Chapter 3-Half-Werewolf

I never knew that. I've never been injured before. So, it's only natural that I never knew about this healing ability. However, if that's the case. This is so good!

I remembered when I was crowned Luna back then. The elders of my pack said that my blue and purple eyes were a sign of prosperity for the Frostfur pack. It was said that this pair of eyes would bring blessings to anyone. Unfortunately, that did not apply to Draven. He and Stromhowl considered it a disgrace and a disaster.

"Eat."

I saw Thalindra carrying some fruit. Her body was now shaped like a circle of mirrors. Only, this mirror was special, as it was made of the water element. It looked beautiful when the sunlight penetrated it and created rainbow colors on the cave wall.

"You are so beautiful."

"Thank you. You are a kind and noble-hearted woman, Seraphine. Get well soon. This forest is very pretty if you want to explore it."

"Me? Explore the cursed forest? Isn't it dangerous?" I asked anxiously.

"You'll never know danger if you never travel. I know you were locked up during your stay with the Stormhowl pack. Not allowed to leave the inner territories. You always wanted to go home, but you were bound by the rules of the treaty. However, you are now free. Your life is yours, Seraphine. Not Draven's anymore."

That's right.

What Thalindra said was the truth. Ever since last night, it's been hard for me to trust anyone, including the spirits in this Doomwood forest.

"Okay."

I quickly ate the fresh fruits. Honestly, I missed the delicious taste of meat. My saliva almost dripped if I remembered the sensation of tearing meat to the bone.

"You can hunt if you want. We allow it."

"You... can read my mind?"

Thalindra didn't answer. However, I was sure that she was. Not wanting to think anything of it, given that I was surrounded by forest spirits, I ate all the food Thalindra gave me.

As I gathered the leftovers, I realized that the water spirits were no longer by my side. In their nature-like form, I couldn't detect them. There was no distinctive odor from them. That was enough to worry me.

"The flood has receded. The rain has stopped. The sun is shining brightly. I... don't feel any threat from other creatures. Yes, I should look around. I will survive until my son is born," I said bracing myself.

I came out of the cave slowly. My dress were still wet, and I didn't want to catch a fever. My fragile human body is very vulnerable and risky. I must learn to change quickly. In wolf form, I was stronger and braver.

I took a deep breath. I mobilized all the power in my chest. I channeled that collection of energy throughout my body. I focused silently.

Transformed!

I could feel the immense power in my body. But, "Argh!"

I collapsed. Turning into a wolf had apparently caused a shock to my womb. I sat down on the grass, rubbing my belly that was growing bigger by the day.

"Ah, what is this? No!"

Fine white hairs appeared on my hands, feet, and chest. I couldn't be a perfect wolf!

Hurriedly, I got up and searched for a puddle to see what I looked like.

"Seraphine."

"Thalindra! Can you be a mirror?"

"Of course."

I saw Thalinda's shape change into a large circle. Soon, the air spirit Aerion seemed to freeze the water. Instantly, the translucent water turned into a large mirror.

"What is this?"

My eyes were wide open. My body was like a human. I... I became a half-wolf who could stand up. This is horrible!

"Why is this?"

I held my long white hair. However, my ears were like a wolf. My face was still human. And me, I have a tail. This shape is unnatural.

"Your energy is not great enough to change yourself completely, Seraphine. You are weak because you are pregnant. Therefore, the healing process in your body takes a long time."

I went limp. I clutched my churning stomach. I could feel my little prince kicking around. He should have been a boon to the flock. But in reality ....

"Do you know the reason Draven slandered you?"

I immediately looked at Lyara who appeared like a small fire near my feet.

"He... did it on purpose? He accused Fenrir!"

"Draven has been planning this for a long time. He was instigated by some groups from other packs. To get rid of you, so he could gather a larger force to defeat Bloodfang. He will marry a Luna from the Silverfang pack, Nymeria. Tonight."

My chest felt tight all at once. I didn't even know about Draven's foul plan. All this time, I thought he loved me. Said he wanted to have a child with me. Turns out ....

"Hargh!"

I was so angry. I vented my sadness, disappointment, and anger by tearing the trunk of the big tree in front of me. As I screamed out loud to express everything, suddenly ....

"Oh!"

What was that just now?

I was transfixed. The big tree that was the target of my rage suddenly fell down. I swallowed. My heart was beating fast.

Did I do it?

How could I?

"You managed to release energy to control the air element, Seraphine. You did great!" praised Aerion, which made me gape.

"Air element?"

I was confused and didn't realize I had done air bending.

"You didn't do it on purpose. You must learn to control it. I'll guide you," Aerion said, making me nervous to answer.

"I... I ...."

"Someone's approaching the forest!"

I immediately turned my head. Yes, I heard the sound of footsteps approaching. I could smell the distinctive odor of the wolf I recognized. A friend who stabbed me in the back. Nymeria.

"Seraphine. I know you have a grudge against your companions. However, if they know you're still alive in this forest, they'll come after you. Even if we protect you, they will always come until you are declared dead," Fenwyn said in his faceless earthman form.

My mind was in turmoil. I wanted to get back at them, but... I also didn't want to jeopardize my baby's life anymore. Until suddenly, I thought of a cunning plan.

"You guys said you would help and protect me, didn't you?"

"We know what you're thinking," Thalindra said, making me smile wryly.

Outside the Doomwood forest.

I saw Nymeria coming in a group with a herd of Stromhowl. I peeked out from behind the shrubs and vines. Talon was with them, but not the Denver trickster.

"Are you sure she didn't come out of this cursed forest?"

I could clearly hear Nymeria's voice as well as her. You are the real traitor, ma'am.

"No one can get out of this forest. Doomwood won't allow anyone who enters it to-- what is it?"

Yes!

I managed to get Talon and the others to head into the forest passage. The path I entered when the flood broke through the forest. I saw their tense faces as mist began to rise from within the forest.

"What happened?" asked Nymeria looking panicked. Yes, it's only right for you to be afraid.

Now is the time!

"Argh! AAAA!"

"T-that's Seraphine!" shouted Talon pointing at his human figure. There was obvious fear on his face.

"Talon! Help!"