The soulmate hunt

The new life

I ran for what felt like hours, my feet aching and my eyes stinging from the tears I had been trying to hold back. I didn't know what I was running towards, but I knew I had to keep going. I had to keep going for my parents, for the last two words they said to me.

I heard my new mum call out, "Harper your breakfast is ready!" and with a groan, I pulled the duvets up over my head, not quite ready to leave the comfort and tranquillity of slumber. After all, I was well-known as the last one in our family to get up in the mornings. Going hunting or training together were both among my favourite activities, but nothing can compare to how comforting a good night's sleep feels. "I'm coming mum."

I pushed the duvets aside and placed my feet on the cold wooden floor. As I stood up, a wave of sadness washed over me as I remembered mum and dad. Although they were gone, their last words still echoed in my heart; 'Be brave Harper, stay true to yourself and never forget our love.' Those two simple sentences filled me with emotion and gave me strength. Marching towards the door, I opened it and stepped out into the crisp morning air. A light fog was in the sky and I could almost feel my mum and dad's presence.

"Looks great, Mum!" I cried, amazed at the incredible plate of pancakes with creamy whipped cream and blueberries that had been placed before me. Wait a minute - it's not often that Mum makes my favourite dish like this. She only does so on my birthdays, or when something extra special happens like passing all my exams without fail even though I'm being schooled remotely from our other home by the river. It's truly remarkable that this place is still ours!

"Okay mum, it's time to spill the beans. What's going on and why is everyone eating breakfast with me?" I asked, noting that my brothers and father usually eat as soon as they wake up at 6:30. What was so important that almost every single member of the family needed to be at the table for breakfast? "I think your father should be the one to tell you, as he is the leader of the pack after all," Mum said giving Dad a look that made it clear she didn't want to be the one to break this news, whatever it may be. "Well honey," my father began. "Your 18th birthday is coming up and you haven't shifted yet and we are beginning to worry. As my father explained to me that if I hadn't shifted on my birthday night, then it would take longer to find my soulmate and that I'd have to go on this journey alone. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Sure, my parents had died three years ago and I'd been running ever since looking for someone I could trust, but having to run away again just because of not shifting seemed so unjust.

I asked nervously, "What are the rules of the hunt? Do I have to go alone in human form and when will this take place?" Fear started to creep in as my unanswered questions raised further concerns. What if I ended up shifting on the first full moon after my birthday, not understanding how to control my wolf side? Would I lose control and end up causing harm or even killing someone if given that chance? This wolf within me was meant to be a friend - some people referred to it as a second personality.

"Well sweetie, there is no gentle way to tell you this but you will have to complete your transformation a week after your birthday. Normally the ceremony takes place on one's special day, but due to the unique circumstances of your situation, it must occur on the next forthcoming full moon. It's been a tradition for generations in our family and now it's your turn to go through with this sacred ritual that has been passed down for centuries. You may feel frightened and apprehensive, which is completely normal. If the transformation does take place and you shift into a wolf, unfortunately, we won't be able to be there for moral support or to guide you through every step of the way. In preparation for this turbulent journey that could potentially result in your finding your soulmate someday, it will require intense training. You must acclimatise yourself with the environment and learn from experienced guides how to survive in nature, as well as familiarise yourself with any potential danger signs so that you are always prepared for what comes next whatever that maybe.