The Golden Goddess

Chapter Three

Izzy's POV

When I woke up, I was back in the cave; the torch and small candles I lit were still burning strong, leading me to believe I had left for no longer than thirty minutes. It felt like days. The cozy glow from the Goddess's presence was still radiating off my skin, so I knew it wasn't simply a dream or a figment of my imagination. No matter how hard I tried to reason away what just unfolded, I knew it was all too real.

"I do not blame you for your mistrust, seeing how you have been treated until now. Be that as it may, you must stop questioning the Goddess and the path she carved for you, before you bring her wrath upon us." Aurora sternly reminded me.

"I'm not questioning her, just wondering if that was real or not." I argued, "And besides it's not like it was a very helpful conversation. She gave me more questions than answers. I was confused by her actions before, but now I feel completely lost. I mean the things she said made it seem like I knew nothing of myself. Like my life is a lie."

"Let me ask you a question Izzy." Aurora began, "Do you know much about your history and your family?"

I frowned, "You mean other than the fact that Jessica is a b***h and Chadwick has no spine, no. I wasn't allowed to learn about our family within the pack. I never felt bonded, probably. Jessica thought it was a waste, since she was sure I would leave after graduating, and I agreed. Why learn about a family, when all they want from you is to disappear?"

"I had figured as much, but needed to make sure before I explain a few things told to me before meeting you. You see Izzy, those poor excuses for wolves are not your true family. I don't know the details, but I know that for sure. It is the reason, probably, as to why they treat you as an outsider and the pack too." She said.

I tried to pretend to be surprised, but the more I thought about the possibility, the more it all made sense. I was the only in my family with tight brown curls and hazel eyes. My hands shot to my head, searching for the small strand of blonde tucked away in my curls. I had a single blonde curl, tucked away in the underside of my hair. It was just above my neck, and had always seemed out of place. The rest of my family was straight and silver, almost white if it caught the sun at just the right angle. In fact, most of the pack sported White mixed with blonde hair. Karma and I were the only standouts.

"Ok if that's true, why wouldn't Jessica say anything? She wouldn't just sit on a fact that painful." I asked.

"Probably because Alpha Koda ordered them to take you in keep it a secret. I don't know the reason behind it, but obviously it has something to do with us and you being the key and all." She guessed, licking a patch of fur under her front leg.

"I will tell you the same thing I told her. I am not a key. I just want a peaceful simple life. We have already been through enough: the rejection of our family, our mate, and our pack. Why would I put us in danger, just to save the ones who loathed us along?" I growled.

I could see her eyes flash with anger, as I finished speaking, but I could also see understanding and empathy the more she thought about my side. I could see her wolf, still under a blanket of thin smoke, outstretched on the ground. Her head laying on her front legs. I could tell she was annoyed with my stubbornness and unwillingness to accept my so-called "fate". I didn't want to think about the terrible memories from before; I just wanted to focus on my new life I was attempting to set up.

"How about we get through the first shift. I can't imagine you are too thrilled to stay up in my head the whole night " I said, attempting to change the subject to something more positive.

She sat up, yawning and stretching her hind legs, "Very well. It would be nice to run around and see if there is anything to eat around here."

A low rumble from my stomach answered her in agreement. So much had taken place in a span of only a few hours, that I had forgotten all about food. I glanced around the cave; not only didn't I prepare food, most of the comforts of home were still missing from here. I could only sneak away once a month if I was lucky most of the time; during those trips, I would bring simple items like candles, bowls, cutlery, and other unnoticeable things that would be hard to get out here. In fact, I still needed a bed and a fresh source of water.

"Well how about I focus on catching dinner and you can think of a way to locate fresh water?" Aurora offered.

I nodded, making my way back to the cave entryway. I pushed past the valley line, and it all seemed surreal. The colors were vibrant, the scents were vivid and powerful, even the breeze seemed to be deafening at times as I ran. I could hear Aurora chuckling in my head as I made my way to a clearing. I had hoped to use this place as a garden in the future, but it seemed that dream was slowly fading away from my grasp.

"Izzy, please stop thinking of your destiny as a negativity. You should be honored; not everyone gets to speak to the Goddess or be chosen to carry out her will." She whined.

