"Seraphina, dear, you have to wake up now."
"Mother?"
"Yes, dear. Wake up now, it is not yet time for you to join us. Your journey is far from over."
"But I don't want to live without all of you."
"You must, dear. We weren't going to be in your life forever. Rise now, a grand destiny awaits you."
I draw a sharp breath as consciousness flooded back, struggling for air as if my lungs were constricted. My mind felt foggy and every muscle ache.
But I still remembered the dream clearly.
I saw my mother. She came to me. I saw her sweet, soft face again.
I buried my face in my palms, that was when I realized I've been crying.
As clarity returned, I saw I was still alive, and in a tent.
A surge of panic gripped me as the realization dawned that I might have returned to the camp.
I didn't give in to the panic, and decided to look around.
This tent was different. It was cleaner and much organized.
I was sleeping on a very soft mat and was covered with soft fur.
If I was back at the camp, they wouldn't give me this type of comfort.
As I attempted to stand, I nearly stumbled back.
My body felt drained. I haven't eaten anything since the gods know when. After all that running, my strength had abandoned me.
I managed to drag myself out the tent, and I realized I wasn't back at the camp.
Despite this place being a camp, it was organized. The soldiers weren't unnecessarily loud, and they moved with purpose. Their uniforms were also different from the soldiers I knew. What state could this soldiers be from? Was I in enemy territory?
Standing at the tent entrance, I observed discreetly. No one paid me any mind. Each person was engrossed in their duties.
I stood there, torn between the idea of sneaking off for food and the fear of severe consequences if caught.
I was contemplating taking the risk until I saw a shadow from the corner of my eyes.
I was about to flee when a cold authoritive voice stopped me.
"Stop," the voice commanded, freezing me in place.
Even though I haven't shifted yet, as long as I had wolf blood in me I could never resist an alpha's command.
"Turn around." The voice instructed. And I turned around slowly as if someone was controlling my body.
Facing the source of the voice, I saw a huge man towering over me. He was five times taller than me, and ten times bigger.
Avoiding his gaze, a habit from my days at the camp, I kept my eyes fixed on the floor.
"Look at me," he commanded, sending a chill down my spine.
Raising my head slowly, my breath got caught in my throat. This imposing man had a beautiful face.
His long brown hair that, almost red, were braided back, his eyes had the same fiery hue. A straight nose and a sharp jawline complemented his rugged figure, accentuated by a scar that ran from his left eyebrow down to his cheek. Clad in sleek black armor, he exuded a mix of beauty and danger.
I knew better than to get involved with people like this.
"I am Alpha Kaelen, commander of the Wolfhaven army." He introduced himself.
My eyes widened in recognition as the name echo in my ears.
The Wolfhaven army were the largest and most feared army in the state.
They were known as death bringers. Conquering every battle they stepped their feet into. It was their might that has kept our enemies at bay, unable to prevail against us.
I held deep admiration for these warriors. I have always loved listening to stories about them. Now standing in front of the commander of the legendary army, I didn't know how to react.
"I-I-I'm Seraphina, alpha." I stammered, bowing deeply, my hands trembling slightly with nervous energy.
"My soldiers discovered you by the lake during their reconnaissance. Were you attempting to end your own life, Seraphina?" His voice remained steady, yet tears welled up in my eyes.
"Why did they rescue me, alpha?" I questioned through sobs, tears streaming down my cheeks unchecked.
"Why did they not simply let me drown?" My voice broke as grief overtook me, tears flowing freely.
Lost in anguish, I wept uncontrollably, momentarily forgetting the powerful alpha before me.
I was tried.
Why didn't they leave me to drown? What purpose did life hold now? Mother told me I had a greater future awaiting me, but what was so great about the future if they weren't here with me?
I promised Lyra that I wouldn't let anything happen to her, but I failed. I failed her.
I wept harder as I remembered my sister's lifeless body, how loud she was screaming, the amount of pain she must have been in.
"It should have been me," I uttered through tear-streaked cheeks.
"It should have been me! Why did it have to be her?! What wrong had that innocent child done?!" I cried out, the pain too much for me to bear.
