Amelia Harding [Harding - Willow From The Ashes (Children Of The Moon Book 1)

WILLOW FROM THE ASHES

CHILDREN OF THE MOON SERIES BOOK #1

AMELIA HARDING

2019 Amelia Harding

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED . This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwisewithout prior written permission of the publisher, except as provided by United States of America copyright law.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the products of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Contents

PROLOGUE

Spring o f 1995

F or so many years I have protected everyone with every last fiber of my being, never putting my own interests first. After all, there are more important things than one's own wretched soul. Unfortunately, this time is different.

My men are out securing the borders; soon we will be at war. War is not a new concept in my life but looking upon the peaceful angelic faces of my newborn child and young son, seeing how they radiate light like glowing embers on a blackened starless night, for the first time in my existence I am afraid and uncertain.

We caught sight of them...they are coming the words being communicated through the mind link by my second in command reverberate almost making my ears ring.

Prepare yourselves men, we fight not only for ourselves or our loved ones but for our entire race. We will march out together and may the fates show us mercy

I can feel my words had the desired effect. Their resolve, pride, and loyalty to our kind are once again strengthened. Soon we will set out, I must think quickly. Taking determined strides I gently but firmly shake my son waking him from his slumber.

"Is something wrong poppa?" Sleepily rubbing his eyes he awaits my answer and I close my eyes momentarily. This must be done; they cannot be found or suspected to be involved with any of us. It is for their own safety.

Opening my eyes I meet my sons questioning gaze "we are moments from war, I need you to be a big boy for me, you must be strong and not question my decision, do you understand?"

His eyes that are so much like my own are wide and nervous but he squares off his shoulders bravely, ready for whatever I ask of him.

"You must take your sister and leave, run as far as you can. Do not tell anyone who you are or where you lived". "But poppa!" Alarmed he starts to protest but I cut him off, there is not much time left. "It needs to be done so you, my beloved children, will be safe. I swear that I will come for you when everything is over. Even if I need to sacrifice everything I will not abandon you, my child. You and your sister are my heart and soul".

In his eyes, I can see he knows what must be done. Steeling himself he stands and nods solemnly with the maturity of someone much more seasoned than he, but the sadness and nerves are still hidden in the depths. I have never had to do something so heart-wrenchingly painful.

"I will protect us and await the day you come for us". Kissing his head I usher him along "Come now, time is of the essence". Lifting my baby girl out of her crib I cradle her lovingly, tears burn wanting to be let free, to leave their searing trail down my cheeks but I push them away and hand her over to my son, then strap a small backpack on him full of money, a couple articles of clothing and a few other provisions.

Kneeling down I kiss my son and daughter on the forehead for what could be the last time "I love you both. If there is one thing you do not forget let it be that".Making sure they have the pendants that match my own around their necks I tuck them under their shirts.

"We love you too poppa, do not worry we will be together again". With that I watch my son run off with the small bundle in his arms and turn pushing the pain, sadness and worry away. I am a leader; I must lead my men to victory. It is time for war.

Chapter 1

Hope

12 years Later

I feel someone shaking me and it pulls me from the depths of blissful sleep. Blink my eyes, I'm met with the smiling face of my beautiful mother with her strawberry blonde bombshell hair, regal features, and sea-foam green eyes.

Most importantly though is the loving smile gracing her lips. Finally, my mind catches up to me. Letting out a very unladylike squeal I pounce on my mother tackling her into a hug.

Oh! how I have waited for this day. Today I can officially become a part of my pack. I get to shift and fully embrace the other part of me. My mother's bell-like laughter fills the space within the walls of my room.

Pulling away she looks me over "Today my little willow takes an important step in her life. This is going to change your life in ways you will soon know. I'm so proud baby girl".

Rolling my eyes in a joking manner I smile brilliantly at her "you make it sound like I'm getting married or something" my voice light and teasing.

At that very moment, my dad decides to walk in. "Sweetie, if that were the case I would be hunting the groom down and getting rid of him so I could keep you with us forever".

Faking a look of utter horror I place my hand over my heart "How unfair of you! I love my non-existent groom. You shouldn't get in the way of true love". A heartbeat later he has me in a headlock ruffling my hair then grabbing mom and me in a hug. Today is gonna be the best day of my life, I can already tell.

The smell of syrup and pancakes fills my nose and my mouth starts to water. Today may be a big day but breakfast is still important. Slipping into slippers I race down the stairs with dad. Mom chuckles amusedly but takes the steps at her normal pace.

Our small dine-in table by the kitchen has stacks of pancakes with piles of bacon next to a pan of scrambled eggs. I scoop as much as I can onto a plate and proceed to devour it. I can't remember a single moment in my life where I've felt more famished than I do now.

I'm aware that it is my body preparing for the energy necessary to shift. I would be lying if I said I'm not terrified but the anticipation far outweighs any doubts I may have. Breakfast is filled with conversation and laughter. Both are always in abundance at our house and I love it.

Mom pardons me from having to help clean up after breakfast. Instead, she sends me back up to get myself changed. By the time I make it back down the kitchen is clean and my parents are waiting to give me my presents.

Honestly, waking up to the joy of having my parents and getting to spend the morning with them then having my very first shift to look forward to, it's already so much. They could have gotten me nothing and I would have felt happy. I truly am so so lucky

Just hours later there is no coherent thought left in my mind, It's all been replaced with pain. Mind numbing pain. Every crack, break, and snap leaves me feeling breathless. There is nothing else.

I'm faintly aware of the sound of someone screaming, blood-curdling cries of pure agony. The realization comes that they are my screams.

It seems like hours when in reality I know it takes a few minutes, at most, the first time in contrast to the couple of seconds it will take once my body gets used to transforming. Only one thing gets through the haze of blood sweat and pain, the strong deep voice of my father saying it's almost over.

Knowing that gives me the strength to stop screaming although it had turned into more of an animalistic growl of sorts at that point. Just like it had begun, it was now over.

The sweet feeling of relief fills my body and allows me to open my eyes and take it all in for the first time. The site that greets me is my parents looking down on me with soft smiles on their faces.