MOON'S SHADOW

The Reckoning

The breaking of a branch made Rhea turn around forcefully. Her face was alert, her sharp eyes peering further into the forest, ready to shift into her wolf form in case of any danger. The moon rested delicately in the sky, pouring shining light down the dense forest. It had been weeks of tension, preparation and anticipation since they began surveying the Greywolf territory incessantly.

Nothing had happened yet. There was no sign of Kieran Shadowclaw nor his rogue wolves, not even in the secret clearing Rhea had led the pack to. It was abandoned and desolate, with very little signs of its previous habitat. He had disappeared into thin air. His absence created extreme angst among the pack. Everyone was alert and focused. 

Lumina swiftly stood by Rhea, her eyes assessing the situation. Her voice was peaked and alert. “Did you hear something?” They had grown close over the weeks, patrolling together protecting each other's back. Rhea provided comfort, Lumina did not realize she was missing. Another woman she could talk to and confide in. The mission they shared and the manner in which to accomplish it brought them even closer.
Rhea's shoulders tensed and she clasped her hands. “I thought I did. But there is nothing.” She answered thoughtfully, “I must be hearing things.”

“I can't sleep. I'm worried too.” Lumina shared sincerely.

“I know what you are going through. It was worse for me.” Rhea comforted Lumina, holding her hand.

“You've never really told me how Kieran killed every last one of your pack. There must have been at least one left. Have you not tried looking for them?” Lumina inquired curiously. Her eyes shone eagerly, looking at Rhea.

Rhea's expression hardened, and she pursed her lips tight. Most of the time, she never fully answered Lumina. Whenever a sensitive subject came up, she would brush it off, but her demeanor would completely change. The deeper their friendship grew, the more unanswered questions Lumina had for her.

Silence passed between them as they carefully maneuvered through the thick forest. Rhea was absorbed in deep thoughts.

“Rhea? You didn't answer me.” Lumina probed.

Rhea's gaze remained steady as she focused on the thorn-covered paths, hidden from naked eyes. She crouched low to escape a low-hanging branch. “I really don't recall such things, Lumina. When I'm ready I will tell you everything.”  She gave a shaky smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

“Right. Still, now you can talk to me. You are in my pack now, and I've got your back.” A slight frown appeared in Lumina's expression even as she said those words.

“Thank you for your kindness,” She said softly. My voice was barely above a whisper. They navigated the forest silently, then Rhea added, her voice laced with regret. “If it wasn't for me. It would still be there. My pack, my family.” Her face was contorted in pain.

Lumina reached out and placed her hand on Rhea's arm. She was about to respond when Rhea suddenly stopped walking. Her body tensed, and she motioned for Lumina to stay silent. She pointed towards a small hidden clearing, partially hidden by tall baobab trees but still visible. They crouched low and crept slowly closer to the clearing, ears perked, carefully avoiding the broken branches. The leaves remained still and not a single plant was disturbed. They were experienced from their weeks of training and secret surveys.

Two figures stood closer, involved in a deep conversation. One said with a clear scheming voice. “Tension and confusion is building up. Some believe there is no danger at all. We need to attack now.” Lumina's heart skipped a beat, her jaw dropped and the hairs on her body stood on end. That voice was as familiar as day. It belonged to someone she knew, very well. Someone she trusted. The traitor was none other than someone so close to her.