Written by the Moon

9~ RIVER

I never had any second thoughts. My feet led me to the forest, to the dark and deep jungle of trees. All I could feel was excitement and my increasing adrenaline. I should be scared and have been running back to the mansion but it felt wrong for a moment.

The trees were tall and they covered the light of the moon. The sound of the insects and the small hum of the creatures enveloped the forest. It was relaxing and soothing. Though I have never been to a place like this, I know I’m safe.

I continued to run. The sound every time my feet touched the dried leaves on the ground made me smile. I wanted to shout and scream my happiness but I know it could lead to many possibilities I may not like.

So, I remained silent. When my skin touched the light of the moon, I stopped for a while. I looked at the moon with adoration in every second. The trees seemed more distanced now. Not like the first ones.

It was dark, yes. I may never know what creatures lie in this forest but the moon itself assured me. I laid myself on the ground. The dry leaves became my cushion. It was soft on the back despite not being a mattress.

The moon shined on me. Majestic. A full moon has risen and I think it’s the perfect time to just wander in the forest!

I really don’t care what Christiana would think of this. I hope they wouldn’t dare to come inside my room. I should’ve locked my door!

While enjoying the view of the moon, my eyes narrowed when I hear something not so far. I stood up from laying down. I tried to make my ears as attentive as possible. I surveyed the area and all I could see was trees!

My brows furrowed when the sound went louder or clear in my ears. I turned to the west side of the forest. I walked closer and there I hear the water gushing.

I felt ecstatic the moment the sound went louder. There must be a body of water nearby!

I ran to the west and there I saw a river! The water reflected the gigantic moon. I pressed my lips to suppress a cheer. In Paredes, I will never forget the Serene River where I take my bath most of the days. It’s normal in Paredes but I think it’s a whole different here in Athanatoss.

The sound of the running water of the river made me reminisce about my days in Paredes. I smiled and it perfectly reflected on the river. I giggled.

The bright full moon gave me the light here. I looked around the forest. I couldn’t feel any presence which actually made me feel a lot safer. I hear the night creatures around. The soft sound of crickets and the little hums of the owl.

I breathed out a lot of air as I let my fingers touch the cold water of the river. I closed my eyes and just let my fingers feel the water.

My eyes then wandered on the deep water. I saw some glistening of fishes. I licked my lips as an idea popped into my mind. I shook my head as I hesitated to acknowledge my idea. I turned back to the water and now it’s really tempting me. Something I know it’s hard to resist.

“No, it’s a stupid idea,” I whispered to myself.

I shook my head a couple more times. I can’t just swim here! Who knows what lies beneath the dark waters? Something I can’t risk. Then I diverted my attention to the moon. I eyed it hoping for an answer.

My shoulders dropped as I gave up.

“Fine, it won’t actually take that much time,” I huffed more air.

I mean, I still have my powers. Though, I can’t use it to my limits. If something bad happens, I’ll just stick to the basics. I can’t let my true identity be revealed. I know this is a stupid idea to jump into the waters of the river but damn it!

I can’t help it.

I slowly took off my dress. The sleeves of my dress brushed on my skin as I took it off. I looked around. My neck goes from right to left just to make sure I’m alone.

When the last piece of clothing is finally off, my feet indulged in the cold water. My palms slowly turned into fits. I closed my eyes as I let the water devour my body.

My heart exploded into beats. I pressed my lips as I finally swam into the river. It’s been a long time since I lost swim like this. Though I’m naked here, I’m actually more comfortable. I slowly wandered to the corners of the river.

Swimming freely like a fish. I smiled at the moon as I faced it. Peace. I call this peace. I swam deeper now. Exploring the depth of the river. Seeing the fish swim in groups and the dancing of the water plants.

I swam back up to the surface when I felt myself losing air already. The moment I was on the surface I found out how far I have swum. I looked at my clothes from the distance. It’s still there. The moon now seems small since I’ve gotten far.

I continued to enjoy my swim with my closed eyes. Swimming with back afloat. My bare skin touching the wind, I chuckled. Since my body got used to the cold water, it doesn’t really bother me that much now.

Everything was all peaceful and quiet when I heard a soft rustle from afar. I flinched. I immediately hid my body in the water. But I know, from the light of the moon, my bare skin can still be seen. My heart pounded so loud as I heard more rustles of the trees and bushes.

Now, all the cold that was gone came rushing back to my body. I calmed myself and alerted my senses. With the fast pace of my heart, my chest can’t stop panting. The movements of the leaves and bushes were slow and clean like something is hiding. But with my senses, I can immediately sense it.

