Chapter 2

Azara.

A deafening scream tore through my throat as I jolted awake, struggling to be free from their firm grip.

My arms flared freely in the air as I tried to wiggle my small frame beneath their invisible large ones.

That was the moment I realized…it was a dream.

I was struck by terror as a burst of fear spread through my heart like wildfire.

I was back in my room, safe from their mysterious men that held me captive, yet I couldn't stop shivering as the strange dream replayed in my head countlessly.

“Who are you?” I muttered softly, my fingers trembling as my eyes darted around my dimly lit room, scanning the area for any unusual occurrence.

While their identities paralyzed me with fear, what really terrified my existence was the fact that they knew me by my real name.

Aside from my step father and mother, no one knew my true identity.

Who were they?

What do they want from me?

The thumping of my heart doubled as my stomach knotted in fear.

The thought of dashing off to my parents’ room invaded my mind, but it was too late.

Shivering in horror as I grabbed the duvet, shielding my trembling body with it, I shut my eyes, forcing myself to sleep while I tried to erase the weird dream from my mind.

It felt weird but something about them pulled me like a magnet. Their masculine voices and energies wrapped around me like silk. It caused a sensation running freely in my veins.

I couldn't describe it, but I yearned for it.

It's weird. How can I crave the presence of my unreal captives?

A small sigh rolled off my lips as I shut my eyes, surrendering myself to the comfort of sleep.

I had barely gone 3 hours into sleep when I was jolted awake by a sharp pain that was impossible to ignore.

A rain of sweat descended on my face as the strange pain traveled throughout my body, causing great discomfort.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I got out of bed, trying to comprehend what was happening to me, but my head was blank.

I was about to dash to my parents’ bedroom when a strange powerful force took control of me, turning the direction of my legs outside, causing me to run like a wild beast.

It was no surprise that I wasn't spotted by anyone. I knew every nook and cranny of the mountain.

Catching my breath, I slowly turned my head, scanning my surroundings to know my location. Darkness loomed over me and the consistent chirping of the insect reminded me that I was in the woods.

But I didn't realize I had crossed the pack border, the boundary that separates the Opal wolf from the rest of the world.

Scared to death as my heart flipped hard, adrenaline rushed through me, fueling me with strength as I tried to run to my pack immediately to avoid being seen by Hunters. I narrowly escaped the last time as my mother almost sacrificed herself to save me.

The force dominated me once more, pushing me to the ground as if making me submit and surrender to its power.

Helpless, I lay over the wet grass, weeping profusely. Thunder claps erupted from the sky, accompanied by terrifying streaks of lightning.

The ground I lay on became suddenly hot, and my body started emitting smoke.

Before I could comprehend what was happening to me, the bones in my body broke at once, causing agonizing pain and claws replaced my fingers. Red fur sprouted from my smooth skin with force and sharp canines replaced my nice dentition. My sense of vision, hearing, and smell heightened, and my nose elongated.

I let out a deafening cry, panting hard as my body structure realigned violently until I was on all fours. A tail shot out between my legs, and the urge to run and howl at the full moon hanging in the sky overwhelmed me.

A smile formed in my mind at the realization.

I finally shifted. I have a wolf. If I can find my mate, my life will be complete.

“Azara.”

Fear gripped me, causing me to freeze.

I turned to look at the origin of the sound, but there was no one in view.

“I am right here, Azara.” The voice repeated, louder this time. “I'm in your head. My name is Aria and I am your wolf.”

“First things first, let's get out of here; it's too dangerous,” she warned, letting out soft growls, and she paced about my head. “Your mum would be so pissed.”

I cocked my head, surprised at her words. “How do you know about my mum?”

“Oh, Azara, I've been here with you all your life, in your head, silently watching you grow, protecting you. It's time to let myself known, but let's leave this place, please. You are far from home.”

Immense joy replaced the fear as Aria's gentle, yet firm voice filled my head, calming my nerves. For the first time in hours of shifting, the pain didn't matter anymore, neither was the fear of being away from the rest of the pack, standing away from the border with an Opal wolf that emitted flames.

My wolf was extremely big, rugged, and strong, yet wise. I love her already.

“It's nice to finally meet you, Ari–”

A loud Piercing gasp penetrated my ears, interrupting my speech.

Turning my head in the direction of the voice, I saw the figure of a lean man with a fire torch above his hands, his mouth wide open as he glared at me with shocked eyes.

“The legendary wolf!” He declared.

“Are my eyes deceiving me? Isn't this the Fire Opal wolf?!”

I froze on the spot, unaware of what to do when Aria's desperate screams rang in my head like a bell.

“Azara, run!”