Luna paced back and forth in the dim, flickering light of their cramped cabin. Her heart thundered against her ribcage, the weight of her new reality pressing down like a leaden shroud. She clenched and unclenched her hands, fighting to keep her breathing steady. Every instinct told her to run, to break free from this twisted nightmare her life had suddenly become.
Across the room, her mother was hunched over her phone, her knuckles white as she tried to reach Phoebe. Her father had disappeared into another room, muttering something vague about gathering "a few things." The whole scene felt surreal, like some twisted version of her family had replaced the people she knew. Was this really happening?
Luna rubbed her temple, willing away the headache pounding at her skull, her gaze darting between her mother and the shadowed doorway where her father had vanished. They felt like strangers now. She wanted to scream at the unfairness of it all. Her teeth ground together, and she bit back the hot anger rising in her throat.
Finally, her father emerged, the heavy footfalls of his boots on the wooden floor breaking the silence. He held two duffel bags, their weight sagging in his hands. His face, usually so composed, was tense, etched with lines she'd never noticed before.
"What is all of this?" Luna's voice was sharp, laced with disbelief. She raised her eyebrows as she looked at the bags, then back at her father, who avoided her gaze.
"This…" he replied, clearing his throat, "is a backup plan."
"A backup plan?" She echoed bitterly. "How long were you guys planning on keeping this from me?"
He sighed, his shoulders drooping, and when he finally looked at her, his gray eyes were clouded with regret. "I'm sorry, Lulu. We wanted to tell you when the time felt right."
Luna scoffed, shaking her head. "All my life, I've felt like a freak. An outcast, even in my own family. And to think—you told me I was adopted. For Spirit's sake, Dad!"
Keith's face crumpled, and he lowered his gaze. "I know, and I regret that. But it was for your safety, Luna. Your DNA is… very unique. The older you got, the more the Maiden's DNA started to surface."
Luna stopped, her breath catching. Her fists curled so tightly that her nails bit into her palms. "So… does this mean I'm not your biological daughter?"
Keith froze, his face tight with pain, but he met her gaze, his eyes heavy with sorrow. "Yes and no."
She scoffed, louder this time, her disbelief turning to anger. "What kind of answer is that?"
"It means," he said, an edge of frustration creeping into his voice, "that you're half-human. Most of your DNA, the human part… comes from your mother."
Her knees went weak. She felt herself gripping the back of an armchair for support as her mind reeled
A moment later, Alana's phone buzzed in her hand. Relief flooded her face as she saw Phoebe's name flash across the screen. "It's her!" she said, breathlessly, putting the call on speaker.
"Mom? Dad?" Phoebe's voice came through, shaky and faint.
"Phoebe! Where are you?" Alana asked, her tone laced with urgency. She switched the phone to speaker for everyone to hear.
But before Phoebe could answer, another voice came on the line—a man's voice, cold and mocking. "You know why we're calling. We have your daughter," he bit out. "We know you have the essence. If you want her back, we're willing to negotiate."
The room fell deathly silent. Luna's stomach twisted as she stared at the phone, a chill creeping over her.
"Who are you?" Keith's voice was calm but edged with steel. His gaze met Alana's, and she could see the barely controlled fury simmering beneath the surface.
"Oh, I think you know," the man replied, a smug tone underlining his words. "I'll be in touch with the details."
"Wait!" Alana called, but the line went dead. She stared at the phone, a helpless look in her eyes.
Keith moved to her side, his expression determined. "We're getting her back," he said, his tone unwavering. He turned to Kiba, his gaze sharp. "I need your help."
Kiba met his gaze with a fierce nod.
"This is all because…" Luna holds her head in her hands.
Alana pulled Luna close, cupping her face gently. "We're going to bring Phoebe back," she murmured, as much to herself as to Luna. "And we'll keep you both safe. I promise."
As night fell, the tension was palpable. The trio stood outside, scanning the road, hearts racing in sync. A car approached, headlights piercing through the darkness. Headlights flashed from in between the trees until a sleek black car pulled up, the tires crushing the leaves beneath it.With its headlights still on, five men stepped out, their silhouettes ominous against the night. One of them, dressed sharply in a suit, was already heading toward the cabin's entrance. He sported slicked back blond hair with piercing blue eyes as his features twisted in familiarity.
"Keith," he said, a smirk playing on his lips. "Long time, no see."
Keith's jaw clenched. "Where's Phoebe?"
The man waved a hand, and from behind him, Phoebe was dragged forward by a tall, lean man with long dark hair that reached his shoulders. He held her tightly, his grip unforgiving. Phoebe's face was streaked with tears, and she struggled against his hold, her eyes darting toward her parents. "Mom! Dad!" she cried, voice choked with fear.
