Gone 1

Mira’s POV

I approached the mass grave where I heard my mother’s body had been dumped, still clinging to the hope that it was all a mistake. That somehow, my mother wasn’t really gone, and that everyone in the pack was playing some trick on me.. That this was just some cruel joke.

“Mummy… Noo…Noo,” I whispered in between sobs as I arrived the place, my heavy steps thudded against the earth as I reached the edge of the deep, gaping pit… I still couldn’t believe this was real.

I scanned the hollow, desperate for proof this wasn't real. But when I spotted the cloth she wore the last time I saw here…torn and soiled…something inside me shattered.

The tears came hard and fast, blurring my vision. I opened my mouth to scream, but a strangled growl escaped instead. My chest tightened, air lodged in my throat. My knees buckled, and I sank to the ground, hugging my legs as a sharp, stabbing headache took over me immediately.

“Why would she leave me like this? No one even gave me a chance to mourn her properly. She was all I had.”

I forced myself to remember our last conversation…just last night. She had spoken so much, almost like she knew something. I had taken it as a sign of recovery. But now…

Did she know she was going to die? Was that why she said those things?

My mind spiraled. I held my head in both hands, trying to stop it from exploding.

A hand touched my shoulder, making me jolt. I nearly stumbled straight into the grave.

“Mira,” a familiar voice said gently. “Don't be too hard on yourself.”

It was Nathaniel, but I fondly call him Nate, and if he had not caught me, I might have as well joined my mother in that hole. And for a moment, I wasn’t sure that would have been so bad.

“Nate,” I choked, you scared me.”

My heart was still beating very fast from the shock of what almost happened, my chest heaved from trying to catch my breath.

He held me firmly, eyes full of quiet concern. “I’m sorry about your mom. Truly. But the Alpha’s asking for you. It’s urgent.”

I barely heard him. “They didn't even give her a proper burial. They just dumped her here like she was nothing…”

“I know,” he said, pulling me into a hug. His strong arms wrapped around me, grounding me like they always had.

“You have to be strong now, Mira. Stronger than you've ever been. And if you ever need a break…like the old days…you know I’ve got you, right?”

His voice was low, sure. I didn't want to let go. The hug felt like a warmth in a frozen world.

“Okay,” I said softly, wiping at my tears. I straightened my shoulders.

“Good girl.” He gave me a nod. “Now, go on. The Alpha’s waiting in the ceremony hall. Stay strong. I've got patrol duty now, but we’ll talk soon.”

He turned and headed toward the estate gate. I raised a hand and waved, unable to say more.

I took one last hopeful glance at the grave but silence met me.

Still mulling over my mother’s death, I drew a long breath, steadying myself and proceeded to the hall.

………

The pack estate buzzed with activity. Preparations for the Alpha heir’s eighteenth birthday ceremony were in full swing…decorators swarming, the scent of fresh paint and dusk thick in the air. Music floated through the hall from an open window.

How could the world be celebrating when mine had just ended?

As I stepped into the grand hall, I spotted Alpha Harold, Luna Grace, Alpha heir Liam and the head maid near the entrance. They were laughing. Cheerful. Like my mother hadn't just been thrown into a pit.

Before I could even process the wave of fury that surged through me, the head maid barked from across the hall:

“Mira! Over here quickly. We've been looking for you!”

All eyes turned to me.

I lowered my gaze to the floor as I approached, trying to bury the storm rising in my chest.

“There you are,” Alpha Harold said, his voice brisk.

“Starting now, you’ll handle all personal preparations and deliveries for Liam’s birthday. Every detail.”

I bowed my head in silence.

“This is a test, he continued. “Depending on how you perform, I’ll decide what role…if any… you'll continue to serve in this pack. Let's see if you have any of your mother’s usefulness. Don't disappoint me.”

“Hmmmm… interesting,” Liam murmured, stepping forward.

A small, unreadable smile tugged at his lips, vanishing as quickly as it came. But his gaze lingered…on me. My skin prickled.

He held out a hand. “What’s your name again?”

The moment stretched. I noticed the quick glance exchanged between Luna Grace and the head maid. I didn't take his hand

“Mhhm.. Mhhm.” I cleared my throat before replying. “My name is Mira.”

A sharp tap of heels interrupted the tension. Beta Dahlia glided into the space with practiced grace.

“Good day Alpha Harold, Good day Luna Grace. Happy early birthday, my dear Liam,” she said sweetly, slipping to his side, and brushing past me with her hip.

Her smile was all teeth and games.

“Did I miss anything?” she asked, though her eyes were fixed squarely on me and I couldn't help but wonder if I was the only one who could sense the awkward situation.

“Well.. well.. well.., my dear Dahlia, I do not think it is anything of importance to you. I was just assigning Liam’s little helper for the day.”

“I see,” Dahlia said, her gaze traveling over me, nose slightly wrinkled.

“Mira,” Alpha Harold added, I assume you know your Beta female. You both should be around the same age.”

Dahlia chimed in, voice sharp, “We might be the same age, but obviously not the same class.”

The silence that followed crackled.

The head maid, sensing the rising tension, laid a hand on my shoulder. “Come along, Mira. Let's get you started with Alpha Liam’s quarters. Carry these sheets.”

Grateful for the out, I grabbed the linens and hurried behind her. But even with my back turned, I could still feel Liam’s eyes on me.

And that was a feeling I didn't want to name.