Purpose

Atasha's Point of View

Just when I thought that my life would remain cursed, and there was no way I could ever find my mate knowing that I could not unlock my wolf nor my enhanced abilities, a miracle would happen which turned all the tables.

After having some dip in the sacred falls, Elijah and I decided to return to the cabin since it was now afternoon, but we didn't know which path to take to get back there. Devon, the white witch, hadn't shown up since she had left us here in the morning.

I wasn't sure if she really meant to leave us here so that we would have the courage and be cleansed to figure things out in our own way, but she was correct when she said that the sacred falls would help us free our souls, which was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me, knowing that I had discovered my enhanced abilities and that, Elijah Montreal, had been loving me ever since.

I really felt free of the curse I had been under for years. It was at this moment that I felt that my life was given a purpose, though I wasn't sure if I was that ready to transform into my full-blown wolf form just yet.

Even so, there was one certainty in my mind: Elijah Montreal, the Crimson Moon's future Alpha, was my true mate. He was the one I've been waiting for . . . It made me feel good on the inside just thinking about it, and how fate played along with us.

Elijah had been my genuine companion the entire time, and during those times I had no idea that he was my mate. I had a feeling the Moon Goddess had something in mind the whole time. As I took a long breath and relaxed, the comfort of knowing that my mettle, who used to be my master and the Crimson Moon's future alpha, was my mate flowed over me.

“Are you alright, Atasha?” he asked as he was curious why I was looking from afar and seemed I was drowned in my own thoughts.

“Yes, I’m fine. I guess I just still can’t believe that you’re my mate. That’s all," I replied to him calmly.

He then walked towards me and suddenly grabbed me on my waist to pull me closer to his body. His mint breath lingered on my nose. I stared at his God-like face. I couldn't believe that this werewolf was mine . . .

“I’m glad that it was you," he uttered softly and gave me a kiss on my forehead.

“What if I was not your mate, what would you do?” I asked curiously.

"It will be difficult if it wasn't you." He then grinned and continued, "Even before I found out that you're my mate, I couldn't stop thinking about you. I wanted to be with you at all times, and even if I risk my life to see you, I won't even hesitate a bit," he mumbled under his breath. "That's why I am happy to find out that it was you. That, out of any, is the only thing that matters the most. Now, I am more confident to defy my father knowing that you're my mate. There's a strong bond between us. Later on, your wolf will be awakened and you'll become more fit to become the Luna of my pack."

"What if your father won't still accept me?"

Knowing his father's behavior, I was still reluctant about the thought that he would accept me. After all, I came from their rival pack.

"My father should no longer have any reservations about you since you are my true mate," he replied.

I nodded my head when he caressed my cheek. Elijah was right there with me. Even if his father objected to our relationship, I should not worry as I trust Elijah so much. I knew he wouldn't do something that would hurt me in any way.

All I had to do was to train myself, and ensure that I would be able to take full control of my enhanced abilities.

I believe that there was a reason that's why the sacred falls had cleansed me and released me from the curse. And so, I won't waste the opportunity to use this chance to prove to everyone that I was capable of being a Luna for Elijah.

I had to admit that my enhanced abilities overwhelmed me. My senses instantly became sharper than ever before. I sniffed the air, and I could smell every bit of scents surrounding me.

"Elijah, I can still smell our footprints from earlier, and I can follow them all the way back to the wooden cabin."

He was taken aback, shocked with my statement but then his expression changed. He looked at me in awe, and then grinned as if he was so proud of me.

"Interesting. You managed to smell even our footprints," he commented.

"It just happened when we were in the water. It was as if the falls had magic. After a while, I began to gain these heightened abilities. It was a bit overwhelming . . . I could even hear the insects mating from the very top of that tree." I pointed to the tree near the falls.

He laughed a bit and put his arm around my shoulder. "Once you unlock your wolf and get to shift, you'll be amazed as to what other things you could do in your wolf form."

"I can't wait then!" I exclaimed.

"Let's take it slow. For now, lead our way, mate," he said and gave me a peck.

I began telling him to follow my lead as I worked my way back to the wooden cabin on the mountainside.

We continued our trek. I was so amazed as aside from being able to identify the footsteps that we left on the ground, I could also tell which ones were mine, Elijah's, and Devon's.

While Elijah was trailing behind me, he remarked, "Mettle, you're walking so quickly now."

"I didn't realize that I was moving much quicker," I said, and became more cautious with my movements after Elijah noticed that I walked too fast.

Perhaps because I felt stronger and my body seemed lighter that I was able to move more swiftly at this time.

"I had no idea you possessed such a great deal of strength." He burst out laughing with pure joy.

"Wait until I manage to shift into my wolf form. I believe it will give us a clear assessment of whether I'm ready or not," I remarked in a serious tone.

"And my mate became braver now," he commented.

I gave him a wide grin.

"Elijah, I've got an idea. Let's have a race! Let's see if I can keep up with you!" I told him, excitement was evident in my tone of voice.

"No, you might trip over your own feet given that the pathway is too steep."

