Wooo! So close to 1K!

We can do it, guys!

-

My fears were still present as I continued through the woods. When I had opened my eyes after taking my father's old advice, I realized I went radioactive again. My glow worm abilities were tingling as I trudged through the forest. The humid air was enough to make me gag. Not to mention, the flies and mosquitoes were particularly hungry this night.

I brushed my pessimistic thoughts away and examined my map again. If I had calculated right, I could be there in a day, perhaps a day and a half.

If I ever make it there.

I shivered at the thought. Could Lumas even die? Do they only fade, or do natural processes like aging take effect eventually? I shook my head. I still had so many questions. My mind was already buzzing with the possibilities of this prophecy. I still had a hard time believing I was this so-called 'Light Bearer'. Sure, I was glowing, but perhaps this was just my trait? If Adriana could have purple eyes, I could glow.

I found myself scowling at my inner thoughts. I had reason to believe I had officially gone mad.

-

The bread Jean had packed me was now stale. What I had initially thought was a one day walk had turned into two. I was either lost or taking the long way to camp, and I had no way of knowing which it was. I prayed it was the latter.

My doubts continued to cloud my mind. I felt crazy for every believing Jean. She had seemed so genuine and hopeful that I felt like I had no choice. Now I wish I had stayed in the comfortable castle. At least there, I had fresh food and a somewhat soft mattress. The hard earth had been a less than pleasant host as I tried to sleep last night.

It was dawn once more, and I was ill-prepared for the darkness. I hadn't glowed in a full day, so maybe this was one big misunderstanding. I grew weary of walking on little sleep. Not only had the ground been uncomfortable, but the sounds of wildlife also mocked me through the night. Who knows what is lurking in these woods.

As if on cue, a loud howl sounded from behind me. Nervously, I spun around to get a visual on the creature, but my eyes refused to adjust to the darkening woods. The thought of an invisible enemy was a worse fate in my mind than anything my eyes could see. This sent me sprinting through the thick brush. Thorns ripped through my skin, and branches whipped my arms. The wind blew my hair back, tangling it with sticks and leaves.

The howling continued again, and I could have swore that it was closer―louder. My feet were moving at impossible speeds. I was too fast for my body to keep up. This would turn out to be my downfall, quite literally. A stray branch jumped out of the earth to pull my ankle down. My body smacked the ground with the force of my momentum. With a whoosh, my breath left my lungs, leaving my groaning on the ground in pain. I peeked my eyes open, which I had closed in anticipation of the fall. I instantly wished I hadn't.

A humongous wolf hovered over my head. Drool dripped down towards my face as it watched me hungrily. It's eyes were yellow and empty as it stared down at me― it's next meal. I took in a deep breath, silently repeating a four-word plea.

Please don't eat me. Please don't eat me. Please don't―

As if my thoughts had deterred the wolf, it's eyes softened. If I had known better, I would have said it was concerned for my well-being. The wolf just stared down at me, no longer baring its teeth and growling viciously. Careful not to ruin my chances, I slowly sat up, pushing myself further from the animal. The mammals head tilted to the left in what could only be confusion.

Did it understand me?

I was definitely going mad. I continued to move back and used a nearby tree to pull myself up. The wolf watched me intently.

Maybe it likes it's prey to run and struggle.

The thought made me sick. I hoped that I was wrong. Suddenly, something flew past my head, whistling as it went. It landed in the canine's beautiful gray mane with a thunk. I watched in horror as the wolf stumbled, falling onto its side. Despite my better knowledge, I jumped into action. I was next to the wolf, watching helplessly as it's bright yellow eyes screamed in agony. I couldn't take my eyes away from it's terrified face.

I could hear it cry. It was in my head.

I pressed my hands firmly against my ears to kill the traumatizing sound, but to no avail. The wolf was dying, and there was nothing I could do. I watched with sorrow as those bright eyes faded to a dull mustard color. It's body lay motionless when the screaming finally vanished. It was gone.

"Ember?" A deep burly voice spoke behind me. Jumping up, I turned to face Bronc. The dark man stood tall with a bow in hand. I turned to the wolf, seeing an arrow protruding from it's now crimson fur.

"Are you okay? What are you doing here all alone?"

I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out. I was haunted by what I had seen. I had never been present to witness death until now. Instead, I slowly nodded, even if it was a lie. I felt numb as Bronc continued to speak and question me. His words were a blur in the darkness. Before I knew it, I was mindlessly following the bi-legged centaur into the camp.

We had hardly made it through the gates when I was greeted by the faces I had just barely grown to know. Their welcomes fell on deaf ears as I made a beeline for Leo's office. I had to figure out what was going on. I had to know about the prophecy and whatever the hell it had to do with me.

I was ready to face the truth, whatever that may be, even if I was mad.