The Alpha Within

Chapter 4

I had fallen asleep in her arms. The morning light glimmered through the window behind us, I had to blink a few times to adjust to the bright sun. She stroked my hair as my sight adjusted and she looked down at me, her eyes now glowing an ocean blue. A calm swept over me as she said, “Good morning, Alex. Would you like some tea? We could discuss why you’re here although I'm sure you already know why, over some breakfast. I’ll go over the specifics with you. If you’d like.”

I sat up and nodded at her, “Yes, please. May I use your restroom first?”

“Of course, swee-.” She stopped herself before motioning her hand to follow, a low sigh escaping her lips.

I followed her through the same hallway she had come through yesterday when she brought the serving tray and my calming tea. I looked back to see the tea still sitting in the same place I left last night. Cold and alone. Just like I feel right now.

“Here it is,” She smiled, turning toward me in front of a door which she opened slightly.

I walked in, gasping at the sight in awe. Instead of a tub at the far end, there was a beautiful hot spring bubbling up with greenish water. Lotus flowers happily floated in the water, shimmering and unaffected by the heat. A small trickle of water flowed into it from a small wall of rocks, creating a serene soundscape. Next to me was a black rock with a rainbow sheen, a shiny divot at the top of the rock where a small spout rose from behind it.

“I assumed you wished to freshen up a bit,” she placed a towel and clean clothes on the opposite side of the water basin on a small wooden bench. “The Grand Alpha had a box with your belongings dropped off earlier this morning. “I asked for the most comfortable clothing to be brought to you. Take your time. You’ll have someone escort you when you're done”. With that, she closed the door behind her.

I heaved a sigh and began undressing, avoiding my eyes from the mirror behind the water basin. I placed them on the bench and went to the hot spring. I dipped my toe and the warmth traveled up my body. I stepped in fully and sat inside. The water instantly began soothing my body, the tense muscles relaxing. The weight I hadn't known was on my shoulders lifted. I exhaled in relief. The water felt amazing, I held my hand out as a lotus flower traveled towards me. I cupped my hands under it and picked it up as I did that, it bloomed before my eyes. Opening and releasing its amazing sweet but pleasant aroma. I melted into the water, letting it wash away my stress.

I took my time in the hot spring until my fingers became pruney. I pulled myself out and hesitated before the mirror. I mustered all the strength I could and looked at myself. Staring back at me were two mahogany brown orbs with short black wavy hair framing my face just long enough to reach my eyes.

My ancestors had come from Spain many, many years ago. Moving down southern North America before settling in the southern Midwest of the United States during the humans' expansion of territories to the west.

I have large almond eyes, brown skin, and pouty lips. I was tall for my age, my maiden always said, I was already 5’5. She always said I would be a tall woman when I grew up. Little did she know that these were the last two weeks of being myself. Of being the person, I was born. I shook the thought from my head as hunger began settling in my empty stomach.

I quickly pulled on the clothes Auntie picked out for me, a soft, long T-shirt and some dark grey sweatpants. I quickly pulled the door open and began to hurry to the hallway when I bumped into a mushroom. I looked down a little confused. I didn’t notice a mushroom here earlier? Was it always there?

“Oh! My apologies, miss. I didn’t mean to be in your way! I was asked by the Grand Priestess to help escort you to the kitchen.” The mushroom spoke.

I took a step back, flabbergasted. A mushroom is speaking??

“Umm...”

“Oh right! My name is Celia, I’m a mushroom sprite! I assist Lady Evangeline with her various work and of course, here in her home.” She said gleefully, removing her cap to reveal short blond hair with bangs just over her glasses and bright green eyes. Her rosy cheeks, plump with a large smile and childish features.

I smiled back, “Sorry about bumping into you. I had never met a sprite before. You surprised me a bit. And you don’t have to call me ‘miss’.”

Her smile faltered a little, “Yes, of course. My apologies.”

“Just call me Alex.” I said, attempting to bring her cheerful smile back.

“Okay, Alex” she giggled out, “Shall I lead the way?”

“Yes, please.”

We stepped into the kitchen together giggling. I turned inside to see plates and food floating through the air towards Auntie, sitting at the head of a table in an alcove with a beautifully decorated breakfast nook.

Celia clapped and just about ran to Auntie, “Breakfast is ready!” she squealed sitting in the seat next to her. I followed sitting across from her, a plate being set as I sat. Eggs, hashbrown and sausage sat perfectly cooked. A stack of pancakes with butter melted atop it, syrup poured over and dripped down the sides. My stomach growled loudly. Auntie laughed “Eat. There is plenty if you would like some more just let me know.” I dug in only stopping to add hot sauce to my eggs.

When we finished eating, tea cups came to us and Auntie began pouring us teas. As usual as I drank, I felt a calm.

She began to speak, “Well, the time has come to tell you what these next two weeks will bring before the next full moon. We will have to gather the rest of the ingredients for the spell. You must be the one to gather the items; it will make you a male but there are some limitations.You will always be female, I can't quite explain it but you will understand after we complete your tramformation. You will need to learn the incantation by heart. No mistakes can be made when doing so. Do you understand?”

I nodded. This will make Father proud. I will continue our lineage.

“We begin today. I will teach you the correct way to meditate. Next week, you will learn the incantation,” She stood for me to follow. Celia trailed behind.

We entered a room with a beautiful waterfall that fell into a pool of blue water at the far end, flowers blooming atop lily pads. Cushions sat on the wooden floor. Candles lit up the room for a relaxing ambiance.

Auntie sat on one of the cushions with her legs crossed, her hands resting on her knee's, thumbs touching the tips of her fingers. I followed her and sat next to her on a cushion, mimicking her. She stood up correcting my posture and lifting my chin straight ahead. “You must align yourself with the universe, to do that you must sit straight and face straight ahead to face it head on. I want you to clear your mind, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. In and out. Think of the way it fills and empties from your lungs. A breath is energy, air is the life that surrounds us, take it in and breathe life into your soul. Put your mind to sparking that energy into a fire within you. You meditate to stoke the fire and keep it alight. You sit in this position to keep yourself grounded. You may travel the spirit world, but you will always be a creature of Earth. The Moon goddess has given you a wolf, she has given you a connection to her. Use this blessing to your advantage.”

I tried to do as she said but it was so much to take at once.

“Concentrate on breathing. In. Out.”

I did as I was told, inhaling a long breath, feeling it fill my lungs and exhaled. I tried not to think about Father or why I was here.

¨Again. ¨

We repeated the process over and over and into the next few days. Only stopping to collect supplies out in the woods.