chapter 5

Chapter 5

Mara pov

She continued. “This is the least you could do for how I saved you back when you had nowhere to go. Plus, you know what would happen should the sponsor come tomorrow and be dissatisfied. I heard he has enough power to shut us down. Think of all the young ones who will be tossed out on the street.”

“But..”

“No buts! Just think it through. The future of the orphanage now depends on you and your decision. Also, should you agree, you are not to ever tell the sponsor that Talia is dead. We don’t want him to start digging only to find out about our involvement. Do I make myself clear?”

I wanted to refute but I couldn’t. I clenched my fists till I was sure they had bled before I replied.” Crystal.”

With that, I stormed out of the office and went straight to my room.

I paced around agitatedly as both I and my wolf grew restless. In my chaotic state, I accidentally slipped on the rug causing me to stumble and fall headfirst into the carton box I had laid by my bed.

The contents spilled out and something caught my eye. I bent up to pick it before examining it.

It was a family picture we took after I and Talia first arrived at the orphanage.

We were both smiling happily as we held hands, eyes filled with mirth over a joke that probably seemed so childish right now.

My vision grew blurry as tears began to fill my eyes.

Talia had always been the perfect child who everyone loved while I had been someone who faded into existence and was only remembered when I was needed. There were times I grew envious that she always got everything while I could only wallow in her shadow as the less competent sister. Those times though were almost nonexistent as Talia gave me so much love that I swore to give her everything in return.

She was my happiness. Now it’s just…

Where did it all go wrong? We were as happy as we had each other but now, everything is just dark and empty.

I crawled up from the floor and into my bed before curling into a ball and crying my eyes out as memories kept flashing in my head.

Her smile, her warm touch, her joy.

It was all gone.

Later when I had cried my heart out, I picked up the phone and dialed Mother’s number with a resolute expression. It rang once before she picked it up.

“I’ll do it.”

“That’s my girl. I knew you would come around. Just get ready by seven am sharp tomorrow as the sponsor will come see you.” She ordered before cutting the call.

‘Gretel? Am I doing the right thing?’

‘I can’t say Mara. It all depends on you.’

Fine! I chose this.

I couldn’t save Talia but I sure as hell would do my best to save the orphanage. It was what Talia would have wanted.

The next morning, I was up bright and early as I freshened up and then put on a dress Mother had sent to me the earlier night. It fit perfectly and as I stared at my reflection, I had to admit that I was pretty.

I took a deep breath before heading to Mother’s office.

There she ushered me in with a smile before beckoning me to take a seat. She tried to make small talk but I was much too nervous to respond to her.

The soon awaited time arrived and Mother beamed as one of the girls came to announce the sponsor’s arrival.

My hand began trembling as nerves wracked my whole body.

It’s going to be alright, Mara. Gretel comforted but it didn’t serve any purpose as my fidgeting grew worse.

Mother seemed to be telling me something but I was too far gone to understand. I just nodded numbly as she went on and on.

It was right when I thought I would go completely mad that he walked in. I recognized his scent before him.

It was him. It was the same stranger I had a one night stand with. It was the man who had given me peace in a kiss. I grew ecstatic as my nerves calmed. Even Gretel grew restless at the sight of him.

“Hi! I never knew I would see you again” I chimed, unable to contain my happiness as I approached him. He stared at me silently for a second and asked. “Have we met before?”

My whole world stopped.