Chapter One.
My ballet flat, covered feet slapped against the slick forest floor as I ducked and weaved through branches and thickets of thorns. I could hear them behind me, snarling out angrily. Wolves were terrible company; I knew that all too well. Artemis would not be pleased if I came home in tatters and tears again, but it simply couldn't be helped. I felt the all too familiar swirl of my magic swelling within me, but I forced it and the urge to disappear out of there.
Unfortunately my foot caught on a root, and I yelped out loudly, clutching my satchel to my chest as I tumbled forward. Thankfully the wolves halted abruptly, snarling and growling at me. Their angry eyes bore into my mismatched ones, as I stood on shaky legs. I didn't know what was stopping them, nor did I particularly care, so I let a triumphant smirk grace my features before sneering at the dogs.
"You and your petty urges to protect your worthless territory," I spat out the word 'territory' venomously as they continues to growl. "Had you politely and civilly asked the purpose for my intrusion, I might not have ran, you filthy mutts!" With one final glare, I dashed out of there and back to my shack before my luck ran out. I was vaguely aware that I was passing through the very wide and open backyard of a beautiful home, and as much as I wanted to take in its beauty I hadn't the time. I felt a familiar tingle at the back of my neck, but I pushed it aside and pumped my legs faster.
A small sigh of relief escaped me when I penetrated my barrier and my old, beaten shack came in the view. There, sat in the window was snow white cat, with a crescent moon upon its forehead. I grinned cheekily, as I pushed opened the door, dropping my satchel on the small wooden table. "Greetings, my lovable, feline friend!" I chirped, as I twirled over to the cat, scooping him up in my slender, pale arms. His eyes narrowed, as his paw swatted at my face. "What happened to you?!" He hissed out, and I at least had the decency to look sheepish as I placed him atop the table.
"Wolves chased me!" I exclaimed with wide, mismatched eyes. "I was simply gathering the herbs I need for a new potion, and the crashed through the plants snarling at me! Can you believe that?! I was so startled, I couldn't even protect myself! I just ran!" My arms were gesturing around wildly as fitted through the kitchen tinkering with the coal black cauldron on the stove.
The cat padded across the table, and closer to me, breathing out a sigh. "Isabella, you are such a danger magnet." He drawled lazily, as he lapped out his paw with his little, pink tongue.
"Hush you, or I'll toss you in the river!" I scowled, as I shooed him away. "Now, Artemis, however am I going to make the potions for the spells without those herbs?" I threw my hands up in defeat, before sinking down in an old, rickety rocking chair as I ran a dainty hand through my long, chestnut locks.
Artemis simply stretched out, before curling into a ball on the table, closing his eyes lazily. "I don't know, you'll figure something out, you always do. I mean, you've been around for nearly a century." He was trying to reassure me. I smiled at that. Artemis was so thoughtful when he wanted to be.
"You're right! I will!" I reached out my hand, lightly scratching behind his ears before standing up and striding into the only bedroom my shack had.
I made my way over to an old oak chest, before pausing in front of a dirty mirror, hung on the way. I angled my body so I was facing the mirror to take in my appearance. Electrifying blue and emerald green eyes, too big for my face stared back at me. A golden crescent, upside down moon on my forehead, matching Artemis'. Black soot, dirt, and cuts were littered all over my pale face. Pink, un-proportioned lips pulled into a frown at this.
My button nose wrinkled as my eyes trailed down to my tattered black cloak, matched with a pair of tight, spandex leggings that had large rips in them from where I'd been running from those mangy mutts.
Almost instantly my clothes were repaired, but my face was still dirty. I shrugged it off as I continued on my way to the chest, and pulled out red tank-top, undergarments, and black cotton shorts. I hadn't many possessions, but clothes were the few things I made sure to keep with me, despite being on the run.
I hummed quietly under my breath as I made my way to the small bathroom, and turned on the freezing cold water. I snapped my fingers and instantly it was warmed up to my liking. I place my clothes on the grimy sink counter. I then began stripping off my clothes. Once naked I felt my long hair tickling all the way down to my bottom.
My humming continued as I dipped into the water and began washing myself with a floral scented body wash, that I had created when we'd first arrived in tiny town of Forks, Washington.
A small smile adorned my lips as I thought about this town; I remembered hearing about it before I'd turned to the life of fleeing. I'd always wanted to come here, but I'd never have the chance before. Now that I'm here, I'm saddened to know that I'd be forced to share land that had such wonderful plant-life with filthy mutts.
I scrunched my nose at the thought before moving on to coating my hair in a strawberry-vanilla scented shampoo. I let it sit for a few moments before rinsing it out.
I then let the water flow out the tub, as I toweled off and dressed in my night clothes. "Oh, Artemis!" I sang happily as I padded back into my bedroom and climbed into the bed, shimmying under the covers. I grinned when heard him jumping on the bed, and snuggling close to me. I wrapped my arm around his tiny body and stared into the darkness.
"Tomorrow is going to be such a grand day, my furry friend!" He nudged me in agreement before he began letting out a content purr. I giggled quietly before allowing myself to succumb to slumber.