I hurried back to the cave. I could feel the threat of a figure lurking in the shadows of the forest. I stopped repeatedly, to ascertain what or who was chasing me.
"This smell... I've smelled this smell before. It's similar to ...."
Oh!
Is this forest also inhabited by that creature? If so, I was in danger!
Immediately, I ran with all my might. Holding my stomach and hoping that the figure wouldn't attack me. I was sure it was after me.
Yes, I was alone, pregnant and there were no other werewolves in this place. I was exiled from the pack. An easy meal for that creature that hates my kind for who knows how many hundreds or thousands of years.
"Seraphine ...."
"Fenwyn!"
Immediately, I entered the cave. I looked around where the darkness of night had enveloped the forest. Perhaps, because I was pregnant, my instincts as a mother dominated. In order to protect my fetus, I became even more vigilant.
That thing, it was still here. It must be following me. Where is it? Why can't I see it? However, I could smell it and feel its presence.
"Seraphine."
"Oh, thank you. I really needed it," I said as I saw the spirit of light making a bonfire for me in the cave.
Seeing the flames with the light illuminating the cave, made my heart calm. I felt comfortable with its warmth.
"Lyara ...."
"Yes, I know what you're thinking."
"Is... he after me?"
"We can't read his mind, just like we read yours and Mirella's. He's lived in this forest for 500 years."
I swallowed. It must have known the intricacies of this forest. It must also know where I live. Doomwood was very dangerous. There was no way I could win against him. Plus, in my current state.
"You have to show him that you're a strong werewolf, Seraphine."
What?
"That's right. If he sees that you can control the natural elements, he'll think twice about attacking you because you're better than him despite being pregnant."
What Lyara and Fenwyn said was right. Yes, I needed to be strong, to protect me and my future son.
"How?" I asked, looking at Fenwyn closely.
"Water, earth, and air are all available in this forest. But fire, you must create, Seraphine."
"You are right. Teach me," I pleaded steadily looking at Lyara.
"Be mentally strong. Focus on your desire to make fire. Remember, your violet and blue eyes are the main keys to your ability to control the natural elements, fire being one of them."
I nodded listening. I stared at Lyara intently in the flaming figure of the bonfire.
"Sit comfortably."
Soon, I sat cross-legged. Yes, this position was very comfortable due to my large belly. I saw Fenwyn in human form, as if watching at the cave door. Perhaps, she wanted to make sure that the creature didn't attack me.
However, shouldn't it be wary since I'm friends with the forest spirits? Oh, I really hope so.
"Reach out both your hands towards me. Keep your distance so as not to burn your hands. Spread the fingers of your palms. Then... feel the warmth that slowly becomes heat. Imagine that the fire is within your grasp. You will create fire from your palm. Close your eyes, and do as I say."
I took a deep breath to calm my heart. I was nervous because for the first time in my life, I was learning something that sounded impossible to me.
However, I believed what the elders said about the gift the Moon Goddess had given me. Previously, I had also accidentally cut down a tree with my bare hands using the air element. Now, I would learn how to create fire and control it.
Slowly, I did as Lyara said. I imagined a wisp of fire appearing in the palm of my hand. But, when I opened my eyes, my hands were still empty. I failed!
"To create fire, there are several things to trigger it."
"Examples?"
"Anger, resentment, and hatred. The stronger the feeling, the bigger the fire you will create."
Denver.
"Yes. You remember how it felt when Denver humiliated you in front of the whole pack. Calling you a traitor for getting pregnant with Fenrir."
"That's not true! This baby is not Fenrir's son! I never cheated on Denver!"
"Nymeria deceived you all along. She took Denver from you. Posing as a fellow Luna and making you her best friend. It was all bullshit to get rid of you. Nymeria is a werewolf who wants you dead."
Nymeria!
She stabbed me in the back! I will never forgive!
"Denver and his pack consider you a disgrace. Frostfur was ravaged by them. Even the elders, none other than your grandparents, died horribly because of Denver's ambition to be the sole ruler of the Dreaded Veil."
"Argh! Denver!"
I felt my body heat up. My energy was overflowing. It spread throughout my body rapidly. I felt like my blood was boiling. I felt like I was going to explode.
"Harghh!"
I saw the flames in front of me become so large that they touched the roof of the cave, but the heat did not bother me. My breathing was ragged. I could imagine the vile faces of Denver, Nymeria, Talon and the others. I wanted to capture those faces and turn them into ashes.
"Argh!"
"Seraphine, you did it! Look at your hands."
"Oh!"
I was stunned. There was fire on both my palms. Where did it come from? Was it... because of my anger just now? However, it didn't feel hot. It was warm.
"Yes. The explosion of anger in your heart created fire. You can also take fire, Seraphine. Try it."
"What!"
My eyes bulged. Taking fire? This bonfire in front of me? Is it possible?
"You have to believe in your abilities. Otherwise, you'll get burned."
My heart was beating fast. I suddenly swallowed. My hands were suddenly shaking. Yes, it's only natural for me to be anxious. Slowly, the flames in both my palms dimmed and disappeared.
Was it temporary? Or did the appearance match the turmoil in my heart?
I closed my eyes again and focused on my goal. Picking up the fire.
I extended my hand forward slowly. I control my breathing and my hatred for Denver and others. Only, this anger isn't as intense as before, but I can still feel the surge of resentment in my heart.
I spread my palms, ready to grab the fire that felt hot as my skin got closer to it.
Was... I'm going to get burned?