Time to pack up...

My eyes feel heavy as they begin to open, adjusting to the unexpected grace of the sun’s warming rays after a long and dreary winters solstice. With eyelids gently fluttering, the serene noises resonating within the forestry help coax me out of my well-rested slumber as I awaken within the stirring camp. With the grounding scent of drying forestry filling my lungs, I take a moment to appreciate my pleasant awakening, embracing the crisp morning air of early spring. Noticing how refreshed I feel, a faint smile creeps upon my lips when I realise I had somehow gotten a peaceful night’s sleep—free from the tormenting night terrors that usually plagued my dreamworld, the ones that insisted on keeping me awake. Stretching out, I feel the uneven dirt beneath my back when I turn my head to watch the melting frost on a patch of nearby grass. Feeling my muscles unwind while basking under the sun’s radiant glow, I grasp at the earth beside me. Releasing a sigh of relief, I allow the dried soil to crumble between my fingers—leaving me to relish momentarily in the small pleasure that I had forgotten.

Glancing upward, I find myself speechless as I’m greeted by the open blue skies stretching out overhead; welcoming it back after its much-awaited return after falling to paint the sky in the passing weeks. Despite the winding branches of a nearby tree hanging just above, my sensitive eyes water while the rising sun continues its ascent across the sky. Raising my hand to block its glare, I lift my head away from the makeshift pillow I had crafted for the night using my worn-out folded jacket and gaze around. Leaning up, my hazy focus follows an energetic blur of movement racing past my side, accompanied by the squealing laughter of a group of children. Unable to conceal my amusement, I can’t help but smile as the kids chase after one another tirelessly, beginning an energetic game of tag close to where I rest. Raising my arms above me, I let out a rested yawn while extending them in the air, rubbing each one in turn as I ready myself for the day ahead.

“Finally,” a set of approaching footsteps draw closer while the cheerful voice calls out from behind me, “-I didn’t think you were ever going to get up.”

“You should’ve woken me sooner,” I yawn loudly while cracking my neck to the side, unwinding the tense muscles within.

“Ah,” the voice reasons, “-I didn’t want to. I noticed that you hadn’t budged an inch since dropping off last night like you usually do, so, I thought I’d let you sleep on a little. Given the lack of screaming last night, I’m taking it there were no nightmares? I bet that was a nice change,” my brother notably comments while stepping into view.

“It was,” I admit, “-hopefully tonight will be the same.”

Looking up while I lower my arms, I notice Ash’s eyes appearing dull and tired—the icy-blue tone that usually shone bright, glimmering dim within. With his knotted light brown hair somehow full of twigs and leaves, I note the smears of mud painting his face. Unaware of my curious stare, Ash reaches down towards his backpack and rummages for something within before retrieving a clean cloth. Leaning back up while wiping the evidence of his morning antics away from his cheeks, Ash turns his attention towards me with a mischievous grin spreading to each of his ears. Noticing a carefully held arm placed behind his back, I grow suspicious about his sneaky behaviour while he attempts to keep something out of my view—hiding something blatantly, as if luring me in, waiting for me to bite.

“What have you got?” I raise an eyebrow, trying to catch a glimpse of whatever it is that he has concealed.

“Oh, nothing,” Ash draw’s his words out.

“Seriously?,” I roll my eyes jokingly, “Come on, show me.”

“I can’t,” he stubbornly refuses through a stroppy pout, “-it’ll ruin the surprise.”

“Ugh,” I groan, “-it’s too early for surprises. Just tell me already, what have you been up to?” I chuckle groggily, folding my arms as I softy shake my head.

“Fine. I was still awake last night when the rain finally stopped. And when it did, I just couldn’t sleep; so, I went out for a run and decided to go on a little impromptu exploration around the campsite,” Ash shrugs casually while kneeling to face me, still teasingly holding what’s in his hand out of my sight, “-I thought it would be nice to do without getting soaked for a change. I ended up stumbling into this meadow, and let’s just say we’ll be eating pretty darn good for the next two days. Well, I hope it lasts that long, at least. I guess you can never really tell with this greedy lot, I suppose,” he makes a light-hearted joke, ”-anyway, don’t worry. There’s no need to thank me,” he finishes smugly while taking a mocking bow.

“What?” I blurt out with little control, suddenly feeling completely awake at the thought of possibly having a full stomach at some point today, “What did you find?” I hear my stomach growl as the words part away from my lips in a rush, my mouth watering while I think of all the possibilities of what he might have found.

