Aria's eyes snapped open, her heart racing as the remnants of her vision lingered. She had seen the downfall of Wolfland, brought about by a wounded grey wolf that had infiltrated the Blackwood pack's territory. The images still haunted her: Elijah, the Blackwood alpha, wounded and pleading for help; the lifeless bodies of his bodyguards; and the grey wolf, its eyes gleaming with malice.
The weight of her vision pressed upon her. Should she warn the Blackwood pack, her sworn enemies, or let fate run its course? The Netherlands invasion, led by the Blackwood pack, had left her family and people slaughtered. This could be her chance for vengeance.
As she wrestled with her conscience, a knock at the door shattered the silence. Aria's cottage, nestled deep within the forest, rarely received visitors, especially at this late hour. She approached the door cautiously, her senses heightened.
With a deep breath, she opened the door to find a small, white wolf standing before her. As their eyes met, the wolf transformed into a young girl, no more than six years old. Her bright smile and infectious laughter dispelled Aria's initial fear.
"Hi!" Lyra exclaimed, her missing baby teeth making her grin all the more endearing.
Aria's reserved demeanor softened. "Hi."
"What's your name?" Lyra asked, her curiosity sparkling.
"I'm Aria."
"Nice meeting you, Aria," Lyra said, her tiny hand extending for a handshake.
Aria's heart swelled at the child's innocence. "Likewise, Lyra. You should run along now, before your parents worry about you."
Lyra's gaze drifted toward the trees. "My mom sent me here."
Aria followed Lyra's pointing finger to a majestic white and grey wolf standing at a distance. Their eyes locked, and Aria sensed a deep sorrow emanating from the wolf.
"She said she's dying," Lyra stated matter-of-factly, unaware of the gravity behind her words.
Aria's concern shifted from caution to compassion. She ushered Lyra inside and offered her some of the freshly baked fries sent from the alpha's palace. The child's eyes widened as she devoured the treat.
"I'll go search for your mother," Aria said, rising from her chair.
Lyra nodded, munching away.
Aria stepped outside, her fingers tracing the ancient tree bark. She focused her mind, seeking a vision of Lyra's mother. The forest whispers revealed a faint location – a nearby clearing.
As she walked toward the clearing, the moonlight illuminated the wolf's fragile form.
Aria walked toward the clearing, her senses guiding her. The moonlight illuminated the mother's lifeless form, lying on the forest floor. Aria's heart sank.
Kneeling beside the mother, Aria gently placed her hand on the wolf's forehead. Closing her eyes, she focused on the visions flooding her mind.
Flashes of memories assaulted Aria:
The dead woman, in her wolf form, stumbling upon a secret gathering of rogue wolves. Their faces were obscured, but their malicious intent clear.
"...take down Elijah..." one of them growled.
"...Kael will lead us to victory..." another voice whispered.
Akira's fear surged as she realized the gravity of the conspiracy.
Aria saw the woman's frantic escape, Lyra by her side. The memory shifted to Akira's final moments:
The mother's desperate voice echoed in Aria's mind. "Go to that lady in the cottage... stay hidden... don't let them find you... I trust she'll keep you safe."
Tears pricked at Aria's eyes as she witnessed the mother's sacrifice.
The vision shifted again:
The mother, hiding behind a tree, watching as Aria welcomed Lyra into her cottage. A glimmer of hope flickered in the mother's eyes.
Then, a rogue wolf emerged from the shadows, stabbing the mother repeatedly.
Aria's eyes snapped open, her breath caught in her throat. She felt the mother's pain and fear.
Lyra's innocent laughter drifted from inside the cottage, a stark contrast to the darkness Aria had just witnessed.
Aria vowed to protect Lyra and unravel the conspiracy threatening Wolfland.
With a newfound sense of purpose, Aria rose to her feet, her eyes scanning the surrounding trees, searching for any sign of the treacherous wolves.
She knew a Kael was involved, but the faces of the all conspirators remained a mystery. She could recognize the faces but she doesn't know anyone of them.
Aria's determination hardened: she would uncover their identities and bring them to justice, honoring the mother's final wish.
Aria's vision, combined with the Lyra mother's words, forged a daunting realization: the fate of Wolfland hung in the balance, and she held the key to its salvation.
Aria's resolve strengthened. She would safeguard Lyra and unravel the mysteries surrounding the Blackwood pack's betrayal. The vision, once a curse, now became a call to action.
As night descended, Aria sat beside Lyra's slumbering form, her small chest rising and falling with each peaceful breath. Aria gently touched Lyra's hand, seeking answers.
Visions flooded Aria's mind:
Akira, Lyra's mother, laughing and embracing her daughter. Their bond was palpable, filled with warmth and love.
Lyra, witnessing the conspirators' faces – harsh, ruthless, and familiar. Aria committed them to memory.
Elijah, Alpha of Wolfland, playing with Lyra in the palace. His eyes sparkled with affection.
Aria's thoughts swirled. Lyra's connection to Elijah was more than just pack allegiance.
Next morning, Aria helped Lyra into a long coat.
"We're going on an adventure," Aria said.
Lyra's eyes sparkled. "Are we seeing Uncle Elijah?"
Aria nodded, adjusting Lyra's coat.
As they prepared to leave, Lyra's curiosity burst forth.
"When's Mother coming to get me?" Lyra asked.
Aria's expression softened.
"Your mother loves you very much," Aria replied.
Lyra's gaze persisted.
"Is she done from dying?" Lyra asked.
Aria's heart ached.
"We'll talk about that later," Aria said gently.
Lyra's face scrunched in thought.
"I want Mother to live here with you and me. We will be one happy family."
Aria's eyes stung.
With a deep breath, Aria enveloped Lyra in her invisibility magic.
"Stay close," Aria whispered.
Lyra grinned mischievously.
"I'll be your little shadow!"
Together, they set off toward the palace.
Their short journey would be fraught with danger.
But Aria vowed to protect Lyra.
For Lyra's sake, she would ensure justice prevailed.