Tale Of The Relentless Luna

Episode Three

My skin stuck to the leather of my sheets like glue overnight, and I was drenched in sweat when I woke up the morning before my eighteenth birthday. With a moan, I pulled myself away, extending my arms above my head and looking out the window. The summer heat pressed against the glass like an intruder attempting to enter my room, and the air was heavy. In the fervent hope that a breeze would provide me with relief, I unlatched the window and pushed it open further. Nothing. The air was stagnant and lifeless. I rubbed my temple and mumbled, "Great." "It's going to be hot again today." Claramond, inside me, shifted restlessly and eagerly.

"Let's go for a run." "Really? Is it really that hot outside? With a sigh, I went to my bookshelf and ran my fingers across the spines of my favourite novels. I stared at a battered old copy of a Mondgöttin story. One of the few things that gave me a sense of purpose was that book, which I adored. Claramond teased, "You know you want to." Let me exercise my legs by hiking to the creek, and then you can immerse yourself in your books. Shall we make a compromise? She persisted.

She knew me too well. “All right!” I complained, taking a few books off the shelf and stuffing them into my old khaki backpack. I grabbed a new pair of biker shorts and a sports bra and added a throw blanket just for good measure. I hurriedly changed, tucked my hair into an untidy ponytail and put on my hiking boots before heading to the loo. I gave up trying to tame a few rogue baby hairs. Today, I couldn't stand vanity. When I reached the kitchen, my mother, Ingrid, was already outside, tending to her flowers. The scent of cornflowers and tulips filled the air as she yanked at the stubborn weeds invading her garden.

Without raising her gaze, she said, "Rebekka, where are you going?"

"I'm going trekking."

"Sprinting. Avoiding people”, I replied, filling my canteen and stuffing a few snacks into my bag. "Not with Leni and Karla?" "Not today. I require a respite. She hummed in agreement but didn't say anything more.

"Just exercise caution. Tomorrow is the first day of the Sternenglanz Festival. People will begin to arrive." Mom, I understand. I'll return before nightfall. I then left, entering the forest through the front gate and following the well-travelled path. When a voice called out, "Rebekka!" I was nearly transparent. I turned around and muttered a curse. "Hi, Tobi. What's going on? His dark curls stuck to his forehead from the summer heat as he smiled. "Have you seen Karla?" "Today, she and Leni are assisting their mother." "Gosh. Then, would you like to hang out?" No! Goodbye! I rushed into the trees without waiting for a response. I had already left, swerving through the forest with ease, when he called something else after me. As I brushed by, the trees greeted me like old friends, their bark cool under my fingertips. When I arrived at the creek, the only sounds in the area were the soft trickle of water over rocks and the distant hum of cicadas. I quickly undressed and packed my clothes in my bag before moving. I felt the familiar rush of transformation as my bones reshaped and cracked. My cream-coloured fur rippled in the sunlight as I stood up with four legs in a matter of seconds. With her paws kicking up dirt, Claramond quickly took charge and raced into the trees, enjoying her newfound freedom. My body gave in to my wolf's instinctual urge, and we ran farther and faster than I had in weeks. I was out of breath by the time we got back to the creek. After shifting back and putting on my clothes, I spread my blanket under a tall oak tree. I opened a book, but I was so tired that I dragged my eyelids down until I passed out. The dream began quietly. The misty forest was unfamiliar, yet strangely reassuring. I followed my feet on their own to a wildflower field. I grinned as I ran my fingers through the petals as the warm, sweet aroma of cornflowers and tulips filled my lungs. It was quiet. Too quiet. Then there was the clatter of paws. A caution. The atmosphere changed. I was surrounded by flames, and the forest was engulfed in a conflagration. The sky was choked with smoke, and my nostrils were filled with the smell of burning flesh. Anguished, desperate screams erupted. Fire licked at my skin as I dropped to my knees and clawed at the ground. It was too hot. My lungs were burning. I was unable to get away. — The nightmare held on to me even after I gasped awake. I was sweating and clinging to my blanket as my body trembled. Someone was calling my name and shaking me. "Rebekka! Get up! I had a slow, confused mind. Hands suddenly grabbed my arms, lifted me, and held me against a solid chest. A smell was familiar. Strong arms. Suddenly, the temperature dropped significantly. I dove into the creek and was startled into consciousness by the cold water. Sputtering to the surface, I was dragged into a hug. My fingers gripped the exposed flesh. "Rebekka, goddess! You really frightened me. Tobi. He searched my face with frantic eyes and laboured breathing. "I—what took place?" I stumbled and wiped my face. "What happened?" he repeated, raising his voice. "I heard screaming while I was running. I thought there was an attack! You're crying, thrashing on the ground, and totally unresponsive when I find you. Nothing was successful. To get you to wake up, I had to throw you in the creek! Still holding on to the shards of my dream, I swallowed hard. "Tobi, it was only a dream." He gripped my forearms and said ominously, "That wasn't just a dream." "You screamed as if you were being torn to pieces." I looked away as my fingers clenched around his wrists. "I have no idea what it was. Everything burnt after it began normally. Tobi let out a sharp breath and relaxed his hold. "You ought to inform someone." "No." I spoke firmly. "I don't want anyone to think I'm going crazy." He tightened his jaw. "I'll give it some thought." "At least tell Karla or Leni." I didn't intend to. After examining me for a while, he looked down as though he had a revelation. His face flushed. I furrowed my brow. "What?" His voice broke. "Well, I am. I grinned as I followed his eyes. "Oh. You're nude. He flushed more deeply. “Yeah, I was a wolf!” I smiled slyly. You have now transformed into a human being. With a problem.” His eyes widened. "Oh, in the name of heaven!" He gave me a murderous glare as he fumbled to cover himself, and I laughed. "You are the worst." "But you still managed to save me." With a groan, he ran a hand across his face. "Avoid reminding me." I grinned. "Thank you, Tobi. Actually. With a sigh, he tapped my shoulder. "Just... don't frighten me like that once more." I wish I could guarantee that. However, I knew in my heart whatever that dream was. I would see it again.