An encounter in the woods...

Terror stabbed my heart. I touched my face and realized I had indeed forgotten my mask. The princess grabbed my braid, ripping hair from my scalp. Then she rolled me in the air like a rag doll.

“Forgive me, Princess. I didn’t—”

She punched me, and a metallic taste filled my mouth. My lip started bleeding again, the warm liquid dripping onto my chin.

“You think you are more beautiful than me? So what if we have some common features? You want to be my doppelganger? That won’t happen,” she sneered.

I trembled with terror. My eyes didn't lift from the floor because it only angered her more.

Princess hated the similarities between us. It was why I had to keep my face covered. Mom always said Princess was jealous that my features were more beautiful than hers.

I stared into her deep green eyes, the only thing different between us. Mine had a yellow ring in the center while the green scattered all over.

“Please, I won’t do it again,” I said as the princess slapped me once more. A stinging pain ran over my cheek.

She kicked me in the stomach with her sharp heel, and I turned myself into a small ball to avoid more harsh strikes. Pain coursed through my gut like a sharp knife. I tried to think of something else, tried to picture myself somewhere else, as she continued to kick me.

Eventually, the luna asked her to have lunch and not “waste energy on a pathetic creature” like me, and she stopped. I was grateful the luna saved me, though I knew a time would come when no one would stop Princess, and I would end up dead.

Weak and in unbearable pain, I trudged out of the chamber.

“We will heal soon. I am trying,” Mel said, and I closed my eyes.

I sucked in a sharp breath at the fading pain. There was no way I could see my mother in this condition. I wanted death to take me away from this hell. The mental agony was worse than physical.

My body experienced a variety of aches and pains, ranging from sharp pains and aching muscles to throbbing and tenderness. The pain was intense and radiated throughout the body, from the top of the head down to the soles of the feet. My muscles and joints ache and throbbed with every movement, making even the simplest tasks of walking a challenge. Bruises appeared, both visible and invisible, a reminder of the violence that has been inflicted. The body had been supposed to be a temple and when it was being violated, the pain seemed to be unbearable.

I needed calm. I needed a free run in the woods.

It was as if Mellasia was on the edge too, and soon the bones shifted in my body as she took over. My clothes fell to the ground, and I landed on four furry limbs. My wolf was a beautiful red with enchanting yellow eyes. Even though she was small, I was satisfied with her strength.

Through a secret passage I’d known since childhood, I sprawled out of the pack house. I pushed the ground beneath my paws, twigs and leaves crushing under foot. Soon, dark trees came into view. An owl hooted in the distance, and beetles rattled. The trees swayed in the gentle breeze and their lush green leaves rustled in the wind. Sunlight flickered through the canopy, cascading down and creating a peaceful atmosphere. Bird songs filled the air and the occasional squirrel or rabbit could be seen darting across the forest floor.

Wildflowers of all colors were scattered throughout, their petals brightening the area with their vibrant hues. The soil beneath the trees was soft and damp, and the thick moss that grew on the trunks of the trees provided a haven for many creatures. The smell of pine and earth permeated the air, creating a calming sensation that engulfed the entire forest.

The soothing sounds of nature almost made me forget the pain I had suffered.

It was the rainy season, so the fountain lake, a hot spring only I knew about, was overflowing with water. I shifted back to human form, and the nakedness made me shy as the wind caressed my breasts. Quickly, I jumped into the hot water. My bruises stung, making me yelp. But soon, the pain evaporated and the hot water soothed me. I closed my eyes, basked in its comfort, and concentrated on the surrounding sounds.

A scent met my nose. A different scent. Sweet. Addictive. Was it chocolate? It was the first time I had smelled something of that sort, and it captivated me. I kept my eyes closed, inhaling it, enjoying it.

But then a crushing sound startled me, and my heart jumped in my chest. My eyes sprang open. Before me was an enormous silver-gray wolf, the biggest I’d ever seen, with icy blue eyes. He stood on a boulder, staring at me. The world stopped as I stared back, paralyzed by his presence. His scent was dominating but still exciting enough to grab my attention to him more. His eyes wandered over me, making me realize my breasts were out of the water and in his full view.

Suddenly, swiftly, he moved and began to approach.

An alarm rang in my head. I rushed out of the hot spring, transformed into my wolf, and ran without stopping or turning back. The forest was still the same peaceful and lovely place but my heart and mind was on fire. I didn't need any other male to hurt me again after being tortured by everyone.

When I entered my cabin and shifted back, I exhaled a heavy breath. My heart hammered against my chest and my throat burned due to lack of oxygen in my respiratory system.

Fear filled me. Yet something about the encounter was satisfying. The memory of his piercing blue eyes filled my vision. It had been the closest contact I’d ever had with a male without getting hurt by him.

“Sweetie, are you back?” my mom asked in her half sleepy voice.

“I’m here,” I said, working to bring myself back to my miserable reality. I hurriedly changed into a nightdress and joined her in bed.

She wrapped her arms around me. “Why’s your heart thundering?” she asked.

“No reason.” I closed my eyes and smiled, thinking about him.

She shifted position. “Someone is smiling,” she said, watching me. She looked better than she had that morning.

“It was a nice day,” I lied.

She nodded. “Things will change, Astrid. Once you find your mate, you’ll have a proper name. Some things take time,” she said in her dreamy voice.

“I don’t think so.” I knew those words would hurt her, but they were true. I wasn’t meant to be with anyone.

“Don’t say that. I’m sure you’ll find him soon.” She pecked me on my forehead.

I didn’t argue again. I didn't want to break the small hope she had made in her heart.

Surprisingly, Mel had remained quiet after the strange encounter, and she seemed too happy for no reason. Whatever her intentions were, I was delighted to know at least one of us was having a good day.