We’ve been walking for only an hour, and every step echoes too loudly in the stillness. Ahead, the forest looms in the distance, a jagged silhouette against the sky. The trees stand like skeletal sentinels, their blackened trunkswoven and gnarled, their branches reaching skyward as if in silent agony.
“You’re different from the witch who held me prisoner,” Seraphina says, her voice tinged with uncertainty as she glances at Ash.
“Yes,” Ash replies, her tone even. “I’m a worldwalker. Though I’m still learning what that means.”
“Oh,” Seraphina murmurs, her expression clouded with confusion. “I don’t know anyone else. My only companions were the two witches, so forgive me for not knowing what you are.”
“That’s okay,” Ash replies. “To be honest, I’m only just realizing the extent of my magic. I kept most of it locked away for so long I didn’t fully grasp what I could do.”
Seraphina hums softly, her eyes blinking in that odd, almost reptilian way, as if she has a second set of eyelids. It’s a subtle shift, but one that catches my attention. If she’s indeed shifting her eyes, it would explain the unique, otherworldly quality to her gaze.
“And what are you?” she asks, her tone curious. “You smell different from anything that has dared to wander too close to our cave.”
“I’m a shifter. My animal form is a wolf.”
At that, Seraphina stops short, tilting her head in fascination. “Can I see?”
I raise an eyebrow, glancing over at Ash. She simply shrugs, her lips quirking into a small smile. “Go on, show her,” she encourages.
With a deep breath, I let the transformation begin. The familiar rush of magic surges through me, infusing every cell in my body. My bones shift, my muscles realign, and within seconds, I’m no longer standing on two feet but padding forward on four, my sleek wolf form taking shape.
I nudge Seraphina’s hand with my nose.
“Oh, you’re stunning!” she gushes, her voice filled with admiration.
“Don’t go giving him a big head,” Ash quips from behind us, her tone light and teasing.
I huff in response, the sound halfway between a laugh and a growl, then rub my head against Seraphina’s hand. She hesitates for a moment before gently stroking my fur, her touch tentative but full of wonder.
“It’s incredible,” Seraphina murmurs, still petting me as if she’s trying to commit every detail to memory.
Despite everything she’s been through, there’s an innocence in her curiosity. Ash watches us with a warm smile, her shadows still lingering protectively around us, ensuring that no harm will come while we share this moment.
With a final nuzzle, I step back and allow the shift to reverse, my human form returning as smoothly as it left. Seraphina watches the transformation with wide eyes, clearly entranced by the process.
“Thank you,” she whispers, her voice filled with genuine gratitude, “for showing me.”
“Anytime,” I reply, smiling softly at her.
Ash steps closer, looping her arm through mine. “Come on, let’s keep moving before something out here decides to test just how big and bad your wolf really is.”
Seraphina laughs, and for the first time, the sound is light and free.
“It’s getting dark. Maybe we should find shelter for the night?” I suggest, glancing up at the dusk-hued sky where the first stars are beginning to peek through the thickening clouds.
Ash groans, rubbing the back of her neck. “It’ll still be half a day’s walk, so you’re probably right.”
Not too far ahead, I catch sight of a small clearing nestled between the dense trees and undergrowth. I point it out, nodding toward the spot. “We can check out over there. If it’s good enough, we’ll make camp, and I’ll collect some firewood.”
Ash nods in agreement, and we make our way to the clearing. As we step through the underbrush, we come upon a massive fallen tree, its roots stretching out like twisted fingers, casting eerie shadows in the dimming light. The tree, though ominous, offers a solid cover from the elements, its broad trunk creating a natural barrier against the wind.
“Here will be good,” Ash says, her gaze scanning the area.
We get to work, wasting no time clearing away some of the smaller branches scattered across the ground to make room for our camp. We gather rocks to form a makeshift firepit, and I move off a bit to collect more wood, the sound of my footsteps muffled by the thick layer of fallen leaves. Thankfully, the ground isn’t as hard as a rock, so sleeping on it will be somewhat manageable.
I drop the wood I found in the firepit, and Seraphina bends down, her breath catching on the kindling in an instant, the flames leaping to life with surprising ease. There’s something almost otherworldly about the way she handles the fire, as if it bends to her will, recognizing her as its master.
We settle around the warm blaze, our backs pressed against the gnarled roots of the fallen tree. The heat from the flames begins to seep into our chilled bones, providing a welcome comfort after the long day. The crackling of the fire fills the air, a soothing rhythm that drowns out the distant rustling of the forest.
