Strolling through the trees, her gaze moved restlessly, surveilling her surroundings. Despite the contentment and relaxation induced by food, wariness was embedded deep within her.

Stars shone down at her, bright, entrancing flecks of faraway torches. A hoarse gasp was emitted as Ashelia took in the view before her when they arrived at their destination.

It looked abandoned, unkempt, and utterly mesmerizing.

The water sparkled under the moonlight. The ground was even more jagged, rocks of all sizes scattered everywhere. A huge tree rested to the side, casting a shadow over the lake, shielding half of it.

A rough wall extended from beneath the water and rose high to disappear behind the intertwined branches. A small waterfall streamed down it, tickling plants that stubbornly clung to it on its way. Roots sprouted all over the place, deep within the lake, the path that led to it, woven with the trickling stream.

A low giggle bubbled out of her chest as she sprinted toward it before hesitantly shoving her hand in. Goosebumps covered her body at the contact, shivers raking it in anticipation.

'I will go search for new clothes, little one. Enjoy,' Efû hooted, amused by her antics, before flying away. 

A brusque inhale filled her lungs and Ashelia hastily stripped off of her cloak, tattered dress, and undergarments, tossing them somewhere behind. A trembling foot poked at the surface before a marred body surrendered and submerged in one quick yelp.

Resurfacing, repetitive gulps gathered as much air as she needed before dipping her head back again. Repeating the action multiple times until her chest ached and normal breathing was needed, Ashelia glanced down at her body. 

Skin blemished, tainted, fading bruises covering it.

Her gaze followed nimble fingers that traced dark, blotchy spots covering a decent patch of her abdomen, right side, and shoulder. Being exposed to the sun after they burned her skin with boiling water only worsened her injury. It'll forever remain there, ugly and glaring back at her.

Her hesitant touch continued its journey, skimming over scratches, puckered wounds, and knuckles very much human.

Ashelia was glad her broken bones had healed in the short time she managed to shift. Shift. Yet, it was something she still couldn't wrap her head around – too many missing pieces to the puzzle that was her life.

Blue twinkled as she stared down at her reflection, almost not recognizing herself. The look in her eyes has changed as if her body was inhabited by something or someone else.

"What am I?"

When her question was met by nothing but silence, Ashelia exhaled deeply. Her fingers pushed at the liquid, ripples distorting and breaking the image.

Shoving the thoughts to the back of her mind, her hands scrubbed hard, ridding her body of unwanted filth. Her wild hair framed her small face, burning fire clinging to sunken cheeks. Deeming herself clean, Ashelia glanced around before deciding to float on her back until Efû showed up.

Her limbs relaxed while she drifted slowly, enjoying the hypnotic rays of the moon as it caressed her body ever so tenderly and illuminated the riveting scenery. A silver sheen encased her. Droplets tickled her face in their descent, bringing forth quiet giggles that were soon disturbed by sudden movement in the woods.

A nearby crunch fueled the need to fight or flight. However, she was in no state to fight and in no position to escape.

Her muscles tensed, skinny arms wrapping around tender breasts as she moved further back under the shadows of the tree. Her eyes tightened, searching for the intruder.

Efû wasn't one to make noise. The owl was always, unnervingly so, eerily quiet.

Her body sunk further until nothing was visible but shoulders and a head moving from side to side. Low growls stilled her movements. Her back collided with hardness, the irregular wall digging in sensitive wounds. Their eyes met as it emerged out of the woods, and her breathing ceased.

A large wolf narrowed its yellow eyes at her, warning snarls rumbling in its chest.

Her mouth opened and closed repeatedly before tears sprung out, blurring her vision. She wavered, hiccups choking her. How was she going to fight that?

The creature looked as vicious as it sounded.

Ashelia heaved. Her chest rose and fell rapidly as the wolf approached the lake and she pressed harder against the vines behind her.

"Please, leave me alone." Her voice broke and a feeble shriek scratched her throat when its sharp teeth flashed. Its light, gray fur bristled.

Her arms tightened. When the wolf took one more step closer, she choked out a desperate shout. "Efû!"

With narrowed eyes, the creature snapped its jaw. Erect ears twitched around before its head was tilted to the side then lifted up, and with flared nostrils, sniffed the air.

Efû could sense her distress; she reeked of fear. In a moment of danger, she sought his protection despite his weak form. Her trust, albeit misplaced, was very much needed as he felt the restraints snapping and his feathers went from pitch black to a blinding white, energy coursing through him.

"Efû!"

His speed picked up.

A screech echoed through the woods before the owl appeared to the side of the stiffening wolf. Ashelia whimpered, happy to see him. The bond crackled and Efû shook his fur as he settled on four paws, hissing at the unwelcomed guest. The speed of the shift was too fast he didn't register it.

A low rumble was emitted as he stretched his rusty muscles and joints. It's been so long since his true form was out to play. The wolf growled, looking ready to pounce.

Ashelia watched as Efû pulled himself to his full height and raised his front legs before stomping the ground, his claws digging deep. The two beasts seemed to have a staredown, communicating though she had no idea what was happening or what they were saying.

Suddenly, the wolf's low guttural sounds ceased and turned to a set of barks while settling on its hind legs. Efû did the same, head tilted to the side.

Ashelia held her breath the whole time until a pained groan slipped out. The wound on her back had reopened. Blood trickled down, staining the hard rocks behind her. 

The wolf sniffed the air before yapping.

Efû gave a warning snarl, puffing his chest and shaking his feathers. The glare lasted for a couple of heartbeats before the creature let out an annoyed huff, then made a beeline for the woods.

Turning her way, Efû advanced cautiously, sensing her fear and bewilderment as she dipped further underwater, making sure not to harm her back any further.

'Do not be afraid, little one. That cranky asshole is not going to bother you.' With each word he uttered, a confident step followed. 'I am your companion, your friend, your guardian. My only purpose is to protect you.' 

He lifted a paw, claws tearing at his foot before nudging her with his beak to turn around. She complied and he pressed his wound to hers. 'Our bond cannot and will not be broken.' Ashelia jolted at the burning sensation.

'I, Eagan, swear upon this blood oath to protect you in all of your forms, lives, creations.' The heat dimmed to a warm, comforting feeling, surging through them both and binding them together. 'I, Eagan, was granted this second chance to atone for my sins, to pay for my mistakes. This punishment is worth it if it meant protecting you, my Ashelia.'

His tongue skimmed her injuries, lapping up the blood. His gentle licks dimmed the pain until it disappeared. 

'Fear me not, little one. I dare not harm you in any way. For not only would that account as a failure on my part, but it would hurt me more than it would hurt you.'

When she felt him withdraw, Ashelia shot a wary glance his way only to be met with huge mauve orbs shimmering, small droplets gathering at the ends. She could feel the bond caressing her. 

A shy smile was offered before laughter burst the suffocating tension and she lunged, squeezing his neck between her arms.

'Now, if you'll excuse me.'  Efû rubbed his head against hers before she pulled back to look into his eyes. 'I dropped the garments somewhere. We don't want you prancing around in your naked glory, now, would we?'

His amused laughter was met with water as it splattered over his feathers and fur, a flustered Ashelia splashing him with all her might before sinking underwater.

Word count: 1431.

Total word count: 12729.

MEANING OF THE NAMES USED:

Eagan: is a name of Irish and Gaelic origin meaning "fire/little fire" and it's pronounced EE-gan.