4. In between Fate and Reality

My eyes shot open, sweat dripping down my forehead. My vision blurred, and my head throbbed. "Audra!" My dad's voice reached me—muffled at first, then clearer. "Audra!" A firm shake jolted me back to reality. My breath came in shallow gasps as I tried to ground myself. My hand instinctively went to my forehead, pulsing with the remnants of the dream. Yet, it hadn't felt like a dream. It felt real. Too real. My fingers brushed against my cheek, the phantom sensation of the wolf's tongue still lingering there. "Are you okay?" Dad asked, his voice laced with concern. "You were screaming… talking in your sleep." I blinked rapidly, forcing myself to focus. "I'm okay. Just a nightmare," I murmured, though the hesitation in my voice betrayed me. His worried gaze didn't waver. "Is this about Mom?" he asked softly, kneeling beside me. His eyes searched mine for answers.

I hesitated.

I couldn't tell him about the wolf. About how it haunted me—even in sleep.

"Stalker" wasn't even the right word for it.

This was something more. Something deeper. Dad sighed and gently squeezed my hand. "Audra, if you need to talk to someone, we can find a therapist. I know this is a lot—new house, new school, new everything. And with your mom in the hospital… it's understandable." I swallowed, nodding. He wasn't wrong. Nightmares weren't normal for me. "Yeah, Dad. It's been a big adjustment, but I'll be okay," I said, sliding my hands under my thighs and rocking slightly. I gave him a big, reassuring smile. I wasn't just trying to convince him—I was trying to convince myself. His expression remained uncertain, but he exhaled slowly, releasing a hint of relief. "Alright. Just remember, I'm here for you." He stood with a forced cheerfulness. "Now, come on. Help us with the furniture. We found some great stuff." I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding and followed him outside. We spent the next hour hauling in furniture and the rest of the day organizing it throughout the house. Finally, my room no longer felt empty—it felt like home. Dad and Kai helped assemble my new bed frame—a stunning, hand-carved canopy bed with deep wood tones. Sheer forest-green drapes cascaded down, complementing the intricate detailing on the headboard and footboard. Matching side tables and a handcrafted storage ottoman completed the set. For the first time since moving here, my room felt whole. Dinner was quiet, the house settling into its newfound warmth. After eating, I cleaned the kitchen, then retreated upstairs. Perched by the window, I gazed at the endless stretch of stars. With a sigh, I picked up my book and continued where I had left off.

Then—I heard it.

The low rumble of distant thunder.

Excitement surged through me, temporarily washing away the weight pressing down on my thoughts. Forgetting everything else, I bolted through the house toward the back door.

I made it just in time.

The first droplet kissed the rooftop. Then the rain came—falling harder with each passing second. I smiled and settled onto the swing, rocking gently as the storm unfolded around me. The rhythmic patter of raindrops against the earth always made me feel alive. Rejuvenated. I opened my book again, losing myself in the story while the storm wrapped around me like a comforting embrace. By the time the rain stopped, I was calm.

Peaceful.

At ease.

I reached a stopping point, set the book down, and stared out at the now-clear sky.

It was so beautifully… still. Finally, I pushed myself up from the swing and stepped back inside, twisting the lock behind me. Slowly, I made my way up the stairs. They groaned softly beneath my weight. In my room, I changed into pajamas and climbed into bed, slipping into sleep almost immediately.

But it didn't last.

A low, guttural growl jolted me from slumber. My stomach twisted. I yanked off the covers and crept to the window. Dread pooled in my veins. Golden yellow eyes stared back at me. I didn't hesitate. I needed to know why this wolf kept appearing. What it wanted. I raced downstairs, not bothering with shoes or a jacket. The second I stepped outside, cold air hit my bare skin and soaked the soles of my feet. I inhaled sharply. My eyes locked onto the wolf. It didn't move. He only watched me. Then, with one swift turn, he ran And I followed. I wasn't sure why. There was no logic in it—only instinct. My body moved on its own, chasing him down the dark path through the trees. The air felt electric. Charged. Each step cut my feet on sharp sticks and jagged stones, but I didn't care.

I just needed to see where he was leading me. We reached the waterfall. The same one from before. The same glowing, dreamlike lake. What was the significance of this place? The wolf leapt into the crystal water, then turned back—watching. Waiting. Expecting. I stepped forward, dipping my toes into the icy lake.

My heart pounded.

I held his gaze.

Then—he moved. Faster than I could react, he sprinted past me, growling, snarling, snapping his razor-sharp teeth. Before I could process what was happening, something slammed into me from behind. I crashed into the water, face-first, cold engulfing me, my body pinned beneath an unseen force. Panic exploded in my chest.

I couldn't move.

Couldn't breathe.

A strangled gasp escaped as I thrashed against it—and then the pressure vanished. I broke the surface with a desperate gasp, coughing and splashing as I looked around. The dusty brown wolf had knocked a gray wolf off me. The two clashed in the water, snarling, snapping, clawing. Their rage echoed across the lake.

Then—pain.

Sharp and searing.

My head pulsed.

My vision blurred.

Dark red blood clouded the water around me. My blood. I had hit a rock—sharp, jagged, jutting from beneath the surface. It was stained with crimson. My hands trembled as I reached up and felt the sticky warmth of blood trickling down my scalp. I tried to move. To stand. But the world tilted. My legs gave out. Black spots danced before my eyes.

"No… no…"

Darkness swallowed me.

I shot upright in bed with a scream, drenched in sweat. My breaths came in ragged gasps as I clutched my pounding head. Less than a minute later—"Audra!" Dad burst into the room, the door hitting the stopper. Kai followed close behind. "Are you hurt?" Dad demanded, scanning me. "Audra, what's going on? You never used to have nightmares," Kai added, his concern evident. I blinked and brought a trembling hand to my temple. No blood. No wound. Just a dream. A dream so vivid, it felt like I'd lived it. Exhaling sharply, I forced myself to speak. "I'm fine. I just… I think I need to see Mom. Maybe it'll help ease my mind." Dad and Kai exchanged a glance, worry deepening in their eyes. Dad nodded slowly. "Alright. We'll go see her later today. Just… try to rest, okay? Everything's going to be alright." "That sounds good," I lied, trying to reassure them. "Until morning, then." They hesitated at the doorway before finally leaving. Once the door clicked shut, I let out a long, shaky breath. What is happening to me? Why is the wolf everywhere? Haunting me? Pulling me back? I pushed myself out of bed and marched to the window, certain I'd find him waiting again.

But when I looked out…

Nothing.

The space beneath my window was empty. And for the first time, I wasn't relieved. Maybe I really was losing my mind. I rubbed my temples, a new thought creeping in. Maybe I did need a therapist. Not because of Mom—but because of what happened yesterday. I was driving myself insane keeping it bottled up. With a sigh, I collapsed back onto my pillow and shut my eyes.

Sleep didn't come easily.

And even then, I knew…

It wouldn't be dreamless.