The Alpha's Warrior Princess

~ Unknown ~

The wind whistled and the tree danced to the systematic rhythm of its beat, and occasionally, a strong wind blew sending chills and darkness across the mysterious woods. Even with all of these, Andrea was not deterred but continued to walk slowly through the woods obeying the silent voice that kept beckoning her to continue going deeper.

"An... drea... A... n... drea... here... eee" the almost inaudible gory voice continued to call to her in a whisper.

"Whewww..." it was swiftly followed by the hissing of the wind.

This wasn't the first time Andrea would be drawn into the woods by this same strange sound, but fear is one thing that is specifically strange to her. She fears nothing even though she is a little princess of only eight years old.

Little Andrea is the lovely princess of Great Crest Pack. Her father is the fearsome alpha Andrew while her mother is Lolita, the most charming luna of the amazing pack.

At this tender age, the little princess is already aware of the fact that she is not like any other average little kids her age or even like other fancy little Princesses that she had come across. And even though up to this time, she is not yet clear as to what her particular purpose is, yet she does not allow herself to be overtaken by fear of the unknown.

So many mysterious and strange things have been happening to Andrea, but among these, the one that made her feel very special but which of course has been a cause of great bother to her father, alpha Andrew, alpha of the Great Crest Pack, is the fact that she can already communicate with her wolf right before she turned two.

Andrea could not understand why her father was more particular about the lovely name of her wolf. To Andrea, her wolf, Dahlia is the best thing to happen to her after flowers. And as expected, Dahlia loves flowers just as much as Andrea does. However, most times much to Andrea's dismay, Dahlia made it look like flowers may pose a great danger to them.

Today, coming to the garden was Dahlia's idea. She insisted they spend the whole day in their garden located very close to the city spring, which is only a little distance from the woods. It was while in the garden that the strange but familiar noise began. The strange noise was mixed with all kinds of emotions and was filled with the untold story of pains and pleasures.

As Andrea goes deep into the woods, she began to feel some presence around her. Some spots were dark and appeared as if they are shadows of unknown creatures, and most times she would feel some goosebumps indicating the presence of some unseen forces. And there were also occasional movements around her characterized by the rhythm of the strange voice.

Soon Andrea realized that she has never really been this far into the woods and so many wild thoughts flew through her mind. Were they here to harm her? Why has the person or thing behind the sound refused to show his face all along, and what exactly was she to do for the caller?

As time went by, Andrea began to feel that coming into the woods was not completely a very good idea but she wouldn't go back for she was already on the adventure and she is not one to give in to fear.

As she went deeper the presence began to feel stronger and at this point, she could tell that her wolf, Dahlia has left her.

For sure, Dahlia is going to be with Andrea all through her life's journey but will definitely not be a part of fulfilling whatever unique purpose Andrea was on earth to accomplish. This is a fact that Andrea had become accustomed to. However, she had always wondered why this is so.

At the moment, Andrea did not allow herself to dwell on the thoughts of what Dahlia's real mission in her life is, because it is obvious that Dahlia is only going to be around at good times and it seems someone else would be with her at times such as this one, 'the fearsome times'.

Maybe this realization contributed to making Andrea stronger because she is yet to see that other person and it is becoming quite convincing that she might as well be that other person.

At a point, Andrea felt a hand almost touch her and she instantly drifted back to the present and shoved off the presence. This she did by shaking herself. After shaking off the presence, it became clear to her that whatever had called out to her was here strictly for business.

"Whewww... crrrrrr... An... d... reaaa... ooiii"

The sound was becoming clearer and clearer, and yet, Andrea could not understand the message it was trying to send across to her.

At this point, she decided that she needs Dahlia to help explain the message to her. However, Dahlia would not come to her, and so she must go to Dahlia. The option of going to Dahlia is a very dangerous one at the moment. It entails mind-drifting to meet Dahlia wherever she is currently hiding and having a conversation with her.

The reason why mind drifting to Dahlia at this time is dangerous is that she is yet to decipher the intention of the presence around her and if it was here to bring her any harm, mind drifting would only make it easier.

