Luna's Last Chance

Chapter 3:Shadows of Deception.

Aria’s POV

Walking across the darkness, guided just by the faint glow of the moon, the thick woodland surrounding me feels oppressive. My folks are some distance behind me; their footsteps are muffled under the heavy covering of leaves underfoot. I hardly notice their existence. The terrible sting of rejection and the weight of the secrets that have surfaced occupy my thoughts.

What has happened beyond belief. My friend Kael, the one I thought would be at my side through all, has openly turned away from me. The suffering his words cause goes beyond any physical injury. I keep attempting to make sense of the scene by mentally revisiting it. Why would he act thus? Why would he suppose such horrible things about me?

The sound of crackling twigs breaks off my ideas. My heart is beating, I freeze. I turn around, but there is nothing seen by the gloom. Although I attempt to persuade myself it's only my imagination, the sensation of being watched won't go away.

"Aria," my mother's voice is delicate and shaking; "we need to find a place to rest for the night."

I nod, but I doubt my own voice. I need responses rather than rest. The forest seems more to me like a trap than a haven. I feel eyes staring at me, and the discomfort rests mostly in my chest.

My father begins to build up a temporary camp when we arrive at a little clearing. Perched on a nearby boulder, I stare into the fire he has created. The trees get spooky shadows from the flickering and dancing flames. My ideas spin in a confused and angry mess. Why would Kael's family travel such great distances to destroy my life? Whatever I did to them?

Out of the darkness suddenly a man appears. I stiffen, my gaze narrows to identify the shadow. Lyra comes first. She seems to be coldly satisfied, and I can sense the sparkle of success in her eyes.

"What are you doing here?" I call, getting to my feet.

Lyra grinning, steps into the firelight. "I arrived to find how my small idea had worked out. Really, it's rather funny.

My heart collapses. You led behind this? You told those stories about me?

Lyra chuckles, a hard sound resonating throughout the woodland. naturally. Someone like you threatening the standing of my family makes me unable. Aria, you are much too strong. I could not have that; the pack would have loved you more than me.

"How would you go about this?" My voice shakes as I ask. You know I did nothing illegal. Why would you travel so far to ruin my life?

Lyra's eyes tighten and her grin turns into a coldly angry stare. "It's not about Aria, nor about you. It speaks of power. And I will do all necessary to keep my family on top.

Lyra abruptly turns and disappears into the night before I can react. My head racing, I follow her. I should warn Kael. He has to be in line with reality. But where exactly should I start?

Though there is little they could do, my parents seem worried about me. Though I hardly notice, the fire crackles as the wind dances through the trees. My thinking is on Kael and the direction my child will take.

I toss and turn on the ground as the night deepens, trying to sleep. Strange sounds abound in the forest, and my mind seems to generate every worst-case situation. At last, as morning calls, I decide. I have to walk away. I have to track Kael and correct things before it's too late.

Rising early, I grab what little I have and leave a letter for my parents, pledging to get back with answers. My heart is weighty with will as I retrace toward the Silver Ridge Pack. Though I'm not sure what lies ahead, I won't stop until I clear my reputation and guard my child.

I find something strange when I get to the domain of the pack. Usually the busy entrance is disturbingly silent, and the security patrols are absent. My gut tells me something is off, so I tread carefully and slide into the forest to hide from view.

I head for the big clearing, where the pack typically gathers. The view that greets me is startling. The pack is gathered, and Kael, looking more disturbed than ever, sits in the middle. The man next to him, Reginald Thorne, really catches my eye though.

I creep in front of a tree. Their argument is passionate and urgent.

"Kael, the situation is terrible," Reginald says. "The rumors have gone farther than we could have guessed. The pack is in constant motion. You are under fire for your leadership.

Kael has a look that combines hopelessness with frustration. "How this happened is beyond me. Aria is supposed to be my friend. I trusted her.

Reginald's eyes became narrow. "It goes beyond mere trust. It comes down to perspective. The pack views her as a liability right now. You had to decide, Kael. You have to detach yourself from her totally if you desire control.

Kael seems conflicted, his eyes straying to the area where I am hiding. My heart picks speed. I have to move fast before they spot me.

I inhale deeply and start to walk out from behind the tree. "Kael!" I call, attempting to keep a steady voice.

Kael's head jerks and his eyes widen in surprise. Reginald's face changes from one of surprise to wicked delight. Kael moves toward me, his countenance a mixture of relief and uncertainty.

"Aria?," wonders Kael, speaking no more than a whisper.

I say, struggling myself to remain cool, "I'm here." "I have to talk to you. Would you kindly let me clarify?

Reginald moves nearer, his smile icy. "I think Aria has heard enough. Kael has made his choice already.

"No," Kels answers, his voice strong. "I must hear what she has to say.

Reginald steps back, clearly unhappy, although his eyes flame with wrath. Kael moves for me to trail him into a more secluded part of the clearing.

"Explain," Kael says when we're by ourselves. Tell me what occurred.

I inhale deeply and go over all Lyra has taught me—her scheming, the false charges, the hurt of the rejection. Kael listens; his posture softens over time. There is a tight quiet between us after I finish.

"I had no idea," Kael adds with a regretful tone. "Lyra and my dad have always been manipulators. Following their lead, I felt I was doing morally. But today...

He seems disoriented and stumbles off. I could sense his decisions weighing down on him.

"There's more," I remarked with a shaky voice. Lyra will not stop; she is still out there. She is chasing power and will do whatever necessary to acquire it. She had to stop before she ruined everything.

Kael's eyes meet mine and I see a flash of will there. You are right. We must act rapidly. But right here we are not safe. We have to choose a safe spot to make our future movement plans.

I nod and get a boost in hope. I sense a possibility to write things for the first time since the rejection. I look back at Reginald, who is watching us with a cold-blooded stare, as we get ready to depart the area. Though there is great risk ahead, I know I am not alone. Having Kael at my side will help me to fight for the truth and the future I see.

Our quest weighs us as we fall into the jungle. We have to negotiate the dangerous terrain of pack politics, deal with Lyra and Reginald's manipulations, and find the truth behind the lies that have split our lives. Every stride helps me to grow resolved. Far from done, I am resolved to see it through to the very last.