It was as if the sky had been painted by hand. Dawn was creeping in, turning the night sky bright. The stars were still visible, a least the bigger ones. But it was as I watched the stars begin to fade, the blues and purples were the first color that was appearing on the horizion. Slowly followed by the pinks, yellows, oranges. A slow smile spread from edge to edge of my lips, a solemn peace spreading like wildfire through my icy veins. Lava eyes popped as I watched the reds spread across the sky. It was like being home, almost. My name was Leilani. I preferred Lani, though, to be honest. I was named after my mother and her grandmother, althought I’d never met either. Mama had died when I was born, leaving me in the hands of the beta female. She’d been daddy’s arm candy anyway, so I wasn’t alone, I was with my half siblings. Part of me hated knowing that. He’d never been faithful to Mama, though he expected his children to be faithful to whoever their soul was destined for. Hypocritical right? In my heart, I knew the meaning of soul mate. I’d seen my older siblings with theirs, the peace, the joy that was clear in their eyes.

I wanted that. More than that, I dreamed of it. I could never see who my heart was destined for, but I felt it deep in my bones, there was someone out there for me. Mahci, my elder brother would always tease, in a more facetious way than I wanted, that I’d never find one as great as his. I hated that. Though, I knew he was wrong. He may be my ohana, but he didn’t know everything. He was not my god. My heart knew it was certain.

I stood amongst the tallest grasses here, they nearly touched my shoulder. And I stood in utter silence. Letting the sounds of nature wash over me like a tidal wave. They were peaceful, inspiring, and boy did they bring back memories of the tall grasses amongst the shore back home. My lava eyes closed, using only my sense of smell, hearing, and touch. I let myself get lost in the sounds, my body swaying softly to the rhythm that the wind blew the grasses in. It was as if nothing else was around but the sounds of nature. I was a hunter at heart, and sometimes, I felt as if I could focus enough to hear a heartbeat of my prey from a distance. Though, today, I was sated, and no where near wanting to hunt, only enjoying the sounds that surrounded me in their warmth.