Chapter 2

Sophia’s pov

“Sophy! You won't believe what is happening in few days time,” she exclaimed excitedly.

“Oh,calm down,Elera,” I replied. My bestfriend froze immediately she saw the bruises and cut on my arms and face,her face showing concern as her grip on me tightened, and she pulled back just enough to look at me, her wide eyes scanning my face, my arms, the bruises blooming beneath my skin like dark, ugly flowers. Her expression shifted—confusion, then horror, then fury.

“What the hell happened to you?” she whispered, voice shaking. She didn’t need to ask. She already knew. Did Aunt Evenly beat you up again?

I swallowed hard, forcing a smile that didn’t reach my eyes. “It’s nothing new” it's been like this since I was a child I uttered bitterly.Elera walked into the room and shut the door leading me to the edge of my bed to sit.

I looked at Elera’s face, and all I could see in her eyes is love and concern. In this pack,she is the only one I have as a friend.The only one who saw me—not as a burden, not as something to break, but as a person.Even the omegas are afraid of making friends with me, fearing my stepmother. Not only did my stepmother abuse me physically,she also succeeded in chasing pack members away from me and shattered my confidence.

Fortunately, Elera become my friend. Being the daughter of the Beta,who also happen to be a family friend, Evenly couldn't manipulate her into hating me.

Her jaw clenched. “Nothing new?” Her hands hovered near my arms, as if she wanted to touch me but was afraid it would hurt.This is wickedness and unacceptable.I mean Uncle Rhydor didn't try to put a stop to your stepmother cruelty,this is getting out of hand. You don't have to put up with that,you know? You have the freedom to walk away, to rebuild, to become something greater than the pain they left you with.

“Do you want her to runaway from the pack, Elera?”

Our heads turned to the door,and there stood my stepsister, Sylvia. She was standing with her arms crossed,with her lips curled into a knowing smirk, her golden eyes glinting with something between amusement and malice.

Elera rolled her eyes.“what are you doing here,Sylvia? You're not welcome here.”

Well I heard my mother beat you up for being a sluggish bitch. I wanted to see how messed up your face look but I'm disappointed because I can still recognize your ugly face. I guess you still need some blows on your face so you can know who's in charge.

Elera clenched her fist and faced her. I guess you will be the one receiving those blows on your face,if you don't get the hell out this moment. Sylvia's face turn serious, knowing fully well that she is not joking with what she said.

I don't know why you hang out with that dirty trash.

You're the most beautiful lady in the pack ,yet you're friends with Sophia. Really? You could've pick me as your bestie or any other person in the pack.

“Oh,news flash I'm not interested,” Elera interjected. I'd rather be alone than be besties with a shallow bitch like you.

Sylvia left the room banging the door,her face fumed with embarrassment.

Noticing that,I held Elera's hand. You shouldn't have do that. What if she turned on you next?

Well,she won't dare. I'm not scared of her, Elera shrugged. Sylvia is like a leach. She's been all around me getting close to me because of my beauty and she don't want you to have a friend. So I'm pretty sure she won't turn on me,even if she does I'm ready for her.

Elera and I laughed,well aware of my stepsister personality.I mean what I said earlier, Elera said with seriousness in a tone.

I let out a big sigh, showing how stuck and frustrated I am. “I know.”

Okay? You're not going to do anything?

Well, I'm not, sounding defeated. I've got nowhere to go. Never heard of mom’s pack,i haven't met my destined mate and no other family to look after me.

The truth of the situation sinks in. My mother died giving birth to me and nobody knows where she came from except my dad. I've asked my dad countless times about my mom's pack but he wouldn't say anything,not even the name of my mom.

Then suddenly, Elera's face lit up. I think I've got the solution you've been waiting for. The mating ball is in few days and every warewolf is preparing themself for the big day, she screamed with joy.

“Mating ball,I murmured as I listen to her. I look at Elera with confusion but almost immediately she started explaining in details.

Yes,Sophy. You will be attending the most anticipated mating ball of the year.

The mating ball is held annually in the Moonshadow pack, being one of the biggest pack in the entire land. It is a grand event where unmated wolves gather to find their destined mates.Different packs travelled far and wide for this grand occasion. The main purpose is to allow unmated wolves, especially from different packs, to meet and identify their fated mates.It helps strengthen alliances between packs and ensures the continuation of strong bloodlines.

For some wolves, finding a mate is a matter of survival, as an unbonded wolf may grow weaker over time. Even Sylvia will be eager to go to the mating ball.

You know I'm not allow to attend any functions outside the pack. I can't go with you.

Come on , Sophy. You can't be caged for life. She held my hand and caressed the side of my face to comfort me. Besides, nobody will even noticed you're gone, Evenly will be busy preparing Sylvia for the mating ball.

I don't think that is a good idea, Elera. I don't even have a wolf so I don't think I have a mate either.

Don't say that. You might be a late bloomer. Who knows? You might meet your mate and that can make you feel your wolf. This is the perfect time to find a suitable partner who can help you escape from this suffering.

As I stared at Elera,her words keep replying in my head. Deep down I know she is right. This could be the opportunity I've been waiting for all my life. I mean, there must be someone out there who's my mate, right ? It's the perfect opportunity to find my mate who will help me escape from this goddess-forsaken life.

And all it takes is for me to attend the mating ball that I hope will change the course of my suffering.