CHAPTER 2: Accused

Suddenly, I could run.

 I could lift my legs.

I ran toward the woods nearby in fear, seeking partial covering among the bushes. I was wolfless and worthless in a battle like this.

It had always been this way; the relentless battle between our pack and the enemy. They needed our land, they wanted us gone, but where would we go?

Peace had long eluded our pack. We slept and woke each day in fear. The fear of the unknown, the fear that war might break out even while we were in our homes. I felt downtrodden thinking about the war. Thinking about my family.

Soon, the angry warriors surrounded the square. Their expressions etched with rage, their hands eager to spill blood.

I watched as they searched the area, their bloodshot gazes sweeping the surroundings. My heart quickened in my hiding.

A sharp cry pierced the air. Without even looking, I knew what had happened. 

They had captured one of our members; and plunged a sword through her throat.

Still hidden, I sensed one of the warriors approaching. My heart skipped a beat. I shut my eyes in fear.

Had he seen me?

His footsteps drew closer to where I hid.

 My hands held unto my racing heart.

My body coiling in dread.

Then, the roar of the warriors erupted through the air. His steps retreated immediately.

 I heaved a sigh of relief, though my heart still raced greatly.

Peeking through a gap in the woods, my gaze landed on him. He fought with unmatched strength among the others. His furious roars stretched out with authority and disgust as he cut down every enemy in his path with the edge of his sword.

A quick frown tugged at the corner of my lips as I watched.

 He was so full of himself.

He was none other than Alpha Enzo, the ruthless leader of our pack. I often wondered about the depth of dislike I harbored toward him, even though I had never been close to him. 

That cruel, harsh expression he always wore from a distance whenever I caught sight of him made my heart churn. I never wanted to cross paths with such a brutal personality.

But then, I felt it again, even though my heart had gradually stabilized: those stares of rejection. The mocking compliments, all erupting in my heart once again, made me lower my head. Every single word from the pack members rang in my heart yet again, despite the fierceness of the battle.

Loud roars echoed through the battlefield, growing more intense. It drew my attention again, making me look once more in desperation.

As I watched, my gaze was drawn toward the alpha yet again, despite my attempt to pull it away. It felt as though my gaze were glued to him, maybe because his roar was the loudest among the others.

 Reluctantly, I watched as I saw an arrow aimed in his direction from a great distance. I flinched, almost jumping out of my hiding place, but that was never my business.

A sharp cry escaped my mouth. I didn't realize the force pulling me forward, but then it did.

I found myself hurrying out of my hiding place, moving with a speed I had never imagined.

It happened in a flash. I was already close to the alpha I so despised, despite the crowd of warriors fighting around us.

I looked down in disgust, trying to picture what I was doing here, when I tripped over a body. 

My hands reached for the alpha for support with the same great force, shoving us both to the floor.

I felt something pierce through my skin at that instant…..

*****

"Bring her out! Bring her out here!" The voices echoed in my eardrums, faint and distant.

I blinked, trying to open my eyes, feeling the weight on my eyelids.

I tried once more, this time applying a little more effort, one eye at a time. Slowly, one eye opened, capturing the sight of a swirling curtain hanging in the air.

I tried to figure out where I was, but I couldn't make sense of it, which made me groan slightly. Then the voices outside grew louder, as if thousands of people were calling out at once.

Their voices filled with sorrow, which left me stunned for a moment. 

Were we still in battle?

I slowly opened my other eye, capturing a full glimpse of the dark-shaded curtain that looked almost tattered. The rods it hung from were barely holding up; rusted and ancient.

I rolled my gaze around the room and was met with an even bigger shock.

Nothing seemed familiar. The room was small, cluttered with old, scattered items, including bottles filled with murky liquids and decayed leaves. The stench was greatly disgusting.

I scanned my surroundings. It felt like I was in the middle of nowhere, with no one in sight; except for the unsettling noises outside, which were growing more worrisome by the second.

I turned, attempting to sit upright, but I couldn't. I felt something holding me in my mid section, forcing me to lie back down.

"Ahh," I groaned, pressing my hands to the substance which felt like a rope. 

I trailed my hands over the substance, feeling it stretched from one side of the bed to the other.

I reached for the knots at the end and untied them. Then, I lifted my head and sat upright. A sudden swirl of energy pulled through me, and I felt incredibly light. 

Feeling like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Somehow, I could hear voices; whispers echoing from all corners, filling my ears. Yet I couldn't see their faces.

The intensity was great, forcing me to press my hands over my ears. Realization struck me hard, my mouth agape. Has the Moon Goddess finally heard my cries, blessing me with abilities? I whispered to myself, my hands still wrapped around my ears.

But my question remained unanswered. 

I expected my wolf to speak to me, to call my name as I had heard it usually happened.

That was never the case for me. It never happened.

My joy swiftly turned to despair. 

The noises from outside grew louder. 

Threatening to break through the walls….