Switched Luna

“Your father and I are already done choosing your future husbands.” I pressed my lips together as soon as I heard those words from my mother. It was the very thing I'd dreaded hearing since we entered the study. I have already the gut feeling that mother might wants to talk about when my father’s beta informed us that she has requested for our presence. And now… the family tradition that I want to escape is been unfolding right front of me. “Three years from now, the engagement between the heirs of our chosen pack will be announced. Camilla, to strengthen our relationship with the Gilmore's you are going to marry the future Alpha of their pack—” "Mother..." My voice cut through her speech as I reached my limit. Her gaze snapped to me instinctively, and I fought the urge to gulp as her commanding eyes locked onto mine. Then she gave me the usual expression she always wears whenever she wanted me and Camilla to behave. “What is it, Carmela?” she asked in her calm voice. But I know her better. Even amidst the calm, I discern the subtle edge of warning in her tone. I bit my lower lip. The Luna of Whitlock's pack held us under her strict authority since we were young. I can still recall the words she often repeated about our destiny. "You and Camilla are the firstborn ladies of the Whitlock clan. As family tradition, both of you will be betrothed to the chosen heirs of the family when you turn eighteen..." As Camilla and I grew up, our mother enforced strict rules and etiquette upon us. I remember every detail of the dos and don'ts she imposed. With each passing winter, her restrictions felt like suffocating shackles, dragging me towards my demise. I couldn't bear it. I refused to be part of this tradition. I pleaded with my mother, but…how can she ignores my plea? “I told you I don't want to part of this tradition.” I reminded her about what we talked three days ago. My mother stared at me with her cold expression. Without skipping a beat, she delves into the details of our arranged marriage, as though my plea from three days prior had never reached her ears. “While you, Carmela, will be marrying the future Alpha of the Alastair’s Pack.” I quickly shakes my head in defiance. “Mother, I don't want to get married at the age of 18! I still want to explore the world and—” “Sit down, Carmela. You have no say on this tradition. You and Camilla are the firstborn ladies of the family so you must abide the tradition without complaints.” she reminded, h her demeanor serene but her words tinged with an unmistakable warning. I inhaled a sharp deep breath as I clenched my fist. I cannot believe that she can actually do this to us? We are her daughters and she planned our future as if we were objects needed to be traded three years from now! I swiftly dragged my gaze to my twin sister, who was silent since our mother's announcement about our predetermined fate. “Camilla! Tell our mother that you also don't want to be part of this tradition!” I grab her slender arm and urged her to talk. Camilla lifts her head and looks at me in surprise. It’s like she is in trance. I looked straight into her eyes, telling her in silence that we should act hand and hand if we don't want to get married at a young age! Hope bloomed within me when I can see her readiness to defy our mother. But… her courage disappeared as soon as mother called out our names. “Camilla, Carmela.” Camilla bit her lower lip then drops her gaze on the floor. She slowly takes her arm away from my hold then sit back properly on her seat. It was as if hearing our mother's voice was a trigger for my twin to compel our mother's warning like she is her favorite’s puppet. Of course she is the favorite one. I was the always one who showed defiance in everything. While my sister obediently acquiesces to our mother’s every whim. Tears pooled on the corners of my eyes. The lump on my throat was rather painful. The two of us talked about this last night. She said that she would be with me in case that I stand up for our mother. But what is she doing now? I've always known that Camilla lacks confidence. She's timid, unable to refuse when asked for a favor, and incapable of speaking her mind. She bottles up her feelings, always holding back. We share the same face yet I am the total opposite of her! And it's infuriating that she has to be like this now, at such a crucial time! ‘I thought you will be with me… this time' I mentally said while looking at Camilla. I saw how her body flinched, and how she nudge her head down even more. ‘I'm sorry.' she replied mentally without looking back at me. I inhaled a sharp deep breath and laugh in disbelief. Fvck. I was betrayed. “Sit down, Carmela. I am still not finish on—” “I don't care about your plans mother,” I interrupted one last time then looked back in her direction. I wanted her to see how disappointed I am right now for her decisions. How hurt I am. “Do you want to be disowned?” she spat coldly, reminding me of the consequences if I don't follow the tradition. I let out a scoff as tears stream down my cheeks. “I would rather choose to be disowned than to be part of this fvck-up tradition.” after I said those words, I turned my back and ran my way out of the office. And later that night, I escaped from home and decided to live alone… in this very harsh world.