SHADOWS OF DESTINY

She hung at the back of the group knowing her first shift was finally about to happen- a moment she had longed for most of her life, and her heart raced in anticipation.

'Are you ready Kendra?' Her childhood best friend Lira asked, her eyes twinkling with joy, as she stood next to Kaida, her golden hair aglow beneath the nocturnal light.

After inhaling much needed air, Kaida felt her senses sharpen, more so than the previous moments. 'I think so. I mean, I have trained for this, but still, it is overwhelming. Even thinking about it.'

'What is there to be worried about babe? You will be fantastic! Like your father ' Lira encouraged her and held her hand to motivate her even more. 'You were made for this.'

Looking back at the pack and recognizing a lot of faces gave Kaida a sense of achievement, but also made her a bit paranoid. Alpha Kaida's father was standing at the far away clearing and he was so imposing and powerful in gaze. He stretched out his arms to the sides motioning for everyone to be silent and the muttering excited crowd came to a stop.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I take this opportunity to request your attention as we warm- up the stage for the first shift of my daughter, Kaida." He paused for a moment closing his eyes and breathing in several times. "She is a rare white wolf, a pure feminine strength. Let's have some fun with this one!"

The pack cheered riotously, mixing their voices with the surrounding nature. There was a warmth that spread in Kaida's chest but a small voice at the back of her head caused some hesitations. Was she really prepared for this? Did she have the right to carry on her father's legacy?

"Let the moon take you Kaida," her father's voice echoed in her mind in a soft manner.

She took a decisive bow and stepped forward as the ethereal glow of the moonlight enveloped him. The cool earth beneath her paws provided a calming effect as she closed her eyes and concentrated. There was a pull, an energy around her, a night full of magic that encouraged her to embrace who she really was.

A thrill accompanied her as she let go of the transformation. Bones adjusted, muscles expanded, fur emerged, and she became a glorious beast instead of a mere woman. When she could finally see after that, she was in wolf's skin, her white fur glittering with relief under the clearest moonshine.

"Wow how cute! Kaida!" Lira could only say in astonished voice, "You are a great gift" Kaida also suddenly felt a new thrill of boundless freedom.

Kaida took a first step and her veins filled with a strange warmth as if she was breathless from the excitement. The smell of pine and earth greeted her; she listened carefully to the sound of leaves swaying in the wind and remembered the calls of animals hiding in the dark. It was simple sheer joy.

Nonetheless, as she reveled in her newfound sense of self, an abrupt turn of events caught her off guard. At the far end of the clearing, Julian, the Alpha's son, stood with his back turned. Dark orbs studied her. An amused smirk stretched across his face as he advanced with an infuriatingly charming air.

"It's adorable to see the baby wolf break out," he let out with faint cockiness laced in his voice.

Kaida felt something deep within her ignite and she could not understand why she was feeling that way. "What do you want, Julian?" She tried to sound calm, but the tension in the air was palpable.

"There's been a lot of talk about the rare white wolf, so I had to make a trip,'' he stated, his voice smooth as satin.

"Perhaps you should be changing into your own wolf rather than pestering me," she retorted and walked away from him.

But Julian wasn't done. "You know, I will be the one who gets to mate with you. It's just a question of time." he said most possessively.

"Die, dream on!" anger fighting back no will to remain calm Kaida barked out. "I don't need you!"

Lira crowded Kaida to shield her, an automatic response to Julian that was evident. "Let go off her, Julian. Clearly, she is not interested."

Julian merely laughed, dismissing their attempts at defiance. "Do you really imagine you can run away from such a fate? Just wait till the ceremony. You will see how you will feel."

Kaida's heart began to flutter at the notion as her stomach twisted. The mating ceremony was something every female in the pack had looked forward to since time immemorial. Until now, a glorious picture that being united with Julian had a chain binding to some unappealing years down the line.

As Kaida walked away, there was a sickening knot that formed in her stomach. The happy moments turned to laughter as the celebration went on around her, but the twinge of anxiety that had nestled in her heart remained. She spun to Lira, unable to contain her vexation. "I can't believe this guy thinks he can just come along and take me."

