After seven years...

I giggle with delight, joyfully chasing my brother Finn around the yard as he playfully dangles his brown wolf's tail just out of my reach. He always teases me, his wolfish grin and mischievous eyes adding to the fun. Suddenly, my father, Caspian Clark, Beta of Deep Water, sternly orders me to leave Finn alone. Fearful of my father's anger, I stop in my tracks, but Finn reassures me with a gentle nudge and a low whine, comforting me with his presence.

"I'm just playing with Finn, Father," I respond quietly, seeking comfort in my brother's furry form while trying to avoid my father's disapproving gaze. At seven years old, I can't comprehend why my parents are so strict with me. Finn, who is only eight years older than me, has always been the favorite, despite our close bond and his love for me. In my parents' eyes, I am merely a she-wolf destined to leave once I find my mate.

My mother, Piper Clark, stands by my father's side, rolling her eyes as she adds, "Mads, Finn is the future Beta, and Cosmo will be the next Alpha. You're just a she-wolf who will eventually have to move on once you find your mate." Finn sighs, expressing his disagreement with our parents, always standing up for me.

"But as Finn's little sister, he should protect me too. We are family, and it's his duty to protect family," I argue back, hurt by the feeling of insignificance to my parents. In an instant, I feel a sharp sting on my cheeks as my mother slaps me, filling me with anger. Both my parents radiate anger, and my mother yells at me, making it clear that Cosmo will always be more important than me.

Tears stream down my cheeks, and without a word, I sprint into the woods behind me, seeking solace and love in a place where I feel safe. My father's calls for me to come back and the fear of potential punishment propel me to run faster. I head towards the river, where I can mask my scent and disappear from anyone who might follow me.

Remembering Finn's trick, I wade into the river until it reaches my knees and walk in either direction. The flowing water erases my scent, allowing me to escape safely. I head toward the North, where a waterfall lies just beyond the pack boundaries. I follow the vines that climb the side of the rocks until I reach a hidden cave, where a stream leads me towards the light at the end.

Finally, I find myself in a lush meadow, my short legs hidden among tall grass and wildflowers. As I walk towards a weeping willow tree, I wipe away my tears with determination. This place is my sanctuary, and I refuse to let tears taint its beauty.

"Mads, who hurt you this time, Little Wolf?" A soft, melodious voice fills my ears as I find solace, leaning against the tree where Genesis, the elf who guards this hidden meadow, patiently waits for me.

"My parents, as usual," I whimper, feeling her strong arms lifting me gently, comforting me against her warm body that carries the scent of the wildflowers surrounding us.

"What happened this time?" Genesis continues, her long black hair dancing in the wind as she soothes me with her presence.

"The usual. Finn and I were playing, but they told me to leave him alone. I'll never be important to them, will I?" I respond, my voice growing softer as I gaze into Genesis's green eyes.

"You are bound for great things, Little Wolf. I can see it," she says, avoiding my direct question once more. I pout, and tears flow down my chubby cheeks once again. Genesis sighs, cradling me away from the comfortable shade of the willow tree and leading me toward the small lake where unicorns drink and frolic.

"Little Wolf, one day, I may not be able to protect the unicorns. Witches and werewolves, especially Crescent, hunt them for the magic hidden in their bodies and blood. Do you know why I let you come here?" She asks pride shining in her eyes as she guards this hidden home.

I shake my head, unsure after contemplating the question, my white curls bouncing with the movement as a light breeze brings the scent of flowers closer to us.

"Because you see them as friends. I was wary when I found you here, curled up among the foals fast asleep. I always send you back home, but you kept showing up," Genesis smiles at me, her slender fingers wiping away my tears as she kisses my forehead. It was last year, after a fight with my father, that I found the unicorns.

"Do you mean it?" I ask quietly, seeking reassurance as I hide my face in the crook of her neck.

"Of course, Little Wolf. Now, go to sleep; it's late. You'll wake up at home soon," Genesis's voice lulls me to sleep, my little body exhausted from crying and finding comfort in the elf I think of as my mom.

"Maddie, is this where you've been all day?" A gentle shake on my shoulder brings me back to reality, and I open my eyes to see Finn looking worriedly at me. His hand brushes against my face, and I wince, noticing the hardness in his eyes in the dim light. Most likely, a bruise has formed from the earlier slap. I'm hidden in Finn's closet, using a teddy bear twice my size as a bed, while the clothes above conceal me from view, just as Genesis always does to keep me safe.

