Chapter 2 - Her Birthday

Miracle

Today is like any normal day. I had thought my 18th birthday would be different. I was a fool to even think today would be any different. It has been years, and the only reason they remembered my birthday was because they had to make Malia stronger by stealing away my powers as soon as I turned 18.

“What the fuck are you doing?” I heard Malia’s angry voice from the kitchen door.

“I am cleaning the dishes,” I replied weakly. I could barely move my limbs after the ritual yesterday. I felt dizzy because I haven’t eaten in two days.

“What about my breakfast?” She questioned. I turned to look at her, confused.

“I served breakfast alre—-” I started, only to get interrupted by her angry voice.

“You served me sandwiches. Do you not know how much I hate them?” She had a crazed look in her eyes. I knew she was angry, but I was afraid of how she was looking at me.

“I am sorry,” I apologized, whimpering in fear. I hated myself for being weak, but I couldn’t do anything. They drained me of any strength I had.

“Not good enough,” she spoke and before I could register, she moved around, grabbing the hot water I kept for washing dishes throwing it at me.

I screamed, my hands instinctively coming up to shield my face. The hot water burned my hands, some of it went to my neck, making me scream louder in pain. I couldn’t stop myself from crying as I felt my skin burn and blisters formed on my hands. She walked over to me, obviously angry. She held my hair, pulling them in a tight grip as she yanked my head back, hard.

“Next time,” she paused, looking at me, her eyes filled with anger and hate. “You won’t be so lucky,” she spat in my face, effectively pushing me to the ground.

I screamed, falling into my hands. It only increased the pain she inflicted on me. She kicked me in my stomach, making it difficult to breathe. I wasn’t able to keep up; I haven’t even healed from the previous injuries, and here she was adding more. I had no fight left in me. I accepted the only escape I had by slowly allowing the darkness to consume me.

—------------------

I groaned in pain, slowly regaining my senses. I opened my eyes, blinking to let them adjust to the light. I looked around and found myself on the kitchen floor. I felt dizzy as I tried to recall how I ended up here. I tried sitting up, and the moment my hands touched the floor. I hissed, feeling pain. I looked down at the blistered skin and everything came crashing down on me.

I could not stop the sobs from leaving my mouth. I bit my lips, trying to avoid making any sounds and anger them more. I held the kitchen counter to help myself up. My entire body felt like it was on fire. I am sure I have a few broken ribs because they hurt a lot.

It took me a few minutes to steady myself. I wobbled and walked to my room. I was glad to see the house empty. They must have gone out. At least I could have a few moments of peace alone.

I walked inside my room, making my way to the bathroom. I look at myself in the mirror. Looking back at me was a broken, abused girl with dull blue, lifeless eyes. My body had black and blue bruises, my neck has turned red from the hot water Malia had thrown on me.

I couldn’t heal fast, as a normal werewolf would. I lost that ability, thanks to Malia and her greed for power. She had kept me tied with silver cuffs very often, so I couldn’t regain my strength. Every time she used silver on me, when she abused me, I had looked up to my parents, silently asking them to help me. They never did. Instead, they walked away from me. I was after all a shame to their family. Not shifting on my 16th birthday was the last nail on the coffin to prove Malia right.

The only hope I have is my mate. I hope to find him today. I know he would not abandon me like my family. He would love and protect me, like everyone says a mate would. I held on to the ray of light. I just want to get away from here. I know I couldn’t escape, not until I find my mate.

‘I am sure we will find him soon,’ my wolf, Mia, whispered weakly in my head.

‘I sure hope so, Mia,’ I replied softly.

‘Just a few more days,’ she whispered.

‘Yeah,’ I replied. I hated the fact that she had to suffer because of me.

‘None of this is your fault, Miracle,’ Mia said in a firm voice.

‘It is Mia. If only I was strong, you wouldn’t have suffered so much.’ I whispered weakly.

‘You were just a child. It’s not your fault. Malia intentionally targeted you before my awakening. She knew she was no match to you, to us once you had unlocked your powers to their full potential.’ She consoled. She was the only one who has been kind and caring to me. Even after being caged in my mind, since her awakening, she tried her best to share my pain.

‘I love you Mia. I couldn’t have asked for a better wolf as my partner. You are the best gift the Goddess had given me.’ I said, grateful to have her in my life. I meant every word I said.

‘I love you just as much, Miracle. I know we make a great team.’ She replied. I could hear the smirk in her voice. ‘We are about to receive the biggest gift from the Moon Goddess, our mate.’ She added, making me smile.

‘Yes, let us pray to the Goddess, and maybe we will find him today.’ I replied. My voice filled with hope.

Mia quickly agreed, and we sent a silent prayer to the Moon Goddess. I took a cold shower. A hiss left my lips when the cold water made contact with my skin. I had a few hours before the Mating ball starts. I quickly dried myself walking out of the bathroom. I pulled on my oversized shirt and leggings. I laid on the bed, closing my eyes to rest, all the while the only thought that consumed me was my mate.