Luna Lost

Chapter 02

Alone: 

-adjective & adverb

Having no one else present; on one’s own.

Ella’s POV

I believe i was around eight when my parents swept us- my brother and I- away from the pack. My memory of the days leading up to us leaving is foggy, but bits and pieces come back every so often, but its been thirteen or so years now that life is so far gone to me now. 

I walked around my little cottage, picking up anything that just didn’t belong as I tried to remember more about my old life but all that came to mind was something about a Luna, an old woman with grayed hair, and a little girl I used to play with every moment I could. 

Standing still for a moment, I allowed myself to breathe as I basked in the sunlight allowing it to shower over me- giving light to my being. 

“Mom... Dad...” I softly muttered, it’d been a year now since Dad passed and only a couple month since Mom followed. “I miss you guys.” 

Suddenly, the feeling of fur and soft purrs brushing against my ankles knocked me from my reminiscing. 

“Ahh, Salem..” I hummed, bending down, picking up the little cat I’d been caring for since Dad passed. Holding her close to my chest, we walked back to my house and as we entered she jumped from my arms. It was quite funny actually- having this inner wolf inside me, having the scent of a predator yet this little cat wouldn’t leave my side. 

-knock knock knock- 

The sound of the door filled my tiny living room, “Who is it?” 

Suddenly the door was pushed opened, “Who’s the only one who comes to visit you in this dingy place?” Theo playfully jeered, coming in like he owned the place. 

Theo was my little, big brother and by that I mean he towered over me by a good foot, he was a practically a carbon copy of our father- tall, handsome, always clean cut with soft brunette hair and hazel eyes. I, on the other hand, felt like I were adopted- though I had small similarities to both my parents, I was the shortest in the family, my hair was naturally an icy white and my eyes were jet black. 

I rolled my eyes, plopping down onto my little vintage couch with Salem cuddling into my lap, “What do you want Theo?” 

Theo pulled out a chair from my dining table, he tried to look lighthearted but his gaze was filled to the brim with anxiety. “So uh..” He began, clearing his throat multiple times as he avoided too much eye contact with me. “Ya know how I’ve been looking for a pack for us to join?” 

“You mean for you to join.” I instantly corrected, scratching Salem behind her ears. 

Rubbing the back of his neck, “Well I found one... they live a town over. They’re called “Running Wolf” and they’ve already accepted me,” He said, his toned laced with excitement yet hurt, “They want to make sure I’m loyal, so I won’t be able to visit for a while, Elle..” 

My heart felt a tinge of an ache, but I’m guessing the pain of losing our parents numbed thankfully. I nodded, my lips pursed together as I kept my eyes on Salem. I promised myself no more tears. 

“That’s good, Theo, I’m happy you found a place to go.” 

“But Ella, I don’t want to leave you here alone- in this forest, you’re so far aw..” He continued, but I didn’t want to hear it. 

“Mom and Dad took us away from our pack for a reason.” I argued, my voice cracking slightly as I still refused to make eye contact with him. “They specifically took me away for a reason, if you want to join a pack, please do.” Moving Salem off me, I rose from my spot- finally looking my little brother in the eye as I gestured him towards the door. “But please, Theo, don’t drag me into it. I love you, but I refuse.” 

Theo was always surprisingly emotional, even when he was a kid he’d cry over the smallest of things. Standing from his seat, his eyes turned red as tears threatened to come out, “I love you too Elle..” He hummed, knowing not to try to continue to convince my stubborn ass. “I’ll see you as soon as I can okay?” 

I nodded, hugging him tightly- knowing I would be alone once he left. “Please do, you’re always welcomed to come home.” 

“I know.” He playfully replied, sniffling as he took a deep breathe: clearing his watery eyes. “Just know that you can’t be alone forever, I know you think you have to, but you need someone to rely on too.” 

With few words in between, I closed the door as Theo reluctantly left. I know he was just looking out for me, but what if mom and dad really did have a good reason taking us away like this- teaching us how to survive on our own, instilling that so deep into our heads- they may be gone but I can’t just turn my back on them. 

Maybe Theo’s right- 

Maybe I don’t have to live out here alone. Maybe the pack he joined will accept me too...

My thoughts lingered around those statements, but would come to a halt the instant I remembered something my mom always told me when we were alone together, ~ “Baby, you trust in yourself and yourself only, but when you feel alone just know I’m always here beside you.” ~

Tears gently trickled down my cheeks as my lips curled into a grin, then Salem softly brushed against my leg again- comforting me the best she could. 

“It’s just you and I, huh?” I hummed, leaning down to pet her fluffy onyx fur, earning a gentle meow from her. “Let’s go make some dinner, baby, it’s getting late.” 

~

After dinner and the rest of my nighttime duties, Salem and I cuddled into bed, her laying on the pillow beside my head as i covered myself with the blankets. 

Maybe today was a lot more emotionally taxing than I originally thought, the instant i laid down and shut my eyes i just drifted off. 

As I dreamt, i knew it was nothing but a dream, the world was brighter and i could hear a gentle voice in the distance. 

“Baby!” The deep voice yelled out to me, as I turned to the direction it came from my home wasn’t my home anymore- the building was taller and wider, it wasn’t in the forest, and though it was different it felt familiar simultaneously. 

“Ella, baby-“ The voice called out, closer this time as a tall man came out of the backdoor. He was breathtakingly handsome, his face was chiseled and though he was dressed I could tell he was fit- his dark eyes and jet black hair suited him perfectly, I swear he looked heavenly. “Didn’t you hear me calling you?” He asked, walking towards me before embracing me. 

“Y-Yeah, I’m sorry,” I stuttered out, my heart skipping a beat as his strong arms wrapped around me pulling me close. “I just felt lost for a moment.” 

A look of concern washed over him, pressing the back of his hand against my forehead and cheeks, “You’re not feeling sick are you, my love?” 

Shaking my head, I offered him a gentle smile, “No, not at all, just lost in thought is all.” 

The man pulled me in, holding me as close as our bodies allowed before planting a kiss on my forehead, “Baby,” His words were soft, almost slowed as I felt myself lifting from my dream, “I’ll find you.” He hummed, holding me so tightly I almost didn’t want it to end, “I’ll find you soon, just wait for me.” 

Soon after his words faded, then his touch followed. 

Groaning, I sat up in bed, the morning sun shining through my lace curtains- illuminating everything in my little room. For some reason something ached inside me today, I felt a longing I hadn’t before- Maybe I just needed some food? But it was different than hunger, it felt as if I were missing something... 

Salem meowed, gently pawing at my arm- hurrying me to go feed her. Though she didn’t talk, she had her own little language while I did the talking.

“I’m going, I’m going.” I said, shaking my head before stretching, “Just let me clear my head... I had the strangest dream.”