Apprehension

~Back to presence~

I should also feel scared but all that washed over me was… Anticipation!

I watched with mixed notions as the shadow closed the distance between us and I could finally see its form when it came under the moonlight. My eyes went wide and my breath hitched when I saw the dark-furred animal only a few feet from us. It was massive and terrifying in every way.

I also scurried back instinctively while Denie kept shrieking in horror.

The creature's eyes glinted in the moonlight as it let out a low growl, causing my heart to race with fear. I knew we had to get out of there fast, but my legs felt like jelly and I couldn't move.

Denie's screams echoed through the forest as the animal took a step forward, its sharp claws glinting in the dim light. I could feel its hot breath on my face as it leaned in closer, ready to attack.

What was it? A dear or a savage wolf? I had no idea! But whatever it was… I knew it wasn't ordinary as it stared calculatingly at us as if anticipating our next move. I could see the sharp intelligence in its golden eyes.

We were deep in the woods, far from any help, and this creature was clearly thirsty for blood. It was bigger than anything I had ever imagined, with fur as black as coal and teeth as sharp as knives.

We remained frozen in place, unsure whether to run or stand our ground. But then the strangest thing happened.

"Humans? In our land? Disgusting!!" It spoke.

I was stupefied! But despite my shock, I managed to form words and give a reply. "We are so sorry, sir. We are searching for safety and the only way is through this forest. We honestly don't want any trouble." I said, trying to appease the giant monster growling before us. Nevertheless, my words must have taken him by surprise because his form instantly went stiff, and I could swear its eyes grew bigger momentarily.

"You can hear me? How?" he asked in shock.

I nodded my head. "I-I don't know." Did he think humans were deaf?

I saw Denie glance at me sharply. She must be wondering if my fright had caused me to lose my mind.

"Humans! Your kind don't know when to heed warnings, do they? Do you know the penalty for trespassing on our land?" The wolf spoke again after regaining his composure from its initial shock.

"We have nowhere else to go. It makes no difference right now where we run to because it seems we will die anyway," I said dejectedly.

"What about your people?" The wolf asked.

"They are not our people anymore!" I said with venom lacing my voice and felt Denie hide behind me when its golden orbs glowed briefly at how harsh my words came off.

The creature must not have liked the tone of my voice, but I didn't care because calling those heartless monsters my people was annoying enough to steel my resolve to lash out at anyone. The frustration and anger had been building up inside me for too long, and I needed to let it out.

"What brings you here then, human?" It growled.

I swallowed. Hard. "I was called," I said. "I wanted to see who was calling me, so we decided to take the risk by coming here."

The wolf stared at me like I had two heads… which was understandable. If anyone had told me such a ridiculous thing, I would have had the exact same reaction.

It then began to sniff the air, its snout pointing in my direction, and I realized it was also sniffing me.

"You smell... Inhuman," it stated.

I had nothing to say because I had always known there was something different about me. I had never felt like I fit in with the people around me, and my agility was unlike anything one would expect from a girl my age. I was too strong for my own good, which was not normal.

"What are you?" The creature asked with keen interest.

"I don't know," I replied honestly. I was pondering that question when it took a threatening step toward me but paused when I didn't flinch.

"You aren't afraid of me. Why is that?"

"Oh believe me, I am. But it's just that…," I paused to contemplate my following words carefully before continuing, "It's just that... I feel drawn to this place. To the calls I have been hearing." I chuckled at my own excuse because it sounded far too ridiculous to my ears.

I also started to think that I had indeed gone crazy. It wouldn't be surprising, given all the emotional trauma I have had to endure to date.

The wolf's golden orbs suddenly shone brighter under the moonlight. "You have made a fatal error coming here, human," it snarled. "There is no going back now… You two will make a good meal tonight." It grinned.

My heart almost left me that instant. I stared alarmingly at the creature's sharp teeth that glinted in the dim light as its eyes gleamed with hunger. I shuddered with dread when it licked its lips. I was even more certain now that we were in for a fight for our lives.

"Bring them with us! The Alpha will be pleased for an exotic feast tonight," it added, and two brown beasts appeared suddenly out of the forests and moved behind us.

The larger black one I had been communicating with led the way while the other two growled at us to follow.

And we did!

The air was thick with tension as we walked through the dark forest, the only sound being that of our footsteps against the rough ground.

What fate awaited us at the end of this journey? I couldn't help but wonder. My heart raced with anticipation and fear, my mind consumed by thoughts of escape.

I held firmly onto Denie, who hadn't uttered a single word and was trembling behind me as we followed them wherever they would take us.