Time passed tediously for young Vione. There were many tasks she had to accomplish lately. Most importantly, she had to prepare for the coming-of-age ceremony that would take place later that night.
As a werewolf, the coming-of-age ceremony was the most important thing, like an important milestone in one’s life. Therefore, the coming-of-age ceremony was a tradition that had been practiced for centuries, marking the transition from adolescence to adulthood. On this night, they would be blessed by the Sacred Elder, and then they would transform into wolves for the first time.
The thought of the ceremony stirred a tension that instantly coursed through her entire body. Young Vione took a deep breath and tried to calm herself by reminding herself that it was an inevitability that all werewolves had to go through without exception. She shouldn’t be too tense.
Unfortunately, something was keeping her tense. Anxiety had been gnawing at young Vione’s mind since the sun rose on the eastern horizon, and it all stemmed from Ned’s words the other day.
“We’ll prove it later, Vione. Because from what I’ve seen of your weakness all this time, it seems that my suspicion is not wrong. You are an Omega.”
Young Vione closed her eyes as her heart began to beat uncomfortably. The anxiety she felt began to turn into worry. What if what Ned said is true? What if I am an Omega?
The worry continued to haunt young Vione throughout the day, digging deeper doubts into her. She was trapped in a maze of thoughts, searching for reassurance that seemed elusive. All the negative emotions wrestled in her chest, giving birth to a fear that left her powerless.
There was no denying that being an Omega was not a fate any werewolf wanted. As young Vione had observed, Omegas were often humiliated for being the weakest in the pack hierarchy. They were often ignored or even ridiculed, considered useless.
Young Vione couldn’t imagine what it would be like if fate chose her to be an Omega. She thought it would only give her tormentors more reason to laugh at her. She was not only an orphan of unknown origin, but also a werewolf of the lowest status.
“Vione.”
A soft voice broke the terrifying reverie in young Vione’s mind. She turned to find her mother, Hilary Russell, entering her room. “Mom.”
“May I come in?” Hilary asked with a smile, glancing at the slightly open door of young Vione’s room. “I thought you could use my help.”
Young Vione nodded, a sense of peace immediately settling into her heart. As usual, Hilary could always calm her fears. “Of course, Mom.”
Hilary entered, making sure to close the door behind her. She approached young Vione, who was sitting on the bed with some clothes. She blinked. “If I didn’t know it was today, I’d think you were getting ready for a date with a young man instead of attending the Coming-of-Age Ceremony.”
“Mom,” young Vione exclaimed, her face flushing. Heat quickly spread over her cheeks. “Don’t say stupid things.”
Hilary laughed as she sat down on the edge of the bed. “What’s silly about it? You’re an adult now and it’s natural for you to date.”
“Um, unfortunately, I’m not dating anyone.”
“Really?” Hilary’s eyes narrowed. Her gaze changed, slightly different, as if she wanted to investigate. “It didn’t seem that way when I saw you with Lewis.”
Young Vione blinked for a moment, then shook her head quickly. “No, Mom. Lewis and I have no relationship whatsoever. We’re just friends. I swear. We’ve talked a few times, but we-” Hilary’s laughter interrupted her words. Young Vione pouted. “Don’t tease me, Mom.”
“Oh, dear,” Hilary murmured amid the remaining laughter. She took a deep breath and wiped away the tears that were forming. “You don’t have to deny it like that, Vione.”
“I’m not denying it, Mom. I’m just telling the truth. Lewis and I…” Young Vione took a breath before finishing her sentence. “… are just friends.”
This time Hilary’s laughter disappeared completely. In its place, a warm smile spread across her face. “Of course, you and Lewis are just friends. That’s why I was wondering, is there another young man you like?”
Hilary’s question felt like an arrow piercing young Vione’s heart. She was stunned, unable to speak for a moment. When she regained her senses, she sighed, looked away, then shook her head. “No, Mom.”
Hilary’s smile changed. Young Vione’s reaction and attitude were like two contradictory things. It wasn’t difficult for her to draw a conclusion. After all, she was a mother, and there was no mother in the world who couldn’t guess her daughter’s heart, regardless of the fact that young Vione was not her biological child.
“Alright. It seems I need to be more patient to get to know the lucky man who can win your heart. So how about I help you pick out a dress for tonight?” Hilary looked at the dresses on young Vione’s bed. “It seems you need my help.”
Hilary’s offer relieved young Vione. The delicate subject had ended at the right time. After all, she might need Hilary’s help to choose the right dress for the occasion. Besides, this was an additional reason for the pack’s excitement about the coming-of-age ceremony, the celebration at the Palace.
Hilary helped young Vione with all her heart. Not only did she help Vione choose a dress, but she also did her makeup. She made sure that her makeup touches made Vione look fresher and more beautiful than usual.
Time passed, and young Vione was ready to put on her best face. She stood before the mirror with Hilary behind her. Together they looked at her reflection.
“You look so beautiful, Vione,” Hilary praised with sparkling eyes. She briefly squeezed Vione’s upper arms. “I’m sure you’ll be the most captivating wolf tonight.”
Vione said nothing, but she smiled. In her heart she shared Hilary’s hope, even though she didn’t expect much herself. She hadn’t dreamed of being the center of attention. Simply put, she hoped her fears wouldn’t come true.
“Vione.”
Young Vione blinked. Her momentarily lost concentration returned. She saw the change in Hilary’s expression in the mirror. “Mom.”
“Don’t worry about what people say, Vione. Whatever happens, believe in yourself. You are valuable with everything you have and don’t have.”
Vione’s tongue was tied. She didn’t expect Hilary to know her fears. So, she bit her lower lip to control the turmoil in her chest.
“I love you, Vione. Your father and I will always love you. So, there’s nothing to worry about. We’ll always be with you.”
Vione surrendered. Reflexively, her body turned and she hugged Hilary. In that moment, she ignored all her worries and fears. Love conquered all. She knew that no matter what happened to her, there would always be someone who would accept her unconditionally.
Her heart was ready. Vione assured herself that she would not flinch from accepting whatever fate came her way. Unfortunately, she still couldn’t resist when a drop of sadness appeared and numbed her body right after she realized the truth of Ned’s suspicion. She was indeed an Omega.
*