Fail

[ 16 years had passed. ]

Red, a symbol of the Werewolf Fire Clan.

Different hues of red could be seen in their eyes and hair as a symbol that they belong in the Fire Clan but as Chika grows up, there's no sign of it. Her hair is pitch black and her eyes are in the shade of honey.

Even Chieftain Alara started to doubt if she was really from the Fire Clan but trusted the Moon Goddess and her instinct as well.

Growing up, Chika was raised by the Chieftain as her own pup. Showing all the kindness with no cruelty makes her become naive to the world.

While the other werewolves her age are training how to fight to defend themselves, Chika was stuck with paper works and helping Chieftain Alara manage the pack.

Even though Chika wanted to learn how to fight, she was forbidden but sometimes Chara, the co-leader teaches her basic moves in secret.

Every wolf on their sixteenth birthday started to shift into their wolf form and they can search for their mates since they can smell their scent.

As for Chika, she will turn 16 at midnight and they're busy preparing for her transformation as it's basically the most painful they'll ever experience for the first time. Shifting into the wolf form means breaking your bones and muscles and it formed into another structure. It could last for about 30 minutes to an hour depending on the transformation of an individual.

"How're your preparations, Chika?"

Chieftain Alara appeared behind Chika who's eating some snacks in the living room while lying comfortably on the sofa.

"Mom! Yes, the preparations are ready and I already took medicine to ease the pain later."

Chika replied and nearly knock off her snack when she stands up to face her mom. Chieftain Alara smiled softly and caress Chika's face.

"I have something to tell you after your birthday, so enjoy the rest of the day before the night will come."

Chieftain Alara patted Chika's shoulder and went away, leaving Chika confused but she only shrugged it off as she continue lazing around.

The sun slowly steps down as the moon rises up in the sky. Around 11:55 pm, Chika is already in the middle of the clearing with Chieftain Alara and Chara to assist her and run with her wolf after the shifting.

"Remember to relax and let your body do its job."

Chieftain Alara smiled while trying to hide her concern while Chara keeps on encouraging Chika to the fullest.

"Yes!"

[11:59 PM]

1 minute left till the first shifting begins. Chika's heart beats so fast in both nervousness and excitement to the new part of her life that will be unlocked.

[12:00 AM]

Chika keeps looking at her hands but nothing have changed and she didn't feel any pain in any parts of her body.

[12:05 - 12:10 AM]

At this time, it's considered late for the shifting but they are still hoping that Chika's transformation is only delayed by a few minutes.

[1:00 AM]

The clear night sky becomes cloudy as raindrops slowly fall from the sky, hitting Chika's cheeks. They felt devastated and confused as to why she couldn't shift.

"My dear, let's go back home," Chieftain Alara went and cover Chika with a blanket that she prepared beforehand to prevent her from getting wet.

Chika didn't say anything and only nodded her head while letting her mother assist her as they go back to the house. Chara stayed behind while watching the two walk away, a smile formed on her lips and looks up to the bright moon shining above.

"Ah! I wonder what will happen next, Moon Goddess."

***

Chieftain Alara is currently wiping Chika's wet hair with a dry towel as they both stayed silent but the heaviness they felt is still there.

Alara keeps thinking that perhaps she's wrong about Chika's birthday and it might be after a few days but she's sure that it was that day.

"Let's wait for a couple more days, maybe your shifting is delayed." Chieftain Alara whispered and kissed Chika's head to comfort her.

"Mom, do you have something to tell me?" Chika turn to the side and look at her mother with sad eyes that Alara couldn't help but feel guilty about.

With a heavy sigh, Chieftain Alara sits down in front of Chika and took out the necklace from her pocket, it was the one that she found with Chika when she was still a baby.