ALPHA BLACK AND THE MAGIC STAR

CHAPTER 2

ALYSSA

Even though I am fearful, I feel compelled to approach the fallen wolf. The creature, despite its imposing presence, is clearly injured and vulnerable. A wave of compassion envelops me, overcoming the initial fear. I can see wounds on its paw and bloodstains on its dark fur.

"How can such a majestic wolf fall from the sky? I can't believe it...", I murmur to myself, looking up as if searching for a cosmic explanation.

While my mind tries to process the surreal scene, I notice something even more surprising. The bright star that once illuminated the forest has completely disappeared. I gaze at the sky, perplexed, wondering if the wolf's arrival is related to the mysterious celestial light.

The forest is now shrouded in a tense silence, broken only by the sound of the whispering wind and the wounded wolf's heavy breathing. Despite being perplexed and scared, I feel a peculiar connection with the creature, as if our destinies have somehow intertwined. As I contemplate the surrounding darkness, I wonder what else awaits in this unfolding magical nighttime scenario.

My heart races within my chest as I gently kneel on the leaf-covered ground, facing the majestic injured wolf. I carefully extended my hand, approaching slowly, fearing the animal might reject my touch. The wolf, with its expressive gray eyes, watches me attentively.

With delicate gestures, I raise my hand and gently stroke the wolf's fur, feeling the rough yet comforting texture. The wolf's eyes close as if savoring the caress, and I sense a silent connection forming between us. At this moment, the initial fear gives way to courageous compassion.

"What happened to you, friend?", I whisper, hoping the wolf can understand my words.

The wolf groans in pain, his eyes squinting, indicating an agony that transcends verbal communication. I can feel the vulnerability and suffering in that melancholic sound.

Leaning closer and examining the wolf's injuries, my expression becomes a mix of concern and determination. I touch the wounded areas gently, careful not to cause more discomfort to the animal. The intense cold of the surrounding forest seeps into my bones, reinforcing the urgency to act.

"You can't stay here; it's too cold. I'll help you.", I say, knowing the wolf cannot comprehend my words. However, the promise resonates like a commitment made to the universe.

I quickly stand up and rush back to the cabin, my steps echoing in the forest's quietness. Determination boils within me, guiding me on the mission to rescue the vulnerable wolf in the relentless cold.

Upon returning, I bring with me an improvised sled, a rudimentary yet robust structure that will allow me to transport the wolf to the cabin. Carefully, I approach the injured animal, preparing for the challenging task of lifting it. The wolf, though large and imposing, is too weak to resist.

"We need to warm up; I'll take care of your wounds. Stay calm, please...", I whisper.

With strength and determination, I lift the wolf's body and place it on the sled, ensuring maximum comfort. The wolf's weight is considerable, but I am determined to fulfill my promise to help. The sled's material creaks as I begin to pull it toward the cabin, leaving a trail marked by the makeshift wheels.

The journey is challenging, but I persist, driven by a higher purpose. The wolf, now lying on the sled, keeps its eyes closed, occasionally groaning. I speak softly to him, offering words of encouragement, as if the simple sound of my voice could alleviate the animal's pain.

The cabin comes into view, a welcoming beacon in the middle of the forest's darkness. I reach the entrance, and carefully, I guide the sled inside the cabin. The warmth of the fireplace welcomes us, contrasting with the cutting cold outside.

I settle the wolf in a corner of the cabin, improvising a kind of comfortable bed for him. I know the challenge has only just begun, but the determination in my eyes reflects the promise to care for this wounded being. The wolf, now shielded from the cold, seems to trust me, its gray eyes meeting mine in a silent gesture of recognition.

The forest, once a witness to pain and loneliness, now transforms into a shared refuge where my compassion illuminates the night's shadows. Nestled by the fireplace, the dancing light casts soft shadows on the wooden walls as I tend to the wolf's wounds.

"Well, this might hurt a bit, but I'm sure you'll feel better...", I say, looking into the wolf's gray pupils.

I realize that I am talking to myself, and it dawns on me that I am indeed very lonely in this forest. It's ridiculous.

