Barely Breathing

A week has passed in a blur since the 'escape incident'. Nine long days, three hours, 27 minutes, and 42 seconds to be exact.
Strangely though, Xyrus haven't talked to me since then.
He wouldn't even look my way whenever we crossed paths. He's treating me as an ordinary pack member - no, scratch that, he's
acting like he doesn't see me at all. The good thing was I stayed in my room but to my dismay, my wolf, Violet was restless for
the past days.
The silent treatment however was getting on my nerves. He doesn’t show up during training either. He was always in his office or
his house. Yes, he has his own house not far from the packhouse. Others too, only those teenagers like me stay at the
packhouse.
I'm back on training younger female wolves, while, Julian for the males. Being one of the strongest pack warriors has its perks.
Luckily, Julian found his chosen mate at the annual mate hunt. It was Elony, from Glowing River Pack. And, Elony and I hit it off
right away.
The pack members however were a bit more cheerful and enthusiastic around me. Before the Mate Hunt, I am fine with
everyone, making smiles or nodes here and there. Tash, Heather, and the twins were the only close friend I have here. And now,
I am their precious 'luna'.
A knock interrupted my thoughts and the door opened.
"Luna, foods ready." I looked up to see Heather smiling, noticing how her light blue eyes complement her light almost white-
blonde hair. She is so pretty but too shy for her own good. And, worry freak if I may add.
"Thanks, you can call me Willow, you know, just like before." I offered her a smile. That was another thing, no matter how many
times I told them to call me by my name, they ended up calling me Luna. Well, I wasn't yet officially, aren't I?
“Well, it would be improper for me to call you by your name.” She said, brows knitted together.
“Of course not, call me Willow just Willow.”
“O-Okay then.”
I followed her down to the ground floor and entered the already jammed-pack dining hall. It was huge and has many round glass
tables with a golden vase full of fresh flowers of any sort in the middle. Each table was surrounded by six cushioned chairs
covered in gold paint.

The walls were painted beige and gold lace curtains decorated some part of the wall. The wooden floor was polished so well that
you can even see your reflection. At the far-left corner, different types of dishes, sweets, and drinks were served. All in all, this
room looks like a restaurant rather than a part of the packhouse.
Being the Luna, I am supposed to eat at the alpha's table as a custom. I knew that because former Alpha Caden and Luna Fae,
Xyrus' parents always eat together. The former Alpha and Beta couple haven’t gone home yet, they were still out exploring new
places. But, hearing their son’s having a chosen might made them come home soon.
Xyrus wasn't here yet. He always comes late due to pack stuff. I debated whether to sit with him but decided against it. It would
be more awkward for both of us.
“Over there,” Heather said, pointing to a waving Tash.
On our way, I caught a hateful glare from Ehren. I heard she was claimed by Carter, our Gamma.
“Hi Willow.” Elony greeted.
Elony is Julian’s chosen mate. She is a sweet girl with brown locks and matching brown eyes, yet a fire-starter too. A scary one
indeed when angered, though she's shorter than all of us. You go to the wrong side of her and you're dead.
“Hey.” I sat beside Elony, Tash was in front of me. " Where are Julian and Gabbiel?"
"Julian is doing the watch out." Elony handed me a plate full of food.
Tash looked around, worried. "Gabbiel's with the alpha. The alpha's working so hard lately, my poor Gabbiel hasn't got a decent
sleep either. Where is alpha by the way?"
"I... I don't know." I replied and tried to avoid the conversation by savoring my lunch.
"Are you still not on speaking terms with the alpha, Willow?" asked a worried Tash. "I am worried about Gabbiel but I am more
worried about you."
She put her hand on top of mine. "What's holding you back?"
I looked around the table and sure enough, they all looked concerned. Even the twins Cassey and Callie stopped bickering and
listened to our conversation. The twins were the same age as Heather.

"Willow, is everything alright?" asked Callie. the twins were identical, except Cassey has a mole at the end of her left eyebrow.
"Ye... Yeah. Everything is okay." I avoided their eyes, tossing food on my plate. "Seriously, girls, I'm fine..."
They didn't comment on that and started a new conversation. I am thankful they didn't press on it. A few more minutes, Gabbiel
greeted us and took Tash's plate and they transfer to an empty table beside us. Love is visible in the way they treat each other.
They looked so good together.
I made the mistake of looking at Xyrus' table and caught him tossing his food aside. I wrinkled my forehead at the thought, the
food's really delicious.
As if sensing my gaze, he looked at me and I immediately faced my food instead, taking another bite. I didn't dare to wander my
eyes again.
I finished my food almost instantly and was reaching for the desert when a bam was heard, sending plates clattering at the floor
with shattered pieces of the glass table.
A series of gasp and murmurs filled the air as everyone including me stared at the offender. It was Ehren.
She has a hateful glare directed at me, her nose flaring like the wild beast she is inside. Ehren was fuming and shaking. Carter,
Ehren's chosen reached for her but she pushed him off.
She stormed to me and Elony stood in front of me but I tapped her shoulder and nodded at her, letting her know I got this. She
hesitated but stood beside me.
" What is it, Ehren? "