He knew it was Allen who was standing behind the bush. Even if he closes his eyes, he would know. His scent is just too hard to forget because tried to. But even if Allen is in a hundred meter radius, he would be able to smell him.

He wanted to confront him why he was hiding behind the foliage but the prickling sensation in his chest was back and this time, it got even more intense. It seemed to get more painful and he knew that the black markings were spreading out. He could feel it forming into his back. And he knew that it is only a matter of time before his whole body will be consumed by it.

Let go child. Don’t be afraid.

I heard.

I realized I was in the middle of the woods wandering aimlessly. I should be heading to the manor, or the pack house but my feet just won’t cooperate. Ever since the moon came up, I seem to lose my bearings. And now, I could even hear voices again. And this glimmering thing in y body just won’t get off.

They are basically spreading. Judging from the tingling sensation, I think my feet have it too now. I could even feel it on my neck and they’re heading up my face.

And now it feel so hot. The night is supposed to be cold but I feel like I’m on fire. My body is sweating a ton. I have to find something to cool myself and as if on cue, I heard the sound of cascading water. When I arrived at the clearing, I found myself staring-no, craving to bathe under the water falling from the falls at the entrance of the cave where the rite of passage is celebrated.

A part of me says that I should get away from the sacred place but the other half says I should be under that crystal clear waters. I looked around, it seems that no one will see me. I just have to bathe there just for a moment. I have to.

I made my way towards the cascading waters and just as I thought, it was cold but it wasn’t enough. I restrained myself to look at my right for I know if I’d do that, I would be tempted to step into the pools of water inside the cave.

I swallowed hard.

I looked at my arms and the glimmering patterns seemed to appear brighter than before. And since my shirt is soaked, I could see that underneath, my body is already covered with the glimmering patterns.

And it came to a point that the water in the falls isn’t enough to counter the heat that is engulfing me. I don’t understand what’s going on but it needs to cool down. I think I’m beyond forty five degrees or something.

I mentally cursed.

I don’t think someone will come to check here. I’ll just be very quick.

I sneaked inside the cave and slowly pulled off my clothes then stepped into the placid water illuminated by the moonlight. And nothing feels better.

I let myself be soaked deep into the cool water. I could feel that the heat is slowly going off. It feels great.

After the heat steamed away, I emerged from the water slowly. The air greets me and it smells good. Then I could smell everyone. When I opened my eyes, I saw everyone bowing while exposing their necks.

No. what are you doing? I supposed to say but I seemed to be the only one to hear myself. I panicked. I walked towards the nearby child who are, same like the others, showing the act of surrender and respect. I tried to move my hand to touch the child but I can’t feel my arms.

To my surprise, the child smiled at me and reached out and I could feel his arms on my face but it seems it’s more than that. “Beautiful.” He giggled as he pushed himself towards me. The other children followed and closed towards me.

They were giggling and muttering words like “Wow.”

“It’s pretty.”

“Look at the fur, it’s so white.”

“And so fluffy.”

Wait? What? Fur? White?

I stared at the ground and I saw paws instead of feet.

I looked up and saw the alpha walking towards me. He is smiling. Following behind him is an old lady I haven’t met before. Her hair were a stripe of gray and white. They were long and braided. But if there’s something peculiar in her, it’s her eyes. It appears she doesn’t have an iris.

“You’ve made it Allen.” The alpha said. His voice was full of hope and pride.

“The moon drip has bloomed again after centuries.” The old lady looked behind me.

And I just noticed the trees growing beside the pools. Their leaves before were a lifeless gray in color. It’s just now that I realized that they’re not leaves after all but flowers. They resemble the cherry blossoms but way more beautiful.

The falling petals seemed to have a million glitters making it more elegant looking. The moonlight is amplifying its beauty. And the fragrance, it’s soothing.

I let my eyes closed and let myself feel. So this is how it felt. I could hear every heartbeat, I could hear as everyone breathes. I could feel every single living thing around me. It feels awesome.

Then a commotion broke the stillness of the mood. I opened my eyes and saw that the people have cleared a path for someone. Little by little, an intoxicating smell filled my nose and I wanted to swoon. It seemed like everything else doesn’t matter anymore. It seemed like every single part of me craves to be touched by the person who owns this smell.

The old lady muttered something like “the moon has decided.” But I didn’t pay attention for my eyes and all my senses focused on the man staring straight into my eyes. Little by little, the people exited the cave but I didn’t seem to care. Because what I care about is the person in front of me.

His brown orbs met mine and no words could describe the feeling that took over inside me.

He slowly crossed the distance between us without breaking eye contact. His hand reached for me and I gladly nuzzled towards it. The warmth is beyond comparable.

He put his head against mine and we breathed in harmony. I never knew that this kind of contentment ever existed until now that I have felt this warmth with his scent lingering over me.

Mate.

“Who are you?” He whispered and then stared back into my eyes.

Who am I? I’m Allen.

Yes. I’m Allen and you are Kendrick.

You are my mate!

He put on some robe around me and I willed myself to shift back.

“I’m Allen.” I said.

But the look on his face was the last thing I wanted to see.

“No.” He stepped back. “There seems to be a mistake.” He said as he stepped back.

His expression shows that he’s horrified. He is disgusted.

Clutching the robe to cover around myself, I reached for him. “Wait. Please don’t go.” I plead.

He shook his head. “No. You’re not the one.” He whispered.

I stopped on my tracks at the sound of those words.

And I just actually slumped back on the ground when he added “You are not my mate.” And then he ran.

I watched him helplessly as he appears smaller and smaller in my sight. His scent still lingers around but there is nothing more in it than bitterness. The memory of his hands cupping my face with his forehead against mine all brought nothing but pain.

You are not my mate

It still echoes inside the cave. But it will always remain forever inside my head.

Is this the feeling of being rejected?

And slowly, darkness claims the place as clouds began to cover up the moon. But I remained still on the ground. Before I could stop it, tears fell.

“Of all people, why does it have to be you Kendrick? Why?”