Gently, I bandage the wolf's injured paws, observing that his body rests peacefully before me. The fireplace's warmth envelops us, creating a healing sanctuary in this silent night.

The wolf, despite its impressive dimensions, seems to fully trust me. His once-pain-filled gray eyes now reflect a dormant tranquility. Sleep, combined with the comforting warmth, has led the creature to a temporary peace. I watch, marveling at the serenity that has settled in the surroundings.

Other people might label me crazy for bringing a wild animal into the house, especially one as imposing as a wolf. However, I know this wolf won't harm me. There's something in those gray eyes, a silent connection that transcends species barriers. I sigh, feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders but also the lightness of shared compassion.

Upon returning to the room, I lay down on the bed, immersed in the silence of the forest cabin. However, the silence doesn't bring peace to my mind. In my sleep, nightmares revisit the tragedy of the car accident, a painful memory that insists on haunting my nights. Vivid images and disturbing sounds echo in my mind, and I wake up crying, my heart still beating to the rhythm of the tragedy that changed my life.

Amid sobs, I try to push away the memories, but the pain persists. I get up from the bed, wiping my wet eyes. It's at that moment that I hear noises in the cabin, something breaking the morning silence. A wave of concern runs through my body, and I remember the large wolf now sharing my dwelling.

With hesitant steps, I leave the room, walking slowly toward the living room. However, upon reaching there, I no longer found the wolf. In place of the majestic animal, there now lies a man of imposing appearance, with piercing gray eyes and not a single piece of clothing covering his skin. The shock of surprise makes me freeze at the threshold of the room.

"Oh my god..."

The man, seemingly emerging from the wolf's body, is injured, his gray eyes now fixed on mine. I try to process the transformation before me, the distorted reality of a wolf turned into a man.

In confusion, my thoughts spin, questioning the magical or supernatural nature of this being that now stares at me.

In a flash of understanding, I connect the dots, realizing that the man before me is somehow the human manifestation of the creature I brought home. The fantastical reality unfolds before me, challenging all conventional notions. The man's gray eyes carry an intensity I cannot ignore, as if his soul is intertwined with that of the wolf.

Breaking the silence hanging in the room, my trembling voice echoes through the space.

"Who are you?", I ask, my eyes seeking answers in the gray eyes that gaze at me, revealing a mystery that transcends human understanding.

"Alyssa...", he whispers my name, leaving me increasingly confused because I don't understand how he can know such information.

The man continues repeating my name as if he were saying it for the first time in his life. I sigh before approaching and handing him a blanket to cover his naked body.

He nods as if thanking me in that way, his legs still wounded, and he looks around the cabin as if trying to understand where he is at the moment.

"This is my home, and I brought you here when I found you in the forest. Do you remember that?", I ask, and he nods again.

"You are Alyssa...", he says, blinking his eyes and trying to touch my face.

Okay, this is very strange, and I have many questions in my mind, and I think he has all the answers to them.

"Yes, my name is Alyssa. What is your name?"

The man before me has a very beautiful and muscular body, with gray eyes and long black hair like the night.

I have never seen anyone as beautiful as him.

"Riley.", he says in a low tone, staring at me intently.

"Riley, how did you come to this forest? What happened last night?", I ask, pointing to his wounds, and he nods at me.

"You wished for me, Alyssa. I am here for you."

I stare at him, unable to understand, and I open my mouth to ask more about it, but I stop talking when I see a necklace around his neck.

A star.

The pendant of the necklace is a star very similar to the one from last night, and...

Oh my god!

I widen my eyes when I realize that he is saying he came for me because of my wish for that star when I was in the forest.

Jesus, how is this possible?

"No! This is not possible. Things like this don't exist in this world; I think you're very confused and..."

"I am here for you; I am your wish, Alyssa."

"I didn't wish for a wolf, Riley.", I say with a serious expression.

"You wished for all your pain and loneliness to go away; you wished for someone to be by your side. I am here for you.", he says, sitting on my couch.

A magical star.

This is completely unbelievable.