Crimson Howl: The Luna's Tale

~HELENA POV~

My whole world crumbled in a single night. I lost everything-my family, my safety, my name. But the worst part? I lost myself. The version of myself that smiled freely, that believed birthdays were special, that thought love and laughter would always win. She's gone now. I don't even recognize the girl in the mirror anymore.

And to think of it, it all started on my eighteenth birthday. It was supposed to be beautiful. I wore a pale blue dress and had my hair done just right. I imagined a cake, some dancing, maybe a few awkward but sweet toasts. Instead, the night ended in blood. Screams. Smoke. People I loved-gone in seconds.

Now, here I am, alive but not living. Hiding with a stranger in a house that isn't mine, forced into a life I never chose-all to avoid a marriage that would've destroyed me anyway. They say this is protection. That it's necessary. But every morning I wake up beside someone I barely know, I wonder... is this really better?

I miss who I used to be. I miss feeling safe. I miss being loved.

But most of all, I miss me.

***

Today is my eighteenth birthday. The day everything is supposed to change-maybe forever. And if this celebration is any indication, then change has already arrived in a whirlwind of diamonds and gold. My parents have pulled out all the stops, arranging what can only be described as the most extravagant party the world has ever seen.

News outlets haven't stopped talking about it. This morning, every channel I flipped to showed flashing images of the venue, the designer dresses, the celebrity guests arriving in droves. My birthday. My moment. How surreal. How utterly unbelievable. There's a strange fluttering in my chest, half disbelief, half excitement. I've always known we were wealthy-rich beyond what most could dream-but this... this is a kingdom. And tonight, I'm the crowned queen.

I should be nothing but happy. I love my parents. They've given me everything I could ever want. Luxury, affection, a life most only fantasize about. So why is there a knot tightening in my stomach?

They're not here yet. I've scanned the room a dozen times, strained my ears for the sound of their laughter or the sight of their familiar faces-but nothing. Maybe traffic? A last-minute surprise? Still, the absence is heavy, echoing beneath the glitter and champagne.

Trying to shake the unease, I turn to Patty, one of my closest friends-and a fiercely loyal werewolf from my pack. She looks radiant in silver, her eyes gleaming as she lifts her glass to mine.

"To you," she says with a grin. "To the beginning of something unforgettable."

I force a smile and clink my glass against hers, the crystal chime sharp in my ears. We're in a sleek black Lamborghini, customized down to the stitching to fit my every whim. A car fit for royalty, and yet... I feel like a princess without her king and queen.

I glance once more out the tinted window, hoping-praying-that the next car that pulls in belongs to them.

Because something in me whispers: tonight may not just change everything. It might cost everything too.

"This birthday, our youngest girlie turns 18. I'm way too happy to contain my excitement tonight, Helena. I'm so happy for you" Giving me a gentle side hug, Patty kissed my cheek in a friendly way. Her actions jolted me out of my worries.

"This is nothing compared to the excitement you'd feel with the strings dad pulled to invite the guests of tonight, Patty. Just wait and watch."

A gasp was heard from the other side of the car, "Don't tell me...is Odin Blackwood invited!?" Her excited shriek made me wince a little.

"Of course, sweetheart. Olivia, whom do you take me for!? Every big shot in the werewolf and human world is invited tonight! I didn't stutter when I said we have 'grand guests' tonight, did I?"

Olivia took a sip from her glass, making a face of pride. "You did, Helena. You did."

I then shifted my gaze to look at the woman who quietly sipped on her champagne. This is very much unlike her. She is dressed unreasonably simple yet elegant tonight, too. I wonder why.

"So, Alexia, don't you have to say something to me? It's my birthday, come on!" I know Alexia is the quiet one amongst us, but not tonight!

"Oh, what do you want me to tell you, Miss Richie-Rich? Your father's so well off that you have to experience the grandest party ever orchestrated on the planet. How about this?

"Congratulations on turning 18, Helena. I hope you have a big, grand gift from my side tonight. I mean it."

I gasped. "A grand gift from you!? It'd mean the world to me, Alexia! Thank you!" I was excited of course, but the slight fake smile dancing on her lips made me feel different.

Suddenly, I felt the presence of a familiar scent behind me. He calms me so quickly.

A small gasp left my lips, my waist was being held delicately by this man who is also my fiancé!

Merlin Lupus, Alpha of Frost moon pack.

He proposed to me in the most romantic way three months ago, and I couldn't help but choose him over whoever shall enter my life as a mate next. After all, love can make a wolf like me reject anyone who isn't worthy of my hand, and Merlin, is all worthy for my hand in his.

"Looking so stunning, that I actually couldn't recognize you, sweetheart." He said, spinning me on my heel and placing a soft kiss on my lips.

"You're going to make my expensive diamond ash lipstick patchy, Merlin. You ought to know better about my standards and rules." He quickly raised his hands in defense.

"I won't be doing it, babe. And look at you," my smile comes back with his flirtatious words and tone.

"Stunning in golden and maroon. I knew only you could pull off this combination, sweetheart."

"Don't be ridiculous. I know it's only me who can pull off anything. Besides, where is my gift?" I extended my hand, asking for a gift bravely. He gives me a grin, I couldn't help but feel a twist in my stomach.

"You'll see, baby girl." The people around me cheer as my fiancé suddenly twirls me and kisses me passionately!

"My lipstick, Merlin! Jeez, was it that hard to control yourself around me?"

It's a mind link," I whispered, stiffening in my fiancé's arms. From Beta Torin.

Laughter and music surrounded us, golden lights strung above the courtyard like stars. My birthday cake sat untouched on the table, candles still flickering. But everything faded the moment I felt that unmistakable tug in my mind.

Then Torin's voice slammed into my head, raw with urgency and fear. "Leave everything you're doing right now, and come back home, Helena Fangborn! It's about your parents."

My heart lurched.

He never used the mind link unless it was life or death. And I'd never heard him sound like that before-like he was barely holding it together.

I froze, still wrapped in my fiancé's embrace. His warmth, his smile, the music-it all vanished behind a wall of ice crashing down in my chest.

The link severed abruptly, leaving an aching void. I staggered back a step.

"Helena?" he asked, brow furrowed. "What is it?"

I couldn't answer. My hands were trembling. I didn't know if it was fear or instinct-but something deep inside told me that whatever Torin meant... it wasn't just about my parents.

It was about everything. And it was already too late.