Unclaimed Luna

Chapter 3:

I was now deep inside Majik forest. It is a mysterious place, a magical place. I hear squirrels chattering away high up in the trees. The light summer breeze blows softly through the leaves. In a distant I can hear running water. The big river curved all the way through the forest. I can still taste the water on my lips, cold and crisp with freshness. I started walking in the direction of the river. All the running made my mouth feel dry and sticky. The twigs and leaves crunched under my paws. Hares looked my way and quickly darted away as I approached, leaving their foraging duties for later. I looked to my right and saw a deer grazing peacefully nearby, unaware of my presence. My stomach made a low gurgling sound, and I realized I’ve hadn’t eaten anything today. Food was the last thing on my mind since the start of my journey. I watched the deer. It seemed like an easy enough lunch for a hungry she-wolf.

I approached it slowly, every predator sense of mine on high alert. With my eyes locked on my target, I step forward, one paw at a time. Even though I’m starving, the hunting process shouldn’t be rushed. My prey was only a few feet away… With all my remaining strength, I pushed myself forward and leaped onto the deer’s back, my claws sank into the soft flesh and with one swift movement, I bit down into its neck. The sweet metallic taste filled my mouth. The deer’s legs wobbled for a while, but it quickly fell to the ground. I bit down harder, and I felt the movement of its body subside. I wasn’t keen on hunting, and I only hunted when absolutely necessary.

One must do things you don’t like sometimes to stay alive. In this world, you must choose to eat or be eaten. I lay down on the soft ground and started feasting. I licked my mouth clean and got up. I’m exhausted, but I make my way to the river to quench my thirst. That’s all I need for now, and after that, I need to find a place to rest my head for the night.

I finally reach the river, and it cuts through the forest like a big blue ribbon. The water is crystal clear, and I could see small fish, swimming around in small circles. The setting is tranquil. I scanned the area for intruders. When I saw none, I took the opportunity to quickly shift back into human form. Dirty from my little adventure, I stepped into the river. The coolness invited my stiff body with open arms. When the water reached my waist, I went under. As I surface, tiny streams of water run down my face. I cupped my hands and scooped up some liquid gold. I sipped it greedily. The water cools my warm insides, I took another handful, and another. Clean and hydrated, I walked back to my backpack. I crouch beside it and got out some clean clothes. All dressed, I zipped the backpack shut and threw it over my shoulder. I walked alongside the river bank in search of a good place to sleep. Although the forest is quiet and stretches for miles on end, I can’t afford to let my guard down for one moment. I looked to my side and saw the perfect sleeping spot. I dragged myself up using the tree roots, the rocks crunching underneath my shoes. One last pull… The tree I saw from the river bank is perfect. It’s mostly covered by dense plantation and other trees. There is a big boulder next to it. I climbed onto the boulder and grabbed one of the lower branches of my tree. I climbed upward until the branches became thick enough to walk on, and as I climbed, I found it. Not too high up, not too low to the ground, a hollow in the tree trunk, perfect for me to fit most of my body inside. Luckily, I’ve found this little treasure of mine because the sun is setting.

The sky is filled with shades of orange and pinks, absolutely breathtaking. Night time is approaching. Soon, this beautiful scene will vanish and will be replaced by darkness. A yawn escaped my lips, and the events of today are taking its toll. I lay my head down on my arms and closed my eyes weakly. It wasn’t long before I was taken away by my dreams, to a place unknown, a place of peace.

One thing I’ve learned, never, wander at night. Not only is it difficult to navigate, but rumor has it that there are ‘things’ living in this forest that only come out at night. They prey on the lost and wandering souls who dare to walk through here. Nobody knows who or what they are, but those who did manage to get a glimpse, didn’t live to tell the tale.