Crimson and Silver

Atasha’s Point of View

I woke up the next day with a heavy heart. My body felt so weak that it took hours before I got up from bed and did my usual daily routine.

Everything that had happened yesterday, those were like puzzles to me. I didn’t know how Elijah was able to enter the East Land without Leo and Clarence’s knowledge and I bet he already learned from Zach and Veronica that I almost killed him. But why is he coming back after me? At what cost?

Was he getting his revenge or what?

However, I already told him that Clarence still loves him. I hope that he already took her back as I wanted to live freely and stay away from his shadow.

Elijah knew from the beginning that it might be difficult for me to decide once my pack mates would come and rescue me. He should no longer cling to the promise we made to each other.

In addition, these hands of mine killed some of my pack mates. I did a terrible sin and I wasn’t any different compared to his monstrous father . . . and no matter what happens I’d like to make up for it by sticking with my pack, to earn their trust and to serve them my loyalty.

I didn’t know why he had to do such a course of action like this, when he had an option to just marry Margaux, and there was Clarence who still loves him. In fact, a lot of werewomen admire him so much as he had everything, the looks, the strength and power.

Why choose a nobody like me who doesn’t even know how to shift to her wolf form?

Nevertheless, I would stick with my decision, that was to stay in this land and be with my pack.

I lost count on how many times I sighed this morning. I scolded myself as I couldn’t take him off of my head. I kept telling myself that I had to move on from what happened. After all, this was the life I chose to live.

This was the meaningful life I craved for.

It was after lunch when I decided to go to the market to buy some groceries and clothes as I was running out of something to wear at work. It was a good thing that Leo gave me my salary yesterday. He said that was my pay for working at the Coliseum. I didn’t know that it was paid work until he mentioned about it yesterday. It wasn’t that much but at least, I had something that I could use for my personal necessities.

My nose was enticed by the alluring aromas of plants, trees, dried leaves, and the saline mist of afternoon fog. Inhaling deeply, I then looked up at the gray and sunless sky, the kind of sky that would eventually cause a heavy rain. Breath steaming in the air as I exhaled, I pulled down the sleeves of the sweater I wore to cover my hands from the cold wind and crossed them against my chest. Luckily, I had a long knitted skirt flowing below my knees and a pair of high-cut ragged boots to shield my skin from this cold weather.

As I walked my way to the market, my sight wandered at the people here in this small community. Unlike the busy days during the weekdays, they seemed to be enjoying their weekends with their families. There were stalls in the middle of the road where merchants were selling a lot of goods and products and there were musicians playing their instruments. It was such a great sight. Even though these people were mostly laborers or included in the lowest rank among the hierarchy of this land, they still managed to live happily without any worries.

I took a deep breath as I recalled our pack’s plan to assassinate Alpha Gregory in the upcoming masquerade party that will be held at the Coliseum. I assumed he’d arrive here in the East Land anytime soon and I couldn’t deny that I’m worried as to what would be the outcome of Leo’s plan. I pray that no more lives would be put into danger, but I was well aware that it was impossible. There would always be collateral damage— innocent lives. By looking around at these people, I’m afraid that a once happy picture of this small community would turn into chaos once another war begins.

When I arrived at the market, I bought some fruits and vegetables that I could stock for a week. My eyes roamed around to the stores I passed by. I stopped in a store that sells jewelry. My attention was drawn to a silver necklace with a crescent moon pendant. It was beautiful and the small diamonds surrounding the pendant glimmered perfectly.

“Do you like that necklace? Would you like to have a closer look?” The merchant approached me as she saw that I was eyeing the necklace for what seemed to be a minute.

I instantly declined and waved my hands for refusal. “No, it’s okay. I just think it’s beautiful.”

The old woman smiled. “If you like it, I could hide and reserve it for you.”

I chuckled a bit. “That’s not necessary but thanks . . .”

I smiled but it didn’t reach my eye and then left the store.

If only I had the money to buy it . . . but it wasn’t part of my priority right now.

I decided to go to the clothing store where the merchant sells second hand clothes. I was able to buy two knitted sweaters and another skirt for me to wear. I was about to head outside of the store when I bumped into someone.

