CHAPTER 2

"I don't feel anything, but I have this strong rushing power inside me and it's too strong, it's different from how you explain your inner wolf to me. Not to exaggerate, I feel special, I have something in me that's different and it needs a trigger" Jupiter explained to her sister " You both don't talk like kids" they saw the chief maid peep inside "did you say you'll be thirteen tomorrow? No, I don't think so, you're born adults. And Jupiter I advise you don't go to that forest alone". "How long have you been listening?" Jupiter screamed. "Long enough to know that you want to do something bad and I remember hearing you say something about rushing power " the maid demonstrated in a funny way, making the children laugh. "You shouldn't listen to our conversation, it's meant to be a secret", Mercury said "I'm sorry my princess, but you aren't even alone, your personal maids are here too" the woman pointed at the two maid who were engrossed in their work. "They are trusted" the two girls said in unison batting their eyes before they bursted to laughter with the chief maid. " We won't go to the forest alone aunty Sarah" Jupiter gave her a puppy face and the woman smiled "I pray tomorrow you get your powers, I love you both. I got to go" she smiled and hurried out of the room. 7 years later She stood at the balcony, facing the thick forest, the cold silent breeze blew, swaying her red hair backward, it had become longer, it fell to her waist. Her slender body was covered with a well fitted gown, her face shone brightly, and her emerald green eyes were wet with tears, the pains she was feeling was unbearable, she blinked back the tears, she wasn't going to cry. She had been crying for so long as this year, yet nothing had changed. It is her birthday, her nineteenth birthday, but she saw no reason to be happy when all her wishes weren't granted. Each year had gone, and nothing had happened as everyone thought. Her wishes and prayers to the moon goddess were never answered. Was she meant to be an abomination forever, to suffer the humiliation from the people. Being in the midst of a wonderful pack and having no ability hurt her badly, she couldn't fit in to any gathering. She had been left out. She was stalked with several sleepless night and thoughts. She couldn't face her family or her pack and even her friends. Her twin was growing into a very powerful wolf and she envied Mercury's wolf form. She prayed to transform at least once in her life, to show the people she was a wolf. As the years passed the people of the community complained more and more, the gossips were growing wider, some asked that she should leave the pack and live with the humans. Prince Mars had become the Alpha and her father and mother were growing older and aging, but they were still strong and healthy. Mars had gotten himself a wife and Luna for the kingdom. Princess Venus was comfortably rocking her new fashion show and the young ladies of the pack were eager to participate, she had still found happiness in tormenting Jupiter. Mercury had grown into another beautiful princess, envied by everyone, she was powerful and strong willed, she trained the children of the community in the forest, she had a free spirit, enjoying herself in the company of friends, she and Jupiter had grown apart, the bond wasn't strong anymore. Jupiter had push her away when ever she came around, she let her anger on Mercury and this was mostly out of frustration. Mercury couldn't figure out what else to do, she let Jupiter to her fate and the moon goddess. Jupiter would stay alone, she was always in the balcony or her room which was now separate from that of Mercury because she had insisted on being alone. Mostly she would be at the music room, playing the saxophone loudly, letting out all her frustration on it. She pushed everyone away, she was rarely seen except occasionally, she did her schooling at home with the private teachers her parent has brought, but Mercury attended the college. Today, her nineteenth birthday, she stood beside her sister in the big castle hall, her family sat at the Royal seat, the guest glued their eyes on Jupiter, some were whispering to each other, others pointed directly at her, she began feeling uncomfortable but she held her head high and Mercury held her hands and gave her a squeeze, when she looked at her sister, she met her assuring smile. The Alpha king took the microphone and stood close to his children. "Today are my daughters' birthday" the king spoke as he walked closer to them. "They had grown beautiful and strong, they have grown to be wonderful wolves in the pack" "She's an abomination!" Someone exclaimed from the crowd and Jupiter shut her eyes tightly, praying that things don't go the wrong way, but it didn't go as planned because another person followed and soon the crowd were shouting and screaming at her direction, her heart beat harder. "She shouldn't be among us!". "She's human". "She is not a werewolf". The people shouted angrily. "Quiet!" The Alpha shouted with an authoritative voice and everywhere became silent, "I don't care if you accept her or not, she's my daughter, so she stays". Jupiter stared at the crowd in pains, this people would never accept her, she blinked severally, she could feel the anger emanating from them. She pulled away from Mercury and ran out of the hall to the balcony, she needed space. She heard footsteps approaching gracefully, she could sense who it was, she wasn't ready to see anyone, and she didn't turn till the person coughed slightly. "Did you run away from your party? Embarrassed? Hurt? Ashamed? " Venus asked laughing and clapping her hands "of course you should be ashamed of yourself dear sister". Jupiter turned away, facing the forest and ignoring her. "They must really hate you and that's awful" she continued with a smile, "but dear Jupiter, why are you so different?". "Venus, please. I plead with you, I'll like to be left alone, I need