After spending the last four weeks surviving on nothing more than foraged rowan berries and the endless supply of velvet shank mushrooms we had found on the dying trees, I would consider any alternative a feast at this point. Laughing at my over-enthusiastic response, Ash swings his arm out from behind him—emphasising his grand reveal while beaming towards me triumphantly. Awaiting my reaction, he proudly holds out a large, brown hare by the ears. Almost unscathed, and barely any blood to soak the creature’s fur.

Awakened by the good news, I hear my wolf’s muffled whine whisper within my mind—distorted and weak with her voice no louder than the day before, getting no stronger despite my persistent urging will. The returning disappointment felt from the distance between me and my wolf quickly settles itself back in, just as it had done every day since my eighteenth birthday that was nearly seven years ago, attempting to taint my unusually enlightened mood. Shaking off the discouraging thoughts, my brother thankfully returns me to the present as if he had caught my attention dithering after noticing the unprompted silence—knowing me all too well just by seeing the distant look worn upon my face.

“Well, if you fancy grabbing some breakfast, you better get up pretty soon,” Ash gives me the heads up while steering me back on track, “-Rose has already made a start on cooking the first batch, and given by the commotion over there, it doesn’t sound like they’ll last very long,” he turns his head towards the direction of the orange hue coming from the steadily growing fire in the distance, rubbing his bare stomach with his free hand.

Following Ash’s stare, I can just about make out a chatting Rose while she sits beyond the crackling flames, perching herself on one of the fallen trees and using it as a seat. Poking a long branch into the stone fire-pit built in the centre of what was only our campfire just last night, the aged elder slowly turns the skinned-hares roasting on the newly placed stone slate—using the thin rock as a hot-plate as it sits above the raging flames. Focussing on the roasting hares slowly cooking, I pick up their faint scent, allowing the aroma to consume my senses and descend my stomach into another fit of loud, persistent grumbles.

“Rose has asked if we can start skinning some of these guys up ready for tonight’s meal. Would you mind giving me a hand? There’s a whole pile of them over there waiting. She did make a promise that she would keep a lil’ extra back for us this morning if we helped?” Ash turns back to face me, holding up the limp hare in a bid to try and bargain his way into getting some additional help.

“Alright,” I roll my eyes, already prepared on helping him either way, “-I just need to get cleaned up real quick and I’ll be right with you. Sound good?” I look down at my scruffy appearance, catching sight of my ruffled self.

“You’re a star, I swear. If they left it to me alone, we’d never get going today,” Ash jokes while standing up, “-right, I’ll catch you over there soon. Say good morning to Lillie while you’re down there for me, will you? And ask if she wants to lend a hand as well. I haven’t bumped into her up here yet,” he calls out while walking away, allowing the red scar branding his shoulder to fall into view—a reminder of the sacrifice he made all those months ago.

Heading down to the stream to freshen up, the burble of the flowing water resonates louder amongst the cluster of sickly trees. The fresh flow of the streams rumbles fester into a growing roar while the waterfall in the distance unleashes its steady downpour, its sight beautiful yet eery in such an empty and hallow place. With the mirroring surface of the pooling liquid glistening under the naked sun, the surrounding area feels elevated of its recent unpleasant conditions, allowing us a chance to appreciate its tranquillity, even if it were just for today. Getting closer to the stream's edge, I find Lillie sitting down on a dry rock, rinsing the dripping water from her sunset orange hair as she glances all around. Hearing me approach, Lillie turns her head and greets me with her usual wide and welcoming smile—emphasising her gentle features even more.

“Hey, you. I can’t believe it. The spring equinox comes around, and the rain just stops? How crazy is that?” she chimes in delight, “Weird, but crazy.”

“It’s nice though, you gotta’ admit?” I sit down at my friend's side, dipping my dirtied feet into the chilling water, uncaring of the sharp shock the contact brings.

Since fleeing to the Barren Lands along with the others almost six months ago, it wasn’t too long into our journey before the summer skies disappeared and sunk into an empty shade of grey before us. With our already treacherous journey becoming harder than we had expected, the torrential rain that came along with the blustery seasons stole us of more time than we had to spare. After a few weeks, it honestly felt as if the sun would never return and our plan of reaching the new utopia of safety were nothing more than just a dream, wherever that would eventually turn out to be.

“It’s so blissful. I forgot how nice the sun felt,” she chuckles before toying with a strand of her damp hair, “Have you uh-“ Lillie’s confident tone stumbles, “-have you seen, Ash, this morning yet?”

