The Wolf Maiden

Chapter 5: Confronting the Shadows

Susannah bursts into such evil laughter. The trees shake and the leaves fall one by one down the blood stain soil.

“You are as naïve as ever. You have an indomitable power resting in you. It is capable of killing its own master if left untrained. It would be wise to offer your power to The Great Alpha. It would be a source of strength and protection for the whole pack. And you, you will gain back your dignity to face the Alpha and the rest of the pack. Can’t you see, my selfishness has found a way to even help you get back and give the pack great glory?”

“You truly are brilliant, Susannah. You are shining beyond comprehension. But I will not fall from your schemes. I will not let Layla nor I be pawns to your wild games.”

Layla growls fiercely against Susannah. This time, Susannah’s wolf spirit much smaller in comparison to Layla cowls back.

“Go back to where you belong!” I threaten her with all my might.

We are about to make this a bloodbath in this open clearing. Whoever still stands at the end of the fight will surely have the final laugh.

Yet, Susannah moves back a bit as if trying to gain some energy with a quick rest. Then, I see her smiling as she says. “I’m just stalling you…”

The furs of my back rattles as if to sense the impending danger that looms around us. I hear rustling of leaves on every side and I suddenly realize we are cornered.

Every single rustle of and whisper from the far distance seems to be echoes of the past. The chase to our deaths has finally arrived. Here they come now…

Layla reassures me in her thoughts that we can make it through. With this uncertainty, I find my determination getting stronger, there is this fire in me which refuses to be extinguished by anyone else. Layla urges me to continue our escape and this time I follow her as fast as I can.

We rush forth to the unknown. As we go to the depths of the forest, hoping for true freedom, somehow, I feel afraid for the both of us. The path of uncertainly lies before us and I have placed her in grave danger. If I choose to go back now, the Moon Stone pack might show mercy. We will be distinguished and trained for who we are meant to be. I will be cleansed of my sorrows and I might find recognition through Layla’s powers. But that’s not what it’s supposed to be.

I hear Layla in my heart. She also wants to be free from the turmoil and pain the pack had brought into my life. We both agree to pursue our newfound freedom. Layla and I are meant to be free. We choose to be free.

Before I can even utter a word, a hoard of werewolf figures emerges from bushes. Their fiery forms gave chills down my spine.

I felt a gnawing pain in my heart sank when I recognize the leading party - The Great Alpha father and The Great Alpha Luna, my mother. They are in the prominent flank of the best warrior werewolves of the Moonlight pack with about fifteen in number. Their heavy presence is a suffocation in the air. I am like a cornered kitten. A criminal.

Susannah catches up and she bows to the Alpha with a hint of such deference.

My father's defiant gaze lock with mine. It is a mixture of slight resolution and disappointment. "Harper, enough of this nonsense. Come back now. The pack needs you."

All my emotions are ranging inside me. "I will never come back father. You can never have my guardian, my wolf spirit either."

The warrior werewolves surround us and my heart cannot beat any faster than it is doing now.

The Great Luna pleads, "Harper, please come back now. You are a great source of strength if only you give us a chance to help you."

"I cannot! I vow from this day forth that you cannot use my wolf spirit as a tool for power. You cannot exploit her! I would rather be a lone wolf in the wilderness than be exploited from your manipulation and dishonesty!"

The Alpha draws closer. "Do not be selfish. With the right guidance, she is a strong ally that can aid our pack. You said you are looking for guidance. Then, we are right here. We will make you and your wolf spirit stronger than ever. The duty to the pack and the preservation of our power is paramount. You must submit to my authority!"

"I said I will not!"

It was a full long minute before the Alpha says another world. "You leave us no choice then, wolf-child. If you refuse my offer right here and right now, you will regret the consequence of your choice. That guardian wolf spirit is more than you can bear. You say you have bonded with it? No! You don't know it's origins and what it's capable of. We cannot allow you to go astray and fall into the hands of other wolf packs out there. You must come back to the pack willingly...or perish in this instant."

“Life or death. Make your final choice.”

A mixture of fear, anger and courage surge out of me. "So be it then. My blood is in your hands if you can catch us!"

Layla growls so loud my heart beats wildly with her. It shocks them all. We leap high up the impending warrior werewolves behind us. Their spears unable to reach an inch. With a final glance from the impending doom of my past, I look up ahead to the unknown future. I am my own master now.

I heard the Alpha-father from afar shouting. “Don’t let her get away! No matter the cost! Hunt them down and kill whoever refuses to obey my order!!”