The forest around them was silent, but it wasn't peaceful. Shadows clung to the edges of the path like watchful predators. Anita followed Elowen closely, trying to mask her unease behind a calm exterior. She hadn't truly lost her memories—she just hadn't revealed to anyone what she remembered from her old life. Every step she took was measured, every word she spoke carefully chosen.
Elowen glanced at her, one eyebrow slightly raised. "You're unusually quiet. Most humans would be babbling nonsense at this point."
Anita forced a small, unconvincing smile. "I... I must have hit my head harder than I thought. Maybe that's why I'm... a little slow."
Elowen's red eyes narrowed slightly, but she didn't press. "Hmm. Perhaps. Just... remember, this world isn't forgiving. Even the smallest mistake can get you killed—or worse."
Anita nodded, letting the words hang over her like a warning. She had to be careful. Every interaction, every misstep, could give away what she truly knew—and she wasn't ready to trust anyone yet, not even someone as seemingly kind as Elowen.
The first signs of trouble appeared before they even set up camp for the night. A low, guttural growl echoed through the trees, followed by the unmistakable crunch of underbrush. Elowen's hand went instinctively to the hilt of a dagger at her hip.
"Stay behind me," she instructed quietly.
Anita's pulse quickened, though she kept her tone calm. "What is it?"
"Predators. Not ordinary ones," Elowen replied, her eyes scanning the shadows. "These creatures hunt with intelligence. They can smell fear."
Anita's stomach twisted. She could have panicked—but instead, she drew on the instincts Freya had unknowingly given her, focusing her mind. She felt the air around her—the life of the trees, the subtle pulse of the earth beneath her feet. Tiny green motes flickered across her fingers without her even trying.
The shadows shifted closer, and the growl became a roar. Anita's heart pounded—but her mind was clear. She wasn't powerless. Not truly.
And as the first of the creatures stepped into the dim moonlight, she realized something: the journey through this world would be dangerous, yes, but it would also reveal just how far she could push herself—and how much control she could really claim over her own life.
The shadows in the trees shifted like living smoke. Low growls echoed closer, and Elowen tightened her grip on her dagger, muscles coiled.
"Stay behind me," she hissed again. "These aren't normal wolves or beasts. They're cunning. Don't make a sound."
Anita swallowed. Her heart was pounding, but she forced herself to remain calm. She didn't need Elowen's protection—at least, not completely. Not if she could remember the lessons Freya had given, even in that brief moment before her transition.
The first creature lunged from the darkness. Its eyes glowed a sickly yellow, fangs bared. Instinctively, Anita raised her hands, just to steady herself—and the air around her seemed to respond.
A strange hum filled her ears, almost like the world itself was vibrating. Her fingers tingled. Then, without fully realizing what she was doing, she extended her hand toward the beast.
A vine shot from the ground like a living whip, wrapping around its leg and yanking it to the side. The creature yelped, thrashing violently, but couldn't break free. More vines erupted, sprouting from the roots around her and forming a tangled cage that held the creatures at bay.
Elowen's eyes widened, and her dagger hand froze mid-lift. "What... how did you—?"
"I—I don't know," Anita said, staring at her hands. "I just... felt like I could."
The creatures snarled and struggled, but the vines tightened, restraining them. One particularly large beast lunged for Anita anyway, snapping its jaws mere inches from her face. She instinctively thought about the roots beneath it—and the ground split open, swallowing it into a shallow pit.
Elowen blinked, staring at her. "The sword of nature..." she muttered, realization dawning. "Freya's gift... it's activating. You have control over plants. Over life itself, almost."
Anita's pulse raced, a mix of fear and exhilaration. She had never imagined such power was hers, not yet—but it felt... natural. Like it had always been there, waiting for her to reach for it.
The remaining beasts howled in frustration, pinned by the green tendrils that erupted from the earth at her command. Anita focused harder, sending a wave of energy that pushed them back, forcing them to retreat into the forest.
When silence finally returned, the only sound was the soft rustling of leaves and Elowen's slow, deliberate breaths.
"That... was impressive," Elowen said, lowering her dagger but keeping her eyes sharp. "But don't think this makes you invincible. Those creatures were only the beginning. There are things in this world that don't respond to nature. Things that will test you in ways you haven't imagined."
Anita nodded, still staring at her hands. "I... I didn't know I could do that. Not really."
Elowen gave her a long look, a mixture of respect and caution. "Most humans never discover it. Freya chose wisely... but you'd better learn fast. If you're going to survive here, you'll need every advantage."
Anita clenched her fists, determination rising. "Then I'll learn. I'll make sure I'm ready... for whatever comes next."
The forest, as if in agreement, seemed to hum softly around her, a quiet acknowledgment of the power she now wielded.