"Don't pay attention to him, Kaida. You can always say no," Lira said, this time her voice strong yet calm.

But Kaida was not able to calm her mind; thoughts burgeoned, swirling in a mass of complexity. There were too many expectations about life more than how it actually was, making her feel contained in a circle that dampened her spirits. "What if I'm not strong enough to oppose this? And this is what I am meant to do?"

"Your destiny is not determined; it that you have control over," Lira shouted back, anger blazing in her eyes. You're stronger than that."

At that very moment, a sudden wave of sudden and inexplicable cold rushed through the force and brought an abrupt end even to the sounds of laughter and merry swaying. The warm breathable air filled with an unease and almost dead silence. Kaida's instincts took over, a warning deep within her mind.

"What's going on?" Kaida said, her voice barely above a whisper, and her body stiffened as her fur fluffed up.

A low rumbling snarl emanated from the dark, sending tendrils of terror through her. The pack stirred for battle, their bodies trying to adjust to the posture, as if bracing themselves before an attack while danger was already present beyond the tree line.

"Keep up!" her father uttered, pinching together his lips under the strain as he saw the tension mounting around them. A defensive formation was occupied by the pack while each member was scanning the blackness around.

Kaida's heart was pounding hard in her chest as she forced herself to look into the darkness. The tension in the air was almost electric and heavy, providing a monstrous climax to the evening. Without warning, out of the blackness, a dark shape appeared, signifying malevolence.

"Ah, the beautiful white wolf," a timberous voice resounded through the glade. "I have come for you, Kaida Dhera. The time is nigh to reclaim your birthright."

Kaida sucked in a quick breath, feeling as if she was about to choke. "Who do you think you are?" she questioned, the firmness in her voice not matching the fear that threatened to pour out from within her.

Light fell upon the figure, revealing that it was a man and he was tall, with an intense stare that burned with an almost luminescent glow. "I am the herald of your demise. You, however, have no idea how much greater than this my mission is, my sweet."

The pack snarled as one, instinctively shielding their own. As confusion and fear washed over her, Kaida was acutely aware of the thumping of her heart in her chest. "What could you possibly want with me?"

"Vampire arrogance knows no bounds," he shook his head, a cruel smile on his lips. "I have waited centuries for this moment. You carry the mark of the moon, dear. Your fate is of a higher calling than you can fathom."

Before Kaida could voice what was unbearable, the surrounding air felt as if it was altered. A darkness that seemed to creep across the trees, caressed her ears with the sweet temptations of the night. Almost immediately, the earth rumbled beneath the two, and a frigid gust of wind flowed into the clearing, snuffing out the flames that had previously decorated their assembly.

"Kaida!" her father yelled out, worry evident in his tone. "Get back!"

But obviously, it was already too late. The figure drew himself, and energy blasted in a wave, surrounding Kaida and the pack in swirls of force. As she was dragged into the void, one thought occupied her mind this was just the start.

It was like someone took a picture and was bright. Everything was the black.

Kaida was paralyzed as she felt the figure step out of the woods. The glowing eyes bore into her, the atmosphere filled with some dark force threatening to engulf her. She felt the urge to run away, a basic urge.

"Run!" Kellan ordered, in coherent panic, bringing her out from the stupor. But turning to run away, as though something wanted them back, the earth shook under her feet and a chill blew out whatever little warmth their fire had managed to keep.

"Kellen! It's time!" Kellen supported, dragging her towards the forest interior.

"What was that?" she asked, still reeling from the shock.

"I have no clue what that was. But we should put as much distance as we can, fast!" Kellan said with a dread-filled look over his back. "Do not fall behind me."

They moved further into the forest, her fur poles holding plenty of branches around them as dark silhouettes twirled. Breath coming in sharp gasps, Kaida's heart squeezed with fright. "What did that thing want from me?"

"You were said to be the only thing that could free it," Kellan said, panting and turning his gaze into the shadows. "That can't be good."

