Survival instincts
1000 Words
Rebecca's POV
The intensity of their howls told me that I was going to face something massive. I was thinking of a tiger or a lion, because that was usually what we did for strength checking at schools in Clovera, but I was surely building myself up for disappointment.
As I moved forward on that dark and damp earth, I could hear water.
I was sure, we were far below the earth's surface. I couldn't make sense of the water source.
I was in front of a gigantic waterfall.The mist clung to my fur and its deafening roar masked the sound of the treacherous current flowing under it. I closed my eyes and jumped in the middle of it frothing foam , struggling to make my way forward in that icy chill cold.
I had lost the sense of time in that maze. After being dragged to and forth several times, I finally could make my way out of the waters. I could barely breath after standing on the solid ground when I suddenly found myself staring in front of a mirror.My hair was all wet and my clothes were clinging on my shivering frame.
In a blink of an eye that pathetic image multiplied. Several Rebecca's were now staring back at me.
I tried to take a step forward but the earth I stepped on suddenly gave way as the mirror on it cracked.
I tried to step on another one with one toe, gradually distributing my pressure. This time around, the mirror did not c***k and I was able to move forward. It was some kind of a mental maze. I could tell it was formed with the help of sorcery. Sorcery was kind of looked down upon from where I came, but if this was the result, I was definitely impressed.
It took me longer to cross this mirror maze than it had taken me to cross the waters.
I would have been so grateful if this had been the end. But it wasn't. I was now facing a blinding light of shimers and it seemed like it was coming from a cave.
I tip toes forward, very cautious because I didn't want to make the same mistake. The floor looked like a checkered board and with my first step, a crystalline shard fell on the spot, from the top.
Another boobytrap.
After some consecutive, failed attempts, I realised the traps were not random, they had mathematical algorithm.
"I swear I didn't have to work this hard even for my exams... "
It wasn't likeI wasn't enjoying the process, in fact, I was. But after adding the stress from the entire day, my body was practically tired.
In another situation, I would have done this, just for fun.
I would heard the whispers from the onlookers again. I thought I had finally reached the end when I crossed that crystal cave but with in a few moments, shrubs started growing from below my feet.
I started dodging casually but then my nose and eyes picked the treachery.
The shrubs had poison thorns growing at its tips and they began lashing at my body, like fangs.
This was instictive and my body transformed into my wolf.
Had this happened in Clovera, I would have been really ashamed. An involuntary transformation in the the middle of nowhere. But given the absurdity of the entire situation, I guess, I could give myself some break.
I howled as I somehow crisscrossed my way
out of there.
Right in front of me, Asher was waiting. He had something in his hand and a wide smile. It was my first time seeing him smile. His face looked very different when he smiled. Almost angelic.
He ran towards me with his overcoat as I transformed back.
He pulled me to the side and ordered,
" Show me where you have been stung. We need to administer the antidote at the earliest to prevent infection. "
There was no one where we were sitting. It looked like an abandoned factory.
I involuntarily crossed my hands over myself and he pulled the over coat to examine my wounds.
The thing in his hand was a bottle of medicine and a cotton swab.
" I am not looking. You can relax. Just guide my hand to the places you were stung. I could have let you apply this by yourself but you will not be knowing the required amount. And there is no time to teach you. "
I bit my lips.
Did I want him to look. Not at all.
Just watching his hands touch my body in that state was too much for me.
I knew I was hyper ventilating.
" Did we cover all the wounds? "
He asked again before opening his eyes.
I nodded as I pulled the jacket closer on me.
"Did I pass or fail? "
" Huh? "
He looked surprised at my sudden question.
" I am asking if I passed or failed. You were testing something, were you? What was it? Some kind of a weird military ritual or witch cult?
What is going to happen to me? I think you owe me this answer. I am very, very curious. "
He smiled again.
" I will explain everything. You look battered. I think you deserve a hot bath. I will ask Layla to see you in one of the rooms. You freshen up and take some rest. I will come visit when I am done taking care of some urgent matters."
And then, he was gone.
A friendly looking young girl, came hopping and giggling towards me.
" Hi, I am Layla. Let me take you to the best sauna around here. Alpha specifically mentioned that you must be treated. Are you new in the harem? "
" Harem? No. What harem? Where? You are getting something wrong here. "
I didn't know my mind was going to get all worked up yet again that night.
- Writer
