Forbidden Soul

Prologue

Mianette’s POV

I don’t want to see anyone right now. Why are things being like this? I back off and sprint straight towards the woods. The chilly breeze is brushing my face softly. A shiver runs down my spine. I wipe my tears as my legs keep running through this very familiar path. The weather is freezing, and it becomes colder as I approach the lake. I stop just by its side, panting, and then lean against a huge evergreen, resting my head over its trunk. My legs are trembling. Exhaustion takes over. I close my eyes to regain my composure while I keep taking deep breaths to calm my nerves. Another glimpse of my past flashes in my mind. Unclear, as always.

Gradually, I open my eyes again. I look around. The calm turquoise blue water body looks back at me. The perfect reflection of the mountains on the lake looks magical under the moon. Why does it feel so familiar? Why do I feel I have been here several times? Why can’t I remember anything? Why have I lost a part of my memories? Why do I feel there’s more hidden in this forest? Then, my eyes travel towards the cocoon-like tree. I don’t know why I am here! I don’t know what pulls me towards this lake every time.

 This area is peaceful but mysterious. I don’t know what secrets are hidden beneath these lines of evergreens. Why do I always come here? Why do all the noises become silent? What secrets are these winds whispering? Why do I feel safe here amidst this wood? Why do I always feel this is the right place to be? Why do I always feel the warmth, though the lake is frozen? I don’t know what bond I share with these woods, but I can never stay away from them.

This valley, the mountains, the wind, and the evergreen, they all look so familiar. They all look so alive. I feel like they are talking to me. Why am I always dragged here? I know it's not safe here. This part of the woods is forbidden. No one is supposed to be here. Everyone has warned me about this. Still, I am standing here, right by the lake, feeling comfortable and safe, just like someone watching over my every step. 

I look towards the cocoon structure once again. I take a few steps to close the distance. It is shining under the moonlight. A thin layer of ice on it is the reason. I close my eyes again and concentrate, just the way someone has taught me before. But I don’t know who! The silence takes over everything. Suddenly I hear faint breathing. Am I imagining it again? I stretch my arm and touch the tree. My skin feels the cold layer of ice. My mind is in a mess. I don’t know what I am doing and why. Yet, I know this is the right thing to do.

The coldness gradually melts away. My eyes are still closed. I can hear the winds whispering in my ears. I can listen to a faint, steady noise. I feel a warmth inside my heart. Is there really someone inside this cocoon?

“Are you really in there? Are you the one always pulling me to this lake? Who are you?” I keep ranting. I don’t know whom I am talking with. But whenever I’m here, I feel different. I think the lost pieces of my memories are hidden here. It seems like I am here to see someone. The someone who is waiting for me!

I lean my head forward, feeling the overwhelming emotions. Resting my forehead on the thin layer of ice, I want to forget all my pain, everything. I want to be here. I just want to feel this silence. I just want to feel this warmth coming from this ice. A tear escapes my eye and touches the thin layer softly. 

Suddenly, a cracking sound touches my ears. I frown a little as I open my eyes. My eyes widen as they fall on the tiny c***k in this cocoon. Pulling away instantly, I touch the little split, the gap in the layer increases. The weather changes rapidly. The wind is howling around the mountains. Then I hear the noises of several animals. Growling and howling fill the air. A gasp leaves my mouth as I look around in fear, and then my gaze falls over the tree again.  

Suddenly everything becomes silent, the silence before the storm. I can hear my heartbeats. I reach again to touch the cocoon, and the tree falls apart. I exhale as a hand comes out and grabs mine tightly, pulling me closer to the cocoon structure. My eyes meet a pair of light grey ones. The pair that I have seen everywhere, even in my dreams. I become lost in his deep, hypnotic eyes. Is it a dream? What is happening here? How on earth can any human live inside that cocoon-like thing? I know I should be scared. I know I should ask for help; instead, I stand there in silence. I feel safe. I know nothing can harm me here. Everything feels right. 

Overwhelming emotions and dizziness take over. I try to reach for his face once, just to touch his cheeks. Instead, I lose my balance and collapse to his chest. A pair of muscular arms hug me tightly. Sparks run through my veins. Everything is so familiar. Who is he? Why does everything seem to be right? 

“You are finally here,” I hear his voice before losing my consciousness.