CHAPTER SEVEN: THE FOREST
Chapter SEVE
Hazel's POV
Opening one eye, I saw I was being held by a figure.
Slowly I closed my eyes, but something was not right.
Opening my eyes for a clearer view, I saw the face of a man, he had gorgeous facial features.
"Are you okay miss?" the man who just rescued me asked, worry lines on his forehead.
"Yes I am fine" I said taking two steps away from him.
"You do not need to be afraid for I mean no harm, I am here to help, you can trust me" the man said again, reaching his hand , he tried to touch me.
His words sounded convincing enough, and his tone was appealing to the ear, but I had my doubts, I just escaped the cold claws of death,it would be foolish of me to trust someone at the point in time.
"It is okay for you to have your doubts, you just escaped the cold jaws of death, it is normal for you to skeptical about this whole situation." He said and turned, ready to leave.
"Wait!" I screamed unintentionally.
"Sorry I did not mean to scream, but are you leaving me alone? Here in the forest? All by myself?" I asked in fear.
"Yes, any problem" he asked.
"Yes, many problems, one I am defenseless and all alone, two I have no idea where I am or how to get out of here" I complained.
"You are not defenseless Hazel, and you are not alone too, the forest is with you." The wolf answered.
"Who are you and how did you know my name" I asked, taking two steps closer to him.
" I am Lupine, a servant and messenger of the forest" he said with a wide smile on his face.
"Thank you Lupine, but I have to ask, why did you save me?" I asked trying to be sure it was not a trap.
"I am merely a humble servant of the forest, doing as the forest calls me to do. And the forest called me to save you , Hazel, and so I did. I saw the figure chasing you I ran as fast as I could but just before I could catch you and take you out of harms way, you changed paths. I watched as you jumped into the churning water.
The river threatening to swallow you up, I could not stand there and watch you drown. So I leaped into the water and pulled you to safety." He said.
"Thank you for saving my life Lupine , I owe you one" I said with a warm smile on my face.
"You are welcome and you owe me no debt Hazel, it was an act of kindness from the forest to you" He said.
"But a piece of advice, do not jump into rivers next time, you might drown" he advised .
"I have definitely learnt my lesson and I think I will stay away from water" I said laughing.
Turning, Lupine looked at me " how did you come to be in such peril in the first place?".
I sighed, how do I tell him that my mother and sister are responsible for this, they put me in this mess.
"My mother and my sister put me in this" I said, a sad smile on my face.
"What happened, did you two have a big fight?" Lupine asked, and I could not help but notice how melodic his voice was.
"Promise me you will not tell anyone about this, please Lupine my life is at stake" I pleaded with him.
"Your secret is safe with me Hazel" Lupine said looking into my eyes.
Something in me assured me that I can trust the man in front of me, I felt relaxed and at ease in his presence.
"I was forced to represent my sister in the Concubine selection ceremony, organized by the alpha's mother for her son. I was selected and little did I know it was the beginning of my woes. I got pregnant with the alpha's child and my family threw me out, to ensure my sister's position as the alpha's Luna."
"I am sorry about that, your family made a grave mistake losing you, for you Hazel are a rare gem" Lupine said, smiling widely revealing a perfect set of pearl white teeth.
" Thank you for the compliment " I said, my cheeks a faint red color.
"You are welcome Hazel, but it is the truth. You are one of the few wolves who have a pure heart" he said with enthusiasm.
" What does it mean to have a pure heart?" I asked him , my curiosity knowing no bounds.
"When it the right time you will know Hazel" Lupine said.
"Where are you heading to Hazel?" He asked .
"I am heading to Starlight pack to meet my aunt." I answered his question.
"Starlight pack?" He asked as if trying confirm something.
"Yes starlight pack, any problem Lupine" I asked worriedly.
"Starlight pack is quite far from here and there are many danger, trials and tribulations on the way. You will come across many weird things, some may be of help and others will be after your life. Whatever you do Hazel, in this journey you should be very careful. Listen to the forest for it will guide you, pay attention to the breeze and it's music for they are passing across an information to you. And most importantly, the moon and its light should never depart from you.
Derive your energy from the moon and you will never be weak. Listen to the forest and winds and you will never be lost, pray to the moon and it's goddess , she will lead you in your journey." Lupine said, humming a song.
"Thank you for the nice words and advice Lupine, I hope we meet again so I can repay the favor " I said a small smile on my face, I was beginning to like him.
Handing me a small pouch, Lupine smiled and disappeared into the forest.