Hero's daughter

Elijah’s Point of View

When the first rays of sunshine struck my face, I grumbled a little. As soon as I opened my eyes, Joaquin was in front of me to check how I was doing.

"How are you doing, El?" he said, his voice filled with concern.

I slowly got up and leaned my back on the headboard of my bed. I could feel the dryness in my throat, as though it hadn't been moist in a very long time. I swallowed hard and licked my lower lip.

The feeling of confusion began to build up in my entire system as I tried to recall what happened and how I ended up here after the incident.

"Can you tell me what happened?" I stared at Joaquin, expecting that he would respond to my question, but all he did was drop his head and sit on the sofa next to my bed, which was disappointing.

"The rogues had battered you to death,” he said after a minute which made my gaze directed at him. “. . . and it took days for your body to fully recover. You’re lucky, the fact that your wounds have healed on their own after that life and death battle.” He then cleared his throat when he saw how my forehead creased. “I found out about what occurred in the forest from Ms. Veronica," he said.

I took several deep breaths. My gaze was drawn down to my own body. The bruises and wounds inflicted by the rogues were healed as if they had never occurred at all. As I thought back on the battle that had taken place that day, I couldn't help but worry how Atasha was doing after that occurrence.

The rogues were clearly strong; it was as if they had spent their whole lives training themselves. In particular, I recall how their leader spoke to Atasha. They talked as if they had known each other for a very long time.

Eyebrows furrowed, I looked at Joaquin and asked, “Where’s Atasha?”

He had a sour expression on his face, as if he was thinking about something. “I thought you remembered what happened?”

“What do you mean?”

“Ms. Veronica informed me yesterday that the rogue had taken Atasha with him. They jumped on the cliff and after that, their whereabouts became unknown,” he answered.

"What did you have to say?" My teeth began gritting as a result of what I had heard. "Who was it that had taken away who?"

He shook his head and looked at me with a glint of sympathy in his eyes.

“That rogue who almost killed you had taken Atasha away. For some reason, it appeared that they knew each other. Veronica even mentioned that Atasha almost tried to stab you using a knife if they didn’t—”

“I don’t want to hear any of that!” I casted a wary glance at him. “Where’s Veronica?”

“S-She’s been staying in her music room all day.”

I got to my feet and went by him without saying anything. For some reason, the thought of Atasha being kidnapped by that filthy rogue makes me want to tear the hell out of him. Joaquin was following me out of the room and recommending that I take a rest first but I didn’t listen.

When I arrived at the music room, I saw Veronica setting up a vinyl to her music machine and a classic song started to play. I walked towards her and grabbed her arm forcefully.

“What happened to Atasha?”

Surprised by my sudden appearance, her eyes widened when she turned to me.

“El, I’m glad you’re finally awake—”

“No, you answer my question! Where is Atasha, Veronica?!”

“Calm down!” she hissed and pulled her arm from my grip. “She’s gone, alright?”

“How the hell did it happen?!” I shouted at her. I didn’t understand why but my entire system was enraged by the fact that Atasha had been abducted and no one cared enough to save her from that filthy rogue. I have never felt this furious before. Rage consumed my entire system instantly so I felt that I could really kill that rogue once I saw him. “Why did you let it happen? You should’ve protected and saved her!”

“We tried!” she heaved a huge sigh and walked in front of her window. As she crossed her arms against her chest, I could see the frustration on her face, too. "I tried to save her but that rogue, Leo, was fast enough to drag Atasha. They jumped on the cliff! Zach followed them but guess what? Atasha chose to join him instead of returning to us!"

"Atasha did what?" I couldn't get a grasp of what my sister had revealed to me. It seemed that my mind didn't want to believe everything she said.

Atasha wouldn't do this to me . . . I was aware that I'd disappointed her by letting those rogues beat me to death, but I thought we had made a strong bond after that night we shared in the forest.

I looked down, hands fisting as I clenched my jaw.

