Isabella's pov
It was Friday morning, and songs filled the air. I could hear them from my little house, vibrant and energetic—the opposite of the usual oppressive feeling that surrounded my father and his followers. Children passed my small chicken house laughing and cheering. From my bed, I could see them through the cracks in my wooden door.
So it was decided. They would hold a small ceremony to send me off. Though I knew this wasn't about me, I couldn't help but feel a little bubble of hope welling up. The air vibrated with excitement, carrying me along with it. Actually, it was more than just that—there was a feverish thrill building in me because tomorrow was my eighteenth birthday.
I got up and made my bed. It would probably be the last time I'd be doing so since I'd be leaving tonight. I tried not to let the thought get to me. Leaving meant I wouldn't be allowed to find my fated mate, but some things were better left alone, beyond our control.
What mattered was meeting my wolf. I already knew we were omega, but I still wanted to know her, truly know her. Mother used to say that your wolf was a partner, always by your side no matter what. She also told me that regardless of rank, every wolf had unique traits that no label—omega, beta, or alpha—could take away.
After making my bed, I headed to the shower. Sylvia had mentioned popping by later if she had time. She wanted us to have our own celebration—a proper send-off for me, not something people used as an excuse to feast on my situation. She promised to bake a chocolate cake and other delicacies. That alone made me excited.
After my shower, I wrapped a towel around myself and rifled through my bag for clothes. A closet? I didn't have one. Wasn't I the Cinderella of my pack? Most of what I owned was handed down by Sylvia and her mother, clothes Sylvia had outgrown as a teenager. They gave them to me in secret, though I was sure it wasn't much of a secret in the pack.
I dressed in a pair of jeans and a simple top, then sat cross-legged on my bed. Would I need to pack? Probably not. If we were enemies with the South, wouldn't they suspect me if I carried a lot? Not that I had much to pack, but it would still be embarrassing. I appreciated what I had, but most of it wasn't exactly fit for the daughter of Lucian, the princess of the pack.
As I was lost in thought, my door suddenly flew open. I jumped, startled. It was Sofia and her mother. I hadn't even sensed them.
"Get out," Sofia spat, her tone sharp and cutting.
"What? Why?" Though they often threw me around, today was supposed to be different. I had plans with Sylvia and her mom, and then I'd leave this forsaken pack. What were they doing here, ordering me around?
Sofia scoffed. "What do you think? It's time for you to take your sorry ass to the South. We don't want you here anymore."
"W-what? I'm supposed to leave tonight," I stammered. The last meeting had been clear: the convoy and the elders were to accompany me to the border between the North and South. Only then would we wait for permission to enter their territory.
"You leave when we tell you to leave!" Sofia roared. "Who the hell do you think you are, questioning us?"
Maria cleared her throat. "Sofia, honey, calm down." Her voice was measured, though her smile was just as venomous. "Throwing a tantrum won't help. Look on the bright side—your father agreed to send her off early. Isn't that good enough, my baby? With her gone, you'll get everything you want and more. Think of the future."
Sofia glared at me. "Fine, but why does she get a new wardrobe and a personal guard? I don't even have a personal guard! What the hell is Father thinking?"
Maria sighed, patting her daughter's shoulder. "Patience, dear. If she's gone, it'll all come to you. Besides…" Her tone shifted, cold and calculated. "Rumors say rogues have been spotted near the border. Who knows? They might do us a favor and solve this problem for us."
A chill ran down my spine.
"Or better yet," Maria continued, her smile darkening, "with the curse troubling the South, she could catch it. Wouldn't that be perfect? The stories say it eats wolves alive from the inside out. No body, no bones—just nothing left. A fitting end for someone so useless."
Maria spoke without batting an eyelid. It was terrifying how her way of comforting her daughter involved wishing death upon me. Did they hate me that much?
The curse. I'd heard whispers of it—a mysterious affliction spreading like shadows. It struck wolves without warning, leaving no time for help. It was as if something hollowed them out from within—bit by bit, piece by piece—until there was nothing left but emptiness. No one knew where it came from or how to stop it. Even the South's strongest had succumbed to it.
I froze. Was this their plan all along? Forcing me to leave earlier than planned to send me to my grave? My breath hitched, and I clenched my fists, willing the trembling to stop.
Maria chuckled. "What do you say? Rogues or the curse?" she mused, her tone light, as though discussing the weather. At first, I thought she was talking to me, but then Sofia answered.
"The curse. It'd be great if it erased her existence like her mother. I'm so tired of seeing her ugly face," she huffed before turning and storming out.
Maria lingered a moment longer, her presence as suffocating as her words. "Isabella, darling," she said with mock sweetness, "we just came to say goodbye. The convoy is waiting for you. Isn't it wonderful that we arranged for you to leave early? What's the saying? The sooner, the better." She smirked and turned on her heel, leaving me alone.
As the door swung shut behind her, my legs buckled, giving in to the gut-wrenching fear that settled deep in the pit of my stomach.
So much for having a peaceful day with Sylvia. I needed to think of a survival plan.