~Aurora~

[THE EVE OF 2ND TRIAL]

DARK WOODS,

"Thank you," seeking permission from guards to explore the dark woods which spread vastly around the lycan kingdom, I took a deep breath and began walking aimlessly.

The 2nd trial of intellect will be tomorrow, I am feeling nervous. If I was feeling weak by strength, I could always hit the gym and assure myself that I am stronger than I think. But what if I was feeling weak by the state of mind I am in? What if I'm simply undermining my intellectual capabilities?

Hence, why I needed a walk or probably an aimless sprinting across the dark woods at the moment.

The dark woods are territorial and divided into two subdivisions. Mote like a concentric ring, the inner ring right outside the Kingdom premises is guarded heavily, fences like a compound wall. This is because the outer ring, known as the 'cemetery of weak souls' has a freakishly dangerous collection of rare, strong and vicious creatures from hell.

Werebears, sirens, elves and centaurs. The list can keep going. Any activity at the outer ring is forbidden and trespassers by the compound wall will be punished heavily, too.

Yup, it's that scary around there. It's for that person's own safety, if you ask me.

And here I was, wandering around without at destination. Hands in my trouser pockets, I walked over the mushy leaves and looked up at the canopy. It was pretty dark on the surface, yet, the moon shone so brightly between the gaps that the surface was sufficiently illuminated for werewolves like me.

I was humming a tune to myself, eyes down on the bed of the forest to watch my next step. It was helping me a lot. The serenity of connecting with nature improved my mood greatly. I was having a great time in the company of myself, and just then, I felt an odd presence.

Now, anyone can walk out of the kingdom with a pass in their hands and explore the dark woods. But I found it slightly annoying that I found a werewolf so early into my solo adventure.

It was a wolf...

A big, white wolf.

"Whoa..." I couldn't help but be engulfed by the beauty of this wolf which bent down by a pond to drink some water from the surface.

The moon was shining brightly, and it created a halo around the white fur of this beautiful wolf. My eyes have never been blessed with a sight this marvelous and majestic, ever before. And a white wolf which had this pure charm to it, not even once. In my eighteen years of life!

I accidentally stepped on a twig, the crunch sound got their attention. It was a werewolf, I could tell by the big size and calmness. Besides, wolves in the wild always stay in a pack unlike us werewolves who prefer solitude.

"Hello?" The wolf was looking at me, and tilted it's head. How adorable!

"Hi...uh...I take it that you're not from here. Are you a contestant?" The wolf began backing away, causing me to panic! I don't want to lose sight of something that intrigued me so quickly!

Maybe it's my inner child, but I wanted to touch it's fleece like fur at least once. There is still a significant distance between us. And I wish to bridge this distance and get closer to this magnificent wolf.

"I have to let you know, that your fur makes you look like the Moon Goddess herself." I said to the wolf. The werewolf man ignored me completely. I could tell it was a male, because, there were signs...

"Okay. Whoa." You might be thinking I lost interest because the werewolf resorted back to quenching his thirst from the pond. But no, I wanted to touch his fur at any cost tonight. I don't mind if I will ever have the chance to meet him again or now. I want my childish desires to be fulfilled, and that is what I shall do.

Slowly, I tip toed towards the wolf. Bearing in mind that he was actually keeping an eye on me, I approached way too cautiously. Few more steps, and I reached my hand out to touch his fur.

"Oh...my Goddess..." At last, I did.

The male werewolf seemed bothered, but let me feel his fur even more. I did nothing other than touch the fur, play with it as I chuckled to myself.

When it was enough for the male, he turned his head to nudge me away from himself. Soft sounds of a wolf trying to communicate was heard from the male wolf.

"I'm sorry. Well, even if you try to talk to me, I wouldn't understand. You see, I haven't awakened my wolf, yet." The fluffy ears on his head which were drooping and relaxed until now, suddenly perked up. I take it that he's curious about why I haven't awakened my wolf yet.

"I just turned eighteen few weeks back. People expected me to awaken my wolf at least then, but it couldn't happen. Besides, few other things happened...why are you looking at me like that?"

Animal or a human, few expressions remain same no matter what species is trying to express it's emotions.

The way the white wolf's jaws were ajar softly and breathing was almost too slow to even be considered as breathing, I chuckled.

"Your snout is so pink and adorable, by the way. You're a male, right?" I didn't want to offend him by assuming he is a male. That would mean I took a sneak peak at the organ which determines the gender of an animal. He might be pissed at me for...ahem!

He nodded slowly,

"I see." I tried acting oblivious.

"Well, since there is a communication gap anyway and I cannot shift into a wolf, would you mind shifting into your human form? I'm curious. And I know you wouldn't be embarrassed as well. I see the amulet by your ankle."

Am amulet is given to every deserving werewolf who, during desperate times, needs to shift into wolf form. At that time, their clothes would've been torn and would pose a problem if they shifted back into human form. Things are different when you are human, I guess.

"I take your silence as a no." I tried acting disappointed. So when he will see my reaction, he might be willing to shift.

However, to my dismay, he turned away and started walking gently until he disappeared behind many trees and shrubs.

Whoa...

I'm too curious now. His fur was so soft like a cloud. He looked like a cloud, too!

I want to know who he is. Not only because I'm slightly intrigued by his pure and soft fur, but also because...of a connection.