Reflection

Introduction

Reflection

Introduction

Staring back at my reflection, I couldn't tell which creature I was; human, or wolf. I've stared at the lake so long my legs have grown numb. Though this very forest carries a burden, it is here that I find my own personal sanctuary. These woods are dear to me; every tree, every rustled leaf. This place is mine of peace; the only peace I have left. Yet it is also a reminder of a pain that slowly drifts into its place. If I could cry the tears from the cringing pain within, a flood would not mount to the torrent of saltiness. But, somehow, I have managed to suppress the over bearing past. It seems now to be all a heartless memory; one in which I remember all too well. It was this forest of both peace and darkness where two very important people in my life were taken from me, my father, and my brother, Joey.

Many small moments and cheery laughter were spent here. There were moments of lectures, even after mindless attacks on our enemy; and there were moments of endearing conversation that have molded me into my charismatic fearlessness. My father always encouraged me to be brave. Dad said many times that inner strength did not come from within but from up above. But, the day that tragedy took place seven years ago, is the day I began to question if that strength really existed.

Joey had just become alpha of the pack over Terrah region; a highly wooded area with only one good sized village directly in the middle. Although most people refer to it as Silver falls, we Sairen Wolves, have what we call regions. Each pack has a region to protect.

Just as my father had stepped down leaving Joey to become alpha of Terrah, something occurred one month later that changed the Terrah region completely. It was the night Dad and Joey had first shown me this particular spot; an opening between the trees where a large boulder reached out across the lake. I was astounded by the way the moon touched the lake at night, softly resembling another world.

Joey jumped up on the large rock, pointing at the orange sky above us. His tail flickered at a familiar scent; a horrifying aroma we knew all too well. Not a single one of us, not dad, not Joey, not even myself, showed a hint of fear. Yet, as the night grew darker, Joey and Dad both began to hesitate as our enemy drew closer.

They're Avros, a species of human with bat-like wings. Their sharp teeth and razor-like claws make for a catastrophic attack. They do take human form, as do we, however, as Avros they're skin is like marble; it's color intrigued with impurities of altered limestone. Even so, they're skin isn't as smooth, it's rough and almost intolerable, but we as Sairen Wolves have teeth built to shred them apart. I had killed many of them as a child but this particular one was much stronger than the ones I had faced before.

He stood firm without budging; eyeing me through the window Dad and Joey had created standing in front of me. In his human form, the tall Avro gripped on to a staff with a crimson stone at the end. I then watched both my father and my brother fall helplessly to the ground. They were faint and in that moment, so was my mind.

There was a younger Avro standing next to me. He had a strange scent; I could sense the Avro in his blood, but something else lingered. He seemed to be Joey's age; they were about the same size. His dark hair glistened in the moonlight and his eyes I'll never forget. Like emerald stones they were luminous; they read devious, but gave me nothing more than innocence. Regardless, I leaped at him, aiming my attack. The tall man who now had my father unconscious knocked me down with his rod. Without a glance back the man dragged my father off in the distance only saying these words to the young Avro in front of me: "get the girl and meet me there." All the creature in front of me did was give a empathetic glare, and then he too disappeared into the woods. I was left alone that night with the mere image of a crescent moon, shimmering in the silence.

After that my life was never the same. Of course, that did not stop me from being who I am; a Sairen Wolf, created to protect life, designed to kill. We may have angel-like wings, but we are not saints. We're still human and we do kill.

My name is Lorraine, they call me a "White Wolf" a rare breed said to be born with strength and courage. I will not deny I have a well-known vendetta against our enemy. No matter how human-like any Avro could ever be, they are destined for destruction and hunger for darkness.