sometime for myself" she said calmly. "You think that's the best option? You're just a weakling, that's why the moon goddess refused giving you an ability" Venus ignored her pleading, and pushed further, getting on Jupiter's nerves. "Venus, I have taken you as an older sister, but you belittle yourself by your words and actions. You should stand up for me like everybody in the family does, but no, you don't. I still don't know why you hate me, why Venus? Can you give me a reason for the hate? I regret having you as a sister and a family. If I had a chance, I'll choose the maids over you" Jupiter shouted before walking out. Venus stood staring speechlessly as Jupiter ran into the forest, this was the first time Jupiter had spoken back at her with anger and rudeness. She didn't Know what to feel. Anger? Pain? Or happiness. "She's suffering" Mercury walked in after watching the scene " she's suffering mentally, emotionally, socially and otherwise. You don't know because you're not in her shoes, you aren't even in her position, I wish she had spoken back at you Every time you attacked her verbally. She's strong, even in the midst of other wolves, she stands out, she hides her pain and tears, if that happens to you, you'll cry all day and even kill yourself. She looked up to you for comfort and encouragement, but you looked down on her, you joined the people of the community who barely know the goodness in her to abuse her. You might not know what your words have pushed her to do, she ran into the forest to avoid your taunts and embarrassment, you know it's dangerous to be there alone, you better go find her before anything happens or you'll regret this moment forever" Mercury hissed and turned to walk away but she stopped abruptly. Before I forget, I also regret having you as an older sister" she walked away go to the hall angrily. Venus stood even more speechless, she was finding difficulty in breathing, she tried to catch her breath, she blinked twice, trying to push back the tears forming in her eyes. She tried to take down all she had heard, she finally realized she wasn't the best sister. She quickly changed into her wolf form, a white and black spotted creature, she jumped over the balcony and zoomed into the forest. Jupiter ran further into the deep forest, with the tears pouring done her eyes, she was blinded by her emotions as she speed past the boundaries, breaking the barrier and moved beyond the land of the wolves, tears filled her eyes, her heart was heavy, she wanted to pour everything out, she ran faster and further and suddenly collapsed to the grass and wept, she wailed and scream, running her fingers through her hair. She shut her eyes and buried her head to the ground, sobbing her heart out. She heard sounds of birds chirping around her, she felt the furs of wolves on her skin, they were her company and she felt comforted. She looked up and found that she had cross the boundaries, she didn't remember when she ran past it. She knew no one could cross the wolf's boundaries, except some assigned guards and spies. She had been here once, in company of her father and Mercury. She had to go back. Suddenly she heard some footstep, but she knew they weren't that of animals, she knew it wasn't a were wolf, because no werewolf would pass the boundaries, except the birds and wolves which had crossed it together with her. She stood up slightly to peep at what was making the footsteps and suddenly her eyes widen in shock and surprise, her hands clamped her lips as she muffled her scream. "Over there" the younger man said, and her heart skipped a bit and immediately she took off, together with the other wolves and birds, they ran back to the kingdom. She could hear the footsteps of several people behind her, she knew she was faster and they would never meet up with her, when she got to the boundary, she met a broken door, she stopped and stared at it, her heart beat harder, she had just created an easy access for humans. Fear gripped her, she had to do something, if not her family and clan would be endangered, the only thought that came into her mind was "FIGHT". She ran past the boundary and hid behind one of the trees, waiting for the humans to get closer. She was scared, they were more than five men and she was just a wolf with no ability, how would she possibly fight them and fix the boundary. "Let's separate"she heard a man say and the men went different ways immediately, she could hear the footsteps of two people close to her.she jumped and attacked them, using all the skills she had learnt from her father. She kicked the first man by the waist, and fell to the side, her eyes widen in surprise. "Was he so weak"? She thought,"maybe there were just mere persons". She turned to the second man, he was stronger, probably older than her with few years, he had a brown radiating eye, he was a bit muscular but perfect. She blinked severally, trying to push away the thoughts in her head, she was supposed to attack him and not studying his perfect body. He wasn't moving at first, he was staring into her eyes, he could see the traces of tears and a swollen bag beneath her eyes, her cheeks were flushed red. He stared down at her slender body and was even more amazed of her colored her. He realized she was looking at him instead of fighting, even when her fist was perfectly folded, ready for attack. "You're supposed to fight me and not stare" he said still staring at her eyes "I guess my instinct told me not to" she replied "A wolf huh?" He asked "A werewolf" she answered but immediately sent a punch across his face, but he ducks slightly. "Betraying your instinct?" He moved as he escaped all her attacks sigh no intention of fighting back. "I have to fight to save my pack" she said authoritatively "Why so bothered about saving a pack when you might be killed here" he smiled moving backwards to avoid a kick from her long legs. "I am a princess and I would fight my pack till my last blood" she