The Alphas Forsaken Luna

The Strange Call

Chapter 3

Mimilia's POV

*The Strange Call*

The moonlight filtered through the trees, bathing the forest floor in an otherworldly glow. As I wandered through the dense underbrush while bracing for the cold winds and drizzling rain.

I had long since shifted back to myself because Brynhild was exhausted.

Just when I was about to take another step forward, I suddenly felt a strange pull deep within me, a force I couldn't quite describe that tugged at my very core.

The forest seemed alive with whispers and rustling, the scent of pine and earth, Sharp and cool in the night air.

The weight of the night pressed down on me, a sensation both thrilling and unnerving.

I had been wandering through the forest for hours now, moving from one spot to another, driven by my determination to leave everything I had once held dear behind.

This forest, with its ancient trees and twisting paths, had become my temporary sanctuary. But for some reason, tonight, the pull I felt was different, and although I found it a bit strange, the pull I felt was similar to the one I felt towards Mille's yet this one was more intense, more urgent.

My steps became less deliberate, guided by the invisible force that seemed to beckon me deeper into the woods.

To my confusion, after walking a few more meters forward, I suddenly felt my breath quicken, and my senses sharpened.

Even when I felt completely uncertain about this strange pull, I felt like I had to follow, though I didn’t fully understand why.

While contemplating, I suddenly heard a crackling sound nearby which made me freeze in my steps.

I tensed, scanning the shadows, but saw only shifting silhouettes.

I decided to take a closer look, and then I noticed a faint glow through the trees.

My curiosity and caution warred within me as I approached, slipping silently through the foliage.

The glow accompanied the pull within me and they both led me to a small clearing where a campfire crackled softly.

There I saw a rugged-looking man with broad shoulders, toned physique, silky jet black hair and a pair of mesmerizing emerald green eyes.

The man or should I say werewolf which I deciphered from his scent, was bent over a pile of wood, adding more to the fire.

His presence seemed almost out of place in this otherwise serene setting. His movements were deliberate, yet there was a certain grace to them, hinting at a familiarity with the surroundings.

Although I had never seen him in the pack before, For some reason, I felt like he wasn't like the ruthless rouges I had, had the pleasure of seeing before.

I watched from the shadows, my heart pounding with a mix of fear and fascination. I didn’t want to intrude, but the pull was undeniable. My feet moved on their own, taking me closer to the edge of the clearing.

The man glanced up, his sharp eyes catching my movement. For a brief moment, our gazes locked, and a shiver ran down my spine.

He stood up, his posture both relaxed and alert as if he had been expecting me.

“Are you lost?” His voice was deep and smooth, slicing through the night’s silence.

I hesitated, unsure how to respond. I was so close now that I could see the intensity in his eyes, the way the firelight danced across his face, highlighting a strong jawline and rugged features. His gaze was a mix of curiosity and concern.

“Just... wandering,” I finally managed to say, my voice barely more than a whisper. “I didn’t mean to intrude.”

The man’s expression softened, and he gestured for me to come closer. “You’re no trouble. I’m Xylene "

"It’s not safe to be out here alone, especially at night. So why would a charming lady such as yourself be doing out here in the depts of the forest " he said, while eyeing me closely as he awaited an answer.

I didn't want to just bring up what I had gone through, The pain I felt from their betrayal was still fresh in my mind so I decided to just nod instead, taking tentative steps into the clearing.

As I drew nearer, I felt the warmth of the fire and smelled the inviting aroma of cooked meat. My stomach rumbled in response, betraying my hunger. Xylene noticed and smiled slightly, motioning to a nearby log. He didn't seem to mind my silence instead treating me with hospitality.

“Have a seat. You look like you could use some food. I was just about to eat.”

I sat down gratefully, though I kept a wary eye on Xylene. He handed me a piece of roasted meat, and I accepted it with a murmured thank you. As I ate, Xylene watched me intently, as if assessing my every reaction.

“So, what brings you to these woods?” he asked after a moment, breaking the silence. “You don’t look like someone who’s just passing through.”

I considered my response carefully. I wasn’t ready to reveal too much, but there was something about Caleb’s demeanour and that strange pull I was feeling towards him that made me feel I could trust him. “I’m looking for something,” I said finally. “Or perhaps I’m running from something. It’s hard to explain.”

Xylene nodded as if he understood more than I had revealed. “Sometimes, the forest has a way of calling to people. I’ve seen it before, though it’s rare. If you’re willing to talk, I’m willing to listen.” He said and as the night wore on, Though I still didn't trust him, I still found myself opening up to Xylene.

Before I knew it, I began speaking of my past, my struggles, and the mysterious compulsion that had led me here.

Xylene listened attentively, his expression thoughtful. I told him about how Mille had betrayed me with Laura, the pain I felt, and how I found it difficult to find my place in a world that had changed so drastically.

Xylene remained silent for a long time after I finished speaking. The fire crackled softly between us, its warmth contrasting with the chill of the night air. Finally, xylene spoke, his voice low and steady.

“It's ok, at least now you don't have to worry about being hurt by him again, You’re welcome to stay with me the night ” he said.

" I have a small cottage not far from here. It might be a bit different from what you are used to but I promise it's a safe place "

My eyes widened in surprise. “You’d let me stay?”

Xylene nodded. “ After what you've been through, of course I would. Plus, It sounds like you need a place to at least recuperate in the meantime "

My heart swelled with a mix of relief and hope. It was a chance I hadn’t dared to hope for, at least I could stop walking aimlessly for tonight. I looked at Xylene, and my gratitude was evident.

“Thank you,” I said softly. “I appreciate it more than you know.”

Xylene gave me a reassuring smile. “Let’s get you settled in. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow, and I’m sure you’ll have a lot more questions. For tonight, just relax. You’re safe here.”

As the firelight flickered, casting a warm glow over the clearing, I felt a sense of cautious optimism. I had a strong feeling that the strange pull was just the goddess leading me here, and now, with Xylene's offer of refuge, it seemed that my journey was beginning anew.

The path ahead was still uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, I felt that at this rate, I might find a place where I truly belonged soon enough.