Raisa pov
The thought of leaving the pack always scared me, even though I knew no one would care. But now that I'm many miles from the village, I experience a shuddering terror that chills me to the bone and constricts my insides. During these hellish days, as I processed the news of my pregnancy and waited for the verdict from Mr. Moonstone, who was the first to notice my baby's heartbeat, finding help from my few contacts in the human world was my only hope. Now, unfortunately, I have none of that left. I just wait impatiently for someone to come get me at the cabin, far from civilization, where Mrs. Moonstone brought me. I can't even go for a walk in the woods because she's completely sealed me away with magic.
Sighing, I open the second-to-last can of sardines I have left. The first time I tried one, I couldn't stand it and ended up not leaving the bathroom for two days. However, now that it's all I have, I'm actually getting a taste for it.
No, I actually hate sardines, but I have no choice. Silvia didn't care about me at all; she abandoned me like a poor animal. Because that's what humans are to werewolves:
beings who are only considered pets.
I eat slowly, savoring what will be my only meal of the day. I still have enough water to survive longer, but in my condition, and even more so since the baby isn't human, it will be
impossible for me to go more than a week without eating.
"I should have left sooner, I mutter, shedding a few tears. "We just walked into a trap, baby. I hope someone can get us out of here."
With great difficulty, I manage to swallow the bite. I'm very nauseous, but if there's still a chance for my puppy to survive, I'll take it. I can't waste any food that could nourish him.
After eating, I head to the bed in the corner. I haven't washed the sheets, old and dusty, for fear they won't dry. So all I do is shower every morning to keep from getting so dirty.
As I lie down and close my eyes, I think again of Leif and that perfect wedding he must have had. What's strange, though, is that I haven't felt any pain, as if he hadn't been with anyone. The night I left, I writhed in pain between these sheets, but it hasn't gone away in all these days.
Have the conflicts on the border prevented him from starting the search for his heir? I'm not sure of Leif's specific plans, but I do know that it's imperative that he seek to have children as soon as possible.
"If only I weren't human and were her moon, you could be her heir, I whisper to my baby.
In part, I'm relieved to know that my son won't have to take on the responsibility of the pack and the village. At the same time, I'm filled with bitterness at the thought that I'll never be able to hold him in my arms, and that, if I'm lucky, I'll only be able to hear his cries.
"Mom doesn't want to leave you, I say, my voice breaking. "If it were possible, I would never do it. I'll pray that my spirit can continue to watch over you wherever you go."
My eyes are slowly closing. I can't tell the time of day through the windows, but it's starting to get dark. Sleep will do me good if I don't want to feel the onslaught of hunger and thirst.
But minutes pass, and I can't sleep. While I'm not in pain, I feel certain physical discomforts that tell me something isn't right, that I need to get out of here at all costs.
Still, I stay still, curled up between the sheets that smell of damp and mold, which I prefer to think of as earth.
The ground seems to shake, and my body flinches. A wolf's breathing is nearby, but I know it's not Leif's, and so my panic increases. If it's a wolf from another pack, I'm done
for.
I try to stay as still as possible, controlling my breathing. In the back of my mind remember that it's no use, since the wolves can hear me from several meters away, bu cling to hope.
"I know you're there," says a female voice 1 recognize perfectly, leaving me petrified. know you're there, Raisa."
The door bursts open and I let out a scream. Since it's still light enough, I recognize her immediately: it's Eden, Leif's twin sister. Although she's never spoken to me, I know she's a good person.
-My God, my mother is... - he shakes his head and comes closer to me.
Like her brother, she is very beautiful, with infinitely captivating features and gray eyes that leave you spellbound. Whoever her partner is, he will be fortunate, not a wretch like
me.
-Don't worry, Raisa, I came to get you out of here. My mother thinks I'll take you to those demons, but I'll get you to safety, okay?
I sit up a little, but I stick to the corner of the wall. Her face radiates confidence, but I can't
allow myself to trust, not when it's a Moonstone.
"I know what you're going through, and I want to help you, he says softly. " know you don't trust me, but you have no choice. My mother planned to lock you up and starve you to death until I intervened. Do you want me to leave you here and let that happen?" I slowly shake my head.