Under The Oak Tree Ep 1 Novels & Stories

“We know what this is like since we had an attack on our pack.” I glance back at Kane and realize he’s not just being vigilant and quiet because of safety, but because this must be genuinely triggering for him. I see my shed up ahead and sigh, stopping in front of a huge oak tree, “This is it,” I say, touching the bark. “The tree is the entrance, but I don’t know how to get in.” I wonder if anyone made it inside? Did Veronica escape? I know the women that were in the van had the chance to.

The morning air should have been sweet. It should have tasted like the promise of a new life. But as the sun rose over the First Den, the sky took on a dull, metallic sheen. The golden wheat fields were no longer dancing. They stood still, as if they were afraid to move. In the center of the valley, the Great Oak Tree stood tall. Its leaves were a deep, vibrant violet, pulsing with the soft rhythm of Kaima’s heartbeat. She was the wind. She was the soil. Every breath the wolves took was a gift from her.

Cat's last email replayed over and over in my mind like a sinister song, highlighting the shadows in Lachlan's past that seemed to loom over me. Then, I saw it: a grand oak tree, its gnarled branches stretching skyward, beckoning me closer. I didn't understand what it was doing here on a desert island. And more than that, how did Cat tell me to meet her at an oak tree just yesterday and here was an oak tree. What the fuck was this?

"Our journey, my love, has been nothing short of extraordinary. The garden, this tree, and the principles we hold dear have transformed not only our lives but the lives of countless others." Roberick nodded, his gaze fixed on the ancient oak. "We have witnessed the enduring power of love, wisdom, and justice. Our legacy is not confined to our kingdom; it is a legacy of inspiration and hope for the world." As they stood beneath the ancient oak, bathed in the moon's gentle glow, they shared a moment of silent communion with the tree. It was a moment of gratitude for the life they had built together and for the principles that had guided them.

As we approached the front entrance, I turned to face Rico, "Can we go back to the oak tree again?" "Why? Aren't you hungry?" He asked. "Yes I am but I feel drawn to the tree. I want to say goodnight before I sleep," I answered honestly, despite how weird I sounded. "Okay then, let's go." He said and we walked side by side again to the oak tree. The oak tree stood tall and majestic, its branches reaching out as if embracing the moon above. The air around it felt charged with a certain energy, a quiet strength that resonated deep within me.

How many times had they put themselves in danger while I was too focused on war plans and elder meetings to notice? I stayed far enough back that they wouldn't hear me. Close enough to intervene if something went wrong. The trees grew thicker. The light grew dimmer. Shadows stretched long and dark across the forest floor. Still, the children kept running. Finally, they stopped. A massive oak tree loomed ahead. Ancient and gnarled. Its roots twisted up from the ground like frozen snakes. Its branches spread wide, blocking out what little remained of the evening sky. Carl and Karin dropped to their knees beneath it.

Robert replied. The high beams cut through the dust on the road. Kat could see the drive was lined with thick trees. “It is going to be impossible to find Jude in here if he wonders off.” She glanced worried at Robert and back at the barbequed covered boy. “Don’t worry babe. There’s a gate around the property itself.” He rubbed her shoulder. “Well this isn’t creepy or anything.” Ray snarked. “Its only creepy because its dark RayRay. Things always look different in the dark. It’s just new, new always feels uncertain, until it’s not new anymore.” Kat smiled back at Ray through the rear view.

"Do you realize that you have endangered countless generations of innocent girls tied to that forsaken prophecy?" Aria remained unfazed, taking another sip of her tea as if what I had just said meant nothing. Her calm demeanor only fueled my anger further. "That tree was our way to redemption," I continued, my voice shaking with the weight of desperation and anger. "It was a beacon of hope, a symbol of protection. Without it, we are left vulnerable. How could you be so reckless?" Aria placed her cup down gently, her eyes meeting mine with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine. "Do you know how the oak tree worked?" she asked, her voice calm yet piercing.

I doubled down by crying out, “Would he give you a happy pat on the back if you allow something to happen to his unborn pups due to too much heat?” “No please, go on please. But at least let me escort you to make sure you're safe.” He offered. I bent over and cried out again, adding some convulsive shakes to the drama. “Ah, please just go quickly!” He conceded. I smiled out of the corner of my mouth as I left him. Fool. It wasn't such a long walk before I saw the oak tree described by the note-sender. I couldn't see anyone there. I went closer till I got to the tree itself. I stood there, looking around.

" I lifted the dead plant. The soil was bone dry, and every leaf had yellowed or fallen. I had bought that pothos on the day I moved into the new house, and Marcus had helped me water it for the first time. He had said, "Jules, this plant is like us. Once it takes root, it never moves." Roots. He had torn every one of mine from the ground.