Rebirth Of The Rejected Luna Chapter 166: Waking Into The Unknown

**Tiana's POV**

I wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not.

Taking one last look at the cabin, I swung myself onto the horse. My heart was pounding, my mind racing with everything that could go wrong. But there was no turning back now.

Cecilia stepped forward, placing a firm hand on my leg. "Be smart, Tiana. And remember—you are more than what they think you are."

I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded.

Then, with one final glance back, I urged the horse forward, leaving behind the only place that had ever felt remotely like home.

As I rode my horse through the dense forest, the only sound was the steady beat of its hooves on the ground. The tall trees towered above me, their branches casting moving shadows on the ground. The morning chill was gone, replaced by the warm sunshine filtering through the leaves.

I kept my eyes on the path ahead, but my mind started to wander. I thought about Shadowclaw, a name that made me feel uneasy. It was as if someone was warning me to be careful. I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was being watched, and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up.

Cecilia had given me instructions, but I knew that once I reached the territory, I'd be on my own. No one would be there to help me or keep me safe. I'd have to rely on my instincts and face whatever came my way. The thought sent a shiver down my spine.

As I rode, the horse's steady breathing and flicking ears were a comforting presence. I stroked its neck absentmindedly, thinking about Cecilia's words. She had said the horse would return home once I was done with it, but I wondered how it would find its way back.

As the hours passed, the forest seemed to stretch on forever. The trees grew closer together, and the smell in the air became intense with the scent of damp earth and leaves. Eventually, I came to a clearing by a small stream. I knew this was where I would leave the horse.

I slid off its back, landing softly on my feet. The horse watched me with intelligent eyes as if it knew we were parting ways. I hesitated, feeling a pang of sadness. "Go on," I whispered, stepping back. "Find your way home."

For a moment, the horse stood still. Then, with a flick of its tail, it turned and trotted back into the trees. It vanished quickly, leaving me alone. I stood there, listening to the sound of the stream and the rustling of leaves. I felt a sense of solitude wash over me, and I knew I was truly on my own now.

I didn’t linger. Pulling my map from my satchel, I traced the route with my finger. Shadowclaw wasn’t far, maybe half a day's journey on foot. If I moved quickly, I could reach the outskirts before nightfall.

I kept moving forward, pushing through thick bushes and stepping over tree roots on rough ground. The deeper I went, the more nervousness settled upon me that it made my skin tingle and gave me a bad feeling.

Then I heard a noise—a rustle that was too clear to be just the wind. I froze.

A moment later, something jumped out at me from the trees. I didn’t have time to react. I was knocked down and gasped for air. Clawed hands grabbed me, and I saw my attacker—a wild wolf with crazy eyes and a snarl on its face.

My instincts took over. I twisted and hit him in the ribs with my knee. He grunted, but he didn’t let go; his strength was too strong. I grabbed my dagger from my belt, but he saw it coming and grabbed my wrist, slamming it into the dirt to make me drop it.

Frustrated and desperate, I gritted my teeth and headbutted him as hard as I could.

Pain exploded in my head from the impact, but it worked. He flinched, his grip loosening just enough for me to break free. I rolled to the side and kicked him off, scrambling to my feet.

He came at me again, but this time, I was ready. I dodged, slashing upward with my dagger. The blade cut into his arm, and he let out a sharp howl, stumbling back.

Blood dripped from his wound, but he didn’t stop. He just stood there, watching me with wild, hungry eyes. I clenched my jaw and tightened my grip on the dagger. If he wanted a fight, I’d give him one.

He charged. I ducked, using his own speed against him. As he stumbled past, I spun and drove my dagger deep into his side.

He gasped, eyes going wide. His legs shook, and then he collapsed onto the forest floor.

I didn’t stick around to check if he was still breathing. My chest rose and fell with heavy breaths as I wiped my dagger on my sleeve. My heart pounded so hard it felt like it might burst.

That was way too close.

I couldn’t afford any more surprises.

Once I was sure I wasn’t being followed, I pushed forward, keeping my steps quick but quiet. The fight had drained me more than I wanted to admit. My ribs ached from the impact, and my head still throbbed from the headbutt.

When I reached a rocky outcrop, I decided it was safe enough to rest. I climbed up, settling on a smooth, flat stone. It was warm from the afternoon sun, the heat seeping into my sore muscles.

I pulled out my map, unrolling it carefully. My finger traced the route, marking the distance left. Shadowclaw was close. A few more hours.

The thought made my stomach twist.

Leaning back, I exhaled, letting the tension in my shoulders ease. For now, I had a brief moment of peace. But I knew it wouldn’t last.

Shadowclaw was waiting. And I had no idea what I was walking into.