Bella De La Luna

The cold air-kissed her caramel skin. As the wind increased, she felt a chill run up her spine. She knew something was amidst and felt a quacking in her bones. Marisol knew that life was never easy, but had no idea of the pain awaiting her. The thought of the unknown caused fear to rise in her soul. Why was she always in the center of pain and despair? It was her 18th birthday, and she thought that after graduating she could run off to college for a better life.

Marisol was always the talk of this small town, and treated like the trash they found at the orphanage. Eighteen years ago someone left her at the doors of the local orphanage. Nothing but a small note requesting that they find a home for Marisol El Bella de La Luna. The initials of JM signed the note with a lock of auburn hair.

Mistress Lacy saved all the articles for her but had no other details of who left her there. Cristobal was such a small town with only a population of one thousand people. Most of the people that lived here are tied to the original settlers in the town. Lacy knew that no matter what Marisol would always have it tough, and told her not to allow other people's fear to change who she was. She was the only mother that Marisol had, but she loved her all the same.

There was something about Marisol that always left a question in her mind. Those sapphire eyes always pierced through your soul. It was like she was looking through you, and not at you. Such an animalistic gaze has caused fear in the people of this town. However, she was such a sweet girl, and so misunderstood. Lacy had always heard rumors of people that were from other walks of life. Was it possible this sweet girl could be like them? The stories of werewolves are just ridiculous and can't be real, could they?

Lacy filled the room with laughter at the thought it was even possible. That's when she heard the scream and knew something was wrong. Did someone come after her baby on her birthday? Why can't we just celebrate in peace and enjoy her special day?

The room had been decorated with pink and gold birthday balloons. Lacy had made her favorite, strawberry chocolate cake. Her heels hit the ground, and she almost lost her balance as she ran out the door trying to investigate what was going on. Lacy ran the orphanage for the last 30 years. Everything was always peaceful in this town until the day that Marisol arrived at her door. The locals truly had it out for her, so she was afraid someone would come after her now that she was an adult.

There on the ground lay Marisol screaming in agony. The blood-curdling scream caused her body to tremble and stopped Lacy in her tracks.

"Mom, please help me! I don't know what is going on, and I'm scared. Mom, please help me!" yelled out Marisol.

"Marisol you must stay calm, I'm here baby. What is going on, and where do you hurt? Who did this to you, honey?" The concern evident on Lacy's face caused more fear in Marisol.

As she got closer she noticed that her legs looked broken, and suddenly she heard her bones snapping. It reminded her of the sounds of twigs breaking beneath your feet. The crackling of the bones caused her to shake with fear. What is happening to this beautiful girl?

Marisol started shifting into a wolf, and she couldn't believe her eyes. Those sapphire eyes were gazing at her, piercing through her soul. Her caramel skin was now covered with silver fur. Lacy was frozen in place. How could she help her beautiful daughter?

At that moment she heard a howl to her left. Lacy was frozen with fear but knew something was in the darkness. As she looked over she saw a pack of wolves. Out front was the alpha with the same silver fur. As she saw Marisol run off she knew that her life might be better without this town. Lacy needed answers to what had happened to her beautiful girl.

How could she explain to anyone what happened? She felt that it was best not to call anyone. Lacy knew that no one would believe her and she doesn't know if Marisol would ever come back. She was an adult now, and would not be considered a runaway. Luckily for her, no one else lived on their side of town.

People regarded the orphanage as the trash of the world. No one would come that way, because to them they were superior. She knew that all she could do is wait if she would return. Life will just never be the same.