Serena's Journey

CHAPTER 6: SERENA'S JOURNEY

Serena

The moon hung high in the night sky as I stumbled through the forest, the icy wind biting at my exposed skin. I had been on the run for weeks, seeking refuge from the horrors of my past. The ache in my body mirrored the pain in my heart, a constant reminder of the betrayal I had endured.

As I pressed forward, the sound of distant footsteps reached my ears. Panic surged through me, and I veered off the path, seeking the shelter of the trees. The voices grew louder, and I strained to catch their words.

"Did you hear about that slave who escaped from Kane's pack?" one voice whispered, tinged with a mix of curiosity and pity.

"Yeah, the one who was treated like dirt. Can't blame her for running." replied another, the words sharp with judgment.

I huddled behind the thick trunk of a tree, my breath catching at the mention of Kane's name. The villagers continued their conversation, oblivious to the fact that the escaped slave they spoke of was mere feet away. The voices faded into the night, and I pressed on, driven by an instinctual need to survive.

The forest eventually gave way to a clearing, where the light of a campfire flickered invitingly. A family of humans gathered around a campfire, their faces etched with weariness from their journey.

"Excuse me," I spoke hesitantly, stepping into the light. "I... I need help."

The family turned towards me, their eyes widening at the sight of a disheveled and desperate woman. A woman clutched her child closer, fear flickering in her eyes.

"Stay back!" the man warned, brandishing a makeshift weapon.

"I mean no harm," I pleaded, my voice trembling. "I've been running, trying to escape from someone that treated me horribly. I just need a place to rest."

The man exchanged uncertain glances with his family before lowering his weapon slightly. "What's your story, young woman? Why should we trust you?"

Tears welled up in my eyes as I recounted the tale of my captivity, the cruel treatment I endured, but I didn't mention that I was a werewolf, I just said that I was being held prisoner in a fortress against my will.

The family listened in silence, compassion softening their expressions. The woman approached cautiously, her eyes filled with empathy. "You poor thing. No one deserves such treatment. You're welcome to stay with us for the night."

Gratitude surged within me as the family offered me warmth and shelter. They shared their meager food, and for the first time in weeks, I felt a glimmer of hope. As I lay on a makeshift bed, surrounded by the comforting presence of strangers, sleep claimed me, if only for a few precious hours.

The next morning, I awoke to find the family preparing to continue their journey. The man approached me, his eyes filled with a mixture of sympathy and concern.

The man extended a hand towards me. "Serena, we've discussed it as a family, and we've decided you can join us on our journey. My name is Thomas, and this is my wife, Eleanor."

Eleanor smiled warmly, her eyes reflecting kindness. "You're not alone anymore, Serena. We can't stand by and let someone suffer when we have the means to help."

Their teenage son, Jake, chimed in, "Yeah, and we've been through tough times ourselves. It's only right to offer a helping hand."

Tears of gratitude welled up in my eyes again. "Thank you, Thomas, Eleanor, Jake. I don't know how to express my gratitude."

Thomas chuckled, "No need, Serena. We're a family, and that includes you now."

As we resumed our journey together, the family shared stories of their own struggles and triumphs. We laughed, and for the first time in a long while, the weight of my past began to lift. Eleanor, with a gentle smile, said, "We may not have much, but we have each other. And now, we have you."

As days past, our bond grew stronger. Our conversations around the campfire became a source of comfort, and the nightmares that once haunted my sleep gradually faded away.

One evening, under the starlit sky, Thomas looked at me with a twinkle in his eyes. "Serena, we want you to be a part of our family permanently. Will you stay with us?"

Overwhelmed with joy, I nodded. "I would be honored. You've given me a new beginning, and I'll forever be grateful."

****

Weeks passed as our makeshift family continued their journey. A feeling of belonging had taken root in my heart, and the kindness of Thomas, Eleanor, and Jake had healed wounds I thought would never mend. 

My pregnancy was advancing smoothly, perhaps the only grace amid the chaos of my existence. Being a werewolf, I could feel the accelerated growth of the child, and with each passing day, the bond between us grew stronger.

Eleanor was overjoyed, helping me through the changes in my body with care, support, and laughter. "You'll be a wonderful mother," she assured me.

One fateful day, as we settled around the campfire, Thomas returned from a nearby town with grim news, his face etched with worry.

"The sickness has spread like wildfire through the city," he said, his voice carrying a weight that silenced us all. "It's an epidemic, and it's taking lives faster than the healers can count."

Eleanor's hands flew to her mouth, her eyes filled with fear. "The children, Thomas... what if it reaches the camp?"

He shook his head, his hand reaching out to squeeze hers. "We'll be cautious. We've managed to stay safe this far, and we won't take any unnecessary risks."

Jake shuddered. "An epidemic? How do you stop something like that?"

Thomas shook his head. "No one knows. But we must avoid the cities at all costs."

Jake, tried to lighten the mood. "Well, at least we have Serena here. You seem to be thriving, despite everything."

I offered a weak smile, knowing full well that my werewolf nature was shielding me from the illness that was devastating the human population. "I guess we all have our unique strengths," I replied.

Silently I prayed the epidemic would not find us.

Weeks later, we arrived at a small village only to find it deserted, doors hanging open as if the residents had fled in a panic. There was an eerie silence.

"Stay back, all of you," warned Thomas cautiously. We explored from a distance and found only lifeless bodies, the victims of the mysterious illness. My family stood in grief and fear, holding each other tightly. 

Three days later, the epidemic showed no signs of slowing down. Despite our precautions, the unavoidable happened. Eleanor was the first to show symptoms—a slight cough that soon turned into a fever. Thomas followed, and even young Jake wasn't spared. Their vibrant campfire conversations turned into whispered concerns and cough-filled nights. I cared for them endlessly, but nothing eased their suffering. 

One crisp morning, with the camp unusually silent, I found Eleanor slumped over the remnants of last night's fire, her breathing shallow and labored.

"Eleanor!" I cried out, rushing to her side. "Hold on, please."

Her eyes flickered open, the usual warmth replaced by a glassy haze. "Serena," she whispered, "take care of them for me."

Tears blurred my vision as I nodded, my heart breaking. "I will, Eleanor. You're going to be alright."

But as the days passed, their conditions worsened. I found myself in a role I had never imagined—caretaker, confidant, and now... a potential orphan to my new family. I did everything in my power to ease their suffering, but deep down, I knew it wasn't enough. 

 Thomas beckons me closer, his voice a pained rasp. "Serena... you must... leave us. Save... yourself... and the baby."

I clutch his frail hand tightly, tears streaming. "No, I won't leave you! There must be something more I can do..." My voice breaks as I gaze upon their ill bodies, my family, fading before my eyes. What future awaits my unborn child and I in this broken world? The disease appears impossible to fight... but I cannot lose hope. I will stay by their side until the very end.