Chapter 4: Into the Light

“You’ve never quite told me about your origins,” Aeliana said, turning toward Raina.

“Well, it’s a bit more complicated for me than it has been for you,” Raina quipped back. “I could very well show you, but I’m not sure if it would speak to you or not. I’m not entirely sure that you would comprehend the depth of suffering that it took me in order to move past all of this, to properly birth you. But you’re more than welcome to hear my side of the story.”

Raina growled gutturally back at Aeliana. Aeliana knew that she had to relent her grip on Jacques if she was ever going to move forward with her newfound life with her mother, as one family once and for all. But somehow, she just sensed that he would make his way back to her no matter what.

“Let me show you. I think that would be far more effective and helpful to you than if I were to merely recite a story from memory. Besides, I think you might even find it a bit enchanting.”

Wondering what her mother could possibly mean by that, Aeliana decided that it might be best for her to at least give her a shot, a chance for Raina to prove herself, even after she had endured all those years of harsh neglect and abuse.

And, in less than the blink of an eye, before Aeliana could mount herself on her mother’s back once more- she was whisked away to a world of a whirlwind of beauty, in a torrent of pain, and what seemed to be a black hole of undulating, unending vibrations.

Aeliana could feel herself enduring a panicked sensation from deep within her chest. Her entire world was blacking out….

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She wasn’t sure how much time had passed. All she knew was that she was in very unfamiliar territory, and couldn’t quite fathom how she had gotten here. It seemed like all of an eternity had gone by before she finally had the chance to properly speak with her mother.

“So where are we going now?”

But Raina was intently focused on something that entirely escaped Aeliana’s mind and heart.

Until, that is, the image of two creatures manifested right before her very eyes.

She recognized them almost instantly, as soon as she observed them. But she almost didn’t want to admit it.

It was Faye and Jacques, standing there, eye to eye, with some kind of unknown magical creature in their midst. They were standing there, examining it, seeming to be carrying on in deep conversation with it.

“Hello?” Aeliana lightly shouted above Jacques and Faye’s whispers amongst each other. Although their voices weren’t too terribly loud, Aeliana had always felt that she had transcendent levels of hearing that far surpassed that of a “typical” Sun Goddess of her kin.

She truly just desired answers. No matter how difficult it was for her, she wanted to feel some semblance of peace or verification that her worst fears would no longer come true.

But it appeared as though the further that she looked upon Faye and Jacques, and asserted herself toward them…

The more that she was ignored and avoided. But she had no idea why this would be the case.

“Are you sure they can see and hear me?” Aeliana confusedly turned to her mother.

“They cannot.” Much to Aeliana’s surprise, Raina provided an answer for her. But she wanted more than this.

“I want to know what they’re discussing,” Aeliana disgustedly looked at her mother, wondering how he could possibly know what was actually going on here.

“It’s of no importance to you. They’ll show you as soon as they are ready.”

“What do you mean?” Aeliana asked. “I have a very hard time believing that.”

“They haven’t been able to hear you for quite some time.”

“But why?” Aeliana flapped her arms outward in pure exasperation, certain that they would have to notice her as time went on.

“Come with me.” Raina motioned for Aeliana to join her on her back so that she would no longer be left alone, in the dark. For although Aeliana was indeed a Sun Goddess, she knew full well that her mere mother would always be far stronger.

“Where are you taking me?” Aeliana found herself whispering, though she knew that there was no valid reason for her to do so. For some reason, she simply felt that these moments were almost too sacred to ruin with any type of sound.

“You will see. I believe that it will help you to further understand.”

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“I wish….”

The pained echoes of Aeliana feasted her eyes upon the long ago forsaken confines of the craggy cave in which she now remained. Oh, how she longed to empty herself of the misery that she had always held from deep within her soul.

Gazing upon the outer edges of each stalactite and stalagmite that presently surrounded her, she came to an abrupt realization in her mind: that, although this place appeared to be eternal, it was nothing but temporary to the world. Crying softly to herself, she could feel the tears drenching her fur body in nothing but pure anguish. Wondering if or when she would ever meet someone, whether werewolf or God, who could truly understand her nature as it was.

Cold and stained with blood, she continued to bemoan her mere existence, as she attempted to sever some of her skin so as to release the agony somehow.

But suddenly, a much bolder, fiercer-looking creature--what appeared to be a wolf—made his way toward her, seemingly from out of nowhere.

“What’s wrong?” The wolf asked, a look of concern plastered across his face.

“Hi… I’m Aeliana,” the Sun Goddess muttered unintelligibly, closing her eyes. Then she quickly opened her eyes, allowing herself to be enchanted by the sheer beauty of the Alpha wolf.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Jacques.” As Aeliana continued to stare at him, he went on to explain, “It means ‘supplanter’ in French.”

Taking Aeliana out from beyond the shadows, Jacques placed her upon the shining brilliance of his wolverine back. He brought her out directly into the sunlight, where both enchanting mischief and dormant fear lay.