CHAPTER 18

Aurora

I woke up early in the morning just as the dawn broke. I met Raven, all dressed up in sporting gear, showing her incredible physique. I looked at my oversized tracksuits and worn-out sneakers. I held the tip of my fingers, feeling quite shy. Raven spotted me and gave a warm smile, which surprisingly comforted me.

“Let’s go…Aurora.” Raven gestured with her hand for me to come closer. I hurried my footsteps to meet her. 

“Good morning, Raven. Where are we going so early? I asked in a calm voice. Raven curved her lips slightly.

“We’ll be going through the forest to improve your endurance. You wanna get stronger, right?” She asked with a serious tone.

I nodded in approval after the conversation with Cameron on what qualities attract Darius. I want to be a strong and reliable partner whom he can depend on. “I will become his one and only Luna,” I mumbled to myself.

We set out of the palace just the two of us without any bodyguards or she-wolves. After the incident, Raven began to train me to become stronger and more confident. So the opportunity to finally be able to go on long walks with her was progress in the right direction.

We walked for many miles into the forest.  I saw different wild animals that tried to intimidate us, but were chased away as Raven flashed her yellow wolf eyes towards them. I was mesmerized by the various beautifully crafted flowers and tall trees that blossomed with uniquely colored leaves.

When we finally reached the center of the forest. The air smelled so clean and unfiltered. I took a deep breath to inhale the true essence of nature. Raven tapped my shoulders, and I quickly snapped back to reality.

And voice. Raven smiled and nodded in agreement. “We still have a long way to go. But the air is cleaner here.” 

She signed, we continued moving to cover more distance, and we proceeded with the endurance walk as we ventured deeper into the forest.

We eventually reached the bottom of a valley. Raven stopped for me to catch my breath. The sun had already risen, and the forest became more visible. Just then, I started to regret the idea of wearing track tracksuit in hot weather.

My heart kept pacing as I slowly bent down to pace myself. The memories of my encounter with the assailants and how they chased me down the forest, catching up with me and pinning me to the floor. It felt like I was re-living the entire experience all over again. I beaded my forehead, which was dripping with sweat.

“Aurora…Aurora!” Raven called out to me. I regained my composure quickly.

“I’m fine…” I nervously replied. I tried to force a smile on my face, but Raven could see how pale my face turned like a porcelain vase. She took a wry smile and gazed at me deeply.

“No, you’re not, Aurora. You experienced something life-changing. You have to allow yourself  to heal.” Raven replied in a sad tone. She approached me and placed her hand on my shoulder.

I could no more hold the tears that welled up in my eyes as they streamed down my cheeks. My breath was caught in my throat. My heart felt like a huge ton placed on it. I placed my hand on my chest and tried to exhale, but nothing seemed to help.

Raven gestured for me to sit down to relax and calm myself. After several minutes, I finally felt some relief. I took a deep sigh as I finally found the words to describe the weight stored in my chest.

“When they caught and pinned me to the ground, I felt so helpless and weak. They laughed at me like I meant nothing.” I said in a hoarse voice. Raven gazed at me intently as I continued talking.

“Just as I thought everything was over, Alpha Darius came to my rescue and tore them into pieces. He was so vicious and ruthless. At that moment, I knew I never wanted him to see me so weak. I want him to see me with admiration by becoming stronger.” I said with conviction.

Raven curved her lips slightly like she had something to say, but she later changed her mind.

Moments later, she signed, we stood up, and moved on. “You have the chance to become stronger by first finishing this walk. I do admit I like your spirit, though.” Raven said with a broad smile on her face.

I felt a wave of comfort wash over me as her smile strangely brought me inner peace. I nodded my head in agreement as I stood upright. 

We steadily reached the top of the mini-valley. It wasn’t as high as a mountain, but it was enough to see the tips of various trees in the forest. The green scenery of the thick branches and leaves gave it a heart-warming background.

“I’m glad I took this endurance walk.” I thought to myself. I took a moment to enjoy the magnificent view. Minutes later, Raven tapped me for us to return.

“Let’s start heading back to the palace, it’s getting dark and I’m on strict orders from the Alpha  not to roam around in the dark with his little wolf.” She said with a cheeky smile on her face. 

“I’m not a little wolf.” I pouted back. I placed my hands on my hips in protest, but my defiance only made Raven chuckle even more. Her laughter slightly irritated me, but I knew my reaction would only make her more amused, so I decided not to push further.

The overcast of the sun was visible as we finally returned to the tip of the mini-valley. We proceeded back through the forest path. Suddenly, we started hearing movements through the leaves. Instantly, Raven’s demeanor changed as she stretched her arms for me to stay behind her.

“We aren’t alone, stay alert,” Raven said in a serious voice. I nodded in agreement as I hurriedly stayed behind me. The movements of the leaves became louder as I could see visible wolf eyes glowing and lurking in the woods.

“Show yourselves now, or I’ll take you all as threats to this kingdom!” Raven yelled in a sharp tone. My heart kept racing as the strangers kept watching us, trying to decide their next step.