"Your soldiers should have just let me drown!" I yelled at the alpha, who stood unmoved, his expression unreadable. I didn't even think of the fact that I was shouting at the most powerful man alive, my heart was aching too much for me to care.
"What is the point of me living?! What was I living for when I had lost everybody?!" I screamed, tears clouding my words.
"There's always a purpose for you, Seraphina. You just haven't discovered yours yet." Alpha Kaelen responded, his voice unwavering, and I felt a glimmer of solace.
"You will find your purpose Seraphina. Trust my words." He assured me, and my tears subsided as I gaze up at him.
His face remained expressionless but something seemed to have soften in his eyes.
I wiped my tears, standing resolute as I declare, "Then I wish to join your army, Alpha."
"Perhaps that is my purpose. " I proclaimed boldly. I expected him to laugh or mock me, but he didn't.
"Then so be it, Seraphina," he acknowledged with a nod of respect. "Do you know what you're committing yourself into?" He asked calmly.
"Yes, alpha. " I affirmed. I wouldn't tell him about my problem yet until when it feels right.
"Very well. Come eat, " He suggested, turning to depart. "Tomorrow, at first light, we ride to Wolfhaven."
"Yes, Alpha." I said as I followed him.
Wolfhaven was the capital city. A place I have only heard in stories and from people, but I didn't tell him that and just followed him.
Tomorrow, I was going to a place where I would find my purpose.
As the first ray of dawn broke through the trees, the army started their journey. The roar of military engines filled the air. A fleet of armored trucks and transport vehicles lined up along the edge of the forest.The soldiers, clad in tactical gear, moved with practiced efficiency, preparing for the final leg of their journey.I stood beside one of the transport trucks, my gaze scanning the rows of vehicles.The scent of diesel and the metallic tang of the armor were familiar.I was assigned to ride with a soldier with a stern demeanor but a clear sense of duty.According to what Alpha Kaelen mentioned, the trip to Wolfhaven could take up to five days, despite the vehicles, because of the army's size. We traveled all day, only stopping to rest and eat.There was no sleep at all, but I didn't voice any complaints. I was determined to prove myself to Alpha Kaelen. On the third night, Alpha Kaelen decided we should rest. Something tells me he did it because of me and I hated it. I
The walls in the women's quarters were thick. The air felt damp and cool. Aella guided me to my room, giving me a quick tour.Her words "Welcome to hell" echoed in my mind. But I wasn't afraid. I had just come from one hell, I could handle another. "This is the common room," Aella mentioned as she entered a large, dimly lit room. "Here, the women gather at the end of every day, to eat and just do what women do," Aella grinned as she spoke. "Even though we are soldiers, we're still women," she winked at me and continued leading the way.She pushed open a heavy double door, revealing a long hallway lined with rolls of door on each side. We walked until she reached what seemed like the middle of the corridor. She opened a door at the left and stepped inside. As we entered, I saw five girls who hurried to stand."Ma'am," they saluted Aella in unison. "At ease," she told them, but they remained standing."This is your new bunkmate and our fresh recruit," she indicated toward me. "Yo
I stood there amidst the other recruits, a motley crew of young men and women, all with the same haunted look in their eyes.They were war children, much like myself. Before us stood the man who had been addressing us, and his visage was clear to me. His hair was a wild, untamed mess of silver and black, long and flowing.His piercing green eyes scanned the group, settling on me for a moment. If I had found Alpha Kaelen intimidating, this man would have suppressed him by far. "Welcome, recruits," his voice resonated. "I am Captain Kael. Today marks the beginning of your journey. You will be trained in combat, survival skills, to become something more than what you are." He clapped his hands together, the sound reverberating through the area. "Let the training begin!" We were immediately thrown into a whirlwind of activities. We were taught basic combat techniques, how to move with speed and agility, how to use our bodies as weapons. I struggled. My body was weak. My hands tre
