Stars
A rival pack invaded, plunging our pack into the worst crisis we had ever faced.
The witch, Morgana Vale, said that only a blood sacrifice could save the entire pack.
So despite my anemia, I was dragged onto the altar. Morgana slit my wrist, and the moment my blood dripped onto the totem, the ritual began.
When the bleeding got to be more than I could take, I tried to call it off, but my mother stopped me cold.
"Sweetheart, hold on a little longer. You're the Alpha's daughter. Making a small sacrifice for the pack is only right. It's just a little blood. It won't kill you."
I gritted my teeth and held on, my heart pounding like it would burst.
The ritual lasted from morning until dusk, and my blood never stopped flowing.
"Mom, I really can't take it anymore." My face was ghost-white, and my vision was starting to blur.
But she just gave my bloodless face a cold glance.
"Sacrificing for the pack is an honor. Being the Alpha's daughter doesn't mean you get to shirk your duty. I did not raise you to be selfish."
By midnight, everything went black, and I collapsed on the altar.
I'm sorry. I failed to do my duty.
I'm sorry, Mother. I let you down.