Chapter 25 Unhappy
ZORA
Everything was familiar as I walked. Nothing seemed to have changed. The stalls were still there, a playground I used I visit alone, the public toilet my sister once locked me in for hours before proceeding to tell our parents I ran away from home.
Different memories seared through my head as I continued walking down the pathway that led to my family's house.
Every fiber in my being screamed to turn back, but this was going to happen sooner or later.
What would they do if they saw me? Would they be glad I came back home?
They've surely heard the Alpha had me, why didn't they come for me? Was it fear of the Alpha?
I reached the front yard.
I inhaled deeply, walking even slower. Nothing really changed except from renovations to the bush that used to be outside. Now it's green lush grass. The house paint was changed too.
I saw someone close the curtain on the second floor.
I did another inhale and exhale, then knocked on the door.
Three consecutive knocks. It was how we used to differentiate family from outsiders.
The front door opened, revealing our housekeeper.
She beamed at me, her eyes flashing in surprise, "Zora!!!" She squealed, pulling me into her frail old arms, "How are you here?"
I shrugged, "I came visiting and thought I'd come say hi."
"Where have you been? Where are you staying?"
"The Alpha was kind enough to accommodate me." I told her, biting back a smile.
Sheryl was always there for me and practically raised me herself. She's been with my family even before I was born after her mate died suddenly.
"Come on in, I'm sure everyone would be happy to see you. You came at the right time. They are doing a death remembrance of you. I can imagine the shock and relief on their faces when they see you ."
I smiled back, it was hard not to share in her excitement, "You said death remembrance?"
Nobody has heard from you after you ran away almost nine years ago, they assumed you're dead. There was no way you could have survived in the woods."
"What happened after I left?" I asked, remembering Ryker definitely mentioned punishing them.
Sheryl shrugged, "The luna, Goddess bless her soul, she spoke to the Alpha on behalf of your sister, Julie, to spare your family."
I gaped at her, "just like that?"
Sheryl smiled, "The Alpha must have really loved her."
A pang of jealousy hit me on the chest. He rejected me for her, and she had him in the palm of her hands thanks to my sister.
Now she's dead and well, my sister, I hoped she's suffering from an incurable sickness.
"Do you know what happened to the Luna? How she died?" I questioned
"They said she was sick."
"You don't believe them." I stated.
She snorted, "I know you might hate to hear this, but the Luna had a really good relationship with your sister. She made your sister her personal maid."
The bond curled in disgust, it was angry at Sheryl. I had to fist my hands by my side as a precaution. I had a feeling that if I didn't do that, I'd smash Sheryl's head before I realized it.
"That doesn't say anything about her death." I interrupted, I don't want to hear anything about the former Luna.
"She was here one say, having dinner with us and laughing around the table and the next day she's dead? It doesn't make any sense. Your family was really devastated. Your sister, Julie, had to seek help to get over the Luna’s death."
Okay, Sheryl really needs to stop talking before I snap.
The former Luna had a nice relationship with my family than I ever did. They accepted her and treated me as an outcast.
"Where are they?" I asked
"They are all in the dining room at the backyard. I'm sure you still know your way around here."
I suddenly felt afraid of going to face them alone, "where are you going?"
"I need to prepare a room for you , incase you are staying over."
"No, I'm not." I said quickly, quietly begging her to accompany me.
"I'll prepare dinner for you then." She grinned, "you are staying for that."
Before I could reply, she had already disappeared.
I took in a deep breath and went to the dining room.
As I walked closer, I could hear their laughter and the classical music playing underneath.
Was this how a death remembrance is supposed to be?
I opened the door and walked in.
The laughter became scattered and finally died down. The room was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.
"Hello." I murmured softly.
Julie's face morphed from surprise to anger, "What are you doing here? I can't believe your ghost is even here to torment us."
I narrowed my eyes at her, "I'm not dead, and don't you think the anger is coming from the wrong direction? I'm the victim here. You lied and accused me of what I didn't do, tell me, what did she give you? Did she pay you enough money that it was worth it, selling your own flesh and blood out, or were the both of you just miserable?"
A cold water splashed on my face.
I directed my tear filled angry eyes at whoever it was and found my mother holding an empty glass cup and staring at me viciously.
"I won't let you taint Grace's memory. She's not the evil person you claim her to be. You didn't know her, so shut that mouth of yours and respect the dead!"
"Mum!!" I screamed, my eyes burning, "I'm not even asking for forgiveness, I don't even blame the former Luna. Ask Julie to say the truth. That's all I want."
She shook her head, staring at me as if I was the one with the problem.
"Can't you take my side for once?" I asked, my voice breaking.
"You should have just stayed dead."