I awoke to find myself surrounded by the dark walls of the health center. The air was thick with the scent of antiseptic and the faint, metallic scent of blood.Suddenly, a voice beside me startled me. Elara was seated beside, her expression marked with concern. "You're awake," she said. "The alpha visited and suggested you take a few days off for recovery."I felt a lingering ache in my side, a reminder of the blow that had rendered me unconscious.Attempting to rise, a wave of dizziness overcame me, forcing me to lay back down. "What happened?" I asked, my voice hoarse."I lost control," Elara explained as she handed me a cup of water. "It occurs at times. I'm deeply sorry," she expressed with remorse."It's okay," I responded after drinking the water. "Where did you learn how to fight like that?" I queried, intrigued. "My father was a soldier," she responded with a faraway look in her eyes. "He would train me whenever feasible. He departed for the battlefield a year ago. His
Sweat trickled down my forehead, my breaths coming in ragged gasps. I faced off against a girl, my sparring partner, taller yet leaner than me. Our practice fight had been fierce, a whirlwind of strikes, kicks, and grapples.I had progressed in sparring. Gone were the days of stumbling; I had learned to anticipate my partner's moves, my reflexes sharpened by endless hours of training. Seven moons had passed since the shifting incident. Elara and Leon dedicated every spare moment to my training. From the sun's peek, to the moon's rise, we trained relentlessly. It was grueling.Somedays, my body begged for rest, but I persevered. I made a vow to myself.Those tireless training hours paid off. Now, facing my adversary, I felt assured I could hold my own for a few rounds. We circled each other, awaiting the signal to commence."Begin!" Captain Kael bellowed. I made the first move. I launched forward, my fist a blur as it connected with her jaw. She staggered but swiftly remained
I didn't recognize the girl looking back at me.She was a sight in simple grace. The dress was a flowing midnight blue, matching my eyes. The fabric, woven with threads of silver, clung to my curves, accentuating my slender form. The bodice was modest, embellished only with a delicate silver chain holding a small moonstone pendant that shimmered like moonlight.My hair, a cascade of golden ringlets, was adorned with a dainty silver comb that glistened with a tiny emerald.It all felt a bit overwhelming. "Ember," I murmured as I faced her."Hush," she whispered as she guided me back to the mirror. "It's just one night. Let go for just one night," she urged softly. I could manage that, just for one night."Now, come," Ember exclaimed, her voice slightly elevated. "The night beckons." She took my hands and led me out of the room."How did you manage to get a dress like this?" I inquired. "That's a tale for another time," she chimed in a singsong voice. I just grinned and followed h
"Hello," a voice greeted behind me. I turned, and my breath hitched in my throat. The man standing behind me was towering, his broad shoulders filling the space between me and the wall.His dark, brown hair was swept back from his face, revealing features that were both sharp and gentle.His gray eyes, the hue of a misty morning, held a depth that seemed to pierce through me. They were framed by thick, dark lashes that cast a shadow over his cheekbones, adding to his enigmatic aura. He donned a luxurious velvet doublet, the material shimmering with gold thread, and his trousers were crafted from the finest black silk. A bejeweled sword hung at his side, a symbol of his authority, yet it seemed to blend seamlessly with his elegant form. Taken aback, I didn't rise to greet him. I had never encountered such a striking man, and my heart pounded in my chest. A burly guard, clad in armor, stepped forward, his hand reaching for my arm. "Rise, girl! This is the Prince!" he barked, his
The first thing I registered was the smell. A potent combination of herbs and beeswax, a familiar scent that I've learned to disdain. Then came the soft murmur of voices, the rhythmic clinking of metal against stone.My eyelids fluttered open, revealing a dimly lit room, the only light coming from a flickering oil lamp. I blinked, striving to focus. Three faces swam into view, their expressions a mixture of relief and concern. "Seraphina!" Ember exclaimed, her voice laden with emotion. "You're awake!"Elara, her face pale, reached out and gently squeezed my hand. "Thank the gods," she whispered. Leon, his eyes wide with worry, leaned closer. "You caused us quite a fright," he said, his voice barely audible. I tried to speak, but my throat felt dry and scratchy. "What… what happened?" I croaked. "The assailants assailed you," Leon explained. "We discovered you… unconscious and bathed in your own blood." His eyes bore a haunted look as he recounted. The memory of the attack, the