Watching my friend’s freckled cheeks flush a rosy shade of pink at the mention of my brother's name, it was hard not to feel sorry for her. Ever since we met Lillie and her little sister after our city went up in flames, it didn’t take long for us to form our very own little family in replacement for what the girls had lost. And, from the moment Lillie got to know Ash, they become effortlessly inseparable. Smitten by my brother, Lillie dotes on him despite his lack of romantic interest shown towards her in return—refusing to give in, she’s left hoping that he’ll eventually change his mind one day.

Despite Lillie’s longingly wishing, Ash remains set in his ways. After listening to the nightly stories read to us in the orphanage of destined romances and fated mates while we grew up, it was hard to convince him of wanting anything other than the perfection that was described to us. Refusing to sacrifice the chance of having a bond with someone so strong; in body and soul, that his answer to Lillie always remained the same. Even after realising that the chances of finding his true mate were close to ridiculously slim, Ash’s mindset stayed changed—no matter how many lonesome years our Goddess has made him wait so far.

With most of the wolves passing the whole idea off as nothing more than desperate myths and legends, I too couldn’t help but come to wonder if there was any truth behind what we had always been told. Rose had mentioned to us in passing that she had once seen it for herself, but truthfully, I’m not entirely too sure what to think anymore. Rose had also told us on the same day, that she had fought against a cold one back in her younger years, an actual Nightcrawler; so, her reliability is still in question right now. I mean, everyone knows those monsters aren’t around anymore. And if they were, we definitely wouldn’t be trekking through the Barren Lands as brazen as we are right now, considering that this place used to be their home.

“I just saw him before coming here. He was that impressed with himself that I thought his head was going to burst along with his ego. Have you heard about the hares he nabbed? We’re going to need some help in getting a few ready for tonight before we go. Mind volunteering?” I reach out and place my hands into the stream; rubbing around the tender bone protruding from the poorly healed snap in my wrist, wincing at the dull ache it continues to bring, even after all these months.

“Uh-huh,” Lillie nods, “-I can’t believe that he found so many. It must have taken him hours to catch all of them and bring them back to camp,” her voice oozes with impress, “-I smelt them as soon as I woke up and thank the Moon Goddess that I did to. Do you know what Rose was going to do to the hares? Let me tell you,” she blurts without stopping, “-she was literally about to just throw them into the fire and like, I don’t know, hope for the best, I guess,“ I look towards my rambling friend while she scoffs, “-well, I quickly put a stop to that and built the roasting pit over the fire. There was no way in hell I was about to let her destroy the only edible thing left in this stupid forest.”

“Ah, I noticed the little contraption. I should have known it was your idea. Nice work,” I compliment her on the intervention.

“Why thank you,” she pretends to accept my silent round of applause, throwing humour over my acknowledgement as she still struggles to accept any form of appraisal even after all this time, “-nah,” she waves a hand in the air, “-it’s just something that my dad showed me once when he took me camping. It’s nothing.”

Turning her head away, I glimpse a small smile spreading across Lillie’s face as she washes her hands—attempting to hide her indulgence in what I had just said. Cupping my own hands in the water, I lean over and splash my face; washing away any traces of the previous day and proceeding to do the same with my arms. As I rub my hands over my skin, I try to ignore the rough patch hidden upon one of my upper arms. Grazing over the spot where the hindering wound had once sat, I refuse to pay it any attention, adamant on upholding the positive atmosphere that’s forming around what appears to be the beginning of a wonderful day. The first in so many.

“So, do you have any idea how long we have until we set off?” I clear my throat, pushing the trickling memories trying to resurface far out of my mind—not keen on reliving the night that I received the mark in question any time soon.

Glancing towards Lillie after realising all I had received was her silence in return, I notice that she’s no longer paying any attention to me or what I have said—instead, Lillie remains utterly captivated by the view just ahead of her while gradually leaning forwards in a hypnotic stare. Catching her focus lingering down the steady river, her eyes glaze over while she sits in a world of her own, appearing confused yet curious when her wandering mind finally appears to return. Shaking her head, she leans back—placing her hands on her hips and puzzled by her own thoughts, carefully considering what it is that she wishes to say next.

“I know I’m supposed to be an adult and all, but I gotta’ admit, this place still manages to give me the creeps. I just can’t help it, you know?” Lillie chews roughly at the chapped skin on her reddening lips, “I hate knowing what happened here. And I hate knowing what’s still out there for that matter, too,” she shudders, causing me to reel back while tilting my head, “-ugh. I can’t wait for today to end already. Get me the hell out of this place,” she glances up towards the fleeting white clouds, requesting that the Moon Goddess helps in moving the day along.

