Chapter 19

Zailah

The memories played like a movie reel in my mind. We were teens and planning to go trick or treating. It was the best Halloween we ever had. I chose Pennywise, the clown from IT. Emma was Freddy Kruger and Charlotte was the serial killer from Scream. The excitement of wielding fake weapons and roaming the streets in the dark appealed to us as teenagers. That year, we raked the sweets and fruit, and it was our best haul.

The memories came and went. From my father, who broke contact with me because he had a new family to care for, to my mother, who was present at my graduation. My mother had been the only person there who wore a dazzling bright-coloured dress.

It was a one-sleeved, yellow, red, gold and maroon stripe patterned dress. It was bold and beautiful, just like my Mama was. In all of our years together, it was the first time I saw my mother stand tall and proud, wearing our traditional clothing. People might have stared, but it was in admiration. My mother told me without saying a single word how much my achievement meant to her.

I was suddenly sitting on top of a grassy hill, and when I looked around, I saw a rundown shed in the middle of nowhere. The sky was overcast, but it was dry. When I stood up to explore, I saw someone bent over near the shed, building a fire, similar to a camping fire, for heat or cooking. They were dressed in all white. Curious, I began to walk to the figure. When the person turned around, I stopped. It was my mum.

“It took you long enough,”

she said with a serene smile.

I wanted to run to her and hold her, but I was terrified she would vanish. When I reached her, I saw two flat wooden stools close to the fire.

“Where are we, mum?”

I asked as she sat beside me.

“We are in a time and place where souls can roam freely,”

she said as she stoked the fire.

“Am I dead?” I asked.

“You are not dead. You will live for a very long time, my girl,”

she said while giving me a hard stare.

I immediately felt uncomfortable because she must have known what I had done to get here. I looked away towards the shed and surrounding grassy land. It looked so tranquil. This is where I wanted to stay. I lowered my head and stared at the dancing flames.

“I-I can't do it, Mum. I tried so hard, but it's a cruel world without you,”

I said, feeling sorrow and hopelessness again.

“Zailah, you will succeed. You will have an opportunity to do good if you can subdue the devil. When you wake up, control the beast and show your power.”

I raised my eyes to my mum’s face. She had a broad smile, and I felt a moment of exhilaration, love and power.

“Go now. It’s not your time,”

she said as she stood up.

I quickly stood up and grabbed her into a bear hug. She gripped me so tight that I felt all of her energy and a tremendous sense of peace surround me.

“Wake up,”

she whispered. “Wake up, NOW.”

My eyes shot open, but I still felt the warm sensation surrounding my stomach and chest. I could feel my mother’s love. Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably. It felt so real. My body shook, and my bones cracked. A deep and beautiful growl left my mouth and vibrated in my chest as I remembered my mother’s words.

Control the beast and show your power.

I didn't fight the change this time. I embraced it.

I jumped off the bed to stand tall. My claws scraped across the floor, and I enjoyed the feel of them digging into the wood. I collapsed onto all four legs to stretch my back and inhale the air. I was in his room and surrounded by his scent. It wasn't unpleasant. I lifted my head and scanned the room but didn't recognise it.

Remus suddenly stood before me, talking to me, using a soft and soothing voice. I moved like a bolt of thunder in a terrible storm and clawed his face until I saw his flesh split open. When I clawed again, I aimed for his belly. The need to sink my teeth into him was overpowering me.

I leapt up and tried to bite into his meaty, fat neck, but he punched me. I snarled at him before turning away to spring into the air and crash through the glass window. I glanced down at the ground in preparation to land. I flew through the air and landed on my paws gracefully.

My wolf was pleased, and we took off into a sprint. Not even the electric fence could stop us. My ears pricked up as I raced away, loving the feel of the ground beneath me and enjoying the cold night air.

Freedom.

A blood-curdling howl of pain and fury filled the moonlit night.

I ran faster.