MARKED BY THE MOON; SHE WHO SHINES IN BLACK

Dahlia’s POV

Walking the long hallway in Northmont High had always been my nemesis. It was something I never wanted to do, but what choice do I have? As a student, I just have to, unless I would rather not attend classes. Most days, I wished they could ignore me, but they never do, and I guess that's because of my size. I mean, how could you be invisible when you always take up too much space? Apparently, subtlety wasn’t built for size 16 thighs.

Northmont High wasn't a school for girls like me, Dahlia Reed. It was built for bloodlines, glowy skins, and wolves with jawlines sharp enough to cut glass. I cursed the day I set foot into this academy the same way I cursed my stepmom, who had done everything in her power to make sure I had been accepted into Northmont High. Because what better way to show love than throwing your human stepdaughter into a wolf pit with lip gloss? Now I have to walk head down and always pray that no wolf catches the scent of a weak human girl pretending to belong.

Today was one of those bully days, and I could feel it before it even began. The air was strangely awkward, and everything seemed to annoy me, even the creak of the door. Today was supposed to be one of my happiest days because I was going to clock seventeen tomorrow. Yay me. Another year older, still the same daily humiliation.

Whenever I remembered how Grandma used to prepare for my birthday celebration a day before my birthday, I was always filled with so much joy that I could forget to eat all day. Now Grandma has passed away. No longer here to cook my delicious delicacies and stock the fridge with them until my birthday, when I get to consume them all with the few friends I have. Jane and Kate. Oh, I missed them so much. I haven't spoken with them since Grandma died and I was taken in by my stepmom to live with them.

Thud! I collided with someone, and her books went flying around the hallway. I must have been so lost in thought that I didn't realize it until I heard that sound.

“Are you blind? Can't you look up straight while walking?” She spat angrily.

“Sorry girl, the hoodie girl is always walking with her head down.” Another guy said, and they all burst into laughter as if they had been expecting something that would make them laugh for ages. Apparently, I’m the pre-lunch entertainment. Glad to be of service.

“I think it's from her weight. She can't control it.” Another girl spat, which sent another wave of laughter right behind me. I hurriedly picked up the books, handed them to the owner, apologized, and hurried off. Welcome to Northmont High. Population: Predators. Target: Me.

As if I hadn't had enough for the day already, as I sat to eat, I heard a girl