Awakening of the Luna

Into The Unknown

KAREN'S POV

“I can't remain here and face all this betrayal daily,” I concluded within myself as I packed my bags.

It was already nighttime, and also very dark, so I was sure no one would ever notice me.

I dragged my bag along as I walked into the woods. As I reached the boundary, I couldn't feel more alive. “Goodbye for good, all your betrayers,” I murmured under my breath as I proceeded out of the pack completely.

As I continued walking in the woods, my nostrils caught a strange scent, making me wonder what it was as I moved forward.

I continued strolling in the woods with my bag, but just then, the scent I had noticed earlier increased. “Rogues,” I murmured as I felt a shiver run down my spine.

“Hello, little wolf,” I heard someone speak from behind me, and I turned around to see a huge man walking closer to me.

I needed no one to tell me what I needed to do. I started running immediately, realizing what might happen once he got hold of me.

I had heard so many stories about rogues and how cruel they could be. There was no doubt I wanted to get away from those people I once trusted and loved, but I still didn't want to get killed trying to do that.

I ran with every ounce of strength left in me. But my nose only caught more scents of rogues. I let go of my bag and transformed into my wolf as I continued running for my dear life.

But they soon caught up with me, surrounding me. They were not just one; they were many, and I knew I was really doomed now.

“Please don't harm me; I didn't do anything to you,” I pleaded, realizing there was nowhere to run to anymore.

They broke into laughter. “The little wolf wants us to not hurt her,” one of the rogues, who was fearsome, spoke, and the laughter only increased.

“Maybe we should let her go,” another one suggested.

“Yes, I think that's a good idea,” another added.

“Okay, sweetheart, we will let you go,” the first one said, grabbing hold of my hair and pulling me closer.

I felt the pain. “Plea..se let me go, you are hurting me..,” I managed to say, my voice breaking. Their laughter only increased as they took turns beating me up.

I was slowly losing my life. The pain was too much for me. My head was spinning now, as I knew within me that I couldn't take any more of this.

With tears clouding my vision, I muttered to myself, "This is it." "This is where I will die." I murmured, shutting my eyes as I waited for the strike from the rogues that would end my life.

A snarl, louder and more terrifying than anything I had ever heard, suddenly ripped through the air. The outlaws stopped. A dark figure stepped out of the shadows, and I looked up in surprise.

His motions were quick and lethal, and he had easily dispatched two of the rogues before I could completely understand what was going on.

The other rogues paused. One of them demanded, "Who the hell are you?" but the stranger remained silent.

“Leave us alone, we haven't done anything to you,” I heard one of them say, but the stranger only came closer.

I could see them shivering in fear, and before the stranger could get to them, they had already run away.

I felt a sharp pain in my side as I attempted to sit up. The man knelt next to me and turned to face me, his face softening a little.

"You're hurt," he stated in a calm, low voice. His amber-hued eyes locked with mine.

"Who are you, exactly?" My voice shook as I managed to ask.

After a little pause, he answered, "It doesn't matter, but I think you need help."

I flinched reflexively as he reached out to assist me. He only waited for me to accept his extended hand without pressing. He touched me warmly, supporting me as I leaned on him.

Ethan looked about as though he was expecting the rogues to come back, and he said, "You shouldn't be out here alone. It's not safe.”

I laughed resentfully. "I'm not safe anywhere."

He scowled without pressing for specifics. Rather, he led me through the woodland, his presence reassuring yet enigmatic. We arrived at a little, obscure cabin tucked away in a clearing. He ushered me inside, and it appeared robust despite its age.

He gestured to an old couch and said, "Sit." "Allow me to examine that wound."

Too tired to protest, I did what I was told. He vanished into another room and came back carrying a first aid kit. I observed him while he cleaned and dressed my arm.

He exuded a sense of quiet strength, and his dark hair fell just above his eyes. Despite their rugged appearance, his hands were soft as he worked quickly.

"Why are you helping me without even knowing who I am?" I broke the stillness by asking.

He stopped and looked at me. "Because you were in need.”

Even though his response was straightforward, I believed him because of the tone of his voice. He didn't inquire as to why I was by myself in the woods or if I had a pack I belonged to. I was thankful for that.

He got up and said, "You can stay here tonight. Get some sleep; you really need it. You are safe here.”

Too exhausted to object, I nodded. The weight of the day's events overcame me when the excitement wore off. I covered my face with my hands as tears streamed down my cheeks.

He sat next to me and whispered, "Hey. It's all right. You're all right now.”

I found myself leaning closer to him as his words broke something within me. The cold that had crept into my bones was chased away by his warm words as he put an arm around me.

I didn't feel alone for the first time in what seemed like an eternity.

“Do you mind telling me what's going on with you?” he asked me, but I kept quiet.

I wasn't expecting that question, but I knew he was trying to show concern for me. However, talking about all the betrayal was the last thing I wanted to discuss right now.

“Hmm,” he exhaled. “I could tell you don't want to talk about it, and it's totally fine, but I would like to let you know that you made a mistake by coming into the woods.” He paused to catch his breath before he continued.

“I would advise you never to make such a mistake again because you might not always be this lucky,” he said, his voice deep but calm.

I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing was coming out, so I just nodded. “Now rest; I will be in the other room. Just let me know if you need anything else,” he added.

“I will, and thank you so much,” I said for the first time, while he just smiled before walking away.

As I relaxed on the couch, my mind was flooded with thoughts. Who was this stranger that had helped me, and why?