"Fantastic. Just what I wanted. Some sort of demon that desired to possess me," she said, bitterness coming over her. "Why me?"

"Because you are connected to the prophecy, Kaida. You are more significant than you think," Kellan replied, his voice almost a whisper but full of anxiety. "But you have to face this. You cannot just run away anymore."

"Easy for you to say!" she retorted. "You are not the one being chased!"

"Don't you think I want to keep you safe?" Kellan yelled back, his tone getting higher. "But you have to learn to control yourself! If that monster comes for you again-"

Before he could finish his sentence, there was a growl that seemed to come from low down and far off. They stopped dead, hearts racing, as a large dark wolf crossed their way, its eyes glowing like hot coals.

"Not again! Not after Kira," she yelped, her instincts kicking in.

"We mustn't let it back us into a corner!" Kellan insisted to her. He moved to shield her from the sight.

Kaida acknowledged him, the adrenaline rushing in her veins as she transitioned to her wolf form, welcoming the energy within her. "It's show time!"

The dusky wolf charged at them, wild and healthy. Kaida and Kellan functioned as one, moving to the side and avoiding a collision to reach the target.

"Pay attention to its movements!" Kellan roared. "It is quicker than it appears!"

Kaida growled back, waving her arms in denial. "It won't catch me! I will not comply!"

Dashing forward, mouths wide open, she aimed her hyperbolized terror at the dark wolf. They emploted each other, and Kaida was thrown back buttress and she quickly backed up.

"It's more powerful than we estimated!" Kellan growled, going into the pile. The two she-wolves turned around each and frowned, each waiting for the right moment to attack.

"Maybe if we work together-" Kaida started, dork wolf lunged again and Kaida barely avoided the snapping jaws.

"Now!" Kellan called taking the risk to distract the wolf while Kaida did her part of the work.

Kaida rushed forward, showing her teeth. She drove her teeth into the side of the beast, but it twisted its body, making her fall down. Groggy, she sat up alert, shaking her head to focus.

"Kaida!" Kellan barked at her again, this time more menacing. "Get up!"

She managed to rise just in time before the dark wolf swung its attention back to her. Its gaze was vicious, and Kaida shivered.

"Why are you doing this?" she asked shakily. "What do you want from me?"

The wolf stopped, as though weighing her words, then emitted a spine-chilling shriek that bounced off the trees.

"Is it even speaking?" Kellan whispered, astonished beyond belief.

"Speaking or provoking," Kaida maintained as her heart started to accelerate. "We must do something about this!"

Fueled by the intense anger burning within her, Kaida struck again, this time taking the wolf by surprise. But just when she thought that she is on top of it, the wolf turned and a dark fog enveloped her.

"Kaida! Don't give in!" Kellan screamed and rushed to her. His voice was like that of a someone who had run and who had been shouting too much.

She found herself engulfed by the mist which was icy, and stifling and fought hard to emancipate herself from it. "I can't get any air!"

"Concentrate! Remember your Identity!" Kellan shouted taking her face in his hands and looking straight into her eyes. "You are better than this!"

Kaida shut her eyes to rely on her wolf's power to withstand the darkness. "I will not be vanquished!" she growled, summoning untold strength.

A wave of force erupted, banishing the mist, and the dark wolf was caught off guard and fell backwards.

"Let's do this while we have the opportunity!" Kellan shouted as he moved ahead.

Kaida followed and they surged forwards, the power of two driving the dark wolf away from them, its warnings now brave yaps. However, when they thought that they had won, the wolf abruptly went behind back and into the shadows, vanishing completely.

"Did we manage to scare it off?" Kaida huffed, unable to control her shaking body due to feelings of fight or flight.

"For now yes, but it is certain to return," Kellan indicated after regaining his breath. "Let us reassemble, and find out what the hell is going on."

Before Kaida could say anything, the earth once again shook under their feet, followed by another earsplitting howl that resonated through the trees the same as the one they heard earlier.

"What are we supposed to do now?" Kaida made a barely audible inquiry, fear beginning to make itself felt in her voice.

