Myth - Chapter 2

Stella–POV

"What did Julie mention to you, Mrs. Keller, before you parted ways? Did she say anything about going to the forest and why?" The officer inquired.

I strained to remember what Julie might have shared with me. Lately, my focus has been elsewhere whenever Julie speaks to me. "I can't recall anything specific right now. I'm so sorry. This is just a challenging time for me," I admitted, sighing heavily.

"Officer, if you're finished with the questioning, my daughter has been under immense stress since her husband's passing away," Mom interjected. Sensing the gravity of the situation, the officer nodded sympathetically and took his leave. Once he was gone, Mom escorted me to my room. Alone with my thoughts, I pondered why Julie might have ventured into the forest.

"Hey, I heard about Julie," Dad said as he entered, startling me. "Sorry, Stella, I didn't mean to scare you."

"It's strange, Dad. Why would Julie go to the forest?" I remarked, sighing heavily. The weight of worry and overthinking was draining me.

"I'm really concerned about her," I admitted. "Julie's parents must be beside themselves with worry."

Dad nodded. "I spoke with them earlier. I assured them the officers were doing everything possible to find Julie. They're distraught, as anyone would be." He paused, taking a deep breath. "I've decided to offer my assistance. Since they don't have a forest officer on the case, and I used to be one, I might be able to help."

"Take care, Dad," I said, hugging him tightly. As he left, my mind raced. I lay in bed, restless, and then it hit me. At our book club meeting, there was talk about a woman named Grace who had gone missing in the forest. Now Julie was missing too. I shut my eyes, trying to recall something specific from that conversation.

"I think I'll head to the forest to look around. Remember where Grace disappeared? If there's any truth to that lycan or werewolf

shifter myth, I want to know," Julie had said with a twinkle in her eye. "It could just be a silly legend. But I still want to check it out," she added confidently.

Concerned, I responded, "You shouldn't put yourself in danger." The memory was crystal clear now. With a sense of urgency, I quickly got dressed and stepped out of the room.

"Stella, where are you headed?" Mom called out as I was about to leave.

"I need to find answers about Julie," I replied, pulling on my coat.

"It's dark out, and it's not safe here at this hour. Wait for Dad to come back, then go," Mom's voice was thick with concern.

"Hand me the car keys, Mom. I'm an adult, and I can handle myself. Please, trust me." I could see the hesitation in her eyes, but my determination must have shown through. With a heavy sigh, she handed over the keys, and I quickly made my way out, ready to uncover the mystery surrounding Julie.

I hopped into the car and made my way toward the forest. The full moon painted the skyline, its light guiding me as I cautiously navigated the snow-covered road. After about an hour's drive, I remembered the spot the officer had mentioned – where Julie's car had been found parked just outside the woods. I spotted tire marks, most likely from Julie's car, which the officers had probably taken for a forensic examination.

The dense forest before me had an eerie ambiance and the strange part was that the forest felt like a summer season rather than being covered in snow. "Julie, where are you?" I yelled, only to be met by the distant hooting of owls and the soft chirping of nocturnal insects. I hesitated at the forest's edge, pondering whether to venture further. If the officers couldn't locate her, what chance did I stand?

Deciding against it, I turned back toward my car. I couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that I was being watched. As I quickened my pace, the snowy ground betrayed me, causing me to slip and fall. "Ouch!" I exclaimed. A sharp pain shot through my leg as I tried to rise, signaling a cramp. Immobilized, I realized how imprudent it had been to come here alone.

"Stella!" A familiar voice echoed in the stillness. It was unmistakably Julie's. "Help me, Stella." With sheer willpower, I pushed through the pain in my leg and returned to the forest entrance. To my astonishment, the snowy landscape had been transformed. Instead of a winter blanket, it was as if I had stepped into summer. I blinked, rubbing my eyes. The exhaustion was playing tricks on me. But when I opened them again, the verdant grass and rich brown soil remained untouched by snow.

"Stella, please help me!" Julie's voice came up again, sounding distant yet desperate. My heart raced. Was it wise to venture further?

Julie had always been there for me, a beacon during my darkest times. How could I turn my back on her now, especially when she seemed in dire need? Filled with resolve, I stepped into the dense forest. Instead of the expected cold, a warm, humid breeze caressed my skin. I shed my coat, and the moonlight guided me, casting just enough illumination to navigate the uneven terrain.

"Julie? Where are you?" I called out. Silence engulfed the forest, making me feel even more isolated. A twig snapped behind me, and I spun around to be met with an intimidating sight: a massive wolf, more significant than any I'd ever seen. Its sharp canines glinted in the moonlight, reminding me eerily of werewolves from the stories I'd read. The wolf's gaze seemed calculating, almost as if it were studying me. As it began advancing, I took hesitant steps backward, fear coursing through my veins.

As the wolf quickened its pace, I bolted, adrenaline propelling me forward. I berated myself for ever daring to enter this treacherous forest. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw the wolf closing the gap. Panic surged through me, convinced I'd soon meet a grisly fate at the jaws of this unnaturally large creature. As I sprinted, my foot caught on something, sending me tumbling to the ground.

Frozen with fear, I watched as the wolf lunged at me. I braced myself for the imminent pain, but instead, a deafening growl echoed through the forest. Opening my eyes, I found the attacking wolf hesitating, backing away. Behind me stood another creature: a towering wolf on two legs, unmistakably a Lycan. I gasped, realizing the forest legends of werewolves and Lycans weren't just myths; they were terrifyingly real.

I feared I'd become the Lycan's next meal. Trying to steady my racing heart, I looked for any opportunity to escape. Surprisingly, the Lycan didn't attack me. Instead, it locked its fierce gaze on the other wolf, lunging at it. Seizing the distraction as my chance, I bolted.

Thankfully, I had marked my path when entering the forest. My daily jogging regimen now proved its worth as I sprinted toward safety. Reaching the forest's edge, the crisp, cold air hit my face. Fumbling, I unlocked my car, but as I glanced back, the Lycan pursued me.

I reversed hastily and sped off, praying I wouldn't skid on the slippery road. In my rearview, the Lycan continued its chase. Panic overwhelmed me, and I lost control of the wheel. The car flipped, and my airbags failed. With a painful thud, my head hit the steering wheel. Dazed, I managed to crawl out, my legs shaky beneath me. But the approaching Lycan looked different now, its once menacing demeanor replaced with something less threatening.

"Stay away from me!" I tried to shout, but my voice came out like a whisper. Touching my forehead, I felt a warm trickle of blood. My injury was obvious. To my astonishment, the Lycan began to transform into human form. Contrary to the tales I'd heard where Lycans emerged naked after a transformation, this one was fully clothed. I looked up at his face, and my heart skipped a beat.

"This can't be," I murmured. The pain surged throughout my body, pinning me to the spot. My eyes locked on his familiar features, and the realization hit me. He bore an uncanny resemblance to my late husband.

"Kellan? Are you alive?" I whispered, disbelief evident in my voice.

"Stella, why are you here?" His voice, dripping with concern, echoed the Kellan I once knew. "It looks like I need to get you to a hospital." As he spoke, a thought niggled at the back of my mind. Maybe this was just a vivid nightmare, and I'd wake up safe in my bed any moment now.