Luna's heart pounded as she looked to her parents, panic twisting inside her. "Let her go!" she shouted, her voice trembling but defiant.
The man in the suit chuckled, his gaze shifting to Luna. "Oh, we'll let her go—as soon as we get what we want."
Luna exchanged a glance with her parents, the decision heavy in her gaze. "I'll go with you," she said quietly, stepping forward.
"Excellent," the man claps his hands then beckons for her. "Glad one of us is being cooperative."
She started walking towards him, down the stairs of the cabin as Phoebe stared in horror.
"Luna, no!" Phoebe screamed, her voice desperate as she thrashed against the man's grip.
Luna forced a calm she didn't feel as she moved closer to Phoebe. "Phoebe, you have to go with Mom and Dad. I'll be fine."
"No! I won't let them take you!" Phoebe's voice broke, and she looked at their parents, pleading. "You can't do this!"
"Phoebe, listen to me," Luna said, her voice soft but steady. "Just trust me. I'll come back. I promise."
Phoebe stared at her, disbelief and betrayal flickering in her eyes. But as Luna gently guided her sister toward their parents, the men moved forward, one of them reaching for Luna.
Then, out of the corner of her eye, Luna saw a flicker in the shadows.
"Wait," the tall man holding Phoebe said, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the darkness. His voice cut through the tension. "There's someone else out there."
Before anyone could react, he pulled a gun from his waistband, the metallic click echoing through the silence. Keith's voice rang out, "Girls, get down!"
Gunshots exploded through the cabin as everyone dove to the ground. Kiba's movements were a blur, shifting mid-leap as he tore into two of the attackers, a low growl escaping him as he took them down. His claws slashed through the air as he fought, but the tall man met him head-on, his eyes glowing red, betraying his own shifter nature. He revealed his own wolf form as both of them squared off.
Alana pulled out her gun, aiming at the remaining men, while Keith fired back, his eyes flashing with resolve. He shot two men down, his focus solely on protecting his family.
"Get to the car!" Kiba yelled, his voice rough as he clashed with the tall man, their strength evenly matched. Blood smeared the floor as they grappled, each trying to get the upper hand.
"Phoebe, come on!" Luna shouted, grabbing her sister's hand and pulling her up.
But before they could move, the tall man threw Kiba against the ground with brutal force. Kiba hit the ground with a grunt, breathing heavily as he struggled to rise.
"Kiba!" Luna exclaims.
"Luna! Phoebe!" Alana yelled, grabbing her own weapon and firing at the remaining men, her resolve unwavering. Dragging them to the cabin through the door, Alana embraced her girls who returned in kind.
"I'm so sorry, both of you." She pulled back, staring at both of them with regret and love. "What is going on here?" Phoebe demanded but Alana was already gathering supplies, her face pale but determined.
There isn't much time," she says, shoving bags into their hands. "You two have to go to Fionn City," she said hurriedly, her voice thick with urgency. "Find Cher Degre. She can help. I'm sorry I kept this from you both—I only wanted you to have a normal life."
Luna's throat tightened. "Mom…"
Alana pulled her into a tight embrace, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "You'll understand one day. But right now, you need to go."
Keith moved to the window, firing off another shot as he looked back at his daughters, desperation in his gaze. "Be safe. We love you."
A loud crash interrupted them as the giant bipedaled wolf fought his way toward Alana, who raised her gun, firing three shots into his chest. He staggered but didn't fall, his eyes blazing as he lunged at her. His hand wrapped around her neck, lifting her effortlessly as she clawed at his arm, her face turning pale.
"Stop!" Luna screamed, her voice cracking with fear and rage.
The creature laughed, his maw twisted in a terrifying grin as his grip tightened—until a shot rang out. Phoebe, hands trembling, held the gun, having shot him in the neck. Distracted, he loosened his hold, and Kiba leaped onto his back in his wolf form, teeth bared.
Luna grabbed Phoebe's hand, dragging her toward the car. "Now!" she shouted, heart hammering in her chest.
As soon as they reached the car, Luna threw it into gear, slamming her foot down on the accelerator. They lurched forward, hitting the man just as he tossed Kiba off. He collapsed to the ground, momentarily stunned.
The girls scrambled out of the car, racing to their parents' side. Alana was on her knees, coughing as she tried to catch her breath, while Keith looked battered but determined.
"Go, girls," he said, his voice hoarse. "Get to Fionn City. We'll hold them off."
Luna felt a tear slip down her cheek as she hugged her parents one last time. "We'll come back. I swear."
They climbed back into the car, Kiba limping as he joined them in the back seat. As they sped away into the night, the last sight of their parents standing in the cabin doorway left Luna feeling both terrified and hopeful.
Fionn City waited ahead, the promise of answers beckoning them through the darkness.
