Chapter 2
Astrid's POV
There was no way I wouldn't remember those eyes or that mouth that looked exactly like mine. Nor the voice. It had natured over the years but I still recognised it. I had always thought about how she would look if she had grown up, sketching different aspects of her and here she was standing in front of me, healthy and alive.
"Clara.." I said in shock.
She frowned. "Do I know you?"
What? Did she not remember me? Could it be that she had forgotten who I was? I shook my head. There was no need to jump to conclusions just yet.
"It's me, Astrid." I said to her,
Her frown deepened. "I do not know anyone by that name." She said to me,
The fact that she didn't remember who I was made me frozen from shock and also fear. How does she not remember me? How was that possible?
"It's me, your sister. Your twin sister." I said to her in an effort to get her to recognise me.
But instead she turned to Leon. "Honey, I don't know what she's talking about. I have a headache and she's making it worse with all her shouting."
I stood frozen in shock. What? I was shouting? My gaze washed over every other person in the room. Most had smirks in their face enjoying the fact that I was diagracing myself I was sure. But I knew what I was talking about.
I had left the wildthorn pack when I was seven years old, a few months after Clara had died. I was the reason for Clara's death. I knew that and everyone in the wild thorn pack knew that also. I still remember that day like it was ingrained in my brain.
My father had been in a meeting just like this one and I thought it was the best time to explore. Clara hadn't been as adventurous as I was. She was shy and loved following the rules while I was bold and disobedient, according to my father.
But I was able to convince her to explore the forbidden forest with me. A forest that everyone had been warned not to step foot into. But I was ready to explore and I had heard there was a beautiful river that sparkled like jewels. I had heard the older kids talk about it. They had gone into the forest and that was what gave me the courage to try to venture into the forest.
And it wouldn't have been the first time that someone was entering the forbidden forest. We'd do it like how the older kids did it. But things took a turn for the worse. I had been so caught up with admiring the river I did not pay any attention to Clara. She wasn't athletic, she was more of a delicate flower. She loved playing with dolls more than playing outside. I should have paid more attention to her. I should have known something would go wrong. She slipped on a rock and went tumbling into the river which although beautiful, had a very high current.
I still remember how I had first frozen in shock before moving. Trying to get her out as she screamed for help. I still remember how I had tried to extend a branch to her to get her out of the river but instead I had fallen on a nearby rock hitting my head, making me bleed profusely. I still remember the pain that shot through my legs and how short of air I was as I ran back to my father to get him to rescue her.
The disappointed look he gave me and how his shoulders slumped when days turned into weeks and weeks into months when nothing except for Clara's bloody dress was found. I still remember the night I left, when he told me it should have been me instead of Clara. She was the better half, I knew that. Which was why I tried to do everything she would have normally done. I stopped playing with friends and started reading more. Trying to be as knowledgeable as my sister. But no matter what I did, it wasn't enough. I remember how my father had thrown a bottle of alcohol at me, cussing at me. And I still remember how I ran from the pack at seven.
How I had ran back to the forest to search for Clara myself before giving up when I couldn't find her. The way I cried and prayed relentlessly to the moon goddess to help me find her. The way I lingered around in hopes that my father would come searching for me but at the end, I gave up.
I remember everything and just remembering it brought tears to my eyes. But my sister was right here. She was alive. The person I had searched for for years was alive and well in front of me. And she looked extremely beautiful.
"Clara.." I tried again.
Leon growled at me instead, cutting me short. "Someone, take this person out of here."
"W..what?" I stuttered. "Wait, Leon, I just want to speak with her." I said pointing at Clara as two guards held me firmly, dragging me out of the room.
"I just want to speak with her." I cried out hysterically . "Clara, it's me. It's me, Astris. Why do you pretend not to know me?" I cried but she didn't even spare me a look.
This wasn't how everything was supposed to go. This wasn't how things were supposed to turn out.
"You will speak to your Luna with respect." Leon growled out in anger. "Take her away." He said to the men.
"Clara.." I screamed. "Please just talk to me. Clara.."
Just then , the door opened and a person walked in. He was dressed in a suit but the jacket was undone. His forest green eyes locked on mine instantly before taking in the scene before him.
"Well..this is a welcome surprise." He said with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.