“There’s nothing here anymore, Lil,” I automatically presume she’s implying the presence of any Nightcrawlers, “-those guys were wiped out years ago. You should be more afraid of a wild bear stumbling on us while we sleep. Or having to deal with another rogue pack crossing our path. Those old monsters are nothing but a scary story told to misbehaving cubs nowadays, you know that. Try not to think about it too much, it’s not worth it.”

“I know that,” Lillie leans in while releasing a burdened sigh; dismissing all that I had said while her eyes widen, her tone remaining entirely serious, “-but, their caverns are still scattered around the place. And so is the Devil’s lair. If you believe it’s actually out here, that is.”

“Oh, come on,” I throw my head back in a fit of giggles, tickled by how our conversation seems to be going, “-you don’t really believe in all of that garbage, do you? About Ambrogio?”

“Don’t you? If you believe in the Moon Goddess, you gotta’ believe in the rest of them,” Lillie reasons, “-if you think about it, it’d be pretty hypocritical of you if you didn’t,” she tuts playfully.

“Alright. That’s fair, I guess,” I look at the rippling surface of the water, listening to her counterpoint in somewhat of an agreeance.

“Anyway, are you done?” Lillie swiftly stands, rinsing off her hair in a tightening clench once more before holding out a dampened hand to help lift me up.

Taking a last glimpse of my reflection in the water, I brush a messy wave of dark brunette hair out of my face and tuck it behind my ear. With my knotted locks out of the way, I check the brazen scar on the side of my neck, wondering if the Moon Goddess had answered last night’s prayers and removed it from my sight. Trying not to feel disappointed, I fix my attention on my face, feeling slightly content with the slight glow returning to my sapphire eyes after one night of good rest. Seeming brighter, to my surprise.

Looking back towards Lillie, I flash her a fading smile before taking her hand and steadying myself back to my feet. Brushing my hands into my trousers, we make our way back to the campsite while chattering away. Feeling refreshed on our return, I see everyone waiting in line around Rose as she hands out Ash’s fresh catch—serving the portions one by one as each member thanks her in return. Despite knowing our new home was soon in reach, during moments like these, it was hard not to feel upset, knowing that in a day or two to come we would all soon be parting our ways and beginning our new lives, saying goodbye.

Realising I’m still barefoot, I head back over to where I had slept—needing to retrieve my belongings when I leave Lillie to walk on without me, allowing her to make a beeline straight for Ash. Gathering up my items, I take my time and carefully pack them away. Placing everything neatly inside, ready to leave later on. Unfolding my jacket, I shake it out before pulling the tattered garment over my arms and turning towards my waiting mud-casted boots.

As I unroll my socks, I hear the patter of recognisable clumsy footsteps thundering my way, faint but quickly approaching as they steadily come towards me. Looking up, I’m comically greeted by the storming face of Lillie’s younger sister. With hands placed on her hips after running over in a furious strop, her puffed cheeks flush red with a cherry glow—her complexion almost matching the feisty redness of her hair while she fumes in sheer frustration.

“Willow, please tell them to slow down. It’s not fair. I can’t keep up,” Fara whines in annoyance while throwing daggers towards the racing teenagers much older than herself, wheezing while she draws in the air.

“Oh, kiddo,” I chuckle while glancing up towards the bossy ten-year-old, “-I doubt they’d listen to me. Why don’t you play with the others? The ones over there?” I nod towards the younger group, all contently sitting down discussing something unheard while playing with a bunch of handmade toys.

“I don’t want to play with them. All they do is read those stupid books that they brought with them and mess around with wooden junk that they made. I don’t want to do that. I want to play tag with them,” Fara points towards the older children that are paying her no attention while stomping her feet; her face scrunching, appearing insulted by my suggestion as she objects almost immediately.

“I’m not sure what to say, sweetheart. You could keep chasing them, I guess? Practice makes perfect, and all that. Who knows? Maybe if you keep going, you might get one of them?” I laugh without any thought, making Fara stop abruptly.

“That won’t work,” Fara sighs in defeat, “-well, when I’m older and I get my wolf, I’m going to be the fastest one around. They’ll see. And then no one will catch me. I’ll leave everyone else behind instead,” she pokes out her tongue wickedly towards them; waggling it defiantly, “-thanks anyway, Willow,” the youngster's shoulders droop while she turns to make her way towards her older sister, leaving me to finish getting ready and join them all in our morning task.