"Apparently, those rogues who almost killed you are the survivors of her pack. She even tried to kill you, El." She shook her head. "The plan got ruined and I know for sure that we can no longer fix this so I advised we stop this mess right now and just accept your arranged marriage with Margaux. That’s way easier than to defy our father, Elijah."

I breathed heavily. I felt my chest tighten. I guess it was easier for her to say because she wasn’t even in my position. If she was fine getting her life manipulated, well we’re different.

"You have no right to dictate what I should do, Veronica." I glared at her with my jaws clenching. "Where did that fucker take Atasha?"

Veronica rolled her eyes and shrugged. "To the East Land, I guess? Zach told me that the survivors of the Silver Moon Pack went there to form an alliance with our slaves living in there. The problem is, they might start another battle with the Alpha. See this mess we made?" She shook her head and ran her fingers through her hair.

I have to get Atasha back here at all costs. This was entirely my fault. I wasn't able to protect her . . .

"I will go to the East Land and take her back," I uttered. "You have to do something. Father must return here as soon as possible."

"But I already told you—"

"Damn it, Veronica!" I yelled out of frustration. "I need to see Atasha! I have to take her back!"

"She already left, El!" She marched in my direction and held both of my shoulders. "Just let her go, alright? Atasha already made up her mind! She decided to be with her pack and we should respect that!"

"No." I removed her hands off my shoulder. "I have to hear it all myself from her. I have to see her and don't you ever meddle with my plan," I said and walked away.

I didn't understand why they let Atasha come with that rogue. How easy of them to dump her just because she's from the rival pack?

"You just woke up yet I could feel the fury in your scent, brother."

Zach suddenly appeared out of nowhere and blocked my way. My eyes narrowed as I looked at him warily.

"Move," I said and pushed him away.

I was about to proceed when he continued talking, "Let me join you in your quest. Let's take Atasha back and re-establish your plan."

I turned around to face him. "And why would I cooperate with you?"

"Well . . ." He shrugged while smirking. "I guess I could be useful to negotiate with our men right there. After all, you know who's more excellent when it comes to diplomatic talks."

I breathed sharply and looked at him intently. I had to admit that he was right.

I guess I have no other choice but to team up with my brother.

***

Atasha’s Point of View

I woke up with a delicious breakfast that Leo cooked for me. I saw him preparing food using a small bonfire he created using the branch of trees he got in this forest.

“Get up, sleepyhead and let’s eat,” he said.

I sat beside him and examined the food he served me.

“This is a lot of food, Leo. I think I won’t be able to finish all these,” I said.

“No, you must eat. I know it’s tough to be a slave in the Crimson Moon Pack, so you need this so you can gain your strength, okay?”

I heaved a deep sigh and started eating.

I suddenly recall the moment I’ve shared with Elijah. Our night in the forest, when he also hunted for some fish for us to eat, and when he told me that he already sent his men to look for my family. At that point, I knew to myself that I appreciated him and his efforts, even though right now, those efforts would be good as waste.

A bitter smile escaped my lips. I guess what truly matters right now was that I could finally see my twin sister. It saddened me that my father had to die. Despite the fact that he was cruel to me, it still breaks my heart to think that he was gone forever.

I sighed, trying not to burst out my tears as the flashbacks of my last moments with my father consumed my mind . . . those harsh words I said to him. I should’ve hugged him that night before I left our territory. I should’ve told him that I love him even though he didn’t treat me right. If only I did, then I guess I wouldn’t be regretful right now.

I can’t wait to see my sister. I’m thankful that the Moon Goddess helped her survive . . . Once we get reunited, I promise not to stay away by her side anymore. Since we no longer have a father, from now on, the only thing I need to make sure is we have each other’s back. For better or worse . . . I looked at Leo who was busy with his food. I also wish to unite with my pack, to get along with them and no longer be hidden.

I should play a better role and must serve them with my life. I need to pay the price for the comrades I killed. I need to prove my loyalty to my pack.

My mind couldn’t help but wonder how I partly shifted. That very day when Leo attacked us, my hands transformed into wolf’s hands, with pointed claws that I used to slit the throats of my pack mates. It felt like it was only a dream. I didn’t even know how I did it . . . it just happened out of nowhere.

