REGRET— the shadow wolves

Chapter 4

Mika

My paws carried me closer and closer to the dark forest. Its allure was undeniable, but a sense of warning still lingered in the air. My wolf companion seemed unfazed, as if she knew exactly where we were headed without any guidance from me. It made sense, given that we shared the same soul, but I had expected her to feel more sadness at being separated from our mate. From what I'd heard, stories about mates forced apart often ended in death or a life filled with unbearable longing. But as my wolf approached the forest, I could sense her hesitation and weariness towards its aura.

After walking for twenty minutes, I found myself closer to the forbidden forest than I had ever been before. As a member of the pack, it was strictly prohibited to approach the shadowy woods. But here I was, a lone wolf running away from my home and pack. As the alpha's daughter, I knew there would be serious consequences for my actions. Being a solitary wolf made me an easy target for other packs, but if they discovered that I was an alpha's daughter, they would try to capture me and use me as leverage against my former pack - the Devon pack, named after the first shifter who ruled this part of the country. The mighty warrior who founded our pack was said to have gone missing or killed, while others claimed he had succumbed to the moon sickness - a disease that comes with losing your soulmate.

Perhaps I too would share a similar fate. But unlike me, my wolf had not yet succumbed to sadness. Was it because I broke the bond before she emerged? My beautiful wolf, who communicated through instincts and emotions rather than words. Her paws were undoubtedly black, but the rest of her appearance remained a mystery. Living in the forest with no mirrors or other wolves around, I could only imagine her form based on stories of black wolves - creatures said to possess dark magic and dwell between the realms of life and death. While I couldn't be certain if she was a pure black wolf, the way she shifted in mid-air earlier than expected gave me some insight into the powers I may possess. Now standing at the edge of the forest border, if I continued westward I would eventually come across our biggest enemy - the Grey pack. This pack was mostly composed of warriors and criminals, making them a formidable foe. But for some reason, possibly due to my father's deal, they had yet to attack us.

A sudden howling caught our attention, causing us to perk up. The sound traveled through the air with a melancholic melody, evidence that my departure had been discovered. But it wasn't the familiar sound of my father or mother, I knew their voices well. Nor was it my sisters' voice. Another howl followed and confirmed my suspicions - it was Brandon, my ex-mate, crying out in despair through his wolf form. I felt a sense of pity for him, not for Brandon himself but for his wolf who must have detected my scent and realized I had also transformed into a wolf. More pack members joined in the howling, their numbers strengthening their search for me. My mother's frantic calls echoed in the distance, as did my father's voice. They were trying to find me and bring me back, but I refused to go willingly. It was now or never; if I wanted to live a meaningful life, I had to escape. Taking a deep breath, I crossed the border.

It happened abruptly, like an invisible cloth had been thrown over me, forcing me deeper into the woods. The previous howls faded away, replaced by a strange stillness as if I had entered another dimension.

"Are you lost, little girl?" A voice spoke with deceptive innocence yet exuding sin and deceit.

Somehow I had convinced myself that if I just stayed at the border of the woods I wouldn’t meet any shadow wolves, I would manage to sneak by without any encounters not face one as soon as this.

My wolf scanned the surroundings for any sign of the mysterious voice, but she remained calm and fearless. It was as if she had been expecting this encounter all along. Did she know something I didn't? Suddenly, a massive black wolf with piercing red eyes appeared from the trees. His paws were reminiscent of an elephant's, and his size was so immense that I had to tilt my head up to meet his gaze. My instinct was to scream and run away, but my wolf snarled in response - not like a playful puppy, but like a fierce mother protecting her young. I was taken aback by her ferocity, and what came next left me speechless.

My wolf leapt towards the black wolf, seemingly defying gravity. Her jaw was wide open, ready to attack the large wolf's neck. He dodged her first attempt, but seemed surprised by her bravery. Without hesitation, she landed on the ground and lunged forward again, this time aiming for his head. The larger wolf couldn't handle her fierce strength and cunning mind; he backed down and lay flat on his belly. In a matter of seconds, he rolled over onto his back with his tail wagging in submission. It was almost comical to see a wolf twice her size cower before her. My wolf had no fear of anyone or anything it seemed.

My attention was drawn to the left by the sound of running wolves. As more emerged, it became clear that they were all large and black, blending in with the shadows. Suddenly, a larger wolf stepped out from the shadows, followed quickly by the others. There were at least ten wolves now, all bigger than me. But as I let my primal instincts take over, I knew that my wolf companion would guide me to victory. With a deep breath, she launched herself not at the nearest wolf in front of us or the one lying on the ground, but at one of the wolves lurking in the shadows - undoubtedly the leader. Take down the leader, and you will rule the pack.