novelxo Chapter 7
The ancient forest loomed before Lyra, its massive trees stretching towards the sky like gnarled fingers. Mist clung to the undergrowth, lending an ethereal quality to the already mysterious landscape. She had been traveling for days, following whispers and rumors of werewolf sightings, each step taking her further from the familiar and deeper into the unknown.
Lyra paused at the forest’s edge, her emerald eyes scanning the treeline. The grimoire had spoken of this place the Whispering Woods, where the veil between worlds grew thin. If she was to find a werewolf, this seemed the most likely location. Taking a deep breath, she adjusted the pack on her shoulders and stepped into the shadows of the ancient trees.
The forest seemed to come alive around her. Leaves rustled in a wind she couldn’t feel, and distant howls echoed through the mist. Lyra’s hand instinctively went to the crystal pendant at her throat, drawing comfort from its familiar warmth. She had crafted the protective charm herself, imbuing it with spells of concealment and warning. It wouldn’t save her from a direct attack, but it might give her enough of an edge to survive in this perilous place.
As she ventured deeper into the woods, Lyra’s senses heightened. Every snapping twig and flutter of wings set her nerves on edge. The air grew thick with magic, making it difficult to distinguish between genuine threats and the forest’s natural mystique. She paused in a small clearing, closing her eyes and reaching out with her magical senses, trying to detect any nearby presence.
A sudden rustle in the underbrush made Lyra’s eyes snap open. She whirled around, hands raised defensively, ready to cast a spell at a moment’s notice. “Who’s there?” she called out, her voice steady despite the fear coursing through her veins. “Show yourself!”
Silence answered her. Then, slowly, a massive wolf emerged from the shadows. Its silver-gray fur seemed to shimmer in the dappled sunlight, and its amber eyes fixed on Lyra with an intelligence that was decidedly human. This was no ordinary wolf-this was a werewolf in its animal form.
Lyra’s heart raced, but she stood her ground. “I mean you no harm,” she said, her voice calm and clear. “I’ve come seeking help. There’s a prophecy”
Before she could finish, the wolf’s ears pricked up. It turned its head sharply, as if hearing something beyond Lyra’s perception. A low growl rumbled in its chest, and without warning, it lunged towards her.
Lyra stumbled backward, raising her hands to cast a protective barrier, but the wolf wasn’t aiming for her. It sailed past, colliding with a dark shape that had been creeping up behind her. The clearing erupted into chaos as the two creatures grappled, snarls and yelps filling the air.
Pressed against a tree, Lyra watched in horror as the werewolf battled what appeared to be a nightmarish fusion of wolf and shadow. The creature’s form seemed to shift and writhe, making it difficult to track its movements. Sharp claws raked across the werewolf’s flank, drawing a pained howl from its throat.
Instinct took over, and Lyra raised her hands, channeling her magic. “Lux praesidium!” she cried, and a burst of brilliant white light exploded from her palms. The shadow creature recoiled, its form dissipating like smoke in the wind. The werewolf, momentarily stunned by the flash, shook its head and turned to face Lyra.
For a long moment, they stared at each other, both panting from the sudden burst of action. Then, to Lyra’s amazement, the wolf’s form began to shift. Fur receded, limbs elongated, and within seconds, a man stood before her. He was tall and lean, with shaggy dark hair and the same piercing amber eyes she had seen in his wolf form. Despite his nude state, he carried himself with a quiet dignity.
“That was foolish,” he said, his voice a low growl. “But brave. I suppose I should thank you for the assist.”
Lyra blinked, struggling to process the rapid turn of events. “I… you’re welcome. What was that thing?”
The man’s expression darkened. “A shadow wolf. They’ve been appearing more frequently lately, drawn by the weakening of the barriers between worlds.” He studied her intently. “You’re a witch. What are you doing in these woods alone? It’s not safe here, especially for your kind.”
Lyra straightened, meeting his gaze. “I’m looking for someone. A werewolf, actually. I need help with a prophecy that—” She paused, a sudden realization striking her. “Wait. You understood me earlier, when you were in wolf form. You knew I was talking about a prophecy.”
The man nodded slowly. “I did. And I think, perhaps, that I’m the one you’re looking for.” He extended a hand. “I’m Fenris.”
Lyra hesitated for just a moment before clasping his hand. “Lyra. I’m glad to meet you, Fenris. Though I wish it had been under less… dramatic circumstances.”
A wry smile tugged at Fenris’s lips. “Dramatic circumstances seem to be the norm these days. But we shouldn’t linger here. That shadow wolf might have been a scout. Where there’s one, there are usually more.” He glanced down at his unclothed state. “I don’t suppose you have any spare clothes in that pack of yours?”
Lyra couldn’t help but chuckle, the absurdity of the situation momentarily overriding her anxiety. “I’m afraid not. But I might be able to help.” She rummaged in her pack, producing a small pouch. From it, she withdrew a handful of shimmering dust. With a few muttered words and a gesture, she flung the dust towards Fenris. It swirled around him, coalescing into a simple tunic and trousers.
Fenris raised an eyebrow, impressed. “Handy trick. Thank you.” He quickly dressed, then gestured for Lyra to follow him. “Come. I know a safe place where we can talk. You can tell me about this prophecy of yours, and why you think you need a werewolf’s help.”
As they made their way through the forest, Lyra couldn’t help but study her new companion. Fenris moved with a predator’s grace, his steps silent even on the leaf- strewn forest floor. His eyes constantly scanned their surroundings, alert for any sign of danger. There was a wariness about him, a tension that spoke of someone long accustomed to watching his own back.
“You’re alone,” Lyra observed. “I thought werewolves usually lived in packs.” Fenris’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. “Usually, yes. But I left my pack some time ago. It’s… complicated.”
Lyra nodded, sensing the pain behind his words. “I understand complicated. I was cast out of my coven for pursuing this prophecy. They thought I was chasing shadows, endangering myself and others.”
Fenris glanced at her, a flicker of sympathy in his amber eyes. “And yet you’ve continued on alone. That takes courage.”
“Or foolishness,” Lyra said with a rueful smile. “I’m not always sure which.”
“Sometimes they’re one and the same,” Fenris replied. “But foolish or not, I’m glad you persevered. If this prophecy is as important as you believe, the world may depend on your stubbornness.”