“Atasha! I’m sorry!” Clarence’s familiar voice stunned me.

I blinked twice and immediately felt the spike of panic inside my chest. I doubt I could look her in the eye knowing that Elijah was here. Should I tell her? Or should I act as if I didn’t know a thing?

I wasn’t sure . . .

“C-Clarence! Hi!” I greeted her awkwardly.

“What are you doing here?” she asked curiously.

I showed her the bag of clothes. “I bought some sweaters.”

She nodded. “My mom is in the other store to buy some new kitchen tools. It bored me so I came here to check if there were new clothes that fit my taste. Anyway, how’s your date yesterday with Leo?”

My cheeks blushed at what she said. “That wasn’t a date. It was supposed to be a group date but Leo told me that you and his friends were busy.”

Her forehead creased but seconds after, she chuckled and shook her head. “What? He didn’t invite us. He said it was a date,” she said and wiggled her eyebrows while staring at me mischievously.

I laughed awkwardly. “Well, I didn’t know but if that's what he said it was, then I guess it was a date?”

Clarence laughed. “You’re so cute, Atasha. But if I were to give you my opinion, Leo is a good guy so if you could give him a chance then maybe you’ll have a life full of romance.”

“I-I’m actually thinking about it, Clarence,” I said shyly. “He’s kind so . . . I believe he deserves the chance.”

“That’s cool!” She patted my shoulder. “Settle with Leo. You look good together.”

“T-Thanks . . .” I licked my lower lip as I heard the sound of thunder from the outside. “Clarence, I think I have to go. It might rain heavily and I have no umbrella.”

“Oh, sure! Take care, Atasha. See you tomorrow!”

“Yeah, see you as well!”

I didn’t waste much time and went out of the store. I looked above the sky and it was dark gray now compared to how it was earlier. I rushed home to avoid getting caught in the rain, but before I could arrive home, it had already started to pour heavily.

Heavy downpour instantly drenched my clothes. I ran as fast as I could until I got to my house. As I walked into my home and shook off my drenched clothes, I exhaled loudly. I put the groceries in the kitchen and changed my clothes.

Extremely cold atmosphere filled the home as heavy rain poured outside. Thunder and lightning could be heard rumbling outside my bedroom window. Suddenly, I heard someone knock on my door while I was drying my hair with a towel. My eyebrows furrowed because I wasn’t expecting any guests. Also, who would come to see me when it was pelting down so heavily outside?

Was it Leo? I got out of bed and walked to the front door. I was still unsure whether to open the door or not, but I eventually did so since I suspected Leo was waiting outside and had something important to say to me.

But I was taken aback when I realized it wasn't Leo, but rather an unknown stranger who had appeared in front of my door. He was dressed in a dark cape, his head was down, and his hair was drenched with rain.

In an instant, my heart was racing with fear. I swallowed the lump in my throat and was about to close the door but he quickly stopped me with his hand.

He moved closer to me. As his gaze reached my eyes, all I could do was gasp. His familiar face made my knees weak and before I realized it, my heart was already thumping out loud inside my chest.

"Elijah . . ." I uttered his name softly.

He let out a heavy breath, still fixed his gaze on me intently.

“Can I come in?” he asked.

My eyes roamed around the area, hoping that no one had seen him come to my place. The last thing I ever wanted to happen was for my neighbors to be suspicious of me.

"You already knew I wouldn't come with you, right? For the sake of my pack, I'll stay with them Elijah, so please—" My jaw clenched at the sight of him.

"Can we talk inside your house? I'm soaked in the rain, slave."

I was hesitant at first, but eventually allowed him in. In order to ensure that no one could see Elijah, I swiftly closed and locked the door behind me.

I was not even sure how I could look him in the eyes. Why does he have to come back here?

He walked over to the couch and sat there.

"You're soaking wet," I said and quietly grabbed a towel for him to use. "Take off your cape first. Leave when the rain stops."

"I believe we need to talk, Atasha," he replied, raising his eyes to mine.

I avoided his gaze. "What else should we talk about? Didn't I already tell you that I wouldn't come with you? I thought you had left, but here you are, disturbing me once again."