cried and stopped fighting. "You're a princess?" He asked in surprise, studying her more closely. She had no guard around, she was dressed in a long black gown, slitted by the side revealing her smooth legs. Indeed, she looked like a princess. " Why should a princess be crying? I could see the perfect traces of tears on your perfect cheeks" he asked. " It's not your business, but I wouldn't let you in my kingdom" she readied herself for another attack. " I never believed wolves existed" he spoke. " Then why are you here? Lost your way?" She mocked " My dad forced me to join him in his adventure for two reasons. To make me believe wolves and other creatures like vampires and witches and fairies existed, and secondly to help him capture the same people you are trying to defend" he explained deeply. " I would never let anyone touch my pack, not you, not your crazy father or anyone, no one" she shouted in anger. " I could save you, but not anyone". " Don't pity me, I don't need your help, I can fight for myself. And I have the upper hand because it's my kingdom" she argued " Stubborn huh?" He smiled " I love your courageousness. But that doesn't make us less, a single phone call about your kingdom all armies of humans would be here" She shivered in fear, but she shut her eyes and bit her lips. " Your kingdom has Been hidden for years as my father had said, but suddenly it's open and revealed. How is that?" She knew she broke the barrier, she didn't know how. The boundaries had existed for years, and no one could break through except when sacrifices were offered, but she broke it without knowing. "Leave now! With your people or you will regret" she ordered even when she knew she couldn't mind link the other wolves to come to her rescue because of her lack of wolf ability, she was all alone with this stranger and others who were still searching for her. "I'll love to see your wolf form" he dared. She wondered if he wasn't supposed to fear standing with a wolf, he was too bold, and she found it amazing. "I'm not a wolf" she told him what she felt was the truth. "What?" He shouted " then what are you doing here? Are you even a warrior princess?" She laughed at what he called her "you can never tell" she replied "Jupiter?" She heard her name, her eyes widen. Venus was here, fear gripped her as she thought of the other ones. "Jupiter!!" Venus shouted. She watched him run out to the search for her sister, she prayed silently. She was worried about Venus, even when she hated Venus for all she did to her, but she couldn't let these humans capture her, she still wanted to hide and trust this human boy, but she couldn't depend on him. She moved out quietly from her hidden place, she had to trace Venus. Just then, she had a scream, followed by a roar, she knew it was Venus, she had gotten into trouble and transformed, she ran as her feet could carry. she found her and as she ran closer, she realized Venus was surrounded by armed men, she was roaring and preparing to attack if they moved. she hid herself as the younger boy came in with an older man. they had a striking resemblance, she figured out the older man was his father. "Look who we got here" The man patted his son with a smile on the face before walking close to Venus with a gun. Mercury's heart beat faster, wondering why the human boy had not helped. Did he betray her? "Bring the cage" The man ordered, and the men moved quickly "Father", The boy called slowly, and the man turned to him, "Do we need to take her?" He asked. "Of course! We discussed about that before coming, sooner the other men would be here to capture the entire wolves"he smiled happily "I'm having a change of mind, we shouldn't take them from their home" "That's not up to you boy, I do what I want, and you don't order me around" He spook his finger into his son's chest. The boy stood quietly and retreated. "Chain the wolf" he commanded, and three men began going closer with their weapons, Venus jumped and attack them, tearing the faces of the men with their Sharp nails, then their necks and stomach. The older man took out a gun and pointed it at Venus who had gone gone after the other men. And immediately he pulled the trigger the son knocked him down angrily and the rolled on the floor. Jupiter hadn't seen that coming, she ran out immediately she heard the gun shot, she ran towards Venus who was whimpering on the floor in pain before she transformed back to her human body. The bullet had penetrated her chest, she was struggling to breathe as blood flowed from her mouth. Jupiter, she called softly creating a weak smile as tear spilled down her face, she was looking up to her younger sister who was holding her tightly in tears, "My sister, I love you". She coughed as more blood spilled but she endured the pain "I came to find you, to apologize for all I did to you all these years. I wasn't the best sister because I was jealous and envious of you, I Never thought about your pains. And today I suddenly realized that you hurt more than anyone in the world. I won't be chanced to show you how much I love you, I wish I could give you my wolf. But when am up there, I would sacrifice anything for you to get yours". Jupiter cried harder as she heard the confession, she knew Venus was dying but she did no where to start from. "I love you Jupiter, forgive me" she cried "You broke the boundaries, there's a greater power in you and I wish it could manifest, I'm sorry" she said the latter in a whisper with a weak smile. " Venus, I love you too" Jupiter cried " Venus? Venus? ". Venus cold and still body laid in Jupiter's arms. Her sister died in her arms and the other men where coming, she could hear trucks, the boy and his father fighting violently. " You killed her" she heard him shout and the father sent him a hard punch of the face, she watched the boy get into the car and drove off. Anger filled her, joined with the pains she felt, she wanted to destroy them, everyone of them.