The Forest girl : Luna

Chapter 1: The Ending of the Beginning

The air in the church corridor felt heavy, pressing down on me as I walked alongside my aunt. My mind was a storm of thoughts, each one more overwhelming than the last. Tears threatened to spill, but I fought them back, keeping my expression neutral. I knew better than to show weakness in front of my aunt, who was already irritated that I'd be living with her.

Ever since my mother passed away, my father decided the best way to help me move on was to send me to Boston while he buried himself in work overseas. He never asked if that was what I wanted; he simply made the decision for me, leaving me feeling abandoned and unheard.

A sudden realization made my heart drop. I had left my bag in the office where I had registered as a new member of the community. Panic gripped me, and I darted back, desperate not to upset my aunt any further. I raced down the hallway as fast as I could, like a shooting star burning through the sky, but in my haste, I collided with a solid, muscular figure.

Looking up, I found myself staring into the confused eyes of a man. His features were sharp, and his presence loomed over me. "I'm so sorry!" I stammered, before slipping past him to grab my bag. As I turned to leave, I saw him standing at the door, watching me with an air of curiosity.

"Are you new here, little missy?" he asked, his voice deep, laced with a thick British accent. The way he said little missy could probably make any woman swoon, but in my state of mind, I was too stressed to care.

"Yes," I replied hurriedly, clutching my bag. "I really have to go before my aunt loses her mind." I tried to push past him, but he stepped in front of me, asking more personal questions. Frustration bubbled up inside me.

"Look, I don't know who you are, but I really need to go," I snapped.

He raised an eyebrow but then handed me my bag. "You left this," he said, his tone calm. Embarrassed, I muttered a quick apology and rushed back to the car.

My aunt was waiting with an annoyed expression, her eyes narrowing as I climbed into the back seat. I apologized once more, sinking into the seat, not daring to sit beside her. The drive to her house was silent, the tension between us thick and suffocating.

Her home was massive and elegant, with its pristine halls and expensive decor. It didn't impress me much; I had grown up around luxury, thanks to my father's multiple properties. The servants showed me to my room and helped with my luggage, but the space felt cold and unfamiliar.

Dinner was uncomfortable, a silent affair until my aunt broke it with a question about school. "You're starting tomorrow," she said, her voice carrying an edge of warning. "No trouble, and follow the rules."

I nodded, barely listening as she listed off expectations. I wasn't a child anymore—I was graduating this year. Still, I understood her frustration.

The next morning, I put on my new school uniform and stared at my reflection in the mirror. My expression was dull; I had no excitement for this fresh start. My aunt had arranged for a driver to drop me off, and there were strict instructions: no wandering, no detours.

When I arrived, the students' eyes followed me, curious and judgmental. They saw someone who seemed untouchable, but they didn't know the reality of my life. At the office, I received my timetable and was introduced to Lucia, one of the top students. Her warm smile put me at ease, and she guided me through the labyrinth of hallways.

The school was enormous, overwhelming in its size and grandeur. I tried to memorize only what I needed. Lucia stayed with me, but I noticed that she was mostly alone, perceived as competition by others. We bonded quickly, and as time passed, she became my anchor, helping me forget the grief and loneliness I had carried from my past.

Lucia's stepbrother, Satish, often joined us, sneaking us out of the house when we needed an escape. He had a reputation, whispered rumors of mafia ties, but Lucia assured me he was good—a protector. He treated us both like real sisters.

Before graduation, we planned a trip, creating a fake school excursion to convince my aunt. To my surprise, she was warming up to me, and we were beginning to understand each other. I felt guilty for the lie, but I craved the freedom to be with my friends.

The day of the trip arrived, and Lucia and I were shopping when the chaos erupted. Gunshots shattered the air, and I grabbed her hand, pulling her toward safety. But she wasn't moving. I turned to find her clutching her stomach, a dark stain spreading over her shirt.

"Lucia!" I screamed, calling desperately for help. Satish appeared, panic etched across his face. He rushed her to the hospital, but it was too late. The doctors couldn't save her, and I broke, the grief tearing through me. Satish wept alongside me, his strength crumbling as he held me.

The days after were a blur. I locked myself in my room, shutting out the world. My aunt tried to comfort me, but I was inconsolable. Eventually, Satish came to see me. "You're not alone," he said, his voice cracking. "You were always like a sister to me, too." His hug shattered the walls I had built, and I cried until I couldn't anymore.

"Your birthday is soon," he murmured. "Lucia got you something. She planned to give it to you on the trip. We should celebrate for her."

I agreed, the thought of honoring her memory easing the ache in my chest.

March 9th came. I wore the dress my father had sent, though he wasn't there. His gifts felt empty compared to the love I had from Satish, my aunt, and the staff. Yet, even surrounded by people, loneliness pressed against my heart. I missed her, so deeply that it hurt to breathe.

As I walked down the hallway toward the dining area, a strange sensation prickled at the back of my neck. I felt watched, a shadow following too closely. My vision blurred, and I collapsed into darkness.

When I awoke, I was in a forest, in a rustic treehouse. It was beautiful but smelled of iron—blood. I couldn't move, my limbs heavy and unresponsive. Panic gripped me as I realized they were draining my blood. My vision swam, but a figure appeared, moving with urgency. He had honey-brown hair and a strong jawline, but his face was masked.

He swept me into his arms, and I wanted to thank him, but unconsciousness claimed me.

I woke in my bed, my body still weak. My aunt was beside me, her worry etched deep. I tried to explain about the man who saved me, but she said it was Satish who had found me, with no mention of anyone else.

I returned to school, determined to bury the memories, but a new sense of loneliness clung to me. I had lost so much, and the pain was relentless.

Then, an announcement crackled through the school speakers. "Maddie Michael, please come to the headmistress's office."

My heart raced, and a million questions flooded my mind. When I walked into the office, my blood froze. Sitting there, with familiar honey-brown hair and those perfect features, was the man who had saved me.