The Luna’s Redemption

LILA The moon shines above us all. The words encrypted on the locket I received from my deceased mother echoed once again as I prowled the forests of the Glassmoon. It’s past midnight, I’m sure and the moon was gigantic, like an enormous silver bowl reflecting ominous light. Growing up in a mystical yet quiet town, I’ve always felt a deep connection with the moon, like it’s calling me. Tonight, I heeded its call. My thin white dress, brown cloak and boots with thin soles aren’t enough to keep me warm. The night is chilly and the forest has its own way of making even the slightest movement of the trees as creepy. Despite that, my feet let me on. Do I have a specific idea where I’m going? Definitely none. I’m only letting my feet take me anywhere. Somewhere it feels to go. Suddenly, I gasped when a tree branch got hold of my olden cloak. I tugged, but it won’t let go. No number of tugs could detach me from the tree. I cursed under my breath, should I scream and ask for help? Will there be someone to help me here? Probably none but it won’t hurt to try. Besides, it’s not like I have other choice. “HELP! Somebody! Is there anyone out there?! I need help, please!” My shouts echoed… but I guess I’ve explored too deep in the forest now that it’s possible none would come to my aid. I sighed. If only I have a pair of scissors or something sharp, I could let myself free. I checked my clothes for anything, but only pulled out petals of dried flowers from the pockets of my dress. Nothing. “Somebody, please! I’m stuck!” It’s hopeless. Until it’s not. I heard movement from behind, a rusting of leaves and crushed twigs. With it, my heartbeat raced. “Who is it?” – the movement got nearer and nearer The nearing movement is all I had as a response. I waited, still trying to tug my cloak away from the branch. It still won’t give in. “Need my help?” I looked up and squinted my eyes. The light from the torchlight the person is carrying almost blinded me. I could not see the person’s face. I could only make out the outline of his or her body. His. It’s a man, I later realized. Tall and muscular. “Yes… please, sir.” The newcomer lowered his torchlight. I looked up to see him. He has raven black hair, sleeked back with powerful facial bone structures. His eyes… even under the moonlight looked like the deepest ocean. My heart skipped a beat. What was that for? Suddenly, his hand went to the small duffel bag attached on his belt. I watched with curious eyes as he pulled out a sharp object. A small boning knife. “What are you-“ “Stay still.” I was quieted. He positioned the knife on my sleeve and moved it back and forth, causing friction to burn and tear my cloak. I gasped when after a few minutes, I could easily move. It’s impressive. He returned the knife back to his bag. Our eyes met for a moment and once again, the weird feeling I had in my chest came back. He looked… familiar. Then, he turned around and walked the opposite direction. But I was quick to grab his arm. Then I felt something. Like a shock of electricity climbing up my spine. “Wait, sir. I’d like to say my thanks.” He raised a brow and looked at my hand holding his arm. “Thank you, sir…” I stretched the last syllable of my statement, expecting him to fill in his name. “Be careful with the trees next time. The woods contain more mysteries than what you know.” After saying those words, he pulled his arm away and resumed his walk. I stood there, thinking of what he said. And that weird feeling I got after touching his arm. I looked down at my right shoulder. The entire area has been ripped and the fabric was on the ground a few distance from my feet. Perhaps he threw it away. I sighed, I can’t go home like this… unless I think of a plausible excuse. My stepmother and stepsisters would have a lot of questions. And if I don’t answer well, I’ll be grounded again. Or worse, get hit. The last time I got hit’s still fresh in my memory and the pain and trauma still remained. I decided to remove the cloak and walk home in my thin dress instead. The cold enveloped my body but I’d rather choose that than go home to loads of questions on why my cloak is ripped. I gulped. It’s a night to remember, that’s sure. The man who came to my rescue, he’s… he seemed familiar. Like I’ve known or seem him before. But I’m certain I haven’t. I’m not even sure if he’s in the same town as me. Nonetheless, there’s something about him I cannot explain. I turned and walked back the same steps I came from. It’s weird because on my way back, the moon has hidden behind the clouds, giving the forest a gloomy ambience. I already had one bad experience for the night. I don’t intend to add something to that. I doubled my pace. I reached the palace, only to find my stepmother waiting on the steps. Upon seeing me, she frowned, her eyes glued on my dress. Her dark and piercing eyes directed at me like a gun. “You know what time is it, right?” Opa’s jet black hair looked like a halo on her head. Or horns. “I’m sorry, stepmother. I lost track of the time.” She stepped closer, leaned in and pulled me from the collar of the dress. I let out a grunt as she accidentally (I think) pinched the skin on my neck upon doing so. Like a dog, she sniffed my clothes. “Earthy.” I opened my lips to explain but she held up a finger. “Your father just got back from the hunt. He’s looking for you.” She said and I lowered my head. Of course, the hunt ends after midnight. Surely, he wants me to take part in the feast activities. The guards opened the door and loud music welcomed me. It boomed through the walls of the palace. Here and there, wolves are celebrating the harvests of the hunt. As part of the tradition, all kills would be gathered for the pack’s feast. Yet my mind’s in deep turmoil tonight and not made for merrymaking. “Hail the Glassmoon!” – chants can be heard from the drunk men. I shook my head and scanned everywhere for my father: the Alpha of the Glassmoon pack, King Victor. I walked some more to find him. And I did, but Opa got to his side first.