Was it because of Elijah?

He was all beaten up to death that day that led me to do swift actions as if someone inside of me was controlling me to do it. I didn’t have the power, skill or experience to do such things. Every action that I did was a spur in a moment because those werewolves that I killed were much stronger than I am. They were trained warriors of our pack.

I breathed heavily. If Veronica didn't arrive, I couldn’t picture what would happen next. I almost killed Elijah . . . I didn’t want to do it in the first place. I didn’t plan to stab him, to betray him . . . I was too overwhelmed.

“Tasha, let’s go. We need to meet some rogues to help us get into the East Land.”

I stood up and then we started walking.

Leo told me about their struggles after the war and how they were able to convince some of the slaves of East Land to plot a revenge on Alpha Gregory. While they were able to convince some of the werewolves there, other ones showed fear with the thought of fighting against the Crimson Moon Pack. Nevertheless, they still carried on with their plan and had secret meetings to finalize their plan.

As we arrived at a small camp in the forest, I saw some horses with a carriage and some other werewolves wearing masks. One of them gave me a dog mask that I needed to wear to ensure that I agreed to be part of them. I wore it and I rode to their vehicle, with Leo seated in front of me.

The pig-masked wolf went to the driver seat and started to maneuver the horse. When we were inside, Leo began to ask me some questions about my life at the Crimson Moon Pack.

“Tasha, I know that these questions might give you trauma but may I know what they do with you?”

I started deflecting his question and didn't want to answer it. He might not believe what happened to me.

“I heard that the slaves were being held in prison. I also heard that slaves were not given proper food and ended up getting killed,” he stated. He also mentioned that he was shocked when he found out that I wasn’t a slave of the Alpha itself but of the son of Alpha Gregory, Elijah.

“You’re blessed that they didn’t kill you right away,” he said.

“Elijah, the soon-to-be Alpha, wanted me to be his contracted Luna. That’s the reason why I was not held in a cage,” I replied.

Silence engulfed us for a moment. I thought he finally understood what I’ve gone through but he started questioning me again.

“What do you mean contracted Luna?”

I sighed, crossed my arm and looked at the window beside me.

“I pretended to be his mate, in order for him not to marry the shewolf his father arranged with him,” I answered.

He scratched his head, looked down and removed his mask. Beads of sweat have formed on his forehead. He wiped it and looked at me.

“Did something happen between the two of you?”

My forehead creased. I wasn’t sure what he meant by that but I still managed to answer. “It was a weird and surreal moment. He asked me to wear a beautiful dress. I was invited to the banquet then suddenly he grabbed my hand and announced to everyone that he already found his mate and . . .” I stopped and looked at Leo while trying to gather the right words to say.

“And?” he asked.

I straightened my back, cleared my throat and composed myself.

“At that point, I pretended to be his mate but his father didn’t want to accept it and tried to make me suffer by going through some difficult test . . .”

Leo sighed in relief and became more relaxed.

“That’s good to hear. I just thought you were letting him kiss you. I should be your one and only kiss.” He smirked.

I then punched his shoulder. “I don’t count it as a kiss. It was you who only thought it was, not me!” I pouted.

“By the way, Tasha, did you guys sleep together?” he asked. This guy was acting as if he was my lover or something. I palmed my face with frustration. “Come on, answer me!”

“No, we are not sleeping together,” I replied.

“That’s great, you should preserve your purity for the werewolf that you’ll marry, and that should be me, of course,” he said.

I coughed because of what he said. Shocked, I punched his shoulder once again.

“Damn, Tasha. I was only joking. No need to be so violent!” he joked and laughed.

My cheeks turned red when I realized what he meant when he asked about me and Elijah sleeping together . . . then I remembered what happened in the forest. I shook my head as everything we did that night started to replay in my mind.

“Nooo! Please stop!” I yelled loudly that Leo had to cover his ears.

“What the? Are you alright?” he asked.

