Parents’ Regret After Locking Me in a Heat Chamber

When my sister and I were born, our parents, Marcus and Elena, called in a witch named Cassandra Moore to read our futures.

Cassandra pointed at my tiny body. "This child is extraordinary. One day, she'll awaken a wolf more powerful than an Alpha's!"

My older sister, Wendy Bennett, had spent years as an Omega in her little sister's shadow and was already struggling with depression.

And according to the prophecy, on the day of my awakening, my wolf would rip her to pieces.

To save Wendy, they immediately placed the heat curse on me to prevent my awakening.

Now, with my chest burning, Wendy's voice drifted through the door.

"Dad, Mom, maybe we should let Valeria out. She's so talented. If she can't awaken, it'll hold back the whole pack..."

"You're just too kind for your own good!"

My mother's tone was equal parts frustration and urgency.

"You're still defending her? Have you forgotten the year she won the fitness trials, and how she rubbed it in your face?"

I knew exactly which time she meant.

I was eight. I scored an A+ on the fitness trials. My sister got a C-.

When I came home wearing the Moon Goddess's laurel crown, I was so excited my ears turned red.

"Mommy, Daddy, when I awaken, I'll protect all of you and Wendy!"

Wendy heard me and burst into tears.

My mother panicked, not knowing how to comfort her.

My father charged over and slapped me hard across the face.

Blood ran from my nose and mouth, dripping onto the leaves of the Moon Goddess laurel.

That night, I was locked in the heat chamber as punishment.

When they let me out the next morning, my skin was cracked and dry, and my voice was hoarse.

"She did it on purpose. She knew about the prophecy and still went out of her way to show off in front of you!"

My mother's voice was cold and flat.

Sweat dripped onto the floor. I was so hot my vision blurred.

How could this be happening? Mom...

I was only eight years old, just a little pup who wanted to be praised.

But why did you all treat me like the enemy?

I'm your daughter too...

I gently bumped my head against the warm door, trying to remind them that they'd left the heater running.

"Mom, I'm grown up now. There's no way I'd fall apart just because my little sister gets stronger when her wolf awakens."

Wendy's voice was laced with genuine urgency.

"Besides, the witch could've been wrong! We can't keep Valeria locked up because of that!"

My father cut her off.

"Enough, Wendy! You're our daughter. We'll keep you safe!"

Then he turned to face the heat chamber.

His tone was much softer than my mother's.

"Valeria, this is for the family's sake. You wouldn't want to watch your sister die because of you, would you?"

"Just stay put in there, get through today, and accept being wolfless. Mom and Dad will take care of you for the rest of your life. Be good!"

I couldn't even open my mouth. My lungs were full of searing air.

My body felt like it was melting in the heat.

I gathered the last of my strength and tapped my head against the door one final time.

My mother, as if her patience had finally snapped, rushed over and kicked the door.

"Valeria, stop making a scene! Do I need to teach you a lesson?"

With that, she opened the chamber door.

The sliver of cool air that crept through the gap gave me a moment of relief.

My heart leaped. I reached toward the light and the coolness.

Save me...