My name is Rena Swan, I'm 19 years old, and today should have been an ordinary day. But my life has never been truly normal.
Sitting at the back of the class, I stare at the clock on the wall, its ticking almost drowned out by the chatter of the students around me. Mr. Richards is talking about lunar cycles and their influence on ancient civilizations, but his words fade into the air. I know more about lunar cycles than he does. Far more than anyone here.
Today is my last day of high school. My last chance to pretend I'm like them, that my life isn't a whirlwind of uncontrollable instincts, secrets, and loss. My parents died a year ago. An accident, they said. But that was a lie. I've always known it. Their death was no accident, and deep down, I know my nature had something to do with it.
"Rena?"
Madison's voice pulls me out of my thoughts. I look up at her. She's standing in front of my desk, her expression a mix of mild exasperation and genuine affection.
"Are you planning to sit here all day?" she asks, raising an eyebrow, as if daring me to argue.
I slowly gather my things and stand up without answering. Madison follows me into the crowded hallway, her backpack bouncing lightly against her hip. She never leaves my side, even when I do everything to push her away.
"You're still thinking about that stupid prom, aren't you?" she says suddenly, breaking the silence.
I sigh. "I'm not sure I want to go."
She stops abruptly, grabs my arm, and spins me around to face her. "What?! You can't be serious. Rena, it's the last dance of our entire high school life. You have to go. Seriously, if you don't, who's going to make everyone jealous?"
I frown. "What are you talking about, Madison?"
She rolls her eyes. "Oh, stop it. You know exactly what I'm talking about. Look at you. Those hazel eyes, almost golden, like you've trapped a ray of sunlight inside. Your flawless skin, your face… Seriously, Rena, you're stunning. And I'm not just saying that because I'm your best friend."
I glance away, uncomfortable, but she keeps going.
"And your body… I mean, honestly, those legs, that figure… You look like you were sculpted by an artist. But what do you do? You hide under oversized sweaters and plain jeans. You have no idea how beautiful you are."
I can't help but smile faintly, a shy smile I can't control. She has that effect on me. That ability to make things feel a little lighter, even when everything seems so heavy.
"You have to come," she insists. "Put on a dress, let your hair down, and remind everyone who you are. Or rather, what they'll never have."
I shake my head gently. "I don't know, Madison. Maybe it's not a good idea."
She grabs both my hands, her face suddenly serious. "Rena, listen to me. You can't spend your whole life hiding. I don't know what you're going through, but you deserve to exist, to shine, even if it's just for one night. And this prom… it's the perfect chance."
I stay silent for a moment, my throat tight. She doesn't know. She doesn't know that beneath this façade lies another version of me—one far more dangerous. A version I can't fully control. The full moon is approaching, and I feel it in every fiber of my being. A heat rising, demanding to break free.
"Okay," I finally whisper. "I'll think about it."
Her radiant smile lights up her face as she hooks her arm through mine and pulls me along the hallway. She's already talking about dresses, makeup, and hairstyles, her enthusiasm nearly contagious.
But a part of me remains on edge. I know that if I go to this dance, it'll be a test—not for them, but for me. Because if I lose control… they'll know. All of them. And there will be no going back.