(Migumi’s POV)I have just finished stoking the fire, its warmth my only assurance that I won't be freezing to death tonight. I pulled my cloak tighter around my shoulders, preparing to settle in for the night.Nyx is silent in my mind, likely sensing my weariness after the long day’s journey.She must be tired, too. She didn't stop amplifying our senses just to make sure that no rogues will come our way to attack. Who knows how many of them are lurking in the shadows? I can't say for sure how many of them want a dead moon wolf for dinner.Just as I was about to lie down, a rustling noise came from the bushes near the cave's entrance. My eyes snapped open in an instant, my hand instinctively reaching for the dagger I kept close. I sat up, every muscle in my body tensed with alertness."Who's there?" I called out, my voice firm, cutting through the noise of the storm. "Come out now, or I’ll come to you."The bushes rustled again, and my grip on my dagger tightened. But instead of an en
(Migumi’s POV)I crouched low, my eyes locked on the deer grazing a short distance away. Beside me, Georgie mimicked my movements, his small frame tensed with excitement. I have spent the last few days teaching him the ways of the wild, and he is proving to be a quick learner."Remember what I taught you," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "Stay quiet, and wait for the right moment."Georgie nodded, his eyes wide with concentration. He clutched the small bow and arrow I had fashioned for him, his hands trembling slightly with the thrill of the hunt. I could see the determination in his eyes, a reflection of my own when I was just starting to learn how to hunt.The deer lifted its head, its ears twitching as it sensed something in the air. I held my breath, signaling Georgie to stay still. After a moment, the deer returned to its grazing, oblivious to our pair watching from the shadows."Now," I murmured.Georgie pulled back the bowstring, aiming carefully. He released the arrow, a
(Migumi’s POV)My heart felt like a rock the entire time I was trudging through the dense forest, my thoughts are consumed by the memory of Georgie’s tear-streaked face. Leaving him behind must have been one of the hardest decisions I have ever made, but I knew it was necessary. I can't risk dragging the boy with me into this deadly fate that awaits me. Even now, my heart is still hurting with the guilt of abandoning him.“Georgie is a smart boy, Migumi. He will find his way back. Don't worry too much,” my wolf assured inside my head.I heaved a deep sigh.Ever since Nyx told me about what she sensed, a place that I must go first before proceeding to Alpha Cyrus’s pack, I couldn't think of anything else but going thereI knew that finishing the mission was important.It’s the only way I can go back home when I’m already certain that Aiden and the Kingdom are safe.“I know it’s just…” I paused, trying to find the right words to say.Nyx whimpered slightly. “It’s okay,” she comforted.I
(Migumi’s POV)I stood before the ancient murals, my fingers tracing the intricate carvings that adorned the walls. The symbols aren't just random markings—they were a language, a code waiting to be deciphered.I felt a pulse of energy beneath my fingertips as I touched each one, a subtle hum that resonated with something deep inside me.“These symbols… they’re alive,” I whispered to myself, my voice barely audible in the silence of the ruins.It felt oddly familiar.I know to myself that this is the first time I have seen these symbols, but a part of me seems to understand their meanings.In the corner of the mural, a detailed illustration caught my eye. It depicts a ritual, its steps carefully laid out, requiring specific items that can only be found in the magical forest. They were drawn and I remember encountering some of them on our way here.I studied the illustration, my eyes narrowing as I
(Migumi’s POV)Without warning, the phantom wolf strikes, moving like a shadow as a blur of black lightning streaks across the room. I prepared myself as its glowing eyes embers in the darkness, locked onto me with deadly intent.“I don't want to die, Migumi!” Nyx shouted nervously.The beast lunges into thin air, its jaws snapping shut with a force that could shatter bone.I snarled.“Don't worry. I don't have plans of dying either,” I said as I leaped away from the spot that the phantom wolf had targeted. But to my surprise, its sharp claws caught my arm, shifting me back to my human form.“What happened?!” I frustratingly asked Nyx who seemed just as confused as me.“I… I don't know! I think he has the ability to block your shifting,” she said, making me curse mentally. “I’m sorry, but I think you're going to have to fight it in your human form. Don't worry. I
(Migumi’s POV)“We actually did it. I can't believe it!!!” my wolf chirped in excitement. I smiled despite the throbbing pain I’m feeling all over my body.I have to say that fighting that beast took me a lot of effort. I could have died.I slumped against the cool stone wall of the ancient ruins, feeling the weight of the battles pressing down on my shoulders. I closed my eyes for a moment, allowing myself to breathe.“What comes next? We defeated the phantom wolf. It means we won in the battle of strength,” I asked Nyx, a hint of exhaustion in my voice.My wolf didn't answer. “Uhmm… I’m not sure.”I opened my eyes, my brows furrowing slightly.She's supposed to guide me, right?Nevermind. I guess, I’ll just figure it out later once I’m done resting.I was about to close my eyes again when I suddenly felt a deep rumble beneath my feet. The ground trembled slightly, and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up like it was sensing an incoming danger.Something is wrong.I pushed mysel
(Migumi’s POV)“Are we going back now?” Nyx asked, acting like she isn't supposed to be the one guiding throughout the process. I can't blame her though. It's been confusing here.I put the artifact inside my bag, glancing around. It's very dark.The only thing giving me light on this place is the faint light of the moon peeking from the broken walls.“Let's go home,” I said, turning around to go back to the cliff when I noticed something.There is no cliff.“It should be here, right?” I whispered to myself, looking around the spot where I last centered. Why is it gone? Is the test not done yet? This can't be happening.Suddenly, a faint voice called me from behind. “Migumi…”I turned to my heels, my hand grabbing the dagger in my pocket. I vigilantly glanced around, listening to the silence. I'm not alone here. Something. Someone is watching me.“Migumi&
(Migumi’s POV)Hearing his voice was like finding light in the darkness.I was just almost at the brink of giving up, but now I feel more empowered than ever.Aiden is right. I’m not alone in this fight. He’s here with me.The oppressive darkness pressed in around me as the dark version of myself continues to mock me with her insulting words. It was like a suffocating weight that sought to crush my spirit, but that didn't stop me from standing tall. Shadows began swirling inside my mind, whispering lies and mockery, amplifying my deepest fears and insecurities.It felt like a pair of hands suffocating me. I didn't know what to do. My dark side loomed before me with eyes glinting with malevolent intent.She looked like a twisted reflection of me."You are nothing," the dark version of myself hissed, her voice cold and cutting. "You’ve always been nothing—unworthy, weak, a burden. How could you ever think you’re strong enough to be a Luna?"My firsts clenched into a tight rock.Her word