The Ghost Luna

Chapter Four

Skye-

I tried so hard to run away—far away from everything and everyone—but I couldn't leave without witnessing my sister's marriage, which was to be held today.

It’s been a week since I left, and after hearing the rumours about her wedding being the event of the century, I told myself that all I needed to do was say congratulations, and then I would disappear forever.

I rented a small, shabby room just outside the pack’s territory, a temporary hideout until my sister's wedding. Afterward, I planned to go far away and never return. I wonder if my mom and dad miss me or care enough about my whereabouts to try to find me.

I doubt they do, especially after I ripped off my father's ear. They’re probably glad I’m gone.

I knew I was being foolish, but as each day passed slowly, it became a struggle to fight the urge to flee. I decided to stay and see Elizabeth one last time. The envelope of money remained tucked safely under my pillow, a constant reminder of the path that awaited me.

Sighing loudly, I stared into the empty space of my room, dim and sparsely furnished. The peeling wallpaper and creaky bedframe were a far cry from the home I had left behind, but it was a place that gave me peace of mind—a place where I could gather my thoughts and plan my next move.

Soon, I stood up from the bed and dressed in the plainest clothes I had to blend into the background as much as possible. Leaving my room, I made my way back to the pack’s territory, my heart pounding with every step.

I was lucky that all the pack guards were distracted by the festivities, which were in full swing. Pack members bustled about in their finest attire, smiles and laughter filling the air.

Moving in the shadows, I avoided the gaze of those who might recognise me. I saw my parents smiling brightly as they sat at the ceremony, which was set in a beautiful clearing decorated with flowers and twinkling lights.

Seconds later, my sister walked in and slowly moved to stand at the altar, radiant in her gown, her face glowing with happiness. As usual, she looked as beautiful as ever, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. She had a perfect life with her mate, Arthur, who stood beside her, his expression one of pure adoration.

My heart clenched with pride and sorrow as I watched from a distance. In all honesty, I was happy for her. She deserved this joy and love, and I was glad she found someone who genuinely seemed to care about her.

As the ceremony began, I found a secluded spot among the trees where I could observe without being seen.

When the officiant asked if anyone objected to the union, my breath caught in my throat. For a moment, I felt the urge to speak up, to voice my pain and anger, but I held back. This was Elizabeth's moment, and I wouldn't ruin it for her. The ceremony concluded with a kiss, and the crowd erupted in cheers.

Elizabeth was now the Luna of the Winder Pack, and her happiness was palpable. A bittersweet smile tugged at my lips, knowing it was time for me to leave for good and never return—to disappear forever.

As the guests began to disperse, I used the opportunity to slip away, making my way back through the woods. However, as I reached the edge of the clearing, something inside me urged me to sneak into my sister's room and say goodbye one last time. The thought gnawed at me, refusing to be ignored.

I knew it was risky, but the need for a proper farewell with Elizabeth outweighed my fear. I moved cautiously through the shadows, and luckily, the pack members were busy celebrating, their attention diverted by the festivities.

The laughter and music provided perfect cover for my movements. I hurried to my parents' house, hoping to find her there, following the traditional rules. She wouldn't leave for the pack house with her mate until tomorrow morning.

As I approached my parents' house, its windows glowed warmly in the evening light. I took a deep breath and slipped inside through the back entrance, keeping to the deepest shadows in the hallways. I knew the layout of the house well, having spent countless years navigating its corridors.

Elizabeth’s room was on the second floor, overlooking the garden. I climbed the stairs with care, my ears straining for any sound of approaching footsteps. When I reached her door, I paused, my hand trembling on the doorknob. Taking a deep breath, I turned it slowly and slipped inside.

Elizabeth was sitting at her vanity, her wedding gown draped elegantly over the chair. She looked up as I entered, her eyes widening in surprise. “Skye,” she whispered, rising to her feet.

“What are you doing here?”

“I had to see you one last time. I couldn’t leave without saying goodbye properly and wishing you a happily married life,” I replied, my voice cracking with sadness.

She crossed the room in a few quick steps, pulling me into a tight embrace. “I’m so glad you came,” she said, her voice thick with emotion.

“Dad and the Alpha have placed a bounty on your head. I thought you would never make it, but I am so glad you did.”

My mind reeled at her words. "A bounty? Dead or alive?" I whispered, pulling back to look into her eyes.

She nodded, tears brimming. "Yes, they’re furious about what happened. They see you as a threat. But Skye, you have to understand—they're wrong. You're not a monster."

"I never meant for things to go this far. I just...I just wanted to protect myself." I sighed as Elizabeth squeezed my hand tightly. "I know. But you need to be careful. They’re relentless. You can’t stay here long.”

“I know,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “I’ll leave soon. I just had to see you to tell you how much I love you and how happy I am for you.”

Her eyes softened, and she pulled me into another hug. "I love you too, Skye. You’ll always be my sister, no matter what. Please, take care of yourself." I swallowed hard, fighting back tears.

"I will. And you take care, too. Arthur seems like a good man. I’m glad you found someone who truly loves you."

She smiled through her tears. "He is. And I want you to find happiness too, Skye. Promise me you'll try." I nodded, trying to smile.

"I promise."

She reached into the drawer of her vanity and pulled out a small locket, pressing it into my hand. “Take this,” she said.

"Remember, you got me this on my twelfth birthday? I know we might not see each other again, but I want you to have it back and to always remember me.”

I looked down at the locket, its delicate chain glinting in the soft light. The gesture brought fresh tears to my eyes. “Liz, I will keep it with me always,” I whispered, my throat tight with emotion.

She smiled, though it was tinged with sadness. “Promise me you’ll be safe, Skye.”

“I promise,” I said, my voice breaking.

I hugged her tightly again before turning and slipping out of her room, careful to close the door quietly behind me. I retraced my steps through the house, and as I stepped back into the cool night air, I took one last look at the home I was leaving behind. I would carry the memory of this night with me, a bittersweet reminder of the love and sacrifice that had shaped my life.

Walking away, the locket clutched tightly in my hand, a sense of guilt gnawed at me. Did I really deserve this gift from Elizabeth, someone so pure and loving whom I had hated all my life? And now I was running away from everything. The thought festered, growing stronger with each step I took away from the house. I couldn’t bear it.

The guilt and the feeling of undeserved kindness weighed me down. I turned back, my feet carrying me almost against my will. I had to return the locket to make things right. Quietly, I slipped back into the house, retracing my steps through the dim hallways.

My heart pounded as I reached Elizabeth’s room again. I opened the door, whispering, “Elizabeth, I can’t take—” The words died in my throat.

The sight in front of me was unimaginable.

Elizabeth lay on the floor, her beautiful wedding gown stained with dark, spreading patches of blood. Her eyes were closed, and her face was pale. Blood pooled around her, and the metallic scent filled the room.I screamed, a sound of pure horror and anguish, as I rushed to her side.

“Elizabeth!” I cried, shaking her gently.

“Please, no! Wake up!” Tears streamed down my face as I desperately tried to understand what had happened. I pressed my hands against the wound, trying to staunch the flow of blood, but it was useless. The reality of her stillness and coldness hit me, leaving me breathless, unable to bear the thought of losing her.

“Help!” I screamed, my voice breaking. “Somebody, help! My sister has been stabbed!” I yelled loudly, picking up the silver knife lying beside her.

Who could have done this?