Moonlight Series One: The Apprentice

The Forest

"Smile pretty for me." The laughter's echoed the room. Everyone watching and staring at me. I screamed for help but no one was there to help me. "You should have killed them. Used your powers! You are weak!" My reflection said, laughing at me. I'm not weak. Stop it. Stop it.

I opened my eyes, hearing the sounds of birds. I look over to the window. It was sunny out. I groan, covering my head with a blanket. I look to my nightstand and see my purse and phone. A note on the side of it.

Riftan came by and dropped your stuff off. He hopes you feel better.
Josephine

I grab my phone and saw a bunch of missed calls and messages. I sigh and see messages from Riftan. He asked me to work tonight. It is still early to call him, so I left a text message letting him know I was coming in. I'll let him know after work about the incident. I get out of bed and look down at my legs. I have bruises on me, going up to my waist. I place my jeans on and a plaid top. Covering up my marks. I step out of the room with my things and see Josephine still sleeping. Her door was still closed. If she were awake, the door would be opened. I walk downstairs and see the house dark. I go to the door and open it. Closing it gently behind me. I go to my van and get in. Turning it on and driving out.

I pull into town and park behind the metaphysical shop. I look at my surroundings. Seeing the mountain behind me. I shake it off. And walk away. I head to a coffee shop and enter. Smelling the baked goods and espresso hit my nose. I go up and order a latte and a scone to go. As I walked out of the shop, I had this weird feeling hit me. I look over at the mountains and walk towards the opening of the woods. As I got closer, I noticed myself being surrounded by trees. A small light glowed in the distance. I looked back at the town before I continued into the forest. 

I felt like I was walking for hours, but it was only mere minutes. I moved the branches away from me as I walked more into the forest. After a few minutes I see a small hiking path. I follow this path towards a small door. I felt the symbols all over the door. Runes tracing each piece of wood. The doorknob began glowing lightly as I went to touch it. I was hesitant at first, but I opened the door. As I opened the door, I see nothing but a giant tree in front of me. Lights hanging off of the branches. I slowly walk up to the tree, looking back and seeing the door shut behind me. I go up to one of the lights and start to touch it. "Don't touch that young one. That is not for you to see." I gasp, turning in the direction of the voice. It was a woman. Who looked more like an angel. He hair was golden, she wore a white gown that flowed down past her ankles. She glowed all over her. She floated towards me, "I am Clara, keeper and guardian of this sacred tree. It is good to see you again, Sybil." I look at her confused, "How do you know who I am? I never met you." She raises her arms, a glow of white magic formed in her hands. Revealing a wand. She comes closer to me, handing me the wand. "My wand? This used to be my mothers. I thought this got destroyed in battle." She shakes her head, "No young one. I was one with this wand. You dealt great power, that when this broke, you freed me. Now I live here, doing what I do best." I look over at the lights again, luminescing with a vibrant glow. "What are all these lights?" She looks over at them and back at me, with a soft smile she spoke. "These are memories. Of all the witches before you. Future memories as well. However, that do change with each passing day." I sit on the ground, "So my future is in this tree? Am I allowed to see it?" She shakes her, going to the ground to sit with me. "No, it can alter the future and change everything. I am surprised you have found this place. No one has been here." I look more at the surrounding area around the tree. White birds were flying around it, animals scattered everywhere. The sky was dark, with hints of the stars shining. The moon was bright enough. There were small candles lighting the area. A small rabbit came hopping in. Hesitant of the newcomer in the forest. I lifted my hand over to the tiny animal. Letting the animal smell my hand. After a second, the animal moves its head under my hand. Letting me pet it. "He seems to like you. I am the only one that tends to the creatures here. It is nice change of pace for them." More animals came closer, granting company to me and Clara.