"Yes, I fell asleep crying," the lie flows easily, and Finn ruffles my hair, carefully scooping me into his arms with a sigh. Silently, my brother carries me into my room and tucks me into bed, a look of sadness in his eyes that I've never seen before.

"I always tell them that you hide in my room, but they never listen. You're my little sister, and I know you, Maddie," Finn begins, running his hands through his hair as he gazes outside my window at the full moon, casting a warm glow that brings me peace.

"I know, Finn," I yawn, giving him a sleepy smile in gratitude for his concern.

"Go to bed, Maddie. Tomorrow, you have a big day with the Alpha Family," he bids me good night, flicking off the lamp beside my bed before leaving me to sleep under the comforting glow of the moonlight.

"Now, you know the rules, Madison. Be polite and don't eat too much. You're a lady, not a rogue," my father warns, and I nod, my curly white hair bouncing with the movement. From a young age, my parents set high expectations for me. They taught me to sit with my back straight and hands folded in my lap. I must never rush while eating, only consume what's on my plate, and never ask for more. Additionally, I should refrain from speaking unless spoken to, as breaking this rule in public could lead to punishment from my father.

"I understand, Father, and I will behave properly," I answer quietly, catching Finn clenching his fists and glaring at our father from behind. After the first and only punishment for not following these rules, Finn and our cousin Gracie helped me with my wounds caused by my father's rage. I remember those long and painful four weeks I endured last year. It seems like my brother is thinking about it too.

Just as my parents were about to add more warnings, the front door opens behind me, revealing the easy-going smile of Alpha Artemis as he walks in and ruffles my curled white hair. A tall man with black hair and tanned skin, Alpha Artemis treats me like his own daughter, just like he does with Eloise, his own child. With him around, I feel safe, and I often wish he were my father, not the man who yells and threatens me.

"Sorry I am late, Caspian. Cosmo was trying to find his new toy car to show Maddie here. You know how kids are," Alpha Artemis says, looking down and winking at me. I overheard my father and Alpha Artemis talk about my potential as Cosmo's future mate. The thought makes me uncomfortable.

"It's fine, Alpha. I understand," my father replies, smiling. My mother remains silent but gives me one last warning look, reminding me to behave before excusing herself and heading into the kitchen. I can't understand why my parents always warn me to behave. Can't they see that I am a good girl?

I stay quiet as the Alpha and my father discuss pack matters, and Finn gives me a reassuring smile. He telepathically links to me, [Remember to tell me all about your day when you get home tomorrow.] After agreeing happily, he winks at me and quietly slips out of the room, probably heading up to his room to take care of the responsibilities he has as the next Beta.

"Well, we should be heading out now before it's too late. Caspian, I will bring Maddie home tomorrow safe and sound. Have a good night. You ready to go, Maddie?" Alpha Artemis finally concludes the conversation between the two grown wolves, extending his hand towards me. I pick up my bag, which contains some clothing and a sleeping bag for tonight, and gladly take his hand as we prepare to leave.

"Yes, Alpha," I answer Alpha Artemis, taking his hand and skipping out the door, without saying goodbye to my parents. The excitement of getting away from this house and them makes me extremely happy. As we walk towards where Luna Everleigh waits with Cosmo and Eloise, Alpha Artemis asks about my school life and what I've been up to since seeing the Alpha Family last. The pathway through the pack leads us closer to the dense forest on the west side of Deep Water. I love the smell of our forest, a mix of wildflowers, tall Canadian Maple trees, and sturdy pines. I'm almost done telling the Alpha about the book I'm reading when I'm tackled to the ground, greeted with giggles filling my ears as Eloise's scent fills my nose.

"Hi, Maddie!" she greets, and we giggle together as we sit up and start chatting about our trip today. Alpha Artemis chuckles as Eloise and I jump to our feet excitedly, my friend pointing to where Cosmo and Luna Everleigh stand waiting for us. As usual, Cosmo is holding a Nintendo D.S. gaming device in his hand, the sounds of a video game audible. I frown in his direction, knowing it's not his fault that my brother is forced to spend more time with him than me, or that my parents prioritize my future over me. But I can't help feeling a bit resentful, even if he is cute.

Eloise pulls my attention back, babbling about the Full Moon tonight and how the unicorns will appear under the full moonlight, bringing their foals to play in the pink crescent moon-shaped lake. I pretend to be surprised, but I've already been informed about this by Genesis. The unicorns would be celebrating their foals gaining powers blessed by the Moon Goddess.

The pink water in our pack holds magic that only unicorns can absorb, and when foals reach a certain age, drinking the water helps their powers manifest. Genesis told me about overseeing this event and the treaty she made with the first Alpha of Harvest Moon to protect the unicorns during this time. It's probably why Alpha Artemis took his family and me out for the picnic and campout tonight.