Even with this obvious difficulty, having made up her mind to unravel the mystery behind the strange sound at whatever cost, Andrea decided to mind drift to Dahlia. Right now, she doesn't seem to be left with much choice and so she must do it.

"Whewww... shiii... trrr..."

Soon a strong and terrifying wind started to blow, and the trees in the woods bent with their branches touching the ground. They all swung from left to right and it was as if they intend to sweep the woods and cause them to glitter.

Their actions caused the surroundings to be filled with thick dust, and suddenly, everywhere was overtaken by total darkness.

Being covered by the darkness sent a cold chill through Andrea. She looked around the woods and agreed that whatever it is, is truly here for her. But at the moment, she could tell that the presence is not aware of her exact spot. And so she thought of taking advantage of this and making herself to be temporarily undetectable while she mind drifted and searched for Dahlia.

The ability to be temporarily undetectable is one of her many powers. However, this act would as the name goes, be temporal, but she hopes it lasts long enough to enable her to locate Dahlia and get all the information she needs surrounding this mystery.

Having drifted, Andrea found herself in a large unending open space covered by clouds. She looked around her but there was no sign of anyone, not even her wolf, Dahlia. She started to run around. She does not have much time, and the sooner she found Dahlia, the better for the both of them.

Having run for a while, she stopped and decided to use her voice instead. *Dahlia, Dahlia, please where exactly are you?* she called out to Dahlia.

She was met with silence and so she called again. *Dahlia*

She was sure that Dahlia must be here somewhere, as she could feel her. She is not sure how close Dahlia is, but this is the only place that Dahlia can come to, her subconscious.

*Dahlia..." she whispered, and tried to trace her with her sense of smell this time around.

*Please tell me why you are calling and stop shouting* Dahlia's voice was suddenly heard. *Sorry, I can't show myself and you know it* she added.

Andrea knew it would be a futile attempt to insist on seeing Dahlia because Dahlia would never want to reveal her hiding spot to her. Knowing that she does not have much time, she replied. *I need answers and I know you got it, Dahlia*

*Answers to what exactly, Andrea?* Dahlia retorted mischievously.

Andrea tried to conceal her anger. Dahlia more than any other person should know how deadly her situation is, and should not try to get on her nerves. *Quit playing around, Dahlia, why are you this tensed up? Not as if whatever is here came for you...* Andrea accused.

Dahlia cuts in. *And can you tell me the possibility of my survival without you, Princess..." then she went on to explain. *alright from the little I can gather, the voices are that of a yet-to-be-formed identity, it not yet fully good or evil... It tells tales of the past and the future... Its story of the past flows from indecision, uncertainty, or unwillingness, whatever that means, but that of the future is yet to be determined but it is a direct consequence of the past*

*Then why does it seek for me?* Andrea inquired.

Honestly, Andrea did not understand the answer that Dahlia gave her, but she was more concerned about what that had to do with her.

Dahlia replied. *According to the wind, though not too sure, you are in its story in the future. Go now, Andrea, you are too connected to it and may not remain hidden for long* Dahlia urged her to return to the present.

Andrea sighed. She does not know whether to be grateful for the details which still make very little sense to her or not. Deep down she knew it was one of those things she would understand with time, but the dangers of the present still linger on and its mystery must be solved. Dahlia is right, she has to go back immediately and find her way out before she is discovered.

Dahlia fears for the worst. She doesn't know much but little. She would do everything to protect Andrea who meant everything to her but she has to know her limits and also respect her boundaries. Andrea's task is not an easy one and more helpers or guardians would come to her. It may be just one or more persons or even non-persons. Nevertheless, Dahlia prays that they come fast.

Dahlia was made to come early to Andrea because the forces cannot be prevented from operating whenever they want to. Dahlia had to come to assist Andrea and keep her as safe as she can. Her powers are limited and don't include altering or directing any of Andrea's decisions or steps.

Talking about helping Andrea, Andrea is even far stronger than Dahlia. All Dahlia does is help Andrea discover and understand her powers more.

But the truth is, what Dahlia witnessed today was terrifying. She knows she stands no chance against the forces that are trying to get Andrea. She only prays the moon goddess keeps Andrea safe. Dahlia only hopes her Andrea comes back to her safely.

