shifted into my wolf and crept through the backyard, hiding from the neighbors.

Back in my room, I kicked the door open. It creaked. My eyes scanned every inch of my space, and nausea rolled through me.

I was going to miss this — all of it.

I sat on my bed, burying my face in my arms.

Just then, the doorknob turned. “Mom?” I asked.

She smiled warmly and stepped in, holding a white envelope. My gaze latched onto it.

“What’s that?” I asked, pointing.

She gave a small, unconvincing smile. “It’s the Blood Moon Boot Camp invitation.”

She handed it to me, and I read:

> “All selected Blood Moon Boot Camp werewolves must assemble at the pack council. The Alpha will address you before the descent.”

I laughed bitterly, tears stinging my eyes. It’s really happening.

Mom sat beside me, gently stroking my hair.

“Baby... I know this is hard, especially for a girl, but please — do it for me and your dad. You're our only child. Come back alive and build a legacy for our family.”

Her voice cracked slightly. I saw how hard she was trying to stay strong.

She took my hands in hers and smiled. “Let’s go for a run tonight — as mother and daughter.”

I smiled and nodded. A final run with her meant everything.

A thought tugged at my mind.

“What about Dad?”

Her smile faltered. “He and some men left with the Beta to handle pack matters.”

“Oh, okay,” I muttered, masking my disappointment.

He didn’t even want to say goodbye? Pathetic.

Can’t blame him. We were never close. He always wanted a son.

I was going to miss Mom more than anything.

We packed my essentials together.

Just then, something slipped from my pocket — a necklace.

I picked it up, and pain clawed at my chest.

Lucan.

My childhood crush. This necklace was from him. But he wasn’t my mate.

He never loved me back.

I shoved the necklace deep into my bag and sighed.

Mom left the room to give me space. I sat on my bed, pulling my knees to my chest, unsure of what the future held.

Suddenly, my hands began to tremble, and my bones cracked.

I turned toward the window.

And there it was — the full moon, staring right back at me.