Before the Ritual

The weight of Sylvia's words hung in the air, suffocating, undeniable.

Tina's fingers curled into fists. Her shoulders trembled...not with anger, but something far more fragile.

Fear.

Matilda saw it. Felt it.

For the first time in weeks, she wasn't the only one carrying an unbearable weight.

Tina swallowed, hard. Then, without another word, she yanked the door open and disappeared down the corridor, her footsteps echoing against the stone floors.

A long silence stretched between the remaining girls.

Nora shifted uncomfortably. "Well, that was dramatic," she muttered.

Lynda sighed. "Nora, seriously?"

Sylvia, however, wasn't watching the door. Her gaze had drifted back to Matilda.

"You saw it too, didn't you?" she asked softly.

Matilda didn't respond.

She didn't need to.

Sylvia already knew the answer.

For a moment, the room was filled with a heavy silence. The tension was almost tangible, like an unspoken truth hanging between them.

Sylvia didn't push further. She simply nodded, as if understanding something unspoken.

"I will take that as yes," she murmured.

Matilda's fingers tightened, but she said nothing.

Lynda and Nora exchanged glances.

"What are you two talking about?" Nora asked, her curiosity, fully piqued.

Sylvia took a final glance at Matilda, but Matilda merely turned away, picking at the hem of her blanket.

Nora frowned, clearly disappointed. She had been eager to get answers, but no one wanted to talk. She turned to Lynda.

"Lynda, what..."

But Lynda glared at her, her brows furrowing, "Let it rest, Nora."

Nora huffed but refused to back down. "At least I know now, why Tina has been such a pain in the ass. It all stems from her past… hmm."

"We should get some sleep," Lynda reminded them. "Our peaceful days are coming to an end."

The room fell into a thoughtful silence.

They all knew what she meant, except for Matilda.

Soon, the nights would no longer be quiet. A series of events awaited them... events that would keep them awake, nights that would test their endurance.

They all feared those days. But it couldn't be helped.

One by one, they climbed onto their beds.

Just as Matilda settled in, Sylvia suddenly turned toward her.

"How are you doing?" Sylvia asked, her voice softer this time.

The room grew still, the question hanging between them.

Matilda turned her head slightly, meeting Sylvia's gaze. Her expression remained neutral.

Seconds stretched. Then, at last, she spoke.

"Fine."

One word.

But to the girls who had been pretending to sleep, it meant everything.

Nora flung her blanket off, sitting up in shock.

Lynda turned her head, equally stunned. Even Sylvia, who rarely reacted to anything, showed surprise.

Matilda, however, remained unperturbed. She simply lay down and closed her eyes.

"Don't look at me like that, guys. It's creepy," she muttered.

Sylvia gave a small nod. "Okay. But it's good to know you're fine."

The room remained still for a moment longer. Then, Matilda exhaled softly, the tension in her shoulders easing just a bit.

"I know I've been... difficult." Her voice was quiet, almost hesitant.

She opened her eyes, glancing at them briefly before lowering her gaze. After a brief pause, she added, "Sorry."

She didn't explain further because she didn't need to.

Though they were surprised, relief settled over them. After weeks of shutting them out, she had finally spoken.

Their Matilda was still here.

And with that thought, they drifted off to sleep.

The Next Morning

As agreed, Matilda resumed work the following day.

The pack was alive with activity, and preparations for the ceremony were in full swing. A subtle note of excitement and tension filled the air.

The ceremonial grounds were adorned with torches and sacred markings, while the kitchen staff prepared the special meals to be served afterward. The pack elders oversaw the arrangements, ensuring everything was in place.

Participants were required to submit their names so the shaman could take note of them.

Unexpectedly, five names stood out on the list; Matilda, Sylvia, Lynda, Nora, and Tina.

They would all be participating.

But they weren't the only ones.

Other young girls from the Omega quarters had also been listed.

When Madam Tera submitted the final list to the shaman, his brows furrowed. He studied the names before glancing up at her.

"Are you sure this is accurate?" His tone carried skepticism.

Madam Tera gave a firm nod. "I am sure,"

The shaman exhaled deeply, his gaze lingering on the long list in front of him.

"Madam Tera… this number is too large."

Madam Tera crossed her arms, an amused glint in her eyes. "A few of them didn't participate last year because of what happened," she said, giving him a knowing look. "And many more came after the last ceremony."

The shaman's frown deepened as he compared the list to previous years. The number of names from actual pack members was barely half of what was written.

"These numbers are unusual," he muttered, rubbing his temple.

Madam Tera chuckled at his stunned expression.

"I felt the same when I took note," she admitted. "But rules are rules. The ceremony must go on. Alpha Richard has given his word."

The shaman exhaled, finally giving a resigned nod.

"Then let's hope the moon favors them all tonight."