“Y-Yes, I’m alright. Don’t worry!” I stuttered. “I-I only remember some devastating, tragic and dark moments when I was at the Crimson Moon Pack. I was severely punished and it was truly bad and awful!” I inhaled sharply and slightly clutched my chest.

My heart couldn’t help but pound aggressively whenever I recall what happened in the forest, that night I shared with Elijah. It was like a dream, a moment when I didn’t think twice and offered myself to the soon-to-be Alpha of our rival pack.

I fell asleep in the carriage and the vehicle stopped for us to prepare some food. Leo and his team started hunting for wild animals for our dinner. I lost count of how many days we spent traveling but it was this moment when finally we reached the East Land.

At last, I would be seeing Astrid and I’ll be together with my pack. My heart kept pounding as excitement and nervousness were getting mixed up in my entire system.

As I got out of the vehicle, I was instructed by Leo to wear my dog mask. I was also sprayed with a perfume to mask my scent so I can blend with our pack, without any suspicion. The perfume was created by a witch who sided with the Silver Moon Pack.

While walking on our way, I saw many slaves walking with chains on their feet, wearing pig mask. They’re working on digging up some grounds to get some precious gems. Others were working to bring some rocks to build establishments.

“Every werewolf here has their own role and job,” he said.

We went to a big tent and from there I saw a lot of werewolves and they started to remove their masks.

“Comrades, here is our new member, the daughter of Juliane Greene, one of the heroes who died for our pack, Atasha Greene! Eveyone, please welcome her!”

They bowed their heads.

“It’s our honor to finally meet one of Greene's daughters. Your father was a hero. He saved us,” said an old guy who seemed to be in his 40’s and walked towards me.

He then held my hand. I didn’t pay attention to the man in front of me as my eyes were looking around the room, trying to look for my twin sister.

Why can't I find Astrid here? I turned around and looked at Leo.

“Leo, where’s Astrid? Where’s my twin sister?” I asked.

He didn’t look at me and started to give instructions to the werewolves that were inside the tent.

“Hey! Leo! Answer me!”

I was then swarmed with werewolves who kept talking and embracing me.

“I’m glad you’re able to join us here, Atasha. We are very thankful to your father who sacrificed his life to save us here,” an old woman said. All of them were saying the same thing, that they’re thankful to see me, a daughter of Julian Greene, who was a hero who saved them all.

It was strange as they were kind to me. Didn’t they know that I’m cursed? All my life, my father hid me from our pack mates. He said that I’m cursed, and once our pack mates find out about me, they will kill me . . . however, their actions and words were telling me differently. They made me feel accepted, belonged and important.

I stopped rubbing elbows with them and walked straight to Leo. We went outside the tent so we could talk properly.

I gave him a glare. “Tell me the truth, Leo. Where’s Astrid?”

He sighed heavily. “I don’t know, I’m not sure what happened. Listen, this is no longer important. What we need to do now is to protect these werewolves who are hoping for us to lead them against the Crimson Moon Pack,” he said.

I never felt so angry until this day. Hatred and rage consumed my entire system upon hearing what he said.

“You lied to me!” I screamed angrily.

He looked away for a second but then glanced back at me with an evident desperation reflecting through his eyes. To my surprise, he embraced me but I pushed him away.

“Don’t touch me! How dare you lie straight away without any remorse! Tell me!” I yelled.

“The reason why I lied is because I want you to stay by my side, to cheer you up! I’m very sorry, Tash . . .” He inhaled and swallowed hard. “The truth is, during the war, I tried to regroup our pack. I saw her and convinced her to come with us but she didn’t want to join us,” he explained.

“I no longer want to believe anything you will say, Leo!”

I felt so devastated with all his lies that all I could do was cry.

“Look, Tasha. I have connections. We can still find your twin sister. But you have to stick with me. You are safer here. You don’t have to be the slave of that son of our rival pack’s Alpha. I promise—” He was trying to calm me down when someone cut his sentence off.

“Both of you, what are you doing? Go get back to work!” Leo then bowed down his head and then signaled me to do the same.