I pouted my lips, a little bit sad that he didn't like my idea but I guess, he only thought about what was good for me.

"Don't be sad. Once we arrive in the cabin, we will test your abilities. I promise," he assured me.

"But I believe that this is the ideal time to test myself, right?"

His eyes narrowed as he looked at me. I gave him a begging look, clasping my hands together so that I'd be more convincing. In the end, all he could do was sigh and nod at me.

"All right, then. However, if you stumble over your own feet, you're out of luck and just so you know, I am a fast runner. Don't say that I didn't warn you once you lose," he said and smirked boyishly.

“Sure!" I said with excitement. "Let's go!"

After a minute, we started the race. I ran as quickly as I could. With the blink of an eye, I could sense my legs gliding in the air, and they were so light that I was moving at rapid speed. I didn't mind Elijah and ran as if I was running for my life.

I came to a complete halt and looked back, only to see Elijah's expression. I was taken aback.

Wait, did I just win?

"Atasha, you did it!" he said, leaping to his feet and holding me.

"Did I just do that?" I inquired because I couldn't believe that everything was real. "This feels amazing! We are going to the wooden cabin, Elijah, so you can train me! I can't wait to get there. "Let's go, Elijah," I exclaimed, and I started moving again, following the same path we had taken before.

After nearly an hour of trekking, we arrived at the familiar cabin.

"I believe it took us about two hours earlier, right?" I asked, my brows furrowed.

After that run, I didn't even feel like I was having fatigue or anything else like that. It was the first time I had the sensation that I could move fast with my feet without getting tripped or weary. I've become accustomed to tripping over my own feet and slamming my face on the concrete floor. This was a pretty astonishing development.

Many thanks to the sacred falls, and Devon!

“What can you say, Mr. Elijah Montreal?” I said proudly while giving him a wide grin. “Did you see how fast I go?” I added and walked towards him.

I then felt that he was trying to sweep my feet. I immediately moved backward as my body was so alert that I knew what was gonna happen next.

“Are you trying to sweep me off my feet?” I asked curiously.

“I’m just trying to see if you can dodge that. I’m quite surprised at how fast you reacted to that," he added.

“Absolutely, that was my initial reaction. I knew that you--"

My words were cut off when I sensed a fist coming towards my face. I immediately blocked it, and realized it was Elijah's fist.

“Not so fast! Are you testing me again?” I said and chuckled a bit.

I never felt so strong like this before. I was used to being bullied and looked down on by everyone. Now that I became stronger, no one would be able to hurt or bully me . . . I would be able to protect myself!

“Elijah, I’m excited to see if I can shift. But right now, I’m not sure how to," I remarked.

I badly wanted to see myself going through the shifting process. I just didn't know how to do it like how I didn't know how to communicate with my wolf.

“You’ll be able to shift in perfect time,” Elijah assured me, then he touched the side of my face and leaned down to kiss me on my lips.

“Let’s now go inside,” he whispered.

When our eyes met, I saw the mischief in it, and the naughty grin plastered on his lips. My eyes narrowed. I could tell what he was thinking about.

Elijah was really naughty and needy . . .

I shook my head and started to pinch myself, cheeks flushing as I recalled what we did behind the falls earlier.

“Atasha, Elijah, I am glad that you two are back!” Devon appeared out of nowhere which made us both startled.

I should really get used to this witch thing!

“Why did you leave us there? We thought you were coming back!” I stated in a worried tone.

“I know that you’ll be able to return here without any sweat. And I was right!” she exclaimed in glee.

I scratched my head and thought I guess she was right.

“Devon, I want to thank you for bringing us there! My soul was cleansed and I was purified. Both of us bathed together and we enjoyed it!” I said and held both of her hands to express my gratitude.

“I’m happy to hear that from you, Atasha. Congratulations! Based on your aura, I could tell that your relationship became deeper. The Sacred falls used me to bring the both of you right there. It was a pure calling."

"As soon as I bathed in that falls, it felt that the curse I lived under was removed!"

Devon nodded. "The sacred falls help people that are cursed by the witch. Somehow, it weakens the spell but it can't totally remove the curse. The only way to fully remove it is to locate the witch who casted the spell upon you and break it herself," she explained. "Another option is to go after the most powerful witches to break it. My mother used to be one. But I am not sure where she is or if she's still alive."

Elijah and I looked at each other. His eyes were radiating determination, same as what my heart was making me feel. I glanced back at Devon.

"What if we try to find her?" I asked.

She then took a deep breath.

“If you can find my mother, then that will be great. I believe she can help you," she said.

I held Elijah's hand. “I will train hard here so that once I’m fully equipped, we'll be able to find Devon's mother."

Elijah nodded and squeezed my hand. That comforted me so much.

“Devon, don’t worry. Once we go back to the Crimson Moon territory, we assure you that we will find your mother. Just give us the details and we handle the rest!” I said.

I saw how Devon’s eyes got teary. She walked towards me and gave me a warm embrace. Suddenly, a memory in my past flashed in my mind which made me freeze on my feet.

I was in the church with my twin sister Astrid and I saw an old lady that had a resemblance with Devon . . .