"Did I ever tell you that I was going to give up on you?” he asked in his deep tone of voice.

His words pierced my heart. I bit my lower lip.

“You'll come with me no matter what happens, even if you don't want to,” he added.

I just shook my head. I couldn’t understand why he had to torture my emotions this way. I leaned my back against the door. I didn’t even know what to feel anymore.

Should I be angry because he didn’t stay away from me? Or should I feel sorry for him because I can’t afford to give him what he wanted?

There was a deafening silence between the two of us. The only thing that broke this unwanted silence was the sound of thunder and lightning, which seemed to be driving my head insane.

"I didn’t understand why you had to go with them. Didn't I promise I would find your family? Why can’t you trust me, Atasha?" He asked calmly but the way he was seated and piercing his eyes through me was terrifying. If I answered him incorrectly, I would be doomed.

I took a deep breath and looked at him. I could see the annoyance and anger in his eyes, the same emotions I feel right now.

"Do you know my father is dead?" I swallowed hard as I saw the shock in his eyes. "He died as a result of his efforts to protect our pack from your father’s wrath. How am I supposed to come with you knowing that your pack was responsible for my father's death? The brutality committed by your pack had taken a lot of innocent lives!” I said, my voice was shaking as I told him about it.

Even right now, I couldn’t accept my father’s death. Even if I was smiling to everyone, deep within me I knew I was still mourning.

I hope this would be enough for him to let me go.

He breathed sharply and stood up. I knew he was trying to control his emotions. He palmed his face before looking at me. "I know the sin my father committed in your pack. But do you think that will end if my father sees you here and finds out that you’re a member of those werewolves who plan to kill him? Do you think no lives will be taken away if you continue with this?” he explained.

I shook my head and walked towards him with such anger overpowering my entire system.

“I know Elijah, but I don’t have a choice! This is also difficult for me. Seeing how innocent lives would be taken away by your pack!” I was holding out my tears.

I wish I could explain to him better that this was my fate as a member of Silver Moon Pack . . . . to somehow continue my father’s legacy and to stand beside my pack mates even though I knew that this would be a hard battle, especially Elijah, Zach and Veronica were not on my side. “I have to sacrifice my own dream so I can protect my family and to pay for the lives I took because I chose to protect you,” I added. The moment that I partly shifted to protect Elijah, it felt that there had been an added curse to my soul because I protected an enemy. It was an added reason for me to stand beside with my pack.

He turned around to avoid my gaze.

“Elijah, Leo was also trying to kill you and I am still on his side even after learning about his plan. But I don’t want to see you get killed, so please don’t make this situation more complicated for all of us. I’m still your enemy!” I said, raising my voice as I tried to be as loud as possible enough for him to understand and respect what I wanted.

"Then come with me. The conflict between our packs, and also to other packs out there will not stop unless the son of the Crimson Moon and the Hero’s daughter from the Silver Moon pack come together."

“We don’t have any choice, Elijah. We’re born to follow the rules. Please marry Margaux and follow your Father, or make Clarence your contracted Luna if you still want to play this game! Also, do you think I am that stupid? I’ll be more in danger if I’ll stick with you”

I cried as I could no longer take it. These conversations with him hurt me to the core. He slowly walked towards me and wiped my tears.

“Atasha, during these short days of staying here, I made some friends. I also don’t want them to be hurt. So if you come with me, we can protect them. Zach and Veronica will stop Alpha Gregory from coming here then we will go back to our domain,” he said, then somehow his plan made sense to me.

“When I met you, I knew you were special. Like what I told you before, we are the same Atasha. We both cared and wanted something, and the only reason why I’m here is for you to realize that,” he said as he was gently caressing my right cheek. While his gaze still fixated on me, he added, “I made a promise to you and I will never break it. So come and join me with this journey. I need you, Atasha, and I know you need me too. Once we’re together, we will be putting an end to each of our own misery and make both of our people free.” He then wrapped his arms around me and I couldn’t help but embrace him back.

I couldn’t fathom why but there was something inside my chest that kept pushing me to move forward with him. I began to realize that in order for me to protect my people and to save innocent lives, I have to make an ultimate sacrifice.

“Elijah, let’s go back . . .”