Moonbound

Chapter 4: Visions of the Future

As we settle into the car, I lean my head back and close my eyes, letting the familiar vibrations of the road lull me into a meditative state. My father is reviewing some pack work next to me, giving me a few minutes of solitude before the real work begins.

{Athena, I think it's finally happening. This training with Alpha Killian feels like the next step in our journey,} I think, trying to clear my mind of distractions.

{It's about time. I've been waiting for you to realize how strong we are.} I can feel her eagerness, her restless anticipation for what lies ahead.

Taking a few deep breaths, I let my mind slip deeper into the silence, focusing on each inhale and exhale. Before long, a vision unfolds in my mind, vivid and almost dream-like.

I'm standing in a vast, open field, the scent of wildflowers and fresh rain heavy in the air. Around me, I hear the joyful laughter of children, their voices echoing like a distant melody. As I turn, I feel a warmth beside me—a comforting, familiar presence that fills my heart with an unexplainable peace. I reach out, and my hand meets the solid strength of an arm, warm and strong.

The presence is both grounding and exhilarating, like coming home and setting out on an adventure all at once. I run my fingers along the curve of his jaw, feeling a soft smile spread across his lips. Although I can't see his face, I know he's smiling, and it feels like a secret just between us.

{Athena, do you feel this?}

{I do. He feels... right, doesn't he? Like he's supposed to be here.} Athena's voice is soft, almost reverent.

I want to say something, to ask who he is, but the vision shifts, and I find myself surrounded by towering trees, their branches arching overhead like a cathedral. The sunlight filters through the leaves, casting a dappled pattern on the ground. Suddenly, I feel a surge of power, something ancient and primal stirring within me.

There's a sense of danger, too, lurking in the shadows, and I instinctively step closer to the presence beside me. He reaches out, his fingers lacing through mine, grounding me. Together, we stand against the darkness, a force of nature that no threat could ever hope to break.

The vision fades, leaving a lingering warmth in my chest. I open my eyes, the vibrations of the road pulling me back into the present. My heart is racing, and I'm filled with a strange sense of anticipation, as if that future is already rushing toward me.

{Athena, do you think that was real?}

{The Moon Goddess has blessed us with many things. It wouldn't surprise me if she gave us a glimpse of what's to come.} Athena's voice is thoughtful, tinged with excitement.

I sit up, my mind still reeling from the intensity of the vision. I don't know who that man was, or when I'll meet him, but I feel certain he's a part of my future—a future where I'm not alone.

The car slows, and I realize we've arrived. The air is cool as I step out, my senses sharpening as I take in the scent of the forest around us. My father guides me toward the packhouse, where I can hear voices gathering. Alpha Killian's energy is unmistakable—steady, powerful, and commanding.

"Alpha Sam, Freya, welcome," he greets us warmly. I feel the weight of his handshake as he introduces himself. "We're looking forward to working with you."

"It's an honor to be here, Alpha Killian," I reply, feeling a surge of determination.

"Let's get you settled," Killian says, and he leads us inside, where I'm introduced to his Luna, Sarah, and his Beta, Max. Their voices are warm, and I can sense a quiet strength in each of them. These are people who have faced their own battles, who know what it means to stand together.

As we settle in, Alpha Killian outlines the plan. "Training will start each morning with meditation, conditioning, and endurance drills. Then we'll move into combat—both in human and wolf form. You'll learn techniques designed to sharpen your instincts and strengthen your connection with Athena. By the time we're done, you'll be able to face any threat, even those you can't see."

I nod, my resolve hardening. "I'm ready. Whatever it takes."

"Good," he replies. "We start tomorrow at dawn."

Later that evening, as I lay in bed, I find myself unable to sleep. My thoughts drift back to the vision, and a strange sense of longing fills me. The presence in the vision felt so real, so solid, that I can almost feel his hand in mine even now.

{Athena, do you think I'll ever meet him?}

{The Moon Goddess wouldn't show you that future if it weren't meant to be.} Her voice is soothing, a reminder that I'm not alone on this journey.

I clutch the necklace that Selene gave me, feeling its cool weight against my palm. The amethyst hums softly, a gentle pulse that steadies my heart. I don't know what lies ahead, but with the Moon Goddess's blessing, I feel ready to face it.

Just as I begin to drift off, I feel a sudden, sharp awareness—something, or someone, is close by. I sit up, my senses on high alert.

Footsteps echo outside my door, and I tense, but before I can react, there's a soft knock. "Freya?"

It's Alpha Killian. I rise, pulling on a robe before opening the door. "Yes, Alpha?"

"I wanted to speak with you privately. May I come in?"

"Of course," I reply, stepping aside to let him enter.

He closes the door behind him, his presence filling the room. "Freya, I wanted to talk to you about your training. I understand you've faced challenges, being blind, that others haven't. But I also know you have strengths that no one else possesses."

I nod, sensing the weight of his words. "Thank you, Alpha. I'm ready to work harder than ever."

He pauses, and I can feel his gaze on me, appraising. "There's something else you should know. During your training here, you'll likely meet other Alphas and Betas. Not all of them will understand your gift, and some may question your place here. But remember, you have the Moon Goddess's blessing. You are here for a reason."

His words resonate within me, grounding me. "I won't let anyone's doubts affect me. I'm here to prove myself."

"Good," he says, a note of approval in his voice. "Rest well tonight, Freya. Tomorrow, your journey truly begins."

As he leaves, I feel a renewed sense of purpose. I lie back down, gripping the necklace and breathing deeply, allowing the calm to wash over me.

The next morning, I'm up before dawn, feeling the cool morning air prickling my skin as I step outside. The world is quiet, the sky just beginning to lighten. I close my eyes, centering myself, and take a deep breath.

{Athena, are you ready?}

{I was born ready. Let's show them what we're made of.} I can feel her excitement, a fierce energy that fills me with confidence.

As I move through the forest to the training grounds, I feel the pulse of the necklace against my chest, a reminder of Selene's presence. I may be blind, but I am not weak. I am Moonbound, guided by a force older and more powerful than anything this world has ever known.

And I am ready to prove that I am more than capable of standing beside the strongest Alphas. This is my time. This is my path.