Chapter 3: True Friends

As life stirred within her once more, a panicked voice cried out in relief.

“Thank the Moon! You’re awake!”

Alinta opened her eyes and nearly jumped at the familiar face filling her vision. “Helen? What happened?” she groaned.

“You scared the life out of me, that’s what happened!” Helen exclaimed. “When you didn’t show up at the café, Lilly tried to contact Ange to see if you were on your way. When she couldn’t reach her, I rushed straight to your place; only to find a huge red wolf passed out on your doorstep!” She pressed her palm to Alinta’s forehead, worry etched deep into her face. “How are you feeling? Can you get up? I'm taking you to the doc!”

Alinta took a moment to assess her surroundings, dread twisting in her chest as the memory returned. She immediately reached out to her wolf. “Ange, you okay?” she quickly asked silently, before glancing back at Helen.

“Yeah, I feel fine now, but damn, that was rough!” Angela grunted, sounding more feral than usual.

“We're okay now, thank you, Helen. I don’t know what happened, but on the way home, we both started feeling off, regardless of form. As Ange reached the porch, it was lights out.” Alinta hesitated. “You said we were still in wolf form when you found us?”

“Yeah. But after I got you inside, you slowly shifted back.” Helen frowned. “Wait – hold on… Both of you felt sick? Like… both bodies?”

“Yeah… but I feel fine now. Like I had a really good sleep.”

“That’s not normal! Come on,” Helen insisted, “let me take you to the doctor, please.” Her puppy-dog eyes were wide and pleading.

Alinta, however, had grown somewhat immune to her persuasive powers. “We’re fine, Helen. Really,” she said gently. “If something happens again, I'll go. I promise. Even Ange agrees with me, and that’s rare.” She chuckled as her wolf rolled her eyes.

“You better!” Helen huffed, then pulled Alinta into a tight embrace.

“I will,” Alinta reassured her, relaxing into her friend’s warmth.

“Good!” Helen replied, then glanced her watch and began tapping furiously on her phone.

“What are you doing?” Alinta asked, intrigued.

“I, little madam, am making detailed notes on how long you were unconscious,” Helen declared, absorbed in her task. “I’ll send everything to you, for the doctor!”

“You worry too much,” Alinta laughed.

“Negative! You’re like a little sister to me, so of course I can never worry enough!” Helen pinched her cheek playfully. “Now, is there anything I can get you?”

Alinta shook her head and began to sit up, only to realise Helen had dressed her and braided her hair.

“You’re just the best!” she said warmly. “How about I make you a coffee as a thanks for everything you’ve done today?” She fluttered her long lashes dramatically.

“Oh no you don’t!” Helen barked. “You sit your bootylicious arse right there. I’ll make the coffee!”

Alinta laughed, raising her hands in surrender, knowing she had lost the war, even before it began.

Helen returned with steaming mugs and a box of café biscuits she’d bought earlier while waiting for Alinta. The two chatted until dusk. Alinta, concerned for her friend's safety, meticulously coaxed her to go home, which Helen only did once she was certain Alinta was okay.

The next morning, Alinta woke early, feeling refreshed. She messaged Jenny, her employer and friend, to ask if she could work half a day. Jenny was elated, especially since Alinta rarely took time off. While Jenny knew how much Alinta loved working at the library, she often wished her friend would take more time for herself, time to enjoy the things people in their twenties should.

Mondays at this time of the year were usually quiet, with only a handful of visitors, mostly schoolchildren hunting for books for their end-of-year projects.

As lunchtime approached, Alinta made her way to Aunt Deanna's home.

Deanna was a beloved figure in the Umber Valley, affectionately called “Aunt” or “Aunty Deanna” by all. She was the town’s historian of werewolf lore, a true local treasure and living archive of their past. She was also the second-most important person in Alinta's life.

Deanna's home lay just five minutes from the library. As Alinta drew near, she quickly smoothed her dress and knocked.

“We haven’t visited Aunt Deanna in a long time,” Angela murmured, her tails wagging.

“Yeah, but you know why,” Alinta replied softly. “Until we figure things out, we need to remain cautious.”

“Right as usual,” Angela sighed, sensing her person’s shifting emotions. “But don’t worry, I won’t let that–” She fell silent as graceful footsteps approached.

The door opened.

“Hi, Aunt Deanna!” Alinta greeted brightly.

“Oh, Alinta! What a pleasant surprise,” Deanna exclaimed, drawing her into a warm embrace. “Come in, dear child. Make yourself at home.”

She guided Alinta inside and gestured for her to sit. Deanna was tall and elegant, with aquamarine eyes that seemed to peer into the very essence of one’s soul. Warmth radiated from her, the kind that made affection inevitable.

“Now tell me, what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?” Deanna asked, her voice brimming with excitement.

“I was reading some human literature yesterday and well...” Alinta hesitated.

Deanna chuckled, shaking her head. Her long silver hair shimmered as each strand caught the sunlight. “I see. Though I don’t blame you, those stories are quite trendy.”

“But yours are the best, Aunt Deanna,” Alinta insisted.

“Hear, hear!” Angela cheered, bouncing up and down.

“And they are not based on fiction!” Deanna proclaimed proudly. “Though…” She tapped her chin thoughtfully. “I don’t believe I have any new ones to tell, my child.”

“But on our last visit, you said you had a new myth you wanted to share with us,” Alinta pouted.

She closed her eyes, delving deeply into her ancient mental archives. “Oh!” Deanna pinched the bridge of her nose theatrically. “Of course, how could I forget?”

She leaned forward, eyes gleaming.

“Have you ever heard the legend of the Rogue Deity?”