Chapter 15

Werewolves Roxanne's eyes opened slowly as she groaned a little. She sat up on her bed and looked around her, finding herself in the same place she was before she slept. 'So it wasn't a dream" She mumbled. She looked around her and found that this time she was all alone. The Luminous rocks and fireflies brightened up the dark place. She couldn't help but admire their beauty. However, nothing made sense to her. Was she kidnapped? Or was she rescued? She had no idea. Her body seemed to be feeling way better than the last time, and she had regained a great deal of energy. She climbed off her bed and stood barefoot on the ground. 'It's warm" She noticed. She looked over to a corner and noticed a pair of boots by the side. She heaved a sigh of relief, conscious of the harsh winter grounds beyond where she was. Roxanne proceeded to leave the cave, but before this, she checked out what she wore. Somehow she had been changed from the casual house wear she had on to some form of gown. It was brown, it was plain, and in Roxanne's opinion, not too pretty. It was comfortable though, allowing her to easily move. She saw her path ahead of her and took it, not knowing where she was going. 'I have to get out of here… I still don't know where I am" She muttered under her breath. As she closed in on the entrance, or rather exit the cave, the light grew brighter and she was able to see more clearly. However, the temperature also dropped as she began to feel cold once again. This didn't daunt her, however, as she continued marching forward. Finally, Roxanne reached the entrance of the cave. The wind blew on her face as she used her hands to cover her eyes, taking in the sight before her. Her eyes widened with shock when she saw the place she was in. Small houses similar to her grandmother's cottage were scattered around the area, though in an orderly fashion. The snowy field bustled with activity as people walked about, yes people. Roxanne saw mostly women and children all around, but once in a while she saw a man or two. 'What is this place… Where am I?" She asked herself with wonder as she witnessed the strange community around her. She looked back at the cave and found it to be in a secluded spot, with large wooden fencing around it, and there she was standing within the fence. 'I have to get out of here" She decided. Leaving the fenced cave compound by going through the front gate, Roxanne walked across the strange people. They all stopped what they did when she passed them and stared at her. She felt weird, like all attention was on her. The feeling of being watched was something she still disliked. Even the children who chased themselves all turned to look at her. 'Miss! Your hair is strange" One of them approached her and said. This was the first time someone spoke to her among them since the rest of the community folks just looked at her from a distance, reminding her of school. 'That's right! School!" She suddenly remembered. Her thoughts went to her friend Betty and the conversation they were having before her phone got broken. Thoughts of her mother and also her grandmother also began to trouble her. What became of them? Were they looking for her? Did they even know she was missing, or maybe they thought she ran away… Myriads of thoughts enveloped her. She kept walking, trying as much as possible to avoid the curious gazes of everyone around her. She was going to leave this strange place and reunite with her family… No matter the cost. However, upon walking further, she realised that those thoughts were pointless. They were surrounded by nothing but endless trees and snow. Was that why no one tried to stop her as she tried to escape? They already knew that what she was doing was pointless so they only observed her. She suddenly felt like a fool, but even more than that she felt scared. She was trapped in a strange place she knew nothing of, surrounded by a harsh landscape she knew was fatal for her if she decided to travel through it. As her mind pondered and heart raced, more worries and fears clouded her mind. Suddenly, she felt a hand placed upon her shoulder. It was warm and oddly familiar. 'Good morning. You look well" A sonorous voice came from behind her. Roxanne looked back and finally saw the owner of the warm hand and a familiar face. She was one of the people Roxanne met when she first gained consciousness, the leader of the three ladies. 'Y-You are…" Roxanne muttered, dazed by the beautiful person standing in front of her. Rita, the woman standing before Roxanne, had long blonde hair, which flowed down her back. Her fair face was without any blemish, smooth and fair. She had a cheerful look and her eyes glowed with a golden glimmer. Her lips seemed glossed, though it could be natural. 'You're a lively one, aren't you? Up on your feet already." Rita said with a slight chuckle. Roxanne felt stunned by Rita's bright nature, but her troubled heart didn't allow her to appreciate her kind words. 'This isn't funny. Where the hell am I? You said you'd explain everything once I came to, well… Here I am" Roxanne said impatiently. 'Calm down Roxanne. I know what I said, but you also need to settle down" Rita said to her with a knowing look. Roxanne's tensed body loosened a bit as she had a look of guilt, regretting her earlier outburst. For all she knew, these people might have rescued her from the cold death that awaited her, yet she was being so suspicious of them. And even the woman before her, she seemed nice and friendly, yet all she gave in exchange were harsh words. 'S-Sorry…" Roxanne mumbled apologetically. Rita smiled with a look of maturity and understanding. She tapped Roxanne's shoulders and gestured for her to follow her lead. 'Come with me. Let's get you settled in" Rita said, leading her away from the area she was in. Rita took her to one of the cottages she came across when she had earlier taken her walk. It looked different from the others, bigger and more prestigious. The colour had a brighter tint of brown and the wood used for it's structure looked sturdier than the rest. There was also a compound made of wooden stakes, similar to the cave, but smaller. She opened the door and went in, assuring Roxanne to do the same. 'It's fine. This is my place." She said with an encouraging look. As Roxanne entered, she felt a great warmth embrace her body. The sensation made her smile in ecstasy since the cold had vanished. Rita closed the door, banishing any sign of winter from them. Roxanne smelled the room and made a pleasant expression. Like Lavender mixed with a foreign fragrance she didn't recognize, but amazing nonetheless. 'You fancy the fragrance?" Rita asked, noticing her guest's expression. 'Oh, eh… Yeah…" Roxanne said, slightly embarrassed. 'No, no, it's fine. I'm actually happy you like it. Please, sit." Rita offered Roxanne a chair. It was made entirely out of wood. She looked around her and everything else was the same. Wooden chairs, wooden table, wooden shelves. 'Must be because of where they live," Roxanne reasoned. 'So, what would you like me to offer you? I have fresh milk and I should be able to make you some…" Rita said, making her way to the kitchen. 'How about answers?" Roxanne said, staring at Rita in an expectant manner. 'Straight to that uhn?" Rita said with a smile, returning to the living room. She sat on a chair opposite Roxanne and heaved a sigh. 'Yes. Inasmuch as I appreciate all you've done for me, I have so many questions and I don't even know where I am. How many days have passed, who are you people…" Roxanne said with a serious look. 'I understand," Rita said. 'You were brought here yesterday, just a bit after noon. This is the day after, Sunday. We're currently in what you know as Oregon Woods, though If I'm being more specific,. I'd say it is the Rockwood Territory…" Rita explained. 'As for your last question pertaining to who we are… Roxanne, I suppose I'll have to ask you a question as well…" Rita said seriously. Her smile faded and she had a serious look on her face this time, something Roxanne had never seen before. '... What do you know about Werewolves?"