Read Under The Oak Tree Novels & Stories

Standing in the place, Callum and I look at the tree. The words "This isn't over," inscribed into the bark, throbs in my thoughts like a horrible premonition. I'm convinced Callum can hear the beating of my heart in my chest. I can't take my eyes off the message; it appears to be mocking us and demanding that we take action.

He offered his wide hand, “Let me help you.” “I can help myself.” I stood, and shook off the dirt off my skirt. He just shrugged, “Okay.” He continued and went under the oak. It was only a bit higher than Gabriel, but taller for me that I was able to raise my head high and see its perfect oddity. Its shrunken trunk and all that was connected to it had perfect shade of homey brown and its foliage was thick, but there were spaces that allowed rays of sunshine to pass through it.

The oak tree was older than the Hale fortune, its branches gnarled and thick, stretching over the stone wall like reaching fingers. I didn’t think about the physics of it. I didn’t think about the silk-blend sweater or the way the rough bark bit into my palms, scraping away the "pampered" layer of my skin to reveal the girl underneath who used to climb fire escapes to get to the roof of her apartment. I shoved my foot into a notch in the trunk, my breath hitching as a sharp pain bloomed in my side. Not now, I thought, pressing a hand to my stomach. Just a little further.

I knew he was supposed to be here. Thinking he was yet to come, I sat under the oak tree and waited for him. I kind of see why he liked this place, the cool breeze brushing against my skin was so calming, and the leaves on the oak tree rustled with the wind. I closed my eyes, breathing deeply, enjoying the calm environment. I think I was too engrossed in how good I was feeling that I did not know when I fell asleep. I don’t know how long I had slept, but when I woke up, I was moving in the air, my eyes immediately flew open, scared I was being kidnapped.

Nobody, not even Anton or Beta Randall, can tell me to not enter. I find the plants quickly enough; over the last few years they’ve spread out deeper into the woods. I head to the usual spot, the large oak tree where Mum used to read to me on hot summer’s days still growing with momentum. It’s acting as a reminder that nature continues even when you lose the ones you love. Seasons still come and go…years still pass.

I go until I’m far above the ground, far enough that looking straight down leaves me feeling dizzy. Don’t look down, don’t look down. I tell myself and look straight ahead. I’ve wrapped my arms around the tree trunk and I’m gripping tight. It’s some kind of oak tree, with large wide branches and a sturdy trunk. It’s thick with leaves in midsummer and they rustle gently in the light wind. Below is the hard baked ground and a little way away, the pool that comes down from the waterfall before the river rushes away through the forest.

MAXINE We made our way to the old oak tree near the lake. The moon was hanging low in the sky. It cast a pale glow on the water. I could see the massive oak tree in the distance, its branches twisting like fingers. This was where it was all going to end. We reached the base of the tree. The ground beneath our feet is uneven and covered in fallen leaves. Mr. Grayson pulled out the scroll from the small box containing the last piece. He brought the other pieces from his bag one after the other.

Then Amber felt it too. “What is that?” “I think the tree is trying to communicate with us.” “What?” Amber looked shocked. “Let’s just go see.” Isabella continued up to the top and stood under the tall oak. She looked at the leaves and half rotten acorns around its base. “It’s a black oak.” She whispered to Amber. “How can you tell?” “You have to look at the leaves and the acorns. Those are black oak leaves and acorns.” “Okay.” Amber looked up at the tree.

"I have my eyes on you" I scoffed. What is it with this witch? Her eyes on me? I can't believe her gut. But then again, what does Jo's mean. "I know what happens beneath The Oak." The compound was popularly known as The Oak. We have the Lady of the oak who was Sumaya, as well as the princes of the Oak. The servants and the slaves of the Oak who were also known as the Oak's commodity. But how could anyone claim to know what happens beneath The Oak? It sounds absurd. Especially the fact that their couldn't be anything beneath the plantation or the numerous chambers.

I closed my eyes, feeling his canines pierce my skin with precision. There was no coercion, no hesitation—only a confirmation with composure. And what came wasn't pain, but a stream of immeasurable energy. A golden shroud unfurled, shrouding us with its pure radiance that resonated with the moon's light. When the Mark was complete, we opened our eyes, finding an understanding that seemed to stretch across the ages. "Congratulations!" The senior priest's voice rang throughout the sacred grounds, and the pack cheered thunderously.