Chapter 21

Aila Coraline

I actually don't know what to feel. The memory of Anastasia and Nick haunts me, and I feel that if only, if only I had been able to find Anastasia, ask why she betrayed us, and resolve everything, things wouldn’t have ended this way. There are so many 'what ifs' in my mind. But I can’t seem to find a way to make it right.

“It’s fate, Coraline. Anastasia was fated to end that way. Stop blaming yourself,” Mother says gently, caressing my back as she offers me a glass of milk.

What am I really meant for? Long ago, I dreamed of living a simple life, though I always knew bigger responsibilities awaited me. I was destined to take over for my father and become the beta of the pack, but first, I needed to prove that I was worthy. Now, I’ve just begun, and I’ve already failed more than once.

“I am disappointed in myself, and I know Father is disappointed too,” I murmur, staring into the glass as if it holds the answers. He probably thinks just as I do—blaming me for the mission I failed.

“Why is fate so harsh, Mother?” I ask.

“Fate isn’t always kind, Coraline. But sometimes, it’s in the harshest moments that we find our true strength."

A sudden surge of frustration wells up in me, and I turn to her. “But why, Mother? Why can’t fate give Anastasia a second chance? Why couldn’t she be spared, given the chance to make things right? Doesn’t everyone deserve the opportunity to change and live beyond their mistakes?”

I mean, if evils can live as long as they want, why couldn’t they do the same for Anastasia? She’s not perfectly good, but neither is she perfectly bad. My heart aches for her because she was misunderstood and shamed, and when she fought back, though in the wrong way, she met death.

My mother’s expression softens, and her eyes grow misty. “I wish I had an answer for that, my child. Some choices, some outcomes, are beyond our control."

Her words make sense, but I still can’t quite understand how this world works. Anastasia wasn’t good, but neither are we. Even the Alpha—he’s done far worse things than Ana ever did. So why is he still breathing? Sometimes, fate doesn’t make sense at all, because it even contradicts the laws set by the Moon Goddess. How powerful could fate really be if it disregards everything else?

Mother’s eyes search mine as if she can read every doubt and question swirling inside me. “You know, Coraline, Anastasia’s fate may have been sealed, but it was for a reason.”

A frustrated sigh escapes my lips. “But what reason, Mother? We claim justice, we claim the will of the Moon Goddess, but I see contradictions everywhere. Anastasia made mistakes, but she never committed the atrocities that others have. Why should she be condemned while others walk free?” My voice grows raw with the weight of my confusion.

Mother pauses, the silence stretching out between us like a bridge to cross. “I don’t have all the answers, Coraline,” she admits softly. “Fate and justice aren’t always the same. Fate tests us, pushes us, and sometimes, it feels cruel. It is up to us to find meaning in what it leaves behind.”

Maybe fate hadn’t been merciful to Anastasia, but perhaps it was a lesson for me—a reminder that the world isn’t fair, that second chances aren’t guaranteed. And that is why I must fight, so that others may have the hope she never did.

I take a deep breath. “Then, if fate doesn’t care for fairness, I will. I’ll be the one to protect those who deserve more than fate will allow.”

“Just remember, Coraline, that this path won’t be easy. But I know you have the strength to walk it.”

I nodded. I know that leading and protecting the pack is not easy. But if Father has done it for decades, I am sure I can too, regardless of being a she-wolf. I need to trust my strength, just like Ana trusted me before.

The past can’t be changed, but my future—and the future of those I care for—can be. If fate won’t bend, then I will be the force that stands against it.

I've never been this eager to do something. I usually go with the flow; I never thought about how big of a responsibility I had until I lost someone important. My purpose is to protect, to bring peace and safety, yet I was so naive and selfish to think only of myself.

I didn’t even make a move when Nick stabbed Anastasia; I didn’t even raise a hand to stop the Alpha when he commanded her execution. I was at fault in so many ways, and I know I have to correct it. Maybe not in a way that resurrects Ana, but in ways similar to it. She always dreamed of teaching the she-wolves, of leading them, and I know I have to do it—for her sake and for mine.

The first rays of dawn pierced through the heavy curtains of my room, casting a soft glow that pulled me from restless sleep. I dressed quickly, the weight of my resolution pressing on my chest. My heart thudded in my ears as I stepped out into the crisp morning air, each step towards the packhouse feeling heavier yet more determined.

The packhouse stood as a symbol of strength, its stone facade imposing and familiar. I pushed open the heavy door and was greeted by the silence of the early hour. A few guards nodded as I passed, their eyes widening slightly at the sight of me so early. They knew better than to question.

The Alpha’s quarters were at the far end of the hall. I took a deep breath, steadying the storm within me, and knocked firmly. Moments later, the door creaked open, and there he stood, eyes sharp even at this hour.

“Coraline,” he said. “To what do I owe this visit?”

I met his gaze, summoning the courage I had barely held onto during my walk. “Alpha, I have a proposal. I want to lead the she-wolves—to teach them and guide them."

A brief silence followed. The Alpha’s expression shifted from surprise to something unreadable as he considered my request. And then, a sound I hadn’t expected—a loud, harsh laugh that echoed in the quiet room.

He laughed so hard that he ended up choking, as if I had just told a joke. He wasn’t just insensitive; he was also crazy. I wondered how Anastasia must have handled this kind of response.

Alpha Samuel wasted five minutes of my time before he finally stopped laughing. I wonder how my father is able to deal a leader like Samuel. He’s everything but normal.

“Lead the she-wolves?” His eyes narrowed, a smirk pulling at the corner of his mouth.

There was sheer doubt on his face. He was probably thinking that I wasn’t as good as the rest. I mean, he didn’t trust she-wolves easily, and I was no exception.

He believed only his daughter was capable of handling training and the like. Seleira was good; I couldn’t deny that. But Anastasia was better, yet he rejected her many times.

“Coraline, are you capable of such a task?” The question sounded more like mockery than genuine curiosity.

My chest tightened, but I refused to let his doubt break my resolve. I straightened my spine, meeting his gaze without wavering. This was my moment to prove that despite everything, I was more than capable.

"I am."