Fated but Forgotten

Chapter 16 - Aria

I lay under the trees watching the night sky, stars seeming to move slowly above me. The peace and tranquility of the surrounding forest was almost calming. I felt content out here. I loved the feel of the forest floor under me, and the security I felt. With no other person around for miles. It felt the safest place to be.

The sky was a deep shade of almost a deep blue-purple color, lit up by the gentle glow of the moon. I could see almost the full moon in the small clearing I had brought myself to, and it fascinated me. Something so far away, yet it brought light to our planet. It was truly beautiful lighting up our night sky and I felt blessed to be able to see it so clearly out here…

As I lay admiring the natural beauty of the sky of stars, there was a rustle in the trees nearby, causing me to turn my head. I knew people did not come out here, so I did not feel panicked. This was my safe space, and I was sure it was nothing more than a small animal exploring the forest. But I heard padding paws on the forest floor. Hmm, this was something larger than a small animal. And then I saw it…

Two beautiful blue eyes first caught my eye coming out of the darkness. Like pools of ice lit up by the light of the moon. A beauty of their own. Eyes that were focusing on me. Eyes that belonged to a proud and stunning wolf. The deepest of grays, dappled with white. His body was strong… sleek… and toned. There was no denying this was a powerful creature. One that right now had me within his sights...

My heart pounded within my chest as he stalked slowly out of the trees. Those icy eyes focused upon me. An intensity within them so intimidating. But, instead of feeling the instinct to flee, like I perhaps should when faced with such an animal, I felt frozen to the spot. Intrigued by the beauty of the creature in front of me.

And as he moved closer, his eyes never leaving me, he too seemed intrigued by me. His nose was in the air like he was smelling for something, and he edged ever closer. My eyes were now no longer upon the many stars within the sky, but upon the potential beast in front of me; yet I felt no fear. He instilled no fear into me as you would expect, and instead, I felt oddly calm.

As I watched the precise movements of the wolf's body, as he steadily approached me with what appeared to be a cool confidence. Was that possible for a wolf? He suddenly dropped to the floor next to me, taking me by surprise, but I dared not move in fear now of startling him.

He wriggled his way closer, rubbing his body up against mine, his fur tickling the skin across my arms. He was not scared of me, and as odd as it sounded, I did not feel scared of him, despite knowing he could harm me if he truly wanted to. Yet I was certain he did not want to. He appeared to want to be close to me…

I did not know how to describe this, but he seemed almost familiar to me. Like he knew me, and I knew him. Was that even possible? He was acting almost like a pet dog… I slowly moved my arm, to allow my hand to rest upon his fur, the thickness of it surprising me as I eased my fingers over it.

The wolf made a contented noise, somewhere between a sigh and a purr, if that was even possible, and edged even closer… so close he was all but lying on me now. So strange, yet oddly, felt the most natural thing…

I continued to stroke at his fur, now allowing my eyes to drift back to the stars, feeling incredibly relaxed. The heat from the body of the wolf by my side making me almost sleepy…

Until he suddenly moved, moving his head closer to my face, dragging his heavy, wet tongue across my cheek, making me giggle, as I moved away. I had not expected that! But I moved away, the sensation causing me to feel uncomfortable. He growled lowly, making me wonder if he was angry. Had I angered him? Those icy blue eyes gave nothing away, as they now looked at me. His head tilted slightly to the side, like a curious pup.

I tried to reach for him, to try to stroke him once more, knowing it had moments earlier appeared to calm him, and hoping that I could possibly calm him again. I knew what a wolf was capable of... having lived in the cabin, you saw the damage they did to animals there... I worried he might attack if he was angry. But there was no way of knowing what he was feeling. He was an animal after all... my attempt to touch him was dodged as he moved away.

He did not want to be near to me anymore, and strangely I felt disappointed, having enjoyed his company... the wolf moved away slightly, his eyes darting over me almost anxiously now... But then his body began to move in the strangest of ways… I did not know what was happening at first... I wanted to scream... his body distorting… contorting... twisting… his fur retracting… he looked like he was breaking...

And now a man was there… the wolf was nowhere to be seen... in his place, was a man… but my vision blurred as I tried to focus my gaze upon him… I did not know who he was. Could not see his face.

My heart was pounding once again, as I sat up suddenly. Had I passed out from the shock? I was expecting myself to be in the forest once more, wondering where this man was, and who he was. As my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I realized I was in the same hospital room… it was all a dream. I had never been in the forest. The forest... just where was that forest? Because it seemed so familiar...

Disappointment washed over me. I thought I was free. But, whoever that wolf was familiar to me too, I am sure of it. So, does that mean I have been here before? And just who was the man he turned into? My vision had gone before I had a chance to see his face… Little made sense anymore, but that dream truly made me question if the things they were telling me held a ring of truth to them.