The Lost Wolf

Ariana's POV

"Now is the perfect time."

I nodded to myself as I rose from the couch.

If I left now, I'd be back before Father and Elena returned home.

"I can drive you to the pack border," Logan offered as he stood.

A smile spread across my face. "Thank you."

He shook his head with a chuckle. "No... I should be the one thanking you."

A few minutes later, we climbed into his car.

Before starting the engine, he reached into the back seat and handed me a leather backpack.

"I packed everything you'll need," he said.

I unzipped it and found a water bottle, dried meat, fruit, a small flashlight, a rope, and a folded map.

He pointed at the map.

"The entrance to Kasha Forest is here."

His finger traced a narrow path.

"Follow this trail until you reach the Black Creek. Cross the fallen tree that acts as a bridge, then continue north until you find three ancient oak trees growing in a circle."

He paused before pointing farther ahead.

"The Moon Crystal Tree is hidden behind them."

I studied the map carefully, committing every landmark to memory.

"If you get lost, don't panic. Just retrace your steps."

I nodded. "I understand."

"I feel terrible asking you to do this," he admitted quietly as he started the engine.

I reached over and squeezed his hand. "You never forced me."

A small smile tugged at his lips.

"I wanted to help."

He sighed. "I should've gone myself, but with tomorrow's Alpha Ceremony, I have too many responsibilities."

"And I'm your best friend." I smiled warmly. "That's what best friends do."

“Thank you, Ariana,” He said as the car pulled away from the house.

An hour later, we reached the border of Silver Moon Pack as the trees of Kasha Forest stood ahead, their twisted branches blocking out much of the sunlight.

Even from where I stood, an uneasy chill crept down my spine.

Logan stepped out with me. "Be careful."

"I will."

He gave me one last reassuring smile before returning to the car. I watched until his vehicle zoomed out of sight.

Then I turned toward the forest.

Taking a deep breath, I uncorked the silver vial.

"Shadow Scent..."

I poured a few drops onto my hands and gently rubbed them over my neck, arms, and clothes.

The scent was strangely cool, carrying a faint aroma of pine and rain.

"If this really works..."

I whispered a silent prayer. "Moon Goddess... please protect me."

Taking out the map, I stepped beneath the trees as I tightened my grip on the map.

"Black Creek..."

After nearly twenty minutes of walking, I finally heard rushing water as relief washed over me. "I found it."

I moved across the fallen tree.

My heart leaped into my throat as I flung my arms out, barely managing to steady myself before falling into the icy water below.

"Easy..."

I muttered, taking slow, careful steps until my feet finally touched solid ground again.

I let out a shaky breath. "One landmark down."

I ventured deeper into the forest, then stopped as I unfolded the map.

Realization hit me: I had wandered in the wrong direction.

"Oh no..." I groaned. "I've circled the same tree twice."

Turning around once more, I followed a narrower trail hidden beneath tangled vines.

Minutes later, three enormous oak trees stood in a circle.

My eyes widened. "There they are!"

Just as Logan had described.

My heartbeat quickened as I hurried around them.

A silver tree stood in a small clearing with tiny crystal fruits sparkling.

"The Moon Crystal Tree..." I whispered in awe.

Walking closer, I carefully reached up and plucked a single glowing Moon Crystal from one of the branches.

The crystal was warm in my hand.

"I actually did it."

A laugh escaped my lips.

Relief flooded through me as I slipped the crystal safely into my backpack before collapsing onto the grass.

"I can't believe it..."

Had I survived? Maybe this wouldn't be so difficult after all.

Just then, a low growl echoed through the clearing.

My smile vanished as I slowly sat upright.

Another growl answered… then another.

My heart slammed against my ribs.

"No..." I whispered.

The bushes rustled as branches snapped. Heavy footsteps surrounded the clearing.

I turned slowly as a massive rogue wolf stepped from between the trees… its crimson eyes locked onto mine as its lips peeled back, revealing rows of razor-sharp fangs.

My breath caught.

"Oh, Moon Goddess..." I breathed as I slowly dropped to my knees. "Please..."

Another growl echoed behind me, then another.

I closed my eyes as I swallowed hard… when I opened them again, eight rogue wolves had surrounded the clearing.

Cold sweat rolled down my back.

They circled me slowly, their claws digging into the ground as their eyes followed my every movement.

There was nowhere to run…. no where to hide.

My chest tightened.

Was this really how my life would end? Was this how I would die… alone?

Logan… I'm sorry. I couldn't get the one thing you needed.

Tears blurred my vision as the wolves suddenly stopped circling.

My heartbeat thundered in my ears.

I wanted to run, to scream, to get myself out of here… but terror rooted me to the spot.

My trembling hands flew over my mouth as I squeezed my eyes shut.