Marianne

Chapter 1

8 years later

Mari’s Point of View

            I stood just within the woods watching the sun slowly set. I knew that Lynx and Nina would be mad that I would be late for supper, but for the past month, I’ve felt something calling me towards the western borders. I shake my head and turned around. I started running at a brisk pace. At 18 I had not yet changed. Although I was worried about that fact, no one else seemed to be. Nina told me that it would happen on its own, but I wasn’t convinced. I was the only girl in my senior class to not have changed.  

            As it grew darker, I ran faster. By the time the house came into view, I was out of breath. As I turned to get one last glance of the sunset, I felt a twinge of sadness shoot through me. I missed my old house on the edge of town. But since the day that Lynx had found me in my little tree house, not once had I gone beyond the town limit. I guess deep down within me, I was scared that the Mutts would find me and kill me. I knew it was foolish, seeing as how the Mutt pack had been killed a week later when they tried to attack another family that lived out of town.

            I caught my breath and walked in. “Nina, Lynx, I’m back. Sorry I missed supper.” I called out as I headed to the kitchen to get me some water. “Mari, please come into the den.” Nina called. Sighing, I place my empty glass on the counter and make my way to the den. I couldn’t tell by her voice how mad she was about me missing supper. Plastering a small smile on my face that I didn’t feel, I stepped into the den. Sitting on the couch were both Nina and Lynx. I let the fake smile drop as I lowered my head.

            I could feel the weight of their stares on me as I just stood there, my head down as a sign of respect. “Mari, first off, you’re not in trouble.” Nina started off. She looked over at Lynx and then back at me. “Honey, we’re just worried about you. This is the fourth week this month that you’ve been late, or have completely missed supper. This isn’t like you. If you’re in trouble, you can talk to us.” I keep my eyes down as she talks. I want to tell them, but I’m not sure of what to say. I don’t know how to describe what I have been feeling lately to them. Especially when I don’t know what seems to be pulling me to the western border.

            I keep turning the problem over and over in my mind. Not until Lynx calls my name do I realize that I haven’t said a word to them. Looking up at Nina, I give her a weak smile. “I, uh, I’ve had a lot on my mind lately. I’m 18 and I still haven’t changed yet.” I blurt out. Then, almost in a whisper, I add, “And on top of that, for a month, I’ve felt this pull to go to the western borders. I stop at the park and just stare that way, watching the sun set.” I wasn’t sure they heard that part until I felt Nina hugging me.

            “Lynx, we have to tell her.” Nina said as she held me tightly. “It’s time she knew.” Lynx stood up and walked to us. Placing his arm on mine, he said, “Come walk with me Mari. There’s something you must know. And it’s going to take a while to tell it all.” I glanced back at Nina as Lynx and I walked out the door. She just stood there watching us, tears glistening in her eyes.