I fluttered my eyes open, gazing out the window at the beautifully shining moon reflect in my room, brightening the place and reminding me that the moon goddess was always watching over us.

 I turned to my side where Vespera lay sound asleep, she looked so peaceful with her wavy brown hair scattered all over the place while she clutched on her Favorite blanket. She was beautiful, making me wish I could ever be as beautiful as her.

 It was just a few hours past midnight, the moon was almost full tonight to signify that a full moon will soon arrive and the Annual full moon festival will be celebrated. I desperately hoped to find my mate before then.

 I had to find a way to sneak out of this house without Vespera noticing, else she'll get really mad at me, I knew this because she's caught me sneaking out a lot of times and her reaction wasn't a joke. She just doesn't understand that a few hours after midnight while the moon shines brightly was the only time I can communicate with the moon goddess that feels right.

 Rolling to the edge of the bed, I dropped my legs on the floor gently, the ground was cold but it was worth the risk. I walked over to my wardrobe and grabbed a cloak which I wore over my nightie. Changing my clothes would take too much time and Vespera might wake up.

 As I turned around, I accidentally knocked over Vespera's favourite vase and it almost came crashing, fear gripped me when Vespera stirred in her sleep but luckily, she didn't wake up. I carefully set the vase back and tiptoed to the door.

 Turning the creaky doorknob was a risky move because it's fond of making a screeching sound whenever it turned, I've begged Vespera to fix it but she refused severally. I knew her reluctancy was because the sound would wake her to catch me escaping.

"Woah! " I gasped but quickly covered my mouth with my hands, the cold breeze hitting my skin sent shivers down my spine and even my cloak wasn't helping. It was freezing cold outside but nothing could stop me now.

 As I walked deeper into the forest, insects and all crawlies of the night stirred, their movement echoing the daytime bustle. The forest grew even more beautiful as the days past, this was something the full moon arrival always brings. Its glowing light made the forest gleam beautifully.

 I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared, walking into this particular forest at night was a very bad idea. I've had several encounters with rogue wolfs, near-death-experience if I do say so myself. Another reason Vespera was always angry when I snuck out.

But I had to, its not like I had a choice.

If I don't seek the moon goddess guidance, how would I ever find my mate?

I was desperate and impatient and I was willing to find my mate before the full moon festival passed. I'd seen all the wolves my age with their mates and it made me feel lonely and left out, some of them even mocked me about it saying I was too unattractive to find a mate.

 I was determined to prove them wrong; I may not be as pretty as my sister but I'm not ugly either. My hopes for my mate were high, i envisioned a charming, loving and handsome wolf as my mate. I did not care if he was high ranking or not as long as he loved me for who I was.

"At last," I heaved a sigh as I approached my altar.

Okay it isn't really an altar but it looks like one. It was the middle of the forest, the trees and grass grew around it leaving a particular spot clear with pretty little flowers, a huge rock stood on the centre and the moon was shining directly on it, the rock was glowing, giving the whole place a magical aura and I couldn't have felt more connected to the moon goddess than I did at that moment.

 I approached the altar, my fingers tracing the rocks surface when a sudden snap from behind made me jump.

I flinched, moving backwards from where the sound came. The hairs on my body stood and the cold breeze raised goosebumps on my skin. My heart was beating ten times faster and my body shook from fear.

 I heard a low growl.

It was a wolf.

The growl got deeper and louder, I let out a soft whimper wishing the rock would open up and swallow me. Twigs and figs made rustling noise as the creature got closer and its growling got louder, I could see its eyes glowing from inside the forest.

Blue, captivating eyes that makes you want to swim in them.

Suddenly all my fear were gone and I found my self trying to get closer to this creature. But as I took one step, it was gone.

I looked around, hoping to find any trace of blue captivating eyes but I found nothing. The forest fell silent, the trees motionless and the breeze stilled, even the nocturnal creatures were hidden.

"Maybe I'm imagining things" I said to my self and turned to face the rock, still glowing in all glory and beauty.

I knelt down and placed my head on the foot of the rock, muttering the same prayer I've been saying for months now.

 "Moon goddess, its me, Ashira, again. I came here to remind you about my request to find my mate, its not like I'm thinking you forgot I just want to make sure. The other girls still tease me about being unattractive but I doubt it, you're the moon goddess and no wolf created by you would ever be unattractive. I just longed to experience the mate bond like others had, I yearned to feel the connection of a true bond with my, who would care for me and protect me. I want to know what a mate bond feels like, I should have found him last year at the full moon festival but I guess he didn't show up. Please, let this year's festival bring me my mate. I have faith in your power, moon goddess"

 I raised my head up and stared at moon. One day someone is going to look at me the way I look at the moon and their eyes is going to shine the way mine does. 

 Still kneeling, I savored the peaceful moment when I heard soft heaving of breaths on my neck.

My body tensed, recognizing the sound as that of an animal, only a wolf in its animal form breathes so heavily.

I was paralyzed with fear, unable to move an inch even though I wanted to, for a second I suspected the wolf from earlier had returned, my second thought was that another wolf had found me tasty enough to serve as a breakfast.

Either way, I wasn't ready to die just yet, at least not without finding my mate and also knowing who would take my life.

"Here goes nothing"

I made a turn, moving my body while on my knees with my eyes shut and my head bent downwards.

Hot breath fanned my face and I wondered just how hungry this wolf might be.

I opened my eyes slowly, no point in keeping them closed anyways. First thing I noticed were the paws of the creature, they were about twice size of my hand, on the paws were long, sharp, pointed claws.

I swallowed hard.

Raising my head up, I noticed the silky grey fur of the wolf. I was marveled, it was so smooth I wished I could run my hands over it.

 Finally, as I raised my head to look at the creature, my breathing hitched and my voice flattered.

My suspicions were confirmed.