Chapter One-One-Four: 'Maya'

Ruby M. Clive

Father’s large hand presses against my neck ensuring no more air can cross to my lungs, my hands feel so small compared to his as I try to pry him from me.

I don’t want to die.

"It's these eyes!"

Father spits, the green in his gaze holding his venom too unmistakably.

Father hates me? Why? Mother said that he would accept us if I behaved properly. I didn’t make a mistake! I swear.

"These eyes are not a Clive's! This is not my child, you whore."

His breath is pungent and repulsive, but I try my best not to show it as Mother rushes to Father; her eyes are laden with tears that fall easily when she grips him and pleads that he lets me go, but his hold on my neck only grows tighter.

“Stop it!!”

Mother screams, but all too soon, darkness finds me, followed by the harrowing sound of Mother’s scream.

"You killed her! you killed our child, you monster!"

Her cry saddens me, so I make a wish to my wolf—please, let us be a family again.

**

Two people peer at my bed; it's late, and t