I rolled my eyes, "You would be a little untrusting too if you had heard the conversation we had. She was cryptic instead of straightforward. Why do you think that is? I'll tell you why, because something is being left out. A major issue is being hidden from me, which makes me weary of accepting."

"Goddess be praised. She must have her reasons. Either she is unaware of the path ahead, or it may change based on your choices." Aurora attempted to persuade me.

"Well either way, she made one thing perfectly clear; we are to take a couple of days and get to know each other. On that note, I will attempt to look at things in a more positive light." I proposed, hoping that it would end this line of discussion for the moment.

"I under what you are attempting to do Izzy, but I will agree for now " She said, pushing forward past the fog and finally into view.

I had to squint my eyes just to keep them safe from the overwhelming bright glow, shinning off her. When they settled, I was rendered speechless. I couldn't pull my gaze from Aurora as she crept closer, unsure of what my emotions were not that I blamed her. Hell, I couldn't tell you what I was feeling. She was magnificent; her fur was solid gold in color. It was as if the Sun God himself wiped his hands across her.

Claws as white as snow, but for as sharp as they were, they were equally beautiful. She was bigger than the average she-wolf. Length and muscle wise, but it only enhanced her elegance when she walked. I felt pride flowing through me, as I sat face to face with her.

"You're beautiful." I muttered, surprised I had found my voice so soon.

"Thank you Izzy, but I am a complete representation of you. I knew you were beautiful, pure hearted, and kind. I knew you would show me the love that only a gentle person could. I was worried the Goddess would give me to someone who would use my beauty for benefits, but once she showed me you, I knew we would be the best of friends." She explained, never breaking eye contact with me.

"Wait, so the wolves get to choose what human form they belong to?" I questioned never having ever heard of such a thing before.

"Well not exactly... I'm kind of a unique case." She said unwilling to expand on the matter anymore.

"How are we suppose to bond, if you keep things to yourself?" I said in disappointment, "The Goddess told me to choose who was worth to trust, and if I can't even trust my own wolf it is going to be a bumpy road."

Her paws gently brushed against my hands, warming me instantly. I slowly glanced up, afraid like a child about to be scolded by their mother, locking her eyes with mine. I watched anxiously as she sig

"First let's shift, then I'll tell you more about me." She weakly smiled.

I nodded, a little upset but I understood she needed to gather her thoughts. I couldn't blame her for being extra careful. I hadn't taken anything thrown at me tonight with the greatest confidence, but for her I was willing to try an think of it as a positive. I was stuck with Aurora, and she with me.

I stepped out from behind the tree naked ready for Aurora to talk me through the change over. I wasn't going to lie and say I wasn't nervous; I was terrified, but I put on a brave face for her. She said that the transformation was going to be painful, but only for a few moments After changing a couple times, it would be as easy and natural as slipping into a pair of pants. I relaxed my body and mind, as Aurora began instructing me.

I saw a gold trail, tethering the two of us, as we walked towards one another in my mind. As we crossed by one another, I felt my bones snapping and twisting. My flesh tore away, exposing golden fur. My nose soon replaced with an elongated snout. My teeth were now canines ready to tear and snap of any danger lurking in the night's shadow. I sat back in my head, peeking out at the world through her eyes. No wonder she had a positive she had a positive outlook, from her point of view the world was vivid and inviting. The trees around us danced in the small breeze, beckoning us to join them.

"You're even more amazing out and about Aurora." I praised.

"Thank you Izzy. I am very excited to show you what I am capable of. I'm hoping you will then have faith in me, knowing that ai would never allow you to be hurt again. You will stand tall and the lead the Goddess's children to their true path, and away from the hurt and pain they are currently suffering." She rejoiced.

I felt her confidence in her voice. She honestly believed that I could somehow unite and lead them; me, the girl who was left by her parents, abused by her adoptive parents, and rejected by her fated mate. I turned away, afraid she would sense the doubt written all over me. I was not yet convinced by the Goddess's message, but she embodied it with open arms.

"Maybe.... but for now how about rabbit stew for dinner? I think I saw a stream around here last time I came. If you catch the meat, I think I can manage the rest." I said, swiftly dodging the conversation and commitment she was hoping for.