A Waste!

Luna

Indrik did not seem to appreciate my attempts to brighten his mood which included preparing bath water that was a little bit too hot. He had been so distracted that he had not noticed the rolling steam until he dipped a leg in. He retrieved it faster than a little child who had been playing with fire would withdraw once the fire burned too hot. I had been expecting a smile of sorts but the extremely cold look that I was gifted instead got me running to get more water. I gave up when my joke of replacing his robes with lady Blaire's pink gown did not work either. He just did not know much humour. I couldn't help feeling sorry for whoever his bride was going to be.

Finally, I led a glum master to breakfast. He seemed to have decided that his first breakfast with the others after what seemed like ages ago would be better celebrated with a huge frown. Frankly, I couldn't blame him for that. If I had a family like that too, well... And no, I am not being sentimental. The Beta who I had deduced was like his father seemed to have been ready to torture me to death rather than save Indrik. His brother, well, Leon had almost beaten him to death. Need I say more?

"I will just wait out here." I informed Indrik at the door to the dining room. The look I had gotten from the guards was already making me uneasy. If I had to bear the look of the others too... Besides, I was pretty certain that I wouldn't be welcome in there.

"What?" Indrik growled, sending me jumping. He had been quiet for so long that hearing his voice startled me.

"Uhm! I mean..." I started when he growled again.

"You are coming with me." It was hard to decide whether he was doing this to spite me or for some other reason but it was pretty clear that I had to go with him.

I tried to stop at the door but he simply grabbed me by the arm and led me to the end of the table where the others were gathered. The first thing I noticed was that the Beta was absent as were the other elders. The others that were present regarded us silently. By the others, I mean Leon who scoffed and turned back to his food, Jamil who nodded his greeting to the both of us before returning to his food, Ulo who did the same, minus the me part and Blaire who examined our joined hands with a frown before returning her attention to our food. I noticed that something was wrong. For one, no one volunteered news about the Beta or even said a word in greeting. All seemed to be especially interested in their food. Indrik didn't ask about the Beta either as he took a seat and forced me to sit beside him as well, provoking curious glances from some people but they quickly returned their attention to their plates.

The maids came to serve us and I couldn't help feeling awkward. Sure, I had eaten at the table before but I had been invited at that time, besides, my master had not been present at that time. Now, it seemed like I was forcing myself into this very gloomy circle. Breakfast was a very boring affair and I couldn't be more glad when Indrik rose to his feet with a loud scraping. I rose too, ignoring my plate that was still half full. It was hard to work up an appetite in this kind of environment. Indrik took a glance at my plate before turning around and leaving. I was starting to realize just how much of a sulker my master was. Remind me to never forget his birthdays. Oh, wait, I didn't know his birthday.

As I followed my master, I noticed Leon getting out of his chair and coming after us out of the corner of my eyes. A part of me wanted to grab Indrik by the arm and run as fast as I could back to safety but, where was safety? Jamil had mentioned that Leon also had a room in our quarters which meant that no place was safe for my master. Not unless he could protect himself. I continued to steal glances behind us as I hurried after my master but I could not see Leon. I almost started to hope that he was not coming for us.

One thing I had learnt was that hope was no friend of mine. Whenever I dared to call on her, she reminded me of this which was why I shouldn't have been so surprised when Leon caught up to us just as we stepped out of the huge doors. He had probably delayed to throw Indrik's friends, especially Jamil off his trail.

"Hey brother." He called dryly as he caught up to Indrik and placed an arm on his shoulder. I noticed that his nose looked dented. That hadn't been there the last time I saw him. Something told me it had something to do with Jamil. The thought warmed me up.

"What do you want?" Indrik snapped, brushing his hand off roughly.

"Growing balls, are we? I heard your wolf was finally freed. A waste, I tell you. They should have just let you die." Leon grinned darkly. Indrik's eyes narrowed but I could notice his hands shaking. He was scared. Leon seemed to notice it as he laughed. "Wolf or not, I can and will still thrash you brother. Not today though. But soon." He laughed as he sauntered off.

Looking back, I noticed why he had left. Jamil had appeared behind us and was now looking at us tentatively. Indrik growled as he stomped off. I glanced at Jamil before running after my master.

My mind was made up now. I was going to train my master.