6-𝗔𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗱'𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴

I could not get rid of the impression that Kaidën's words had given me. "I am attempting to keep you safe from myself." By that, what did he mean? Did he have a secret from me?

An uneasiness gripped me as I made my way back to my room. I felt as though I was drowning in secrets after meeting Xylara, finding Lucas, and hearing Kaidën's cryptic warnings.

I felt a wave of relief as I arrived at my room and locked the door behind me. However, I saw something that made my heart skip a beat as I turned to head for the bed.

There was a little piece of paper with a note written on it on my bedside table. Even though I did not recognize the handwriting, the message chilled me:

"At midnight, meet me in the ancient oak forest. Come alone."

I felt a surge of fear mixed with curiosity. What did they want from me, and who could have written this note?

I was standing there pondering my options when I heard a slight scratching noise coming from the window. I turned to see a single word scrawled on a tiny piece of paper that was adhered to the glass:

"Run.”With my heart pounding, I knew I had to leave. But who could I trust, and where could I go?

I remained in a daze for the remainder of the day, attempting to decipher the enigmatic note and the dire warning. However, I realized I needed to make a choice as the sun started to set.

My heart was thumping in my chest as I stood at the edge of the ancient oak forest as the clock struck midnight. Despite the advice to flee, I had chosen to come by myself.

The trees towered over me like sentinels, and the forest was eerily dark. With my senses sharpened, I ventured farther into the forest.

Abruptly, a silhouette arose from the darkness. With his eyes shining in the moonlight, it was Kaidën.

"What are you doing here, Astrid?" His voice was low and menacing as he growled.

I tried to maintain a steady voice as I stood my ground. Saying, "I got a note," "It instructed me to meet here with someone."

Kaidën's face became serious. He insisted, "Who wrote the note?"

I gave a headshake. "I don't know. However, I believe it has something to do with what has been happening in the pack.

As though looking for something, Kaidën's eyes seemed to stare right into mine. And then, in a low, husky voice, he said:

"Astrid, I believe you are approaching the truth. This is the reason you are in danger.

The surrounding forest appeared to darken as he spoke, the shadows growing darker and bending into ominous shapes. I was aware that I needed to exercise caution because I was straddling the line between danger and truth.

But I was prepared to do whatever it took to learn the pack's secrets.

"Tell me, Kaidën," I said, my voice firm. "What's going on in the pack? What's behind the Lunar Curse?"

Kaidën's eyes narrowed and his face became defensive. "I'll tell you everything," he said. "But first, you need to trust me."

Uncertain of what to do, I hesitated. However, there was something in Kaidën's eyes that convinced me to believe him.

"Okay," I said. "I trust you."

Kaidën's eyes softened and his face relaxed. "Good," he said. "Because I have something to tell you that will make a huge difference."

Then, as the darkness enveloped us like a shroud, he took my hand and guided me farther into the forest.

The trees appeared to get closer and taller as we went, leaving the ground with long, menacing shadows. I could feel the uneasiness slipping over me, but Kaidën's hand held me in check.

When we arrived at a clearing, an old, twisted tree stood in the middle of it. Withered fingers reaching for the sky, its branches twisted and turned.

Kaidën came to a halt before the tree, staring at it. "This is the Heart Tree," he said, his voice low and reverent. "It's the source of our pack's power."

I was so intrigued that I reached out and touched the trunk of the tree. The moment I touched it, a surge of energy swept through me.

I had never experienced anything like it before. It seemed to be calling to me, and the energy was strong and unadulterated.

Kaidën's intense gaze swung to meet mine. He said in a low, urgent voice, "Astrid, what are you doing?"

I knew I needed to exercise caution as a rush of energy swept through me. "I do not know," I said, attempting to sound calm. "The tree simply drew my attention."

Kaidën's expression turned grim. "You shouldn't have done that," he said. "The Heart Tree is powerful, and it's not to be trifled with."

The echoes of Kaidën's words sent a chill down my spine. What was it I had just gotten into?

Then, suddenly, the tree started to glow. I could feel myself drawn to it as a soft, pulsing light came from its trunk.

Kaidën tightened his hold on my hand. "Astrid, don't move," he whispered urgently. "Whatever you do, don't touch the tree again."

But it was too late. I had already felt the tree's power, and I knew I couldn't resist its call.

As the light grew brighter, I felt myself being lifted off the ground. I could feel my senses being pushed to their limits as I was encircled by a whirlpool of color and vitality.

And then, everything went black.

I felt as though I were weightless and floating in midair as I drifted through the darkness. My body felt unresponsive and heavy as I attempted to move.

I was suddenly overcome with images and visions, each of which passed quickly one after the other. From the prehistoric rites to the current conflicts, I witnessed the history of the pack play out before my eyes.

When Kaidën was a little boy, I saw him playing with his siblings in the forest. I watched him develop into a strong, capable wolf who bravely and wisely led the pack.

Additionally, I witnessed the Lunar Curse, a sinister and evil force that had plagued the pack for many generations. It was threatening to destroy everything the pack valued, and I could see its power growing.

After the visions subsided, I was once again in the clearing, facing the Heart Tree. Kaidën stood next to me, his worried eyes.

"Astrid, are you okay?" His voice was urgent and low as he asked.

Still trying to take in what I had seen, I nodded. "What just happened?" I asked, my voice shaking.

Kaidën's face became serious. "The Heart Tree has chosen you," he said. "A peek into the history of the pack and its secrets has been provided to you."

I experienced a rush of both fear and excitement. What did being selected by the Heart Tree mean? And what mysteries were there, just waiting to be discovered?

I realized that my journey was only getting started as I stood there attempting to make sense of everything. I was going to set out on a journey that would take me to the center of the pack and its hidden mysteries.

I was also aware that I would not be by myself. I would have Kaidën by my side to help me navigate the complexities of the journey that lay ahead.

Together, we would solve the pack's mysteries and take on the upcoming obstacles. And I knew that our relationship would be the secret to opening everything as we stood there in front of the Heart Tree.