Prologue

I smiled and watched the sparkling dust in the midst of the night, swaying in the air, while the chirping sounds of the crickets echoed in every corner of the forest. The moon lights the surroundings, making the dust glow more as the pixies start dancing. Despite an overflowing calmness, I still can't deny the fact that I still miss him. 

It has been five months. But still, we can't find him. All the hopes I have now are at stake, and the vision of him lying down on the floor, soaked in his own blood, makes me terrified. 

“Don't overthink, Aksha. I'm sure that he's still alive,” Bia, the pixie in pink, wearing a cute tootie dress and had her hair in a ponytail, said firmly.

“I know. But what if things go—” 

My words hung frozen as I saw a ball of fire coming our way, which made me push the pixies away with my remaining prowess. 

The fireball’s landing sent shockwaves through the air, shaking the ground which reverberated through my insides.

“Bia!’’ I screamed as I hid behind a huge rock.

Bia's cries echoed in my ears, but I couldn't see her anywhere. Another shot of fireball struck on the other side, burning the trees and some tents. The next thing I know, a rain of fire is surging in the wilderness.

“What the hell is happening? Aksha!”

I glanced at Jestov who was on the other side, protecting the pups.

“Jestov!” I called as I heard the arrows falling on the ground. “Run!”

The tranquility of the night falls on a catastrophic scene. The agonies of each and every living have scattered in the wilderness, awakening our fears.

“Save them, Jestov!” I yelled as I saw a bunch of pups under an oak tree, yelping for help. 

“Alright, but you need to go first now, Aksha. They are here for you!”

My knees trembled. 

This is my fault! It's all because of me. I did this to everyone. But what else can I do? Watching everyone suffer because of me…is terrible. 

The blood is starting to shed everywhere, I destroyed their homes.

“Faster, Aksha!” Jestov grabbed my hand, and we started to run.

It hurts…how can I be a leader if I can't even protect a small pack? A weakling like me deserves to be buried beneath the surface. 

“Jestov, I need to fight,” I said in full determination.

“No, you can't. We're outnumbered, this is an ambush, Aksha! Don't be impulsive.”

“But—”

A familiar loud howl echoed in the forest which made me halt, loosening Jestov's hold onto mine. A burning feeling arose as I turned my gaze to the wolf who was standing proudly in a huge stone under the brightest moon, drowning me in his fearless gold eyes.

It was doleful to see a magnificent beast under a full moon. He was gawking darkly until he landed his eyes on me. A gust of wind gently moved his shining black fur.

A tear fell on my cheeks as I recognized him, recalling our last kiss under the red moon.

I want to run back and hug him tightly, shower him with kisses. But I can't find his emotions, I can’t feel his longing presence. All I can see now is the darkness that surrounds him. It's as if he's bound to rule the world and kill everyone.

When was the time he loathed me? What did they exactly do to you, my love?

“My love,” I professed. His expression softened, perhaps it was only an illusion. “I missed you so much.”

“Aksha!” Jestov called in the middle of the chaos.

Holding back myself in desperation to stare at him a bit long, I turned my back on him and continued to run away like a coward.