The Wolfsbane

Chapter 8 - New Beginning

The forest surroundings blurred past me as I bounded through the forestry on all fours. I harmoniously jumped and weaved over and around obstructions as if I was dancing to the melody of the wind whistling past my ears. My mind raced as a cluster of thoughts paraded around my mind. I could feel an incongruous feeling stir inside me, my human transformation wasn't far off. I began to panic as I headed back to my packs den. A heavy scent of blood and grief filled my nostrils. I followed the steady flow of the stream as I hopped and pranced over the small moss covered rocks. The tall, soft stems of river weeds slightly brushed my legs as I careered past. I was so engrossed in my thoughts that I didn't notice a hazardously allotted log sitting half in, half out of the stream. I tried to jump at the last minute, I managed to get my left leg over but didn't quite clear it with my right. My ankle caught on the rough bark hurling me forwards toward the compact ground. I instinctively put my arms out to try and alleviate the contact, but failed miserably. My elbows hit first followed by my right hip. My right check slammed hard into the compact earth and a gurgled grunt escaped my lips. My mouth filled with bitter dirt and I coughed and spluttered and spat. I rolled onto my back and groaned as a dull ache spread through my legs and hip. I wiped my mouth with the back of my thick, fury hand. I stayed where I was for a few moments. Laying on my back staring up at the sky through a parting in the condensed greenery of leaves. The scattered rays of early morning light was glimmering lightly over the verdure on the forest floor. Occasionally a soft breeze would blow, slightly wavering a leaf, letting a thin ray of light gleam through. It would hit the surface of the water like a tender touch, creating a smooth glimmer in the gentle ripples. I lay there for a few more moments, letting the cool breeze gently caress my face. I didn't know what I was going to do. How was I going to find The Huntress? Better still, what was I going to do once I found her? She killed both Aurion and Ali, two strong alphas. There's no way I can defeat her, to make matters worse she isn't even a werewolf but a witch. I don't know the first thing about witches! Let alone what she's capable of. I released a heavy sigh and stood up, wincing at the slight ache that still resided in my legs and hip.

I took a slow deep breathe before I continued running toward the den. The cool air that whipped my face as I ran helped soothe my aching head. It wasn't long before the massive oak tree that housed the packs den suddenly loomed above me. I slowed to a heavy laden walk, my body overflowed with fatigue. I looked over my shoulder at the stream, and looked at the small patches of dirt disturbed by Dana's plants. A small smile tugged at the corners of my mouth. At least she was safe. I scaled the tall oak tree, lifting myself up onto the rickety planks. My muscles screamed with protest as I pulled myself up. I dragged myself towards the nearest shack and leaned heavily onto a makeshift window. I looked up and saw the sorry sight of the pack. Some sat over the side, legs dangling down heavily. Others sat slumped up against tree trunks or shacks. While the moans of the wounded echoed loudly. I stalked quietly around, looking for Dana. I noted the grief stricken faces of all the wolves, and wondered what was going through their minds. There were hardly any left, if I had to guess I'd say the pack now consisted of around ten. A deep anger boiled up inside me, if I had just given The Huntress what she wanted this never would've happened. I should've just given her my heart.

"Don't you dare think that Arora!" an angry voice spoke intensely. I jumped at the sudden sound. I turned around to see Dana standing with her arms crossed. Her fur was bristled and dirty, stained with dirt and blood. Her once bright eyes were dull and filled with sorrow. Her snout was covered in flaky blood, her teeth stained a slight red. She stood looking at me with a harsh, calculating gaze.

"Coh-" I began in a hoarse voice. Dana interrupted me.

"I know, he's dead" she spoke in a whisper. I shook my head.

"He was alive when I left him" I saw the anger flash in Dana's eyes. I quickly continued.

"He told me to leave him, he said he was dying. I saw the wound, I couldn't do anything" I stuttered. Dana regarded me coolly before signalling to two nearby wolves. She whispered something in one's ear before walking away,she signaled me to follow. The warmth that once radiated from her had vanished, replaced by a sharp coolness. Her hardened exterior didn't truly reflect what she was like on the inside, I knew she was still Dana. I trudged along behind her, not saying a word. Every now and then I saw her eyes flicker to mine, and quickly look away if I caught her. We walked to a rickety old platform, were I saw Bane standing. He'd lost his only son. He turned to me as we approached and gave me a weak smile. I didn't return it, but looked instead out over the canopy of leaves and the rising sun in the distance. I saw him follow my gaze, as he nodded to Dana. The three of us stood in silence for a few moments, taking in the breath-taking view. An overwhelming amount of guilt squeezed at my chest. I couldn't help but feel responsible for the death of not only Aurion, Ali and Cohan but the pack. I still had no idea how all of this came about. It was only a few weeks ago I was just a simple foster teenager. Now all of a sudden I've been thrown into the deep end of some twisted world of tradition and ancient law. Being told I'm some Wolfsbane, and being responsible for the deaths of many. I clenched my jaw tightly and screwed my hands into fists. I saw Dana eyeing me, I looked towards her and saw her features soften. She walked towards me and put her hand on my shoulder. I gently shrugged her off, moving away.

"Arora..." Began Dana.

"Don't" I whispered, looking away. I could feel Bane's eyes on me.

Don't do this to yourself Arora. You are The Wolfsbane. Their deaths weren't in vain. You've been chosen. I know it's a lot to take in, but this pack needs an alpha. They need you. Stand up and fight, take what's rightfully yours. Find The Huntress, end it. You are The Wolfsbane. This is your destiny. Banes voice echoed in my head. I turned to him, my eyes damp with unfallen tears. A fierce determination took hold of me. I smiled a small smile and looked to Dana. Determination lit up her face. Her features were set in a hardened manner and she nodded to me in an agreeing motion. I looked back out over the green canopy and took a deep breathe. I turned around to walk off when a deep pain spread through my chest. I looked up at Bane and Dana and saw surprise unfold upon their faces.

"Your eyes t-t-their glowing red!" Dana started in surprise. I groaned loudly as another deep ache spread through my chest. I was on the floor on my hands and knees, my eyes screwed shut in pain. I could hear my claws scraping across the wooden planks. A warm tingling sensation crawled up my nose, followed by the sound of a gentle drip. I opened my eyes as a drop of blood gently dropped from my nostril.

"Bane?" I heard Dana ask concerned. Bane dropped to his knees in front of me and took my hands in his. I looked up into his half wolf form. I searched his golden eyes, silently pleading for an explanation. His eyes began to glow as he held my gaze. The pain eased, and my heartbeat quickened. I felt myself fall as I lost touch with reality. My vision swam before me, Banes appearance distorted and stretched. I tried to gulp down lung fulls of cold air, but nothing but a squeak escaped. I felt my muscles twitch and contract painfully. I could feel my legs lengthening slowly, my muscle mass building. I thought I was turning back to my human self, but this was the exact opposite. I felt my head hit the hard wooden platform, vibrating my skull uncomfortably. I felt unconsciousness pull at me forcefully. I could hear the muffled talk of Dana and Bane, and I tried to understand what they were saying.

".............She's changing?" I thought I heard Dana say.

"......early....don't understand" a muffled Bane replied. I could feel my eyelids gently begin to flutter closed as I gave in to the descending darkness. And I thought I heard Bane speak again.

"This is a new beginning"