*

Andrea slowly opened her eyes, the atmosphere was mixed with both evil and good aura, both of the same magnitude. She could feel it, she could see that the presence was directly watching her. She wouldn't know of its intention, but from all indication, it was almost upon her.

At this point, she opened her eyes wide just in time to see the strange creature which looks like a shadow descend directly upon her ready to take out her soul.

Overwhelmed by this, she swiftly moved a little to escape the attack, but the creature seems even faster. Seeing that she was about to be captured, and not knowing what would become of her, she closed her eyes tightly and screamed. She screamed so loud but it was strange that she could not hear her own voice, even though miraculously, the woods shook as a result of the effect of her scream.

Opening her eyes, she beheld the gory white eyes of the shadow looking at her, her soul longing to be replenished with the innocence of the young princess.

*

Suddenly, everywhere became still. The strange presence was gone, and all she perceived were the sweet fragrances from her own lovely flowers and not the good and evil aura anymore.

Although this realization was supposed to give her some sought of relief, she wasn't sure of what to feel nor could she explain what she had just witnessed. Something inside of her had screamed to the hearing of the trees in the wood and of course, that wasn't Dahlia, so what exactly was that?

Her eyes remained closed and she refused to open them as she was afraid of whatever awaited her if she do. But then she felt it. This couldn't be a mistake she thought to herself.

'It's Dahlia, she is here, with me' she said inside of her.

But this can't be. What exactly happened to her in the woods, and how did she get to be among her flowers? For how long has she been here and when did the strange things in the wood occur? Or has she been unconscious for hours, days, or even weeks, or maybe months? At this point, she prayed that it hs not been up to a year.

Having held her eyes tightly closed for so long, she decided. "I have to do this now, right now" And with this resolution, she slowly opened her eyes to truly behold the sight of her lovely garden.

With her eyes now opened, she began to hear some loud footsteps approaching, and once again, the little princess closed her eyes and slowly passed out.

~ FLASHBACK ~

Jon the diviner stared fiercely at Andrew, his eyes red and just as burning coals. He used the thin staff in his left hand to point at the cat playing absentmindedly in front of them and said softly to Andrew standing beside him.

"Once again, Andrew, I say kill it with your sword"

Andrew in a rather relaxed manner answered. "Come on, Jon, it is a cat, rather too harmless. I won't hurt the poor creature"

Having said this, Andrew looked at his bosom friend, Xander standing right opposite him to get his support, but Xander's face appeared completely expressionless as he refused to be a part of the event unfolding in front of him.

Andrew and Xander were on their way to the general training ground for the evening training when Jon the powerful diviner accosted them and engaged in a discussion with them. It was while at it that a cat had walked to where they were and then Jon had instructed Andrew to kill the cat but Andrew blatantly objected.

Andrew is the prince and the soon-to-be alpha of Great Crest Pack and so he started going to the general training ground together with his friend Xander immediately after both of them turned sixteen. This decision was informed on a lot of reasons among which was since he would soon become the Alpha of Great Crest Pack he felt it was better to know the males in his pack on a personal level. And since the training at the general training ground was not only for warriors but for all pack members, whether male or female, he saw it as a great platform to achieve his goals.

Andrew has always been a very lovable young lad amongst his people. He tends to show love and kindness to his pack members. This of course he learned from his father, Alpha Fredrick who told him that that was the secret of the Great Crest Pack being the most powerful pack in the world of werewolves.

Andrew learned not to harm the defenseless or any being that poses no threat to the pack or to his rule. This was the reason he saw no reason why he should cut short the life of an innocent cat that had harmed no one.

However, he knew the diviner saw more than he could see, but then, to Andrew, he who saw should act. For all he, Andrew could see at the moment was a lovely cat whom none mistakenly can also be qualified as a bonafide member of the Great Crest Pack.

Seeing Andrew's resilience, Jon's face grew with a mixture of fear and hatred, and his eyes looked like they were about to explode and burst out of their sockets.

But rather than show his emotions, he said to Andrew just as calmly as he had done before. "For the third time, Andrew, kill the god-dammed cat. Kill it with your sword" he demanded.

This time he points at Andrew with his thin staff and looked at Xander with plight.

Xander noticing Jon's gaze fall on him, immediately bowed his head, still refusing to be dragged into this crazy drama happening in his presence. Xander already knows that Andrew would let no harm come to the cat especially not through his own hands.

However, Xander wishes he could understand the significance of killing a rather innocent cat. He knew for sure that the diviner is powerful, but who was he to understand the things that neither the ordinary eyes could see nor a common man like him understand.

"The cat is known to us to be a rather peaceful creature. Jon, you know me too well, I can't allow any harm to come to it. Please I will not kill it"

Immediately after Andrew gave the above reply, a heavy sandstorm appeared and swept through the surrounding, shattering and destroying everything blocking its way.

Andrew and Xander ran in fright and hid behind the diviner, and they lay down at his back.

The sandstorm continued for a long length of time until it got to the cat and instantly vanished into thin air with it.

At this point, the diviner let out a very loud growl and covered his face with both hands. The pains and the sorrow that he bore would be felt by the intensity of his growl.

Andrew and Xander were terrified, they had never been any sandstorm in their pack or around the neighborhood. In fact, there is no reason for them to experience a sandstorm let alone something of this magnitude to last this long and also create an effect of this magnitude in their pack or its surroundings. As much as they know, their pack was everything contrary to a desert.

Xander who was the first to regain consciousness asked Jon in a panic. "What just happened?"

There was no response from Jon. Jon looked up to the sky and continued to snort.

"Please Jon, what just happened" Xander repeated.

This time, Jon stared at him with his face only expressing pity and uncertainty, and then he uttered some almost inaudible words. "The tales of the present and the future. The present speaks of indecision, uncertainty, and unwillingness, the future is yet to be determined but would be a direct consequence of today".

Andrew who has regained consciousness by now and was still in panic got up from the floor, grabbed Jon, and asked him. "Jon, please what is all these, what happened here. I am so sorry, sorry for whatever I don't know, for what I don't understand"

Jon took a look at him and replied. "You were just given the mandate to decide the future. The future of flowers, good or evil..."

"But what do flowers have to do with evil Jon? Flowers are the purest" Andrew cut in. He was confused and couldn't make sense of Jon's proverbs.

Jon continued. "The same way you saw no need to kill a cat. There is an evil that would appear in the future, in the nearest future. It exists at the moment but has yet to take a form, whether good or evil. Killing the cat would have made the good to triumph".

In reaction, Andrew stammered in fear. "Bu..tt you know me eee, you know I... I... I... wouldn't hurt that c... ca... att, wh... y... y... not ask... ask ...ask Xander?"

"Because the future is connected to you" Jon replied.

Andrew with eyes wide open asked. "But... but... how...?"

Jon shook his head and signed before responding. "Your daughter, yet to be born, as fragrant as the flowers would be connected to it. It is her battle. Today gave you the privilege to determine the outcome of that battle. Your killing that cat would have ensured her victory on a platter of gold. Now there is no telling whether she would win or would be defeated."

"If it is a battle, then our army can defeat it, we are strong enough to take on whatever" Andrew responded.

Jon chuckles as he listened to Andrew's response, and said. "I wish it was that way. It is a great creature battling to take its form at the moment. I can't tell the outcome. It is a battle only your daughter is meant to fight. A battle that targets werewolves. She would be sent a helper or a guardian hopefully before the battle itself. I fear for her soul because no one would be able to understand this battle and the little she would know would not be enough unless her helper or guardian comes to her before the battle itself begins"

This revelation from the diviner caused great panic in Andrew. Something can still be done. He thought to himself. How the hell would some future expect him to sit back and do absolutely nothing knowing that his unborn daughter is destined to meet some unknown doom? He would never forgive himself for being the cause of his daughter's calamity. Something can still be done, something must be done now.

"How do we prevent all this, Jon?" Andrew persisted.

Jon answered with his gaze fixed on the sky. "Be careful of the good you see, it might be an evil yet to be formed"

With these words, he walked away leaving the friends in their pitiable dumbfounded state.

~ Flashback Ends ~