If Lykiana was grateful for anything, it was the speed of her companion. She feared he would be slow but he managed to keep up with her at ease.

He had estimated a week's travel to reach the rest of the pack and it was their last day of travelling. The sky was clear and homely, each Star twinkling brightly, gazing down upon her.

She missed the Spirit Realm. There was no human corruption or fancifulness. It was ethereal, pure and liberating. The night sky reminded her so much of her home as she gazed back nostalgically.

Her companion was silent, which she didn't mind. He also gave good companionship. He would offer to watch during the night as she succumbed to mortal slumber. He would also hunt for their meals and asked to train under her.

Since he was remorseful and sincere, she decided to take him under her wing. She had also noticed that the further they travelled from the pack, the clearer his eyes became, the more focused he was and the environment seemed to be cleansed. And she had thought as much. Someone was casting a thrall and was most likely using Dark Magic. It made the air feel tainted and heavy. It would control even the strongest of souls with constant exposure and he had lived in such a place for almost a decade.

If anyone saw how his state was before, they would not be able to recognise him now. The drunken stench had disappeared to a welcoming dark musk. The unused muscle slowly became taut and firm. His skin shone once again, his hair glossy and thick. She felt proud of his transformation and honesty. He woke before she did and hunted for their food selflessly. He slowly began to remove himself from the man he once was.

She did not know his name or his rank. It did not matter. He would answer her before she even called.

He watched her thoughtfully from under the shade of an old wizened tree. The sun was harsh and unforgiving, beating down on them mercilessly. Lykiana seemed unaffected and basked in its warmth. He had never seen such a beautiful, regal person before. She was clearly a celestial being with skin so rich, the sunlight danced daintily on the exposed surface and hair that glittered with every caress of the wind. He watched her almost with reverence, noting the way that the peaceful animal flocked to her, drawn the same way he was.

He felt angry with himself for not noticing that she was their Spirit. From when he was a pup, his mother had sung praises about Lykiana, ballads that described her heavenly beauty and her fair rulings. But after the pack split, he fell into temptation, forgetting the ways of his people and indulging in all his desires. It was as if a veil had been placed over his eyes, stopping him from seeing any sense. Until she saved him. One touch and that thick fog lurking was cleared and he could see clearly again. He would never forget how indebted he was.

He was slowly building back the man he once was. His muscles pained him from overexertion but he would never stop until he felt redemption. During the split, his mother begged him to go with her to join the pack that was against their new Alpha. His father looked at him with such disappointment as he chose to stay, wanting to be close with fellow pack mates that he had grown up with. Would they be able to forgive him? Would his family want to see him? Or would they brand him a traitor and drive him out?

He felt restless, worrying about his mother. He was scared to tell her all the sinful things he had done. But he would, to show repentance. And she could judge him after.

He paused, feeling a presence above him and looked up. Lykiana was looking down at him, aloof but kindly. She held out a slender hand for him to take and he grasped it softly.

"My child", she said, her voice gentle. "Do not fret. Indeed, there was something wicked at play. It had greatly clouded your mind and influenced you to become what you were".

"Why-" He asked, his voice cracking. "Why did you allow me to come with you? Why did you save me after what I had done?"

She gazed down at him with love and warmth and gracefully sat opposite him, still holding onto his hands.

"When I first saw you, I was enraged at your audacity. I asked myself why was I so brazenly being disrespected", she said. "But, then I realised that the Spirit realm has been closed. The light had stopped guiding the people. And in its absence, it is only natural for darkness to take root. When I blessed you, I saw your soul. You are a pure being who had righteous intentions. And you have a significant future lying ahead of you. Do not doubt yourself anymore. If the master has forgiven, why is the servant still angry?"

He felt the heavy burden rise off his chest. All was not wrong. She tenderly stroked his face and he closed his eyes. In retrospect, he was fortunate. Of all the drunken fools, he stumbled across her. And now, he was sitting in her company, basking in her touch. He had a chance.

Lykiana watched the young man and felt a spark of hope. She saw the role he could play in this war when she blessed him. The blessing would ward off Dark Magic to an extent so he would be protected and be able to perform his duty when the time came.

"Come", she said softly. "We must leave to arrive before dusk".

They both stood and he gathered the meagre belongings he took with them. They would reach their destination as the sun travelled a quarter way further across the sky.

They trekked in companionable silence. He remained on guard as she intrinsically led him to their destination. The trees changed from withered to lush, the early blossoms flowering, each throwing a different sweet smell into the air. The waters were clear and refreshing. It was a completely different world from the one they came from.

Just as the sun touched the horizon, sending hues of orange and red shooting across the sky, they caught sight of civilisation. There was a large enclosure and in the middle, smoke rose to the atmosphere from a large campfire with people milling about laughing and smiling. She took a deep breath in and smelt the aromatic smell of freshly roasted meat. She could almost taste the contentment in the air and her pace increased unknowingly.

Her companion was even faster, his steps covering a large distance as he looked on straight ahead, his trembling hands covered behind his back.

As they neared the people, there was a warning cry from one of those on the watch. The people looked up in surprise and a few screamed in fear. They assumed she and her companion were the enemies. There was a distant crack as the guards shifted and seconds later, a few wolves came charging out, heading straight towards them, teeth bared.

Her companion tensed behind her, not wanting to fight and shed any blood but scared by the incoming wolves. She patted his shoulder reassuringly and stepped forward. The wolves increased their pace, lunging straight for her. It angered her how they chose to attack first and ask questions later.

"Halt", she commanded, waving her hand in front of her. The wind seemed to move with the flow of her hand, sending a gust of air to the wolves. Like magic, the wolves froze automatically midstep, stumbling and falling to the ground. One tried to move but was unsuccessful as her will superseded all.

"Shift".

By her one word, all four of the wolves howled in pain as their bodies twisted and reformed into the shape of man. They lay on the ground, bare and panting at their sudden transformation. From the enclosure, an elderly woman came out, striding towards them. Her hair, slightly greyed from ageing hung loosely around her shoulders and her strong ageless features regarded the newcomers patronisingly.

As she walked up close, she watched Lykiana with narrowed eyes and gasped.

"How could it be?" She cried in recognition.

Lykiana bridged the gap between them, her robes billowing out from behind her. To an onlooker, she seemed much like an angel who had descended from the heavens, radiant and serene. Those who recognised her cried out in happiness. As she reached the woman, she gently touched her forehead to gain access into her mind.

"Ah, yes", she hummed. "I remember you. You were the Luna, were you not?"

"Oh, Spirit Mother", the Luna cried. "You have come. How is this possible?"

"That matters not right now", Lykiana said firmly. "We must discuss further, away from prying ears and eyes".

More people arrived to watch the spectacle and another woman stepped forward. She was clutching onto the man next to her so hard, the veins showed in her hands. She gazed fiercely at Lykiana's companion, her eyes red and swollen with tears.

"Kalos", she wept in disbelief. "My son, Is that you?"

Hi 👋

Tis I

Honestly, I am struggling a little with the third person so that's why my updates for this are so hard. BUT I will not give up! I am forcing myself to write weekly.

I've planned so much spicy stuff for when Lykiana and Lykos meet ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

But we have to get there first. It's not that far off though :)

Question:

What is your favourite colour?

See you next week

(づ￣ ³￣)づ (Gimme a kiss)