Out of the darkening woods, the silhouette which had been pursued came into view. It had an unsettling visible features as it turned to the light of the moon that contained a savage smile.

"Did you honestly believe you could get away from me?" it spat out. The voice that followed was deep enough to send the shivers down Kaida's spine. "You cannot evade what is rightfully yours, Kaida Dhera. You are me."

A chill gripped Kaida, though behind it laid slivers of tenacity. "I can't be yours!"

"Be ready for what is coming," the figure snarled, lifting a finger.

The earth heaved considerably, and shadows burst from around them in a cyclone as Kaida's heartbeat quickened in excitement.

"Form under one direction!" Kellan instructed, turning back to Kaida but it was too late darkness was already engulfing her.

"Kaida!" Kellan shouted inside her head, but she was slipping away from the existent reality.

As darkness surrounded her, Kaida was horrified to comprehend that she was being pulled into an abyss, beyond which everything she knew and loved would not be accessible.

"Kaida, fight it!" Kellan shouted, but his effort came in vain.

With a last cry, last breath the void took her in, and she was gone.

Kaida knew she was in danger of being sucked out into oblivion; the blackness around her threatened to consume her. Just then she felt a surge of panic and struggled against the shadows since her body knew it had to get out.

"Kaida!" Kellan's voice was barely a whisper amongst the blinding dark yet it felt like a rope thrown at her. "Fight back! Don't give up!"

She latched onto his voice, ready to expend all her remaining strength and with renewed energy spoke, "I will not be taken!" her voice echoed into the void.

The shadows twisted as if in response to her defiance and for an instant, she felt the dark mist lift a little, like it had let in a ray of light. She focused on that light, her wolf's form, the lightness of her being and the strength of her spirit.

Before she knew it, the shadows shrank back, Kaida was propelled forward and landed on the ground in the woods. She inhaled deeply the fresh air of the cool night, and actually gasped when she thought that she was in the forest again, though everything was somehow a little off.

"Kaida!" Kellan came to her, looking both happy and worried at the same time. "You survived!"

"What happened?" Kaida inquired, still dazed and disoriented. "Where are we?"

"Somehow, you came out of the darkness, but I still think there is danger waiting for us," he replied making sure to keep a lookout on the trees. "That thing is still around."

Kaida forced herself to sit up, trying to get rid of the last traces of the void. "We need to get going. I am not going to be taken by it again."

As they navigated the trees, the forest seemed vibrant with life as the moonlight guided them on their way forward. Kaida's heart raced, not out of fear this time but out of a feeling of something more. Determined she would face whatever it was that awaited her.

"Do you believe we are being followed?" Kaida asked as she turned slightly to look back.

"Definitely. I can assure you, that thing operates best at night. It will not let go so easily," Kellan responded, a hint of worry in his voice.

"Why does it want me?" Kaida asked, her voice laced with implicit irritation. "Why am I so special?"

Kellan hesitated for a moment, then he turned toward her. "I think it craves you. There is a prophecy, and you are, in some respect, the prophecy's weapon."

Kaida felt a shiver run through her at his admission, as though the very fire of the prophecy knotted her inside. "But I don't want to be a part of this in any way!"

"Of course," Kellan said, a more comforting expression on his face. "But ignoring it is not an option for you. It has to be confronted. You have the power to change this."

While making their way through the forest, Kaida was filled with a new purpose. "I will confront it. I am done being scared."

Out from the trees came a low growl, and they froze. Kaida could feel her heart pounding as the dark mist began to wrap around them again, this time in a spiral formation, like a tensed up snake ready to swallow its prey.

"Here it comes," Kellan said, altering the tone of his voice. "Brace yourself."

The darkness began to shape itself, a shadowy outline coming into view, with its luminous gaze locking on Kaida. "Do you really think you can outrun your destiny?" the apparition skillfully mocked her, its original rats voice oozing malice. "You are now a prisoner of the dark."

"I am pledged to no one!" Kaida screamed back, still steady even with the fear boiling inside her. "I refuse to be a sacrifice for you!"

