Lycan Princess' Return

Nightmares of Old

A siren off in the distance caused the young girl to arise from her sleep. With drooping eyelids, her tiny hand reached to rub her eyelids as she clung tightly to her teddy bear.

"Mama?" she called looking down the empty hallway. Suddenly her mother appeared, too fast and wide-eyed. The little girl was snatched up as her mother reached her pulling her into her arms protectively. A snarl could be heard as her mother shut her bedroom door throwing them both into darkness. Despite the darkness, both could see well. A fear had overcome the small girl as she whispered again, "Mama?"

"Hush Livy, we must go now. Do you remember our game?" Livy nodded, a pout forming on her lips, tears rising in her green eyes. It didn't seem like their game would be fun this time. Her mother crossed Livy's room with ease, still holding her tightly. The trapdoor opened without so much as a breath of air. Livy looked down the tunnel, feeling that something was wrong. The cold stone walls didn't feel inviting this time. The fun adventure of it was gone. Something was wrong with Mommy.

"Will you meet me there?" Livy's voice was small. As her mother started to answer there was another snarl, louder this time, closer. A voice, deep, and demanding, "Find her!". Just barely in the darkness, Livy thought she saw a glint of a tear in her mother's eye. She was sure it was her own imagination, her mother never cried, she was the strongest person in the world.

"Go now Livy, I'll be right behind you. Remember if you make a sound, you lose" Livy use to giggle in the tunnel of adventure, but knew if she didn't make a sound she would get to buy a new dress, or go out for ice cream, or maybe even go to an amusement park, though that was rare. still the thought made her smile. She nodded but kept quiet to show she was ready. Her mother kissed her forehead, and whispered in her ear, "Good girl Livy, go and go fast. No matter what you hear, you keep going and get to our spot."

Livy looked back only once as she saw her mother shutting the door. She began her trip, a familiar one though fear ached in every bone. This wasn't right, this didn't feel like a game. The walls seemed to be watching her, the air too thin to breathe, the tunnel seemed smaller than it did before. A sudden crash behind her made her jump, voices muffled behind the door seemed angry. The smell of her mother's perfume faded as the voices moved away from the door. She had to go, Mommy would win the game if she didn't hurry. As she crawled along, hoping to catch the scent again, ahead of her, she could always tell if Mommy was ahead. Instead, she heard another commotion, this time in the tunnel. Something was coming. A cold sweat broke out and Livy knew she had to run. She didn't stop until she saw the moon, full, and beautiful above her. Too bright, she would lose if her mommy saw her coming. Creeping in the shadows, she followed the trail to the spot where they would meet. A small proud smile came over her face as she saw her mother hadn't arrived yet. This means she won, she rarely won so this time she would get a prize. Maybe Daddy would take them somewhere new. She hid in her favorite corner so she could jump out and surprise Mommy when she came. But Mommy never came and the fear started to rise again. She cuddled her bear, petting its head as if to tell the bear not to worry. Not knowing when she fell asleep, a wolf's howling woke her. It was in their spot, teeth glistening in the moonlight, dripping with saliva. Livy held her breath, hoping it didn't she her. The wolf howled again, making Livy jump, though it turned to leave. Livy dared not let her breath out until it was out of sight. A wave of relief came over her as took a fresh breath looking at teddy with love. In the next instant, the wolf was back, staring directly at her. Livy froze, her last thought, "Mommy," and the wolf pounced, with a snarl, teeth bared, a hint of blood around its lips.

Livy bolted up, soaked in a cold sweat. Her hand touched her throat and she frantically looked around for the wolf. As she started to realize she wasn't on a forest floor, about to take her last breath, her heart began to slow. She let out a ragged breath, taking in her surroundings.

Her bedroom was immaculate, organized, and clean, just as she remembered. Her soft bed felt comforting, as she realized she was home in the cottage. Not trapped in the nightmare. They were becoming more frequent lately. Deep down she recognized everything, like a memory coming to the surface. Out her window she could hear the pack getting ready for the day. The metallic sound of warriors training. Laughter from children playing around the trees. Birds chirping loudly as if to say good morning. Normally a calming sound. A soft knock on the door made her jump.

"Livy dear, are you alright? I heard you scream." Agatha came into view after slowly opening the door. She was always cautious to make sure Livy was decent before entering.

"Yes ma'am. Just another dream. I'm alright." Agatha looked worried despite Livy saying she was alright. The dreams were getting worse and more frequent. Livy had never screamed before.

"Well dear, breakfast is ready when you are. I will keep it warm for you." Agatha said as she retreated from the room. Livy could tell she wanted to know more. We will talk over breakfast, Livy thought. Something stirred in Livy's mind, as if someone were approaching. Livy looked around again just to be sure she was alone. She looked at her clock, 7:30. Just enough time to eat and get to school. She quickly got dressed, a pair of jeans and a red button-up shirt. She grabbed a pair of 2 inch black heels to finish off the look. After brushing her hair and braiding it so that it fell over her shoulder down her chest, she rushed down the stairs to have breakfast.

Livy told Agatha about the dream. Agatha listened quietly till she was done and then stood up and cleared the finished plates off the table.

"Livy dear, I wish I could take these dreams from you."

"It felt so real though, like a memory not a dream. This one felt like I lived it. But that couldn't be could it?"

"I have no idea dear, I know I've told you how you arrived 7 years ago but I don't know much more than that except what we've been told together." Agatha sighed, wishing she could answer Livy's questions or even just ease her worries. Livy looked down at her cell phone as it rang, interrupting what she was going to say.

"Bella's here. I have to go to school. I'll be home right after!" Livy kissed Agatha's cheek and rushed out the door.

Livy jumped on the back of the bike as they took off down the trail to town. She loved that Bella had a motorcycle, a gift from her dad on her 16th birthday. Livy wouldnt be 16 for two more weeks, then she could meet her wolf. She envied Bella and Layla's connection. Always having a friend to talk to even when no one was around. Though she supposed, she had that for much longer, but Agatha was different and they had to be in the same room to talk. They shared too many secrets together, a bond that would never break.