Hidden moonlight

A bitter departure

Lily's POV

With my robotic, far-off motions, I packed what little I could. Every object I folded and stored seemed like another piece of my broken life. My once-familiar comfort from my possessions now seemed like relics from a world that had turned away from me.

The sounds of the forest—a terrible symphony of rustling leaves and far-off animal cries—cut through the thin walls of my hut on that chilly night. The little, protected refuge I had planned to create for my children and me felt in sharp contrast to the unfamiliar and threatening world outside.

I looked one more time at the cottage. Originally like a haven, it's cozy inside now just served as a reminder of what I had lost. As though anxious to swallow me up, the shadows of the forest seemed to approach. My heart hurt with a great, hollow grief as I could feel my exile weighing down on me.

I inhaled deeply then emerged into the frigid evening. Walking approaching the edge of the forest, the frost crushed underfoot. The moon hung high, throwing a ghostly glow that gave the trees the impression of silent sentinels watching the night. With every stride I left Silver Hollow, my pulse raced; the coolness in the air matched the frigid emptiness within me.

The forest drive was a swirl of moonlight and shadows. My ideas were a jumble of fear and resentment. Though now I felt like a fugitive in a world that looked set to make me suffer, I had intended to start over.

The far-off rumbling of a car behind me made me stiff as I negotiated the twisting route. I peered in the rearview mirror, but the gloom made everything obscure. I could sense my pulse accelerating as the car drew near.

Turning off the main road, I hoped to vanish from sight. Someone was trailing. As I made a series of quick twists, the headlights of the other car flickering across the forest grew fainter. My palms clenched the steering wheel, sweat mixing with the chill on my brow.

As I started to unwind, the automobile jounced unexpectedly. I stepped on the brakes, my heart shooting into my throat. On the frozen road, the automobile slid to halt. Glancing out the window, I saw a big black SUV obstructing my route. The driver's side door creaked open, and a tall man emerged from the darkness, face covered.

I went into a panic. I had to flee. Before I could respond, though, the man moved with unexpected speed, unlocking the passenger door and dragging me from the vehicle.

"Lily Greene?," he insisted, his voice low and strong.

Though I battled him, his hold was strong. "Where are you? What are your desires?

"Victor Darkwood sends his regards," the man remarked, his tone almost casual. "He is aware that you are on the run. Besides, he is not content.

My heart surged. Victor darkwood. The name by itself made me cold. I had known of him—an outcast with a bad name. The idea of him spotting me that fast sent shivers.

The guy pushed me toward the SUV before I could say anything else. "Get in," he gave the directive "We are bringing you to a secure place.

I stopped, my mind racing. Was this once more a trap? But I hesitated as the man's eyes locked with mine—a flash of concern. I grudgingly slid into the backseat, and the man followed me slamming the door behind us.

The SUV sprang to life, and we shot from the woodland. As I tried to put together what was occurring, the road became a haze. The man's presence seemed strange yet also somewhat comforting.

"Why are you here to help me?" At last, I asked, shattering the quiet tensely.

The man fixed my gaze. Victor wants you to stay safe—for now. He plans, but he needs you alive to execute them.

Though my head spun with inquiries, the man's manner revealed nothing. The car rushed across the darkness, the small settlement and forest vanished behind us.

Two hours later we arrived at a remote, run-down cabin. The man walked me inside, the squeaky door opening to expose a poorly lighted chamber. Though the furnishings were few and the air was musty, it was better than being out in the cold.

"We'll stay here for the night," the man said. We have to keep low since Victor's people will be looking for you.

I nodded, attempting to sort the circumstances. "What's your name?"

"Call me Finn," he shot back. I'm not here to hurt you. Just to keep you secure till our next action is decided upon.

I sat across from Finn trying to sort things while he curled into a chair by the little fireplace. In a couple of hours, my existence had been inverted, and now I was hiding from a terrible enemy with just a stranger for company.

There was evident conflict in the room. Finn seemed to be waiting for something, and I felt as though more was still to come. A strange noise outside broke through my thoughts—a faraway howl that chilled my spine.

"What was that"? With a trembling voice, I asked.

Finn answered gently, "Wolves." Out here, they are a somewhat common sight. Still, given the circumstances, you should use caution.

Seeking through the darkness, I peered out the window. The howls got louder, and I shivered—not at all related to the temperature.

Finn got up and walked to the window to stare into the evening. We have to keep on alert. There will be others seeking you besides Victor.

I struggled to fall asleep uneasy as the evening wore on. A terrible reminder of the danger lurking just beyond the cabin, the howling of the wolves resounded across the woodland. I lay awake, my mind racing, the weight of my exile squarely on my shoulders.

When morning arrived, the discomfort persisted. Finn made a speedy breakfast, moving with deliberate practice and efficiency. Tension permeated the quiet between us, and I could feel the actual challenge still to arrive.

Breaking the quiet, Finn murmured, "We'll leave soon." "We have to get ahead of Victor's people spotting us."

I nodded, my head whirling with questions and worries. I knew the path ahead would be dangerous; the woodland outside remained a mystery. For now, though, all I could do was rely on Finn and hope that somehow I would be able to shield my kids and expose Victor's sinister plans.

I glanced one final time out at the trees as I got ready to leave the cabin. The road ahead was covered with doubt, and the shadows appeared to whisper secrets. One thing was obvious, though: the struggle was far from finished and I resolved to meet whatever lay ahead.

Though the trip

was long and dangerous, I was ready to face the gloom endangering my future.