Imperial Moon [Complete]

Chapter Thirteen - Circle

As her feet squashed over the waterlogged ground, Kat felt strange.

She was home, yet she was unwelcome.

She scanned the trees for danger. It was everywhere, she picked up the pace.

She was halfway to her goal before she came across a wolf. It was strange for the trees to be so empty of scouts, it showed Konan's ego. He was certain no one would come to contest him.

The wolf turned and looked at Kat, frowning.

She didn't recognise him. Kat nodded her head to him in greeting.

"Morning." She smiled, he nodded back, grinning, and turned away from her.

Kat continued past him, holding her breath until she was out of range.

Then, she burst into a sprint, feeling as light as air as the trees blurred.

Breathing a sigh of relief, she emerged on the other side of the territory.

She didn't turn back, as she pushed forward. She didn't see the glittering eyes watching her from the trees.

Looking at her map, Kat frowned. A harsh, rocky mountain rose from the ground in front of her. She sighed, and started to climb.

The wind whipped around her as she ascended, feet slipping against the wet stone, hands aching as she gripped on. She concentrated on her hands and partially shifted, digging her claws in to pull herself up.

It felt like she climbed for hours, finally heaving herself over the ledge, rolling onto her back and breathing heavily.

A shadow moved over her. She looked up into the most beautiful face she'd ever seen.

"Hello." He said.

"Um- Hi."

"We do not get many visitors." His beautiful face brightened. His skin was dark and velvety, but it was as though he shone, like a silvery glow surrounded him.

Kat stared at him, mouth hanging open.

"Are you going to get up?" He smiled.

She realised that she was still lying on the wet ground. She clambered up, brushing herself down and blushing.

"I'm Kat." She smiled.

"I am Two." He inclined his head.

"Your name is Kat?" She asked.

Two frowned for a moment, before realising.

"Not too. Two. The number." He smiled.

"Oh, nice to meet you, Two." Kat frowned, confused by her own wording.

"Nice to meet you, Kat, child of the Moon. How can I be of assistance?"

"I'm here to see the Oracles of Three."

He nodded, knowingly.

"Come." He turned and walked away briskly. It was only then that Kat took in her surroundings. It was as though the Earth had lifted a section of land, raising it above the woods below.

She stood in front of more dense trees, a seamless continuation of the forest.

She followed quickly behind Two, running along as his long legs took huge strides.

They walked in silence, Kat looking up at his chiseled jaw every so often, until they reached a clearing.

Three houses were built in a loose semi circle around a massive stone cylinder, it rose ominously tall, smoke billowing from the top.