𝐻𝐸𝑅 𝐶𝐴𝑃𝑇𝑈𝑅𝐸𝑅

Chapter 16 : My pet

I jolted awake as I felt a frozen whist of wind breeze across my face. Gaining some strength I forced my myself on my elbows as I realized I was in a forest. My eyes scanned my surroundings as I used a tree next to me to help me get back onto my feet.

Looking around confused I discovered that there was nothing but darkness as my only source of light was the full moon that was shining brightly in the night sky, highly above me surrounded by trillions of stars. I took a few deep breaths of the fresh air admiring the few before me. As if I forgot where I was for a moment but that shortly disappeared as
I heard a branch snap close behind me. I Immediately turned around startled in shock as I stared in fear at the distance a few meters ahead of me. But there wasn't anything there.

"Loki?" I called hesitantly, but there was no response. Feeling slightly brave I forced myself to walk towards the lake I just about made out by the moonlight. I heard the sound of my heartbeat pump in my ears in horror, the more steps I took. The pain in my neck felt like pins and needles yet the discomfort didn't go unnoticed.

The sounds of the birds echoed throughout the dark forest along with every other creature in the night. Finally reaching the lake I couldn't help but stand there and admire its beauty. The reflection of the moon along with the sound of the running water, falling from the waterfall seemed so calm and refreshing. But I couldn't help but question what was I doing here? And where I was.

Astrea

My body froze from where I stood as soon as I heard the voice. I turned around slowly and afraid of not knowing what was to be suspected. But to my surprise there was no one there. Was I hearing things? Maybe I am dreaming? Yet everything felt so real.

"Who's there?" I called after the voice huskily. Feeling my breathing increase as I waited and waited for a reply.

Don't let him reach you, he's closer than you might think

The voice was scratchy yet had a softness to it, it reminded me of someone I knew I just couldn't think. I wasn't close enough to make it out. I was curious so I took a few steps forward as I squinted to see if anyone was in view.

"What do you mean? Who's closer?" I asked cautiously even more interested.

Silence. I waited and listened for a few moments as I heard loud footsteps walk towards me. The sound of the leaves crushing made me feel uneasy the more I stood in silence. That's when I saw a dark figure in the distance. I squinted harder this time but the darkness made it extremely difficult to notice anything yet. I just about managed to see it's figure and soon discovered it was woman.

She seemed so small compared to the tall skylight tress in the forest. She had long raven hair and wore a white dress that went as far as her ankles. Her eyes stared at me softly as if she was trying to study me. Before she glanced down to my necklace. I follow her eyes as I too look down at my necklace.

You mustn't let him have your power She said as she pointed at me.

That voice seemed so familiar, I knew in my heart that I knew this woman. I felt tears consume my eyes the more i stared and observed her. My brain was suddenly on fire with questions that repeated in my mind. Feeling my nerves and veins pulse with anticipation of fear as I felt my heart drop to my stomach as goosebumps appeared on my body. I hesitated before saying.

"Mom? Is that you?"

The woman stepped further into the darkness of the forest without a word but only a left with a warming smile. Disappearing within seconds.

"No wait please." I shouted after her desperately. I immediately began to run into the forest despite my urge to remain where I was, I ran as fast as I could the as the leaves and twigs crunched under my feet with every step I took as I struggled to keep up with her. I pushed myself further with hope to find her, I had to find her. I ran dodging the trees and branches that would occasionally get in my way. I felt my arm sting with the few cuts and scratches I left on my arm from the rough branches I bumped into.