Gone

I woke up to the scent of clean sheets. I felt warm, and for some reason it was the kind of warmth I used to feel as a child, back when mom would wrap me in her arms until I could fall asleep safely.

I slowly travelled my eyes around the room. It was dim, the curtains were drawn and the air still.

A faint breeze passed through the slightly cracked window. The sheets under me were too soft, especially the pillows.

Where am I?

I tried getting up but I could barely move without flinching. My body felt sore all over, and my mind was still foggy.

I blinked slowly, trying to make sense of the pain that was laced into every corner of my bones, then all of a sudden, my memories came back in scattered flashes.

Connor.

The forest.

And then… a man. Holding me.

I sat up too quickly and hissed at the pain that shot through my ribs.

“Easy there. Don’t move too fast.”

I slightly jerked when I heard a deep voice.

He stepped into view from the corner of the room, where he must’ve been sitting the whole time.

A man with tall and broad-shoulders slowly walked to my side, he had beautiful brown eyes that held a tired kind of sadness. His scent was unfamiliar, but something about him didn’t scare me. I usually get alert around strangers, but him…he feels…safe.

“I was starting to worry you’d never wake up,” he said, pulling the chair closer and sitting beside the bed.

I didn’t speak. My throat was dry, and honestly…I didn’t know what to say.

“W-who…are you?” It was all I could muster to say.

He studied me quietly before finally saying, “I’m your brother.”

I stared at him. For a second.

Then I almost laughed. “I think you’ve got the wrong girl,” I croaked. “I don’t have a brother.”

His lips twitched like he expected that response. He then stared at me for a second before he let out a soft smile.

“I figured you’d say that. But it’s true. I’m really your brother.”

I frowned at his words. Why does he keep insisting he’s my brother.

“Sorry to say this but I’m an only child… My parents… they died in the rogue attack, and my…little brother with them—” my voice quivered at the last part.

He looked at me with a despondent look. “I understand. However, they weren’t your real parents,” he said gently. “They adopted you when you were just a baby. They were good people… and they loved you. But your real family? Is us. You come from the Blackwood line.”

I shook my head, trying to process his words. “That doesn’t make sense.” I let out a dry laugh. Unable to believe what he’s saying.

“Please, just stop, if this is some kind of prank it’s not funny…” I said, glaring at him.

“I’m not. This is not a prank. My name is Marcus Blackwood,” he muttered. “I’m your older brother. I found you… lying there in the forest…I knew. I knew the moment I saw you. That you’re my blood.”

His voice sounded so genuine. I couldn’t speak.

I didn’t know what to believe.

“Our parents,” he said carefully, “our real parents—they died when you were just a baby. You’ve been missing since you were a toddler,” he continued, his voice tight.

“Someone took you during a pack conflict. We thought you were dead. We searched for years. And now… now you’re here. I didn’t even know you were alive until recently. Please…believe me. “ he grasped my hand, but I took it back.

“I…” I wanted to say something, but no words came out.

“I know this is a lot,” Marcus said gently. “But everything I’m telling you is true. Your real name is Selene. You’re my baby sister. And I swear to the Moon Goddess, I will never let anyone hurt you again. I promise.”

I listened to him. Our eyes locked at each other. I tried searching in his eyes for the truth, I thought I would catch a glimpse of lies within them, but his gaze only held honesty. No deception.

Selene.

That name. It didn’t feel real. I have been Ivy Martin for seventeen years. Eighteen now, actually, but who’s counting? Ivy was all I knew. Ivy was the girl they kicked. The girl they whispered about. The girl whose own mate shattered her like she was nothing and walked away without looking back.

I’m the girl who’s never wanted. So how can I possibly be his sister?

“I’m sorry…I think you really got the wrong person.” My voice trailed off as I tried to get out of the bed with great difficulty.

“Wait, you can’t get up yet.”

“I’m really sorry but I have to go.” my hand slowly pressed against my chest instinctively. Then I paused when I realized something.

Why does it feel empty?

It was too quiet inside my head.

“Where is she?” My voice trembled.

Marcus tilted his head. “What?”

“My wolf,” I whispered. “Lilith. I can’t feel her..”

His expression changed. He went completely still.

The way he looked at me made my heart sink.

“No,” I whispered again, panic rising. “No, no—don’t look at me like that. Where is she?”

“Selene…” he said gently, using a name that still didn’t feel like mine. “You were dying. Your injuries were too deep. If I was a moment late you would have been gone. I was able to talk to your wolf, she said she had to heal you…but in return…” he paused, looking at me intently, as he let out a heavy breath, “she had to sacrifice herself.”

My eyes widened.

He stepped closer, sitting on the edge of the bed.

I shook my head. “No—stop—what are you saying?!”

“She gave herself up,” Marcus said, his voice breaking. “She sacrificed her spirit to keep you alive. That’s why you’re here. That’s why you survived.”

A sob ripped from my throat.

“No.”

“She did it out of love. To protect you.”

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I shook my head hysterically. “I just met her. I didn’t even have time to get to know her, she just got here. Why would she…why would she do that for me?”

“Because your wolf loved you,,” Marcus whispered.

I covered my mouth with both hands, trying to stop the shaking, but it didn’t help. “It’s not fair,” I cried.

“She was supposed to be a part of me. And now she’s gone?”

Marcus reached for me. I didn’t fight it this time.

He pulled me into his arms and held me tightly, like he could take the pain if he just held me long enough.

“I know it’s not fair,” he said. “And I wish I could change it. I wish I found you sooner. But you’re here now. You’re alive. And I swear, I won’t let you lose anything else this time. I promise, I’ll protect you.”

I sobbed into his shirt until my voice gave out.

“I don’t feel whole anymore,” I whispered. “She’s gone.”

“No. She’s still with you,” Marcus said quietly. “Even if she’s gone… she gave you a second chance. And that means everything.” He slowly pulled away and looked me in the eyes, trying to put on a smile as he looked at me. “She will always be in your heart.”

I didn’t answer.

I just cried until I couldn’t cry anymore.

And somehow, I knew.

That from now on… everything would be different.