Celestial Wulf Chronicles: Trapped

-The Abyss-

Cold seeps into my bones as I wander the dark forest before me; the frigid air from the mountains enveloping me in a tight, chilling grip. Shadows dance across the ground, as the light of the moon, shines downward through the swaying treetops.

Leaves and sticks crunch beneath my feet as I continue to wander forward; my body instinctively hiking up a small slope to my right. My mind is numb, confused, anxious. What is this place? Where am I going? How did I get here?

Ascending the slope, the trees eventually reveal a small meadow. Moonlight reflects off the dew of the grass, creating a soft silver glow. In the distance, I see a small circle, made of what appears to be field stones.

Within its center, two pillars rise tall and resolute; weathered with age and covered in the foliage of orange and red. I know this place . . . yet, I don't know this place. A sense of coming home blended with deep trepidation and fear spreads throughout my being.

My body continues forward against my will, leading me towards the center pillars. The sudden scent of pine, moss and . . . cedar. . . begin to set my mind at ease; its intoxicating fragrance fills my nostrils. Closer, a whisper fills my mind. Closer. Do not be afraid, lost one. Closer. That voice? I know that voice but from where?

Steadily, I traverse forward and enter the circle. A sound -- like the ringing of a single gong -- penetrates the air as I cross the threshold of the circle. Warmth spreads through my body as the frigid air suddenly dissipates. What the fuck?

I say to myself. Moonlight shifts from above and congeals into a single beam that fills the space between the two pillars. Electricity crackles throughout the air.

A vortex of swirling light emerges into a sphere of whirling silver, my face gazing back at me as I stand before it. Enamored by my own reflection, I stare at the man before me. He is familiar yet not familiar.

He is me, yet not me at the same time. The man before me is whole, complete; wisdom and knowledge fill his eyes. Remember, he whispers to me. Remember.

But I can't remember. My mind is blank. I clutch my head in my hands as a stabbing pain pierces my skull. "Who am I?" I shout back. "Why can't I remember?! What is this place? Who are you?!"

Tears fill my eyes as I crumble to my knees; face now cradled within my hands. Lifting my head towards the sky, I scream; the agony and desperation of my soul echoes back to me throughout the woods.

Taunting. Always taunting. Slowly lowering my head, my gaze anchors upon the silver vortex; the man, my reflection, stares stoically back at me. Remember.

A rustling of leaves and the cracking of twigs behind me grabs my attention. Turning, I see within the shadows the appearance of a large wolf. His gaze piercing, his gait steady, as he confidently approaches me. Slowly.

Cautiously. I lift my hands in surrender as I cower at his enormous size. And then suddenly, without warning. . . I wake up.

The beeping of the machine next to me, along with the sterile scent of rubbing alcohol, and the bars upon my bed, remind me that I'm in the hospital; apparently recovering from an accident that I still don't remember. Amnesia the doctor says.

With time, my memories will return. Could be days. Could be months. Could be years. Until then, I won't truly know who I am. Fucking fantastic.