Rise of the Luna (completed)

19-The Forest

- Kayla’s POV -

The warmth on my forehead disappeared as Mum sat me down and gently soothe me in her embrace, stroking my head and back like she used to do when I was a kid. I buried my face in her embrace as the thoughts racing through my head gradually calmed down.

“You’ve always been special, my child, and I know that you know it too. I know you’ve spoken with Eichen and you can hear the trees in the forest. I know you’re not wolfless and I don’t know if you’ve realized, but you can send thoughts to someone and receive their thoughts when you touch them. Remember when you were in the hospital and was worried about Leyton? The thoughts and feelings that you were trying to convey could be felt through the contact of your hands. There’s so much more that you still have to discover and it’s not my place to tell you this but the forest, it holds many memories, memories that you’ve lost and memories from people who love you. Go to the forest and you’d understand. This is a journey that you have to undertake on your own but don’t ever forget that you’re not alone. We are always with you.”

I lifted my head from Mum’s embrace and was drawn by a glow from the door. I couldn’t understand how she had known all of these when it happened after she had died. But in that moment, nothing seem to matter anymore because all that my heart desired was to follow that glow. It was golden and smelled like the forest, with a myriad of different fruit and trees. Unable to resist the pull, I left the comfort of my mum’s arms and followed the glow. It was going into the forest and the smell became more intense as I walked towards the source of the glow.

My hearing became much sharper and I think I could hear the little animals in the forest and the rustle of every leaf in the trees. Concentrating on the trees, I think I could hear them whispering.

She’s here! She’s here again! She is finally coming back to us!

Was I going crazy? Were the trees really saying that? I came to a stop in front of a big oak tree. It was even taller than Eichen and had a hollow that was large enough to fit a small child. A sense of familiarity washed over me as I raised my hand to touch the tree. And then I saw the images rushing at me, like watching a movie but also so real, like I was going through my own memories.

Kayla, come here! This is Baum, the oldest oak tree in the entire forest. He is our guardian angel and source of wisdom.

Kayla, did Baum tell you something? Only those with a pure heart can hear him, always remember that!

Kayla, you need to pay attention when I tell you how to cover your tracks. This is important! You cannot always rely on the trees to do it for you.

Kayla, it’s ok! Don’t panic! Calm down and look at me! I know you can understand me, everything will be fine! It’s normal for werewolves to shift and you’re a beautiful wolf!

Kayla, you need to listen to me carefully and do as I say. Go to Baum and stay there. Do not leave until Papa or Aunty Evelyn comes to get you, ok? Do not make a sound and whatever happens, you stay there unless one of us comes to get you. I love you, my pup.

My hands fell as I blinked back tears and lifted my head to look at the tree in front of me. I opened my mouth but no words came out, not because I couldn’t speak but because I didn’t know what to say. “Papa?” I whispered, “I had a father and he loved me.”

No, Kayla, he still loves you. He will always love you even if you think he’s not there. The love of those you’ve lost will always be a part of you and no one can ever take that away from you.

My eyes widen as I could hear the oak tree without even touching it. This was the second time that I could hear a tree without touching it. The first time was when the accident happened and I could hear the trees whispering but even then, I had to touch a tree to hear the whispering clearly. Now I can hear the oak tree loud and clear without even touching it.

“Baum, is that you? You saved my life that day, didn’t you? You protected me in your hollow until Mum and the pack warriors came to find me. Mum, Aunty Evelyn, no, I don’t know anymore, how? How could I forget my Papa? Why didn’t anyone tell me? What happened to Papa? And how was it possible that I’ve shifted at five?” The questions poured out of me as I hoped that the oak tree could help me.

Evelyn cared for you, just like a mother would for her child. She had no ill intentions and was simply afraid that the truth would be too much for you. You were just a small child and she wanted to protect you, like she had promised your Papa. Don’t ever doubt them, Kayla. Believe in them and in yourself, and in time, you will understand everything.

“Did Papa sacrifice himself for me?” My voice broke as guilt threatened to overwhelm me.

My dear Kayla, he did his duty as your father and protector. More importantly, he did it out of love. It’s not your fault and you need to understand that. And you need to be strong because they will come again for you if they sense your wolf. This is the reason why you became mute and couldn’t see or hear your wolf nor can you shift. It was the only thing that we could do to protect you after your Papa passed on. When your wolf is strong enough to keep you safe, she will show herself.

“Who is coming for me, Baum? And what do they want from me? Why am I not like other wolves?” My brows furrowed in confusion as more questions raced through my head.

You’re special, Kayla. And you’re strong. You’re the blessing from the Moon Goddess for this land. Have you not noticed that there are less and less forests, meaning less and less pack lands for the children of the Moon? The Moon Goddess sent you to revive the land and it is my duty to protect you as it is yours to take care of us. We will protect you when they come for you, like we protected you many years ago. But this time, they will be stronger and more prepared so you also need to become stronger. I cannot tell you who they are, for the evil and greedy are known to have many faces. But one thing you need to know, is that no one can make you less than what you really are. You are strong and you have survived many trials and tribulations. Believe in yourself, my child.