The last saint (Guardians of Red moon city #5) {In Progress}

Chapter 2

I glimpse her eyes, and they shimmer with joy at seeing me. It’s an unmistakable feeling that fills my heart with warmth and contentment. But despite how much I long for my family to understand, they never will. Our motives and beliefs are vastly different, and bridging the gap between us seems impossible. I’m filled with great sadness as I realize they’ve become entrenched in their worldview, convinced that it’s the only correct one. It’s a brutal reality to accept, one that I’ve learned through firsthand experience, bearing the burden of their hatred and disappointment.

These are the people who should’ve protected me, yet their inability to see beyond their own beliefs has caused me great pain. Holding Little Light close to my chest, I feel her tiny heart beating against mine. It’s a powerful reminder of the responsibility I have taken upon myself to protect her from the life that awaits her in my family’s household. I cannot bear the thought of subjecting her to the same fate as me, forced into a life of servitude and misery. Little Light deserves better than that, and I’ll do everything I can to ensure that she has a chance at a brighter future.

“Let’s go to a place where you can be your true self, Little Light,” I whisper gently, watching her yawn. “A place where you’ll feel safe and free to shine. We’ll go on this journey together until we reach our destination.”

As I gaze into her eyes, I can’t help but feel a sense of comfort. It’s as though she can truly comprehend the words I’m speaking to her. I lean in and plant a gentle kiss on her forehead, a small gesture of my love and devotion. Despite our challenges, she holds a special place in my heart, and I’ll do anything to keep her safe. I shut my eyes, and a surge of energy courses through my fingertips, a magical sensation that fills me with hope and determination.

"Mater natura, creator omnium entium, commoda mihi potentiam tuam tueri puella. Luna dea, me scilicet forma filii tui a brevi, et nisi innocens.”

As I recite the Latin words, I can feel the unfamiliarity of it all. My spells usually require nothing more than a word or two to be effective. However, on this occasion, I want to seek the blessings of both Mother Nature and the moon goddess before proceeding with a new spell. This time, I aim to create an illusion of Little Light that doesn’t take on her actual shape. To ensure that her transition to the little wolf cub is as comfortable as possible, I take all necessary measures to prevent her from experiencing any pain. This is important to me as I want her to feel safe and secure during the process.

The throbbing ache courses through my body, yet I am unperturbed by it. For me, enduring this pain is a small sacrifice to guarantee that she doesn't have to bear any more suffering than what she already experiences. As I look down at my furry companion, I am taken aback by the sheer bewilderment in her eyes. Yet, her excitement is palpable as she chases her tail around a circle, much like a playful puppy. Filled with overwhelming affection, I wrap my arms around her and hold her close. Her rough tongue licks my nose in a loving gesture, and she pants contentedly, soaking up the warmth of our embrace.

“You’re magnificent, Little Light,” I say, hugging her before walking further into the forest.

As we continue our journey to find safety, a small, winding stream runs parallel to us, its gentle flow offering a calming and reassuring presence. The stream’s crystal-clear waters reflect the sunlight, creating a shimmering and dazzling effect that glitters against my bare legs. As I wade through its shallows, the coolness of the water provides relief from the heat of the day, and I can forget, if only for a moment, about the dangers that await us. The sound of the water, as it runs over the smooth rocks and pebbles, is a soothing melody that transports me to a time when life was simpler and unburdened by fear and uncertainty.

But the reality is far more intricate than that, and I need to transmit crucial information to some important people. The only obstacle is that they’ll never trust me. I’m the enemy in their eyes, and convincing them otherwise seems like a distant dream. It’s as if I’m standing in the shoes of the witches burnt alive in the 1400s. I know my days are numbered, and I’m living on borrowed time, but I have to keep moving forward for the sake of Little Light. As we delve deeper into the lush forest, I can’t help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer magnitude and beauty of the surrounding trees.

The hot sun that once beat down on us has now receded, replaced by the cool shade of the forest canopy. The leaves are so thick that it feels like dusk, even though it’s still early in the day. Holding Little Light close, I feel a sense of protectiveness. Her temporary transformation into a tiny wolf reminds me of the boys, who brought so much meaning to my life. But our paths had to diverge so they could stay safe and avoid the dangers of being associated with me. Despite the challenges, I refuse to accept that Little Light doesn’t deserve a whole life, complete with all the sights, sounds and experiences the world offers.