There’s someone here. But my heart only jumped more times when the movements of the area became uncountable. Now, a group is here.

I can tell. I bit my lip. My body shivered as anxiety came into me. I looked back to see if my clothes were still where I left them.

My heart together with my shoulders dropped when there was no sign of clothing. No white cloth. I continued to wander my eyes hoping I was just mistaken.

But no, my dress is gone. I moved my hand to emit my power. Slowly, my hand glowed as I prepared it for defense.

I knew it! I’m so stupid! I shouldn’t have swum. Damn this!

My body trembled with the waters as I realized the rustles are coming closer! I drowned my body more to the water, just enough for my eyes to see.

When I heard growls, I closed my eyes realizing a pack of wolves is there. It must have sensed me or… this must be their territory! I closed my eyes tightly at that thought. I should have known! The growls have become louder now.

I still remained alert. My hand is ready for defense. But how? A pack of wolves is here. How am I going to defend myself? What a stupid way to die!

Not from afar, slowly, a wolf revealed itself. Then, another one and another one. Until I couldn’t count them anymore. My heart dropped looking at their vicious eyes, ready to what? Eat me? s**t!

I remained quiet while they growled subtly. I eyed each one of them to let them know I am not afraid of them. But obviously, from my trembling and hidden body, anyone could tell that I am a scared kitten.

From their pack, a wolf growled so loud at me that I flinched, feeling my soul leave my body. He was ready to attack me when a sound from the nearby trees was heard.

The wolf stopped from taking a step closer to me. I sighed at that. I blinked a couple of times just to confirm if I’m still intact. I wanted to laugh at myself for this stupid idea!

Well done, Eloise.

“Don’t come near her,” a low voice from the middle of the pack.

My brows furrowed hearing that voice. I narrowed my eyes in the middle of the pack. The rustles of dead leaves on the ground told me that this wolf is in his human form. Slowly, the group divided into two revealing the man with the voice.

My eyes widened a fraction seeing who it was. I swam backward when I thought he’d go to the water. I watched his every move. I gritted my teeth when I saw what’s on his hands. This man!

My eyes remained on his hands with my clothes. He’s topless but who cares when he’s the one who took my clothes! My undergarments! I closed my eyes when I felt my face heat up at that thought! At this point, I want to scream at him.

He saw my hawk-like look on him. Did he see my reaction, making him… smile? I gritted my teeth more just seeing him smile like that! Damn you, nobles! He thinks he’s in control! Because what? He’s a noble? Oh, to the dead with him!

And the fact that I’m naked made things so awkward and tense. My palms turned to fists when I saw his eyes drop from my face down to my body. With my light, I covered my body so he won’t see it clearly.

I eyed him with my dead glares. He dropped his eyes to the ground after what I did. He gently massaged his temples. I saw how his jaw flexed a couple of times.

‘Leave,” my eyes widened with his words.

I thought it was meant for me but when I saw the pack left without a single hesitation, I shivered.

I swear to god, I can kill this man but think of the authority he had with the pack, it might be impossible! Damn this!

He slowly dipped his body to the water making me flinch. I couldn’t move. But he swam closer in my direction making me move. I swam backward just to get far from him. I did. But my back hit the edge of the ground, I closed my eyes tightly. It’s a dead end.

I’m doomed. I still remained quiet. I should be screaming.

He still came closer. With our distance getting closer, I couldn’t find the strength to speak or open my mouth. I was speechless with how fast he could come close. His eyes remained on my face making me avoid his every look.

Damn him!

I tried to formulate some words but my mouth only moved but never a word escaped. I felt hopeless in my situation. I don’t know how the heck my mouth couldn’t move. He’s finally an inch close now.

And to save my pride, I leveled the intensity of how he looked at me. I know he could feel my trembling body but this is the only way to save my freaking face.

“Cover your body,” he said.

My brows furrowed with what he said. My body is well covered because of my power so why the heck is he telling me that now?

Does that mean he can still see it?! No! Impossible!

Before I could even react, he grabbed on my waist, my bare skin! He lifted me and I perfectly sat on the ground, with him just below me and between my legs.

Fortunately, my body is still covered. I was about to scream at him when he gave me my clothes.

“Put it on, now,” he muttered without looking at me and he went out of the water.

I was left dumbfounded and speechless. The moment he went out of the water, he left. Without looking back at me.

He just left.

To be continued…