The Premonition.

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"Something is wrong! The sky is turning dark for no reason. That is strange."

"Grandma, stop exaggerating. It is about to rain."

"Foolish child," she said as she cuffed her. "This is no rain cloud, something bad is happening somewhere. I feel it in my bones. Don't you know a dark cloud signifies something terrible is happening somewhere?"

"Something like what, grandma? This analogy of yours is funny, never heard of this before."
The girl said as she rolled her eyes at her grandmother.

The old woman cackled.

"I was once like you, young and stupid. Never believing the old ways as told by the elders."

"Hmmmmm...so what changed? Something bad happened to you?"

"Not me...someone close to me who was dear to my heart. I had dismissed the clouds as usual that day not knowing my dear brother was somewhere fighting for his life and he almost lost it."

"Really? Uncle Al? Please tell me about it, granny."

The old woman shook her head and sighed. She sat down comfortably and let memories of old overwhelm her senses as she told her tale.

Alfred or Al as he was fondly called by all was the future alpha of their little werewolf tribe and her beloved twin but they were nothing alike. Alfred was serious minded and well aware of his responsibility.

He dedicated his life at a young age to learning the ways of the tribe. He read ancient books like his life depended on it and learned what he could at every given opportunity. He trained for that day when he would take over and become the leader he was expected to be.

She on the other hand, was the direct opposite. A constant source of worry for her parents. She was flighty and carefree, taking life the way it came. She was a born wanderer and was always restless. She had tried her best to influence her brother to no avail but nevertheless, they loved each other to bits. It was evident in the way they tolerated each other and still found a common ground to relate.

Al transformed late. It was expected at fourteen to fifteen years, that a born werewolf transform for the first time.

Hers had occurred during one of her many forays into the forest during a full moon. The process has been so painful she had feared death. But the result was worth the pain. The feeling was exhilarating! She had been so excited about the change that she ran all the way home to relate with her twin and perhaps compare their experiences.

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It was not to be. Her brother congratulated her, glad his was soon to come. A year after, there were talks among the elders. Al had not undergone the change yet! It was strange. He became withdrawn and would not talk to anyone not even her.

Then, at eighteen, it had happened. Alfred and a few young werewolves went out for scouting when the sky turned dark.

She knew of the legend of course but expected rains. She loved frolicking in the rain. She saw her mother fearfully look up to the sky as if expecting it to fall. Her father watched the edge of the forest with anxiety.

The rains did not come. Everywhere was silent, no one said anything. They all watched the edge of the forest waiting for it to produce vibrant young werewolves but the forest refused to grant their wish.

She snuck away when she couldn't bear the atmosphere anymore. She felt the tension and it was past hours since the scouts were expected. She started tracking them. This was a secret ability of hers. The tracks led to the heart of the forest...then she saw signs of struggle.

A sound in the bushes startled her and she turned with fear.

"Who's there? Reveal yourself."

She tensed as she got ready to transform at the slightest sign of danger. A soft neigh greeted her query as her brother's horse came into view. The poor thing was terrified. She calmed him down and sent him home while she continued her search.

She found him before long, he and the others. They had been attacked and left for dead. It was evident the humans were responsible for the attack. Various silver coated weapons were everywhere.

With a loud cry full of pain, she launched herself on his immobile body. A silver knife protruded from his chest. With shaky hands, she removed the knife, flinching at the pain it caused her. He moaned softly and went still.

She left him and went to help the others. Soon, they all were in varying states of recovery but her brother remained still, staring with blank open eyes at the darkened sky. On her knees, she prayed to the ancestors to save her brother.

His body was on fire. She felt the heat radiating from his body, blood poured out of the wound inflicted on him. Nothing could stop the flow. She held vigil over him for two days and nights, praying and half expecting him to die at any moment. Moving him would mean a sure death for him.

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The morning of the third day, the sun lit up the sky and it was a beautiful blue that day...the dark cloud was gone. She smiled and chose to believe it was a sign from the heavens.

And it was...his wounds started healing up and by afternoon, the wound was gone, leaving no scar behind. He blinked his eyes soon after that and smiled at her before falling into a deep sleep.

She slept for the first time in days, her heart at rest that her brother would live. A loud howl woke her up that night.

She saw the most beautiful sight ever, her brother had undergone the change and he was a beautiful wolf too, the largest she had ever seen. She transformed and joined him to sing a happy song in howls. Such was their happiness that they chased each other around the forest till morning.

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They had returned home to meet a feast. Al was fine now, he overcame death and came out the better for it. He was the only werewolf in their clan that could transform partially, a gift that was thought to be a legend. The long wait really was worth it. He made a great leader after his father died.

"Wow! Why didn't anyone tell me about this? What do you think is happening now? Who could be hurt? We need to go find that person."

The old woman sighed.
"My child, all we can do is pray. We are far away from the clan. Let us pray and beg the ancestors to protect our loved ones."

The girl obediently went on her knees and prayed for her family, particularly her brother who was headstrong and more likely to get into trouble.

Somewhere in the world...those prayers were answered as a certain young man woke up from death, he had no one to take care of him but he was alive. This young man was to be the girl's mate. Together, they made history in our world.

Written for Steemjet Writing Contest