Little does anyone know that a small stream flows from the lake into a hidden valley where Genesis and the unicorns live, and into a small pool that mixes with regular water from the river, which Genesis calls a moon pool. I've often watched the foals play and run around the pink water, mesmerized by the shimmer of magic in the air, each drop twinkling like diamonds. To say, I'm excited to see this at the pure pink lake instead of the small moon pool. It is an understatement.

With a nod from Cosmo and a hug from Luna Everleigh, the five of us set off towards the lake, Eloise and I chasing each other around the trees, giggling. Alpha Artemis reminds us to stay in sight and takes away Cosmo's game, forcing him to play tag with us. I avoid Cosmo as much as I can, chasing Eloise until she stops abruptly, causing me to crash into her.

"Maddie, I see the water! It's so pink," my friend squeals in excitement, causing me to cup my hands over my ears and wince. But in front of us, just peeking past the trees, is the lake. With a call of 'Last one there is a Crescent,' the three of us race to the water's edge and happily spend the day splashing each other, eating the delicious picnic packed by Luna Everleigh herself. It's a day free from the fear of my parents and filled with pure happiness.

As the day turns into night, Eloise and I huddle under a tree, our sleeping bags blending into the background, hiding us while we wait for the full moon to reach its peak and the unicorns to come out.

"A few more minutes," I jump as Cosmo's voice surprises me. He rolls out his sleeping bag, sits beside me, wraps his arm around my shoulder, and grins. I blush and nod before looking out to the lake, my eyes blurry with the need for sleep as I manage to catch a glimpse of the creatures I love to watch so much, beginning to come out and frolic in the water...

Madison, wake up... please, my love...

A soft voice flutters through my ears, and I yawn, looking around the night, my dream of watching over the forest and some blurred faces now gone. Dizzy, I gaze at the still pink lake and the eerie silence of the forest causing goosebumps to form. Soft snores from my left and right make me aware that Cosmo and Eloise are still fast asleep, but the Alpha and Luna are missing. That's when I hear it.

Growls and howls come from everywhere, and my first thought is to wake up Cosmo. I shake the sleeping boy awake as the growls and howls get closer, fear closing in on me. What if they were Crescent?

"What is it, Maddie?" He asks as he swats me away.

"Wolves, and lots of them," I whisper, sobbing with fear, watching him bolt up and silently slip out of his sleeping bag while motioning to Eloise. I quickly shook my friend awake.

"I smell blood," my friend says as she rubs her eyes, and she's right. The copper tang hangs in the air, and we both look in fear, knowing to whom exactly this scent belongs.

"Where is she?" A scream echoes through the lake, and all three of us freeze.

"I don't know who you're talking about," the Luna is crying. She never cries, her answer filled with fear, fear she has never shown any of us.

"The Future Moon Goddess. Your wolves took her from her as a newborn," the voice rings again, and a loud smack rips through the air.

"I don't know anything about this," Luna Everleigh wails. Cosmo and Eloise are frozen in their spots, but I slowly crawl forward. I see wolves in both human and wolf form standing around the lake, but I can't see Luna Everleigh or Alpha Artemis. However, I have a feeling this night will not end well.

"I do not believe that you know nothing about the kidnapping of the Moon Goddess' pup stolen the night of her birth. We have searched everywhere, and the only pack whose wolves gained a new pup that same night is this one. For your insolence in this incident, you will die just like your husband." A cold voice shakes the trees as the sounds of something tearing and the Luna's screams fill the air. All is silent except for a thud of something or someone falling to the ground. The strange wolves leave the lake, but Cosmo, Eloise, and I are too terrified to leave our hiding spot. The Alpha's children are curled up by the tree, sobbing, while silent tears fall from my face. I know what that tearing sound means; I heard it while my father slaughtered Crescent in front of Finn and me.

The day passes until the sun is setting when wolves from the pack come, calling out our names and looking for us. My parents are the first to find our hiding spot.

"Thank goodness you're alright, Cosmo and Eloise," my parents coo over the Alpha pups, and I stand in the background, everyone fussing over Cosmo and Eloise but forgetting about me. They block the sight of the lake from the sibling pair, but I see everything.

The lake is dyed red in spots where the bodies of wolves with the scent from last night lay, the ground holding small puddles, but not of the lake water. What hurts the most is seeing the Alpha and Luna both missing their heads and both dead just at the edge where the water slowly laps at their fallen forms.