CHAPTER 1

The full moon was high in the sky, illuminating the night with a soft silver light. The air was charged with electricity, and the wind was agitated, blustering against the trees. Maria was lying in her bed, her face contorted in pain as she clutched her swollen belly. She knew that her time had come, but she couldn't help feeling scared. She looked out of the window and saw the storm raging outside. Lightning was streaking across the sky, and thunder was rumbling like an angry god. She felt like the world was on the verge of an apocalypse.

"Philip, where are you?" she whispered, feeling a sudden surge of panic. Her husband had gone out to fetch the midwife, but he had been gone for too long. She could only hope that he had taken shelter somewhere safe.

She closed her eyes and took deep breaths, trying to focus on the task at hand. She was going to give birth to her second child, and she knew that it was going to be a difficult and painful experience. But she was determined to see it through, no matter what.

Suddenly, she heard a loud crash outside, followed by a scream. She sat up in bed, her heart pounding in her chest. Was that Philip? Was he hurt? She tried to get up, but a wave of pain washed over her, making her groan. She lay back down, feeling helpless and alone.

She looked down at her belly and saw that it was glowing, like a moonstone in the light of the full moon. She felt a tingling sensation, like a thousand tiny butterflies fluttering inside her. She knew that this was no ordinary birth. Her child was going to be special, somehow.

Just then, the door burst open, and Philip stumbled into the room, drenched to the bone and covered in mud. He looked like a wild animal, his hair matted and his eyes wide with fear.

"Maria!" he cried, rushing to her side. "Are you all right? I thought I heard...what's happening?"

Maria smiled weakly, trying to reassure him. "It's all right, Philip. I'm in labor. The baby is coming."

Philip looked stunned. "But...how? The midwife..."

"I don't know," Maria said, looking down at her belly. 

Philip looked at her with a mixture of awe and fear. He took her hand and squeezed it tightly, feeling a surge of love and protectiveness.

They waited in silence, as the storm raged on outside. Maria was panting with exertion, her face contorted with pain. Philip was rubbing her back, trying to soothe her.

And then, it happened. Maria let out a scream, and the room was filled with wind from outside as the windows blasted open. Philip shielded his eyes from the sharp wind but he could still see the silhouette of a tiny, perfect baby.

The baby cried out, and Maria collapsed back onto the bed, exhausted but elated. Philip rushed to the baby's side, feeling overwhelmed with emotion. 

"It's a girl," Maria whispered

Maria smiled weakly, feeling a sense of relief and joy wash over her. She had been through a difficult labor, but it was all worth it to see her precious daughter. "What should we name her?" she asked, looking up at Philip.

Philip looked down at the baby, studying her delicate features. "I think we should name her Mia," he said, with a soft smile. "It's fitting, don't you think?"

Maria nodded, feeling a sense of awe at the name. Mia, meaning beloved in ancient Egyptian language, was perfect for their child who had been born on such a special night. She watched as Philip cradled Mia and rocked her gently, singing a soft lullaby.

As they gazed down at their new arrival, they couldn't help but feel that something mystical had happened that night. The storm, the full moon, and the strong winds all seemed like signs that their daughter was special, perhaps even destined for great things.

As the night wore on, the storm eventually died down, and the moon disappeared behind the clouds. Maria fell asleep, exhausted but content, while Philip held Mia close, feeling the warmth of her tiny body against his chest.

Ten years later

The sun was shining high in the sky, and a gentle breeze blew through the trees, rustling the leaves. The sound of laughter echoed through the forest as the children in the pack played together. Mia watched them from the window of her house, her eyes filled with longing. She wanted nothing more than to join in the fun, to run and play with her friends, but her mother Maria had forbidden her from going out.

"Mia, you're too young," Maria had said, her voice stern. "You're not ready to play with the others yet."

"But I want to go out and play," Mia pleaded, her eyes filling with tears. "Why can't I go?"

"Because it's not safe," Maria replied, her tone final. 

"But you let Noah go." 

"Noah is allowed to go out because he's a teenager and can handle himself. But you're too young, and I won't risk your safety."

Mia wasn't happy with her mother's explanation, but she knew better than to argue. Mia watched as her brother Noah, who was seventeen, ran through the forest with the other children, his wolf form bounding ahead of him. Mia had always been fascinated by her brother's ability to shift into a wolf. She had seen it many times before, but it never ceased to amaze her.

As she watched, Noah suddenly stopped and sniffed the air, his head turning in the direction of the house. Mia knew what that meant. Their dad was coming home. She quickly ran to the door and waited as Phillip entered the house.

"Hello, Mia," her father greeted them, his voice warm. "How was your day?"

"Good," Noah replied, grinning. 

Mia shrugged. "I had to stay inside. Mom wouldn't let me go out and play."

Her father's smile faded slightly. "Why not, Maria?"

"It wasn't safe," Maria replied, her tone firm. "Mia is still too young."

He nodded. "I understand your concern, Maria, but Mia needs to learn to be responsible and take care of herself. She can't stay sheltered forever."

Maria looked uncomfortable, but she nodded in agreement.