With my boots tied and my bag on my back, I get up and check one last time to ensure that I’ve left nothing on the ground—remembering my mistake from a month ago after regretfully misplacing my hairbrush. Deep in conversation while I approach, the familiar trio sit in a circle while gossiping softly amongst themselves, continuing to skin the pile of hares laid out in front of them swiftly.

“Take a seat. We’ve still got all of this lot to get through,” Ash calls out while pointing to a tree stump just opposite him for me to sit on, “-I was just telling Lillie that Ronnie had mentioned we’ll all be leaving within the next hour,“ he places a recently skinned hare down into the plastic cooler beside him, “-if we make the most of the sunlight today, he said we could arrive at Luna City by tomorrow afternoon if we keep a steady pace,” my brother's voice drowns with hope, enthralled at the prospect.

With the realisation that we’ll arrive at the grand Luna City in less time than I had prepared myself for, a nauseating wave of anxiety spreads throughout me. Affected by my unease, my masked wolf releases a faint unsettled whine—barely audible yet again. Gulping loudly, the idea of residing in the same city in which one of the most feared packs live, let alone control, no longer seemed as great of an idea compared to when it was first suggested. Thinking of the Shadow Pack, the notorious rulers of the city who oversee many of the clans residing within its walls if not all, I can’t help but feel unsettled at the prospect of them not welcoming us in and turning us away.

Aware of the grizzly tales spoken about the Shadow Pack, it was a struggle to appear unfazed about where our tiresome journey was set to end. Despite the news of a new King Alpha claiming the throne within the district, the tainted rumours surrounding the pack remained to stick despite King Alpha Ryker’s passing. With the new ruler’s father known for ruthlessly destroying any pack that opposed him and claiming what he desired no matter the cost, the question stood as to whether his son would do the same. There was gossip about how the late King Alpha had gone mad from the power that he had claimed, blaming his instability as the reason for how he eventually met his demise. After this, I’m not too sure what has happened exactly, seeing as we’ve all been stuck out here—no longer in the loop about the news of cities that were much greater than our former’s own.

“About time,” Lillie leans back, mouthing the words thank you to our unseen Goddess above before resuming her grizzly task.

“Yeah, Ronnie is trying to figure out the best route for us to take as we speak. We’re expecting there to be a bunch of scouts scattered around when we turn up at the clearing-” Ash puts his knife down beside him, glancing over an innocent Fara with concern before addressing me and Lillie, “so, he’s figuring out some backup plans for us, just in case things turn sour.”

With my mind going into overdrive, it begins to mentally prepare me for the possibility of encountering any form of confrontation, causing my churning stomach to twist with dread. Knowing my own weaknesses all too well, I seethe at the notion of being stuck on the sidelines once again—needing Ash to stay back, protecting me no matter what goes on as if I were a defenceless child. As my leg begins to shake from my rising temper, I sense the building anger boil over within me; growing annoyed at her, my wolf, for not revealing herself yet and leaving me to be the outcast of wherever I seem to go.

“Woah, there. I recognise that look on your face. Don’t you dare,” Lillie points a scolding finger towards me, “-I mean it, don’t go down the rabbit hole of self-blame, Willow,” Lillie warns, “-it’s not worth it. Anyway, it’ll all be fine. Won’t it, Ash?” her tone harshens while she shoots a disagreeing glare towards my sibling, showing little impress with him for causing me to worry.

“That’s easier said than done,” I roll my eyes, “-you’ve got your wolf. You can defend yourself if you need to. I’m gonna have to rely on you lot if we get chased away from Luna City, putting you at risk yet again. That’s not a great feeling, you know? Not being able to take care of yourself. It sucks,” I try not to sulk.

“She’ll awaken properly when she’s ready, I’m sure of it,” Lillie flashes a sympathetic smile my way, her brows knitting with uncertainty.

“You’re just a late shifter, that’s all,” Ash tries to defuse my infuriating mood, making me wish the topic of conversation was never mentioned to begin with, “-you can still hear her, right?” he questions while cocking his head, picking his hunting knife back up along with another hare.

“Mhm. Don’t get me wrong, she’s still quiet. And, she hasn’t spoken to me yet. But, I can hear her whine faintly and stuff-” I mumble while placing my clasped hands on my lap, trying to explain what it is that I experience.

“Then don’t worry,” he places a heavy hand of reassurance on my shoulder before squeezing it gently, “-but we will worry if we don’t finish skinning these anytime soon. I don’t fancy being the one that put Rose in a bad mood today,” he darts me a wink, causing us all laugh before swiftly moving on to a new topic and saving me from the further embarrassment of discussing my wolf any more.