Shirley's POV
Shadows twisted around me as the rogues approached, and the woodland was still and dark. Even though my heart was racing and I was feeling panicked, I made myself remain composed. I clenched my hands and thought, There must be a way out.
Something inside me reacted as the first rogue rushed. I reflexively thrust my hands forward as a warm, strong force gathered in my chest. With a force I couldn't comprehend, a flare of light shot out from my palms, knocking the renegade back. Stunned by the unusual force I had just unleashed, the other rogues hesitated.
Their leader growled, "Get her!" and jolted them out of their daze. They charged once more, but I could feel the energy getting stronger and stronger, giving me a strength I had never experienced before. I closed my eyes, concentrated, and exhaled deeply.
The outburst of light made the rogues stagger back. I took advantage of the opportunity and ran into the trees, my pulse pounding, trying to get as far away from the assailants as possible. Even though my legs hurt and the jungle was hazy around me, I dared not stop.
It seemed like hours before I eventually slowed down. My body was shaking from weariness, and I was panting. My arm was scratched and dripping blood, and one of the rogues had managed to claw me, causing a stinging ache to throb in my side.
When I noticed a tiny, ancient cottage tucked up amid the trees, I staggered forward and leaned against one. Despite its moss-covered and weathered wooden walls, it appeared secure.
I walked over to the hut and pounded feebly, using what little power I had left. I noticed an elderly woman standing there with gentle and knowledgeable eyes when the door cracked open.
Feeling lightheaded, I muttered, "Please... I need help."
The woman's eyes grew softer. "Come on in, kid. Here, you're safe.
The cabin was cosy and pleasant inside. After helping me settle into a comfortable chair, she closely inspected my wounds. She worked with a delicate touch, and I had an odd sensation in my skin as if a healing light were coursing through me.
"You're hurt, but you'll be okay," she added with a gentle smile.
I whispered, "Thank you," and briefly closed my eyes. "Who are you?"
"My name is Luna Merida," she said in a steady, quiet voice. Long before your time, I was the Luna of a nearby pack. However, that is now in the past.
I blinked, startled. "You were a Luna?"
With a serious gaze, she nodded. "Yes, and I feel like you possess a power that not even you fully comprehend yet."
I paused. "I'm not sure what's going on with me. I have no idea where this energy originates from or how to manage it.
Merida gave a knowing smile. "Child, that energy is a gift. It is a component of who you are. You possess a rare power that not many people have. Tell me, have you ever experienced such strength?"
I gave a headshake. "Just lately. It just happened when I was attacked.
Her face became serious as she nodded. "You have a unique ability within you, Shirley. And you have the power to alter the course of many people's lives, including your pack if you can learn to use it.
Luna Merida hummed softly as she took a tiny cloth and gently rubbed it over my wounds. Warmth began to seep through me once more as she worked, easing the pain this time. It was nearly enchanted.
"Thank you," I muttered as I relaxed.
She nodded softly. Shirley, you have a lot to learn, yet you seem like a strong person to me. The other members of your pack are not like you.
As I gazed at her, my interest grew. "What are you saying?"
Merida sat opposite me, staring at me intently. "I think your heritage is distinct. Some wolves have ancestry that includes ancient powers. Abilities that surpass normal strength or speed.
Ancient powers? I echoed, trembling with both fear and excitement.
"Yes," she said softly. Some wolves possess gifts from long-forgotten ancestries from birth. You might be one of them, I believe. Furthermore, their abilities aren't merely for show. They can be applied to healing, protection, and, if needed, combat.
I listened to her remarks in silence. Is it possible? Could I have abilities inherited from a long-ago ancestry?
"But I'm not sure how to use them," I confessed, feeling a little confused.
In a gentle tone, she stated, "That's where I can help." "I can lead you if you let me. I can show you how to manage your abilities and apply them to defend both your pack and yourself.
I was hopeful about the prospect of training with her. "That would be nice," I muttered. "I want to stop being weak. I desire the ability to defend both myself and other people.
Merida grinned broadly. "All right. Then let's get started.
The hours that followed flew by. I learned techniques from Luna Merida to concentrate my energy and direct it into my hands and the surrounding atmosphere. It was difficult, but every time I tried, I felt stronger.
She said, "You're doing great, Shirley." "You will be able to fully control this power with practice."
I nodded, resolved to go on. I felt purposeful when I thought about being able to defend myself and the people I loved.
Merida finally took a seat next to me as the sun started to drop, her expression contemplative.
With her eyes closely observing me, she said, "Shirley, there's something you should know."
I felt an odd weight in the air as I gazed at her. "What is it?"
"Your abilities are more than just a chance gift. They are linked to a prophecy that describes a wolf with age-old powers who will one day save the pack during its most dire time.
"A foretelling? My heart pounded faster.
Slowly, she nodded. Indeed. Long ago, the elders told of a wolf who would be born with the might of the ancients, someone who would eventually defend their own while facing many difficulties. Shirley, I think that wolf is you.
Her remarks were full of meaning and hovered in the air. Do you mean me, the prophecy person? Even though everything looked unreal, I knew deep down that she was telling the truth.
However, why me? Feeling overpowered, I asked. "I am simply myself."
Merida kindly touched my shoulder. "You have a big purpose, even though you might feel like an ordinary person. I think you can alter the future of your pack because your abilities are starting to manifest.
Her words filled me with hope and anxiety, and I drew in a trembling breath. "Now, what should I do?"
"You continue to train," Merida stated sternly. And you get ready. You will be prepared for whatever occurs if you remain loyal to yourself and accept your gift, even if the days ahead will be challenging.
Feeling the weight of her words, I nodded. Now there was no going back. For the sake of the pack I had left behind as well as for myself, I would have to face the trials that lay ahead.
A peculiar sensation of resolve descended upon me as I sat there, processing all that Merida had told me. I was no longer alone, and I would realize my full potential under Merida's tutelage.
Merida leaned in, her eyes gleaming with urgency. "There's one more thing, Shirley. Your powers are more than just strength and protection. If the prophecy is true, you may be the one destined to unite the packs against a rising darkness."
My heart pounded as I absorbed her words. Could I be the one to change everything? The weight of the unknown pressed down on me, but I knew one thing for certain—I was ready to find out.