She has the right to live her life on her terms, and I will do everything I can to ensure that happens. The sense of nostalgia and longing creeps over me as I think about the people who have forgotten me. At a time, I had a robust support system comprised of allies from different corners of the world, spanning various ages and generations. It’s heart-wrenching to realize that none of them can recall me anymore. I had a crucial role in safeguarding their well-being; in doing so, I had to wipe their memories of me. It’s a heavy burden to bear, knowing that the people I once held dear are now lost to me forever.

It’s a painful reality that as I walk past them, I’m no longer recognized by those who once knew me so well. However, I’ve come to terms with the fact that this is the price I must pay to be in their proximity, even if it’s only from a distance. I know that one day, I’ll have to confront the problem and make amends for all I’ve unintentionally disrupted. Until then, I’ll remain hidden in the shadows, silently watching over them as their secret protector - the unsung hero. I only hope they can find it in their hearts to forgive me for what I’ve taken from them.

As the night approaches, I scour the forest for a suitable resting place. After a long search, I stumble upon a hollow log that reclines perfectly, offering us the ideal foundation for our makeshift shelter. Little Light is sound asleep in my arms, and I carefully place her inside the log before I gather sturdy sticks from the surrounding area. I lean the sticks against the log as tightly as possible, ensuring it remains secure against the howling winds that are sure to come. Despite the warm days, the nights can be bitterly cold, especially this close to autumn.

But with the help of moss and twigs that have fallen from the nearby trees, I manage to construct a windproof shelter that blends seamlessly into the surrounding environment. Even though I can use my magic to protect us, I know they’ll eventually find us, making it essential to remain discreet. The memory of my punishment, a life without freedom, is etched in my mind forever. My parents secure it by implementing a system that tracks my every move, ensuring I never use magic above a certain level. Even though I’m far from the witches’ coven, I’m not free.

The constant fear of being caught and punished again looms over me like a dark cloud. I’m only allowed to use magic to a certain extent, beyond which my parents will be notified immediately. This restriction has become a part of my daily life, making me feel like a prisoner in my own body. As a magical being, I can’t help but use magic in my everyday activities, like washing dishes or cleaning up stubborn stains. It’s a natural reflex that I can’t control, and this constant reminder of my limitations has made me feel trapped and powerless.

The constant warnings would drive my parents up the wall, and it’s good that they’re easily irritated. They would’ve forced me to live like a human if not for that. Now, don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against humans. They’re an integral part of this world, always eager to gain more knowledge. Moreover, their inclination towards trivial matters and penchant for drama make them quite entertaining. The statement “The world needs humans” is a simple yet profound truth. However, only some people share the same belief regarding the worth of other beings.

My parents, for instance, are firm believers that non-witches are inferior and less valuable compared to those who possess magical powers. But I don’t share their view. To me, regardless of size or form, every being holds equal importance in this world. How can my parents be so quick to judge and condemn the rights of others based on their perceived value? It’s a belief I simply can’t fathom, and it makes me question how we could possibly belong to the same family. As I enter the log, I spot Little Light, sound asleep. Her tiny body fits perfectly in my arms, and for a brief moment, I feel like I have a family, even if it’s a small one.

But deep down, I know there’s a more prominent family out there somewhere that doesn’t know of my existence. It’s a painful truth that I’ve had to reckon with for years, but I remain hopeful that I’ll be able to connect with them one day. Maybe they’ll welcome me with open arms, or perhaps they won’t. But I can’t help but wonder if my life would be any different if I had a place in their world. Despite all the uncertainties, one thing is for sure: I’ll keep moving forward, no matter what.

-

A/N:

Hello everyone!

Hi there! It's been quite some time, but I'm thrilled to announce that we've released a new update. I hope you find it enjoyable and valuable. Please share your thoughts and let me know what you think about it. I'm eager to hear your feedback on the following points:

- What's happening at the moment?

- Who's the other family referred to in the conversation?

- Do you think it was the right decision for her to erase their memories of her?

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with me! Best wishes to you.