The Lycan King

I take a deep breath, smiling to myself. Finally!

Finally, I am back to the place that holds my most beautiful memories but also my painful ones.

For five years, I have dreaded coming back here. What was I afraid of? I certainly don't know but one thing is for sure,I don't see myself running away again.

" Running away won't solve your problems. The earlier you face them, the better." Those were the good-bye words my professor and mentor told me when I broke the news about going home to him.

Leaving behind my glorious days back at the human world wasn't that easy but it was a decision I knew I was bound to make.

I needed this, for my sanity and my family which loves me with everything they've got.

" Linda? Is that you?" A familiar voice called, making me stiffen before balling my fists.

Turning around, albeit reluctantly, I plastered a fake smile on my face.

Over the years, I have learnt something very important; masking my true feelings with a smile.

' Smile until it passes or kills you.' That has been my escape strategy.

" Raven, long time," I greeted.

I watched as her eyes shone with happiness before they dimmed. I could swear I saw sadness in them but this is Raven. She is incapable of feeling sad over anything.

" Yeah, it's been five years. Glad to have you back. How have you been?" She asked, making me cock my brows at her.

My wolf Melody snickered.

' Glad to have you back? Who is she kidding?' Melody asked, sarcasm dripping from every word.

" I'm doing wonderful Raven. If you'll excuse me." I replied, walking away.

I was in no mood to chat with her. How could I? Although five years had elapsed, I could never erase the pain of betrayal from the person I considered a close friend. Infact, Raven was like a sister to me. Now, I can't say the same about her.

" Are you still angry with me over what happened five years ago?" Her question had me halting in my steps.

She still has the nerve to ask me that? After everything she made me go through?

" What do you think?" I asked, my back facing her.

My tears were threatening to fall but I was determined to maintain my strong facade. How could I allow her to see how much her betrayal hurt me? It would be okay if she could feel remorse, but no, she might as well gloat over my misery.

" When will you ever get over it? He chose me and I believe I am the perfect choice for him. You are just a weak wolf with nothing special, how can you think you are worthy of being Luna? Besides, you are the reason he grew up without parents, do you think he can ever overlook that fact and be happy with you?"

Raven's words were like a corrosion from a strong and powerful acid, a painful stab in my heart, a cruel reminder of the bitter reality of my life.

Yes, I'm just a pathetic weak wolf who can't even protect herself.

' We are strong, stronger than they think.' Melody consoled, making me smile to myself. She sure knows how to lift my moods. Ever since she came into my life, she has been a constant reminder that I need not walk with my head bowed like a weakling, that I am special in my own way.

Turning around to face Raven, I smiled at her.

" Thanks for the reminder Raven. I understand that I don't deserve him because I deserve someone better and he's not even good enough." With that, I walked away.

I could feel the burning anger simmering from her and that made me happy.

If she thinks that by uttering those words she'll put me down, then she's so wrong about that.

Five years ago, those words would have broken me, but things are different now.

I have to admit that hearing them is unpleasant but that's just it. I wouldn't care what others think about me because to me, I am the best version of myself and that's enough for me.

Approaching my family house, I take a deep breath as my anxiety kicks in.

I made sure to arrive during the lunch break since that's the time my family would be whole.

I was about to knock on the door when it was pulled open from inside revealing my mother.

The look of surprise and joy on her face made me smile.

" Hi Mom," I greeted but she just stood there, not saying a word or doing a thing.

I watched in horror as tears rolled and kissed her cheeks, making me panic.

For a split second, I didn't know what to do or say, until the four words left her mouth.

" Why are you back?" She asked.

There was no anger on her face, but she sure had a panicked expression on her face.

" Mom, what…"

" Katerina, what's taking you so long?" My father's voice bloomed before approaching us, a look of horror painting his face making me more confused and alarmed.

" My daughter…" he called, pulling me in his arms. I accepted his embrace, loving the feeling of being in my father's arms again.

" Of all days, why did you have to come back today?" My father murmured. I could feel the distress in his voice.

" You have to leave dear, he can't find you here." My mother's next words had me pulling away from my father's arms, alarmed.

Leave? Why do I have to leave when I just arrived? Is there something they are not telling me?

" What is wrong? Who is this he you are talking about Mom?" I inquired.

I needed to understand why my parents seemed terrified with the idea of me being back at the pack. I had expected anything from them, any other reaction than this! I had pictured how our reunion would be in my mind countless times but the image of seeing my parents scared of my return never crossed my mind.

My parents exchanged a look, their reaction making me feel uneasy before my mother uttered the words that had fear shoot straight to my spine.

" The Lycan King,"