The silhouette laughed, and that laughter poured icy terror within her. "You have courage, little wolf, yet courage will not suffice. There's a curse which makes you a captive of blood and fate."

"Enough of your riddles!" Kellan growled, stepping in front of Kaida. "We'll fight you together!"

Amusement thrummed in the figure's irises. "Very well. Let's see how long you can last."

With that, it lunged at them, shadows swirling in a tempest. Kaida sensed the wind's rush from the attack and so without thinking, transformed into her wolf state, muscles coiling, ready to attack.

"Stay in close!" Kellan ordered, shifting beside her, his powerful frame emanating dominance.

As the dark figure bore down on them, Kellan and Kaida worked like a well-oiled machine, skirting its blows and attacking with equal ferocity. They were a fearsome twosome, but the figure did not stop moving, reasonably zipping around their figures.

"Kaida, pay attention!" Kellan screamed, narrowly avoiding a slash from the figure's fingers which resembled shadows. "Use your brain!"

Kaida tossed her head; her heart raced as she focused and called upon her wolf's strength. There was power inside her, connecting her to a moon brightening the darkness outside.

Growling in pure rage, she made a mad charge towards the figure, ready to bite its shin. It sidestepped, but Kaida was alert this time. Spinning, she bitten it plunging her teeth in the dark cloud.

"Do it now!" Kellan exclaimed in arresting this attention- getting. He rushed forward striking the side of the figure as it was distracted.

The dark figure howled somewhere, even the sounds riveted pieces interfered deep within the woods. "What, do you think you can beat me? I have been waiting for this for ages!"

Kaida felt a rise in energy since she did not let go, she simply held on. "You're not taking me!" she snarled with every bit of strength she could summon.

Then tragically enough for the character, the form shattered into pieces and feathers danced around in a twisted manner. "You might be quite strong at the moment, but count me out of this fight yet!" were the last words she heard before darkness fell over her again.

Kaida unclasped her fingers and took a step back, out of breath. "Did we succeed in accomplishing that? Did we banish it?"

"For the time being," Kellan muttered between short panting breaths. "But it will be ba... We need to get our heads together and brace for the upcoming attack."

Kaida concurred as if adrenaline has just struck within her system. "I will not allow it to take me. I will learn how to control it."

They were set for movement when a low growl reverberated from the inner parts of the trees warning, one that made Kaida feel cold in her spine.

"What was that?" she mouthed, a feeling of fear washing her stomach.

Kellan's frown changed, worry clearly visible on his countenance. "No idea, but we have to hurry. It's coming."

Before they could say another word, two shudders were felt from the ground, but before they could get ready a spotlight appeared from the treetops. This light hurt Kaida's eyes as her heart leapt in her chest and she felt the energy grabbing her towards it.

"What's going on?" she cried out as she tried to keep herself from being swept away.

"I don't know!" Kellan yelled as he appeared the most shocked of all.

In a second, the pillar of light transformed into a figure, emanating a brilliant glow that did not seem of this world. Squinting, Kaida tried to identify what it was visualizing.

"Kaida Dhera," the form addressed her, sound pleasant yet authoritative. "Greatness there lies in wait for you, but your choices will matter."

"What is it that you want from me?" Kedia asked, the mixture of fear and indignation was fought back within her.

"You can alter the course of your fate," the figure stated, eyes unfriendly. "But you are not done with the shadows yet. You need to face them and accept who you are."

The words of the figure seemed to echo before she managed to process them, with Kaida feeling both dread and excitement at the same time. She felt as if she was at a junction in the road with what was weighing on her, all the decisions she was being faced with.

"Kia, it's not safe to stay here!" called Kellan who had to turn back because the clouds of darkness were creeping in. "Let's go!"

Kaida was also swift to take the leg but the ground quaked once again. It was at that exact moment that Kaida knew that the real fight had just begun. The figure was still behind them, with its burning eyes teeming with threat and promise.

"Run!" she yelled as they took off into the void, the darkness threatening to engulf them.

At that instant, Kaida knew: this was not the end of her quest, and that which lay before her would strip her to the bone.