Chapter 6: Silver Forest

It was a breezeless night in the famed Silver Forest, the moon looming large and imposing as it hung close to the earth. Werewolves considered such nights blessed, for the Moon God was believed to draw nearer to his children.

The Silver River flowed lazily, its waters mirroring the moon with glasslike clarity. It was near midnight, and the forest lay hushed, broken only by the occasional cricket rubbing its legs together in search of companionship. The moon’s silver glow touched everything, lending the woods an otherworldly sheen. Every full moon transformed the forest in this way, giving rise to its name, but tonight, the radiance carried an extraordinary beauty.

Then bubbles broke the river’s surface, disturbing the tranquillity.

Startled frogs stirred upon their lily pads, blinking at the disruption. More bubbles followed, sending fish leaping into the air as though fleeing an unseen threat. Frogs croaked in alarm, rousing mother birds from their nests, their cries joining the warring chorus. A herd of deer edged closer, uneasy, sensing a power in the air that defied explanation.

A large owl swooped onto a nearby branch, his golden eyes narrowing. “My, my… what is this commotion? A fire? Hunters?”

“Greer!” exclaimed a stag, his vast antlers like a king’s regalia. “Summon His Majesty! Look at the river!”

The owl turned his head and observed the disturbance. “Just a few bubbles,” he replied dismissively. “Likely a sinkhole or a pocket of air. Nothing worth rousing his Lordship for.”

The stag stamped his hoof, his gaze sweeping the water and forest alike. “Not just the river. Can you not feel it? The very air itself trembles, as though the forest's life force gathers there.”

Greer tilted his head, sceptical, then sighed. But when he closed his eyes, the truth struck him; a rush of energy rippled through the land, powerful and alive. He nearly toppled from his perch.

“I shall summon His Majesty at once!” he screeched, and in a flurry of wings vanished into the depths of the forest.

Not far away, a great white wolf slumbered in his den.

A force unlike any he had known surged through him, jolting him awake. Hackles raised, he scanned his cave, a low growl rumbling in his chest, certain danger lurked near. Then he stilled. There was nothing.

Just as he was about to dismiss it as a dream, he stiffened. The presence returned, vast, unfamiliar, pulsing outward from the heart of his forest.

“Lord Silas!” Greer cried from outside.

“Greer, is there a threat upon us?” Silas demanded, his voice edged with a snarl, as he glimpsed the silhouette of his majordomo.

“I cannot say, my lord, but its power is undeniable. Magic,” the owl panted.

“I have felt it,” Silas replied grimly. “Take me there.”

“Yes, my lord.”

They raced toward the river, Silas swift and silent beneath Greer’s wings, until they reached the water’s edge. A host of animals had gathered, restless and afraid.

“Make way! His Majesty approaches!” Greer declared.

The creatures parted, bowing their heads.

Silas padded to the riverbank, muscles taut, his multicoloured eyes fixed upon the churning water. The energy emanating from it was overwhelming. It did not feel threatening; rather, it brimmed with vitality, a force that felt almost… familiar. Still, he held his ground, wary of deception.

“Stand back!” he commanded.

The bubbles grew violent. Moonlight flared brighter as though the heavens themselves bore witness. The water erupted as if reaching a furious boil. A blinding light burst across the clearing. Some animals fled; others squeezed their eyes shut. Silas stood firm, teeth bared, ready to strike at whatever dared intrude on his territory.

A low growl rumbled through his chest as something stirred beneath the surface.

“Is that a fish? No… wait–”

The river broke.

“It can’t be!” Silas exclaimed, eyes wide with shock.

Suddenly, a tall man emerged, gasping for air.

Panic shot through the clearing. Many animals scattered. The white wolf growled, a warning that seemed to vibrate through the earth itself.

The man stared at his hands, trembling. Though the summer heat pressed heavily upon the forest, he shivered uncontrollably. Silver-dusted hair clung wet to his face; his pale skin glowed faintly. His eyes, kind and sky blue, lifted to meet the moon.

“Leave, intruder,” Silas barked.

He knew the words would fall as snarls upon human ears, but the man’s gaze sharpened. He met the wolf's striking eyes, one blue, one green and a faint smile touched his lips. He stepped towards the regal beast.

To Silas, it was an odd sight. The man moved as though unfamiliar with his own limbs. Yet there was no malice in him, only a familiar aura.

The man bowed, his hand to his heart. “Forgive my trespassing, Silas.”

Silas faltered. He understands me? Knows my name? Strange, for I feel no wolf within him, yet he does not seem entirely human either. His hostility wavered.

“Speak plainly,” Silas said at last. “What is your purpose here?”

The man shook his head. “I… do not know. My memory is void. I cannot recall who I am, nor where I came from. All I know… is your face. Your name.”

Silas narrowed his eyes and glanced at the moon. Its glow dimmed, as though retreating into a slumber. “You claim your memories are lost?”

“Yes, and yet–” The man’s brow furrowed. “The only other words that remain in my mind are meus lupus.”

Suddenly, a silver orb of light burst from his palm and struck Silas squarely upon the head. The wolf froze. His body went rigid, eyes blazing. The man cried out, stumbling forward, fear gripping him, only to be stopped by an unseen barrier.

Silas was no longer in the forest. His mind had been hurled into a realm of stars. The moon had vanished. A voice echoed among the constellations, achingly familiar.

“My dear Silas… these were my final words before I left the heavens. By now, I will have come to Earth in human form, stripped of memory. Heed this warning: Draven stirs, and will soon return.

“We must become one again and find our fated. Trust this secret to no one. Use my second name, known only to you. When we unite, we will sense her. When we find her, and our love proves true, all shall be revealed. Our final miracle has been initiated and is to be fulfilled.”

Tears pricked Silas’ eyes. “Oh, Luxian,” he whispered. “How I have missed you.”

Light engulfed him. When it faded, he stood once more upon the riverbank. The silver-haired man trembled before him, distraught.

“I-I didn’t mean to–” the man stammered.

“You have done no harm,” Silas reassured softly, warmth returning to his gaze. “Place your hand upon me.”

The man hesitated, then did as the wolf instructed. The instant his fingers touched Silas’ head, silver light surged forth, racing up his arm and enveloping his body. As the light spread, Silas grew brighter. A cool calmness washed over the man, steadying his trembling limbs. His breath caught. Something urgent stirred deep within him.

The wolf had vanished. Panic flared; until a voice echoed within his mind.

“I am here, friend. Close your eyes and listen.”

Startled, the man obeyed.

“Good,” Silas continued. “Now envision a path. Follow my voice.”

A forest trail unfolded in his mind. Towering pine trees stretched endlessly until he stepped into a clearing.

He gasped. It resembled the Silver Forest, yet everything shimmered in silver and pale blue hues. Moonflowers twinkling in the soft light, and the air felt sacred, unreal.

“Welcome to our forest,” Silas said, appearing before him with a gentle smile. His form was magnificent and radiant; his eyes shone brilliantly, regal like a creature from legend. “How do you feel?”

The man knelt, brushing the luminous grass with childlike wonder. “Is this real? Are you truly in my mind?”

Silas let out a chuckle. “We are bound by body, mind, and soul.”

The man hesitantly placed his hand on the wolf. A spark flashed. Emotion flooded him. A throbbing sensation filled his head, fragments of truth surfacing. He collapsed, clutching his skull in pain. Gradually, his expression softened, the torment easing into relief.

Slowly, he glanced up at Silas and smiled.

“My name is Orion,” he said, voice steady at last. “And we must find someone important.”

Silas returned the smile. “Then we shall rest in my cave tonight. Tomorrow, we prepare for our quest.”