Love Can Be A Killer

Truth Will Set You Free

Skylar followed the strange woman down what seemed like a never-ending hallway, eventually coming out into the forest. Skylar tried to catch her breath after walking for what seemed like hours.

She sat against a small tree that had started to reach almost 20 feet high, trying to speak,” Where are you taking me? I have to get back to my family. Tell me what the hell is going on now. I’m not moving anymore."

Ern spoke, “Were almost there. I’m taking you to my pack. We aren’t too far away from there now. I promise. I will tell you everything once we get there. It’s not safe right here.”

They walked for another twenty minutes before they finally reached the campground. There seemed to be a bunch of random people either making weapons or clothes. To help the other people there or even just talking.

A couple of people welcomed them into the camp, mainly welcoming Ern back into the compound. There were a couple of familiar faces, Skylar thought, but she couldn’t quite place them just yet, but before she could think about it more, someone spoke directly to her.

Soldier, “So what are you doing here, princess?” They bowed, but you could sense the disappointment and disgust with their tone. They stared at her with fire in their eyes.

Skylar spoke softly, “Well I don’t know I guess.” Skylar was cut off before she could say anything else.

Ern, “Before anyone else gets bent out of shape at our new guest. She’s with me. They had used her to better themselves in the war. But it backfired, and she’s just as pissed as some of you were about how it’s going." Ern started pacing around the campground looking at everyone.

Skylar thought about how brave she was. She looked so young and couldn’t understand what was even happening. But she did see the strength and courage in Ern. She wished she had that.

Ern continued speaking, “See I was going into the hospital for supplies, when I saw her and what they were doing. So I saved her and I’m going to tell her everything. The truth. And if she wants to leave, I will make sure she doesn’t know how to get back here. But she deserves to know.” Ern finished pacing and smiled back at Skylar. Giving Skylar a sense of familiarity.

Ern walked over after the dismissal of the campground people and stood in front of Skylar. Skylar froze, she felt fear all of a sudden and couldn’t move. She couldn’t even speak.

Ern said, “So are you ready to learn the truth about this war or do you just want to forget everything and leave?”

Skylar spoke slowly, “I want to know everything you can tell me. I’m tired of people treating me like I’m 8. I’m not sure whether I can handle the truth. Especially about that boy.”

Ern chuckled, “I can’t tell you about that boy. Other than he is alive. As far as you’re concerned, he’s dead to you. Got it. As for the rest. Follow me to my home, and I’ll show and tell you everything.”

Skylar signed and followed Ern reluctantly. She walked into a cabin-style house, noticing very small amounts of dust that had seemed to collect over time. It looked as if someone hadn’t been home for hours. Skylar started to look around more but was pulled over by Ern and ushered to sit down in a chair right across from her.

Ern sat down slowly and let out a sigh of relief. It seemed as if she seemed to relax for the first time in a while, sitting in a soft-looking desk chair. Skylar was finally able to get a good actual look at Ern this time too. She could see so many scars along her, from what looked like wolf bites to chain marks to knife and bullet wounds that had been healed over a long period of time. Skylar couldn't help but wonder what Erns story was behind all of those scars, and if she was in for the same fate. She felt her heart ache for that boy. So what if he was a werewolf, he couldn't hurt her for real, right?

Ern snapped her fingers right in front of Skylar's face, finally getting her attention again, "So are you ready to hear about all of this? I mean really, because there is a lot you do not know and would never know. Once we start, we're also going to control your powers because you will have to stop your emotions from burning the kingdom down. At least not yet anyway." Ern started to chuckle and grabbed a glass of water.

Skylar sighed and nodded, "Yes I need to know what I'm missing, everything. I don't understand what's happening to me anymore. This war, that boy, that lab. Something isn't right, and I need to know why."

Ern sighed and nodded, "Okay, so first, the most obvious thing is that boy. His name is Lucas and, of course, he is a werewolf. What happened in the forest is you were mated to him. Meaning you have been destined to be his soulmate. However, with the issue that you both seem to kill each other every time you are face to face, that isn't happening anytime soon, as of now. As for the war, well, the scientists created issues between the people, the mythical creatures, and we've been at war ever since." Ern pulled out a jar and sat it on the coffee table between the two of them and lit a leave or something on fire and let the smoke fill the little glass jar.

Ern spoke softly, "As for me, well, I am a witch, but I was cursed when a werewolf mated with me and killed too many people. Some were wolves and some were witches too. I have been hiding for years. You see they did the same experiments on me, but I thought it didn't work and left. When I left, I was found by a wolf pack and taken in. Over time, I was mated and fell in love with a beautiful soul who was destined to lead his people until I went crazy. Ern looked down at the glass jar and started to move it around both of them slowly.

She spoke again but leaning closer to Skylar, "And as for this, I am cleansing that tracking spell that your family put on you. They will not know where you are or went, so we have some time before they try to get close to our camp, but we will be moving locations in two days' time. Skylar, if you want to come with us, you are welcome to, but you must choose what your path will be."

Skylar looked down at her family ring, she thought for a moment but couldn't shake the feeling she needed to see Lucas again. She wanted to stop this heartache, she wanted to be close to him again.

Skylar looked up, "Tomorrow I want to reverse this effect and I want to go to Lucas. At nightfall." She stood up ready to get started with her training, feeling fire fill the palms of her hands.