“I understand.” She says her voice booming and strong yet I see the fight in her eyes. She is unsure of my decision, now it is her turn to hold the immense fear I held.
I throw a pile of my unwashed clothes into her hands which she catches with ease. “If my male cries for me, wear these clothes and hold him. These clothes still hold my scent and shall calm him.” My commanding voice manifests into a whisper as I near him to place a soft kiss on his cheek. He flinches but continues to sleep. “I shall bring your father back home.”
Tightening the knot of the shawl at the back of my neck grabbing the bag holding it over my shoulder I give Elriam a curt nod of farewell. The fact that my house was not close to the pack lands came to my advantage and I am able to slip out with no wolf’s interference.
As if the moon aided me with my decision only one truck remained, a truck meant for me to use for the warriors had taken the rest. Cronus had informed me that he would send his warriors right away. I need to be there when they arrive. Scanning the back of the truck finding several petrol jars that shall last for the ride to the war I grip the steering wheel tighter. Starting the engine, determination set free allowed to reign I drive away from my pack.
Five days, it took me five days to reach the independent pack lands. Five days of staring at the crumpled map, five days of sleeping in the tiny space at the back of the truck. Five days of taking baths in the cold streams and five days of hunting birds, frogs and wild hares.
The further I came closer to the final destination the more my surroundings changed. It became eerie and silent, wilder and less welcoming and calming. I left the truck far from the lands and went by foot the rest of the way. I held my wolf within me bounded in her cage for if she tore out of me the wolves would have recognized her scent. My body was covered in river mud that I smudged all over to hide my scent.
It was a difficult path of observing, crawling and hiding to get to their main base even searching for perhaps a camp set up by Deimos. I saw no bodies, I saw no blood. I did not understand, nothing made sense so I chose to do what looked like the best choice at the moment. I stayed put. I stayed at the same place hiding behind the shadows of the bushes for the entire day until the sun bled into darkness.
The sound of low chatter arises and I startle mind on alert quickly sitting up I peek through the leaves. Scanning the area two wolves sit upon a cut tree bark and speak between themselves. If I can fight and bound them perhaps I can get some answers. It is the quickest way and the easiest.
Picking up the knives gripping them tightly I crouch ready preparing my tactics for the attack. Once ready I make my move, it needs to be as quiet and swift as possible. As I begin to get up from my position a hand is thrust forward from behind to clamp over my mouth pulling me backwards with force.
Eyes widening I swing the knife in my hand aiming backwards one fluid thrust has the blade strike deep into the wolf’s flesh. He grunts but his left hand around my waist only tightens as he pulls me further back away from the bushes, away from my safety.
He pulls me further into darkness and I struggle in his grasp kicking and scratching, I extract the knife from his flesh and he curses loudly but before I could strike him again he shoves me onto a tree elbow propelled into my neck. As my wavering vision comes back and begins to focus I stare at the male in front of me with surprise.
“Cronus?”
“Lumina.” He says my name with a fury that spills out of him. His chest heaves whilst his burning gaze meet mine. His right palm adds pressure to the wound I gave him as blood gushes freely.
“I am sorry!” I shriek. Opening my bag taking out one of the used shirts I give it to him as he takes it to wipe his bloody hand and places it over his cut.
“What are you doing here? You broke our deal.” He says his voice low with soft growls leaving his chest. He is furious demanding his rightful explanation. He stands in front of me dressed similarly to me a shawl that covers his face, I can only see his eyes.
“I had to. He is my mate, Cronus.” I reply eyes scanning our surrounding. There seems to be no wolf present but us