Riaz was teleported to the grounds of Whitepeak Pack by the cocoon. He stayed in the cocoon, unconscious but alive. He was in the cocoon for two decades but he stopped growing when he clocked eleven. On a starry night, a strong wind blew across the forest, causing the cocoon to fall from the tree and break. The impact snapped Riaz back to consciousness. He looked around where he was. He folded his legs and hugged them tightly. His body trembled as owls hooted and wolves howled.
“Mummy.” He called as he began to sob. He wiped his tears and sniffled. He heard approaching footsteps and his fear doubled. He picked up a tiny stick near him and pointed it at the two approaching boys.
“Look! There’s a child.”
“Huh?”
One of them squatted before Riaz and stretched his hand. “Hi, I’m Ace.” He beamed. Riaz stared at the boy’s extended hand. He was hesitant. Ace saw that the little boy before him was afraid so he made a funny face. Riaz smiled and Ace grinned.
“Will you tell me your name now?”
Riaz nodded. “Riaz.” He said in a low voice as he took Ace’s hand.
“How come you’re here?” Akira asked and Riaz looked at Ace.
“He’s my friend.” He assured. “Tell me. How did you end up here?”
Riaz shook his head. “I don’t know. I can’t remember anything.”
He honestly doesn’t know. He doesn’t remember anything but his name and the mother’s silhouette. He remembers his mother’s voice but doesn’t recollect her face.
“Really? How old are you?” Akira asked.
“Eleven.”
“How do you know that if you can’t remember anything?”
Riaz tilted his head. He also finds it weird. How come he knows his age?
“Skip the questions for now, Akira. We need to get him cleaned up.” Ace said, turning to face Riaz who had his eyes on him. “Don’t worry, Riaz. This brother will get you nice and cleaned up.” He assured with a smile. Riaz couldn’t help but smile. He found Ace assuring. He looked down at their intertwined fingers. He didn’t want to let him go.
Riaz was taken to the pack and Ace made sure he got cleaned up and he ate good food. Riaz ate like he hasn’t eaten anything for years. Well, technically, he hasn’t. He stuffed his face as much as he wanted and Ace watched him in fascination.
“Do you have parents?” Ace asked when Riaz finished eating.
Riaz shook his head. “I don’t know. I think I have a mother but… I don’t think she’s still alive.”
“Why do you say that?” Akira asked.
“Anytime she comes to my mind, I feel so sad.” He explained and Ace hummed.
“Then… you have to stay here till you at least regain your memories.” Ace said and Riaz’s eyes widened.
“I can… stay?”
Ace nodded. “Of course. You’re welcome to stay as long as you want. You’re not a burden. We can’t just send you off. You don’t even know who you are.”
Riaz smiled and went to hug Ace. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, kiddo.” Ace replied, ruffling his hair. He brushed Riaz’s hair with his fingers and Riaz looked up at him with his eyes beaming with adoration.
“Your hair is beautiful.”
Riaz smiled. “Thank you, brother Ace.”
Ace cringed and Akira laughed. “Just call me Ace. Brother makes me cringe.”
“Okay…. Ace.” Riaz said bashfully and Ace grinned.
“Good boy.”
From that moment, Riaz began to live with the wolves of Whitepeak Pack. He had no memories of werewolves or what they did to his family so instead of fearing them, he found them fascinating and took them as family.
***
Alexa’s Point Of View
“All I wanted was to live happily with my family.” Venusa sniffled. “I was expecting a child. We were all anticipating her arrival but they just had to ruin it. They took my people, my family, away from me!”
I looked down at my feet. I felt a great deal of empathy for her. No one has to go through this much pain. To think she was a bubbly innocent girl who wanted nothing but to be with the man of her dreams and start a family with him. To think that girl ended up losing him and everything is not fair. She offended no one. Fate just did her dirty.
I took her hand and she turned to face me. “I’m sorry.”
She shook her head. “It’s not your fault. I just… I don’t even know where my son is. Is he alive? Is he dead? I have no idea.”
I bit my lips. Will it be a good idea to tell her that her son is alive? Taking a good look at her, I can see where Riaz got his beauty from. He’s the exact replica of his mother. Beautiful long white hair, blue eyes and full long lashes. Just like his mother, he has a fair skin and beautiful smile.
“I know your son.” I said and she stared at me in shock.
“What… what do you mean?”
“I know Riaz. He is a member of Whitepeak Pack. He’s my friend. He resembles you a lot and he’s such a kind soul.”
“You’re… you’re kidding, right?”
I shook my head. “you said you’ve always been with me. Then you should know I’m telling the truth. Haven’t you seen him before?”
She shook her head. “No… no I haven’t. Are you sure? Do you really mean it?”
I nodded. “I do. He’s not in the pack right now but just be assured that he’s alive and well.”
She took my hand and looked at me pleadingly. “Please, Alexa, I have to meet my son.”
“Huh?”
“Let me meet him. My son. You have to let me see him. Even if it’s just once. Please, hm? I promise I’ll leave your body once I meet him. Please, Alexa. I beg of you.”
“H.. how are you going to meet him?”
“I have to take over your body.”
I batted my lashes in shock.
“Take over my body. As in, your soul being in charge?’ I asked and she nodded.
Am I really ready for this?