Chapter 3 The Strange Call

• Chapter 3
• Mimilia's POV
• The Strange Cal
• The moonlight filtered through the trees, bathing the forest floor in an otherworldly glow. As I wandered through the dense underbrush while bracing the cold winds and drizzling rain.
• I had long since shifted back to myself because Brynhild was exhausted.
• Just when I was about to take another step forward, I suddenly felt a strange pull deep within me, a force I couldn't quite describe that tugged at my very core.
• The forest seemed alive with whispers and rustling, the scent of pine and earth, Sharp and cool in the night air.
• The weight of the night pressed down on me, a sensation both thrilling and unnerving.
• I had been wandering through the forest for hours now, moving from one spot to another, driven by my determination to leave everything I had once held dear, behind.
• This forest, with its ancient trees and twisting paths, had become my temporary sanctuary. But for some reason, tonight, the pull I felt was different and although I found it a bit strange, the pull I felt was similar to the one I felt towards Mille's yet this one was more intense, more urgent.
• My steps became less deliberate, guided by the invisible force that seemed to beckon me deeper into the woods.
• To my confusion, after walking a few more meters forward. I suddenly felt my breath quicken, and my senses sharpened.
• Even when I felt completely uncertain about this strange pull, I felt like I had to follow, though I didn’t fully understand why.
• While contemplating, I suddenly heard a crackling sound nearby which made me freeze in my steps.
• I tensed, scanning the shadows, but saw only shifting silhouettes.
• I decided to take a closer look, and then I noticed a faint glow through the trees.
• My curiosity and caution warred within me as I approached, slipping silently through the foliage.
• The glow accompanied the pull within me and they both led me to a small clearing where a campfire crackled softly.
• There I saw a rugged-looking man with broad shoulders, toned physique, silky jet black hair and a pair of mesmerizing emerald green eyes.
• The man or should I say werewolf which I deciphered from his scent, was bent over a pile of wood, adding more to the fire.
• His presence seemed almost out of place in this otherwise serene setting. His movements were deliberate, yet there was a certain grace to them, hinting at a familiarity with the surroundings.
• Although I had never seen him in the pack before, For some reason, I felt like he wasn't like the ruthless rouges I had, had the pleasure of seeing before.
• I watched from the shadows, my heart pounding with a mix of fear and fascination. I didn’t want to intrude, but the pull was undeniable. My feet moved on their own, taking me closer to the edge of the clearing.
• The man glanced up, his sharp eyes catching my movement. For a brief moment, our gazes locked, and a shiver ran down my spine.
• He stood up, his posture both relaxed and alert as if he had been expecting me.
• “Are you lost?” His voice was deep and smooth, slicing through the night’s silence.
• I hesitated, unsure how to respond. I was so close now that I could see the intensity in his eyes, the way the firelight danced across his face, highlighting a strong jawline and rugged features. His gaze was a mix of curiosity and concern.
• “Just... wandering,” I finally managed to say, my voice barely more than a whisper. “I didn’t mean to intrude.”
• The man’s expression softened, and he gestured for me to come closer. “You’re no trouble. I’m Xylene "
• "It’s not safe to be out here alone, especially at night. So why would a charming lady such as yourself be doing out here in the depts of the forest " he said, while eyeing me closely as he awaited an answer.
• I didn't want to just bring up what I had gone through, The pain I felt from their betrayal was still fresh in my mind so I decided to just nod instead, taking tentative steps into the clearing.
• As I drew nearer, I felt the warmth of the fire and smelled the inviting aroma of cooked meat. My stomach rumbled in response, betraying my hunger. Xylene noticed and smiled slightly, motioning to a nearby log. He didn't seem to mind my silence instead treating me with hospitality.
• “Have a seat. You look like you could use some food. I was just about to eat.”
• I sat down gratefully, though I kept a wary eye on Xylene. He handed me a piece of roasted meat, and I accepted it with a murmured thank you. As I ate, Xylene watched me intently, as if assessing my every reaction.
• “So, what brings you to these woods?” he asked after a moment, breaking the silence. “You don’t look like someone who’s just passing through.”
• I considered my response carefully. I wasn’t ready to reveal too much, but there was something about Caleb’s demeanour and that strange pull I was feeling towards him that made me feel I could trust him. “I’m looking for something,” I said finally. “Or perhaps I’m running from something. It’s hard to explain.”
• Xylene nodded as if he understood more than I had revealed. “Sometimes, the forest has a way of calling to people. I’ve seen it before, though it’s rare. If you’re willing to talk, I’m willing to listen.” He said and as the night wore on, Though I still didn't trust him, I still found myself opening up to Xylene.
• Before I knew it, I began speaking of my past, my struggles, and the mysterious compulsion that had led me here.
• Xylene listened attentively, his expression thoughtful. I told him about how Mille had betrayed me with Laura, the pain I felt, and how I found it difficult to find my place in a world that had changed so drastically.
• Xylene remained silent for a long time after I finished speaking. The fire crackled softly between us, its warmth contrasting with the chill of the night air. Finally, xylene spoke, his voice low and steady.
• “It's ok, at least now you don't have to worry about being hurt by him again, You’re welcome to stay with me the night ” he said.
• " I have a small cottage not far from here. It might be a bit different from what you are used to but I promise it's a safe place "
• My eyes widened in surprise. “You’d let me stay?”
• Xylene nodded. “ After what you've been through, of course I would. Plus, It sounds like you need a place to at least recuperate in the meantime "
• My heart swelled with a mix of relief and hope. It was a chance I hadn’t dared to hope for, at least I could stop walking aimlessly for tonight. I looked at Xylene, and my gratitude was evident.
• “Thank you,” I said softly. “I appreciate it more than you know.”
• Xylene gave me a reassuring smile. “Let’s get you settled in. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow, and I’m sure you’ll have a lot more questions. For tonight, just relax. You’re safe here.”
• As the firelight flickered, casting a warm glow over the clearing, I felt a sense of cautious optimism. I had a strong feeling that the strange pull was just the goddess leading me here, and now, with Xylene's offer of refuge, it seemed that my journey was beginning anew.
• The path ahead was still uncertain, but for the first time in a
• long while, I felt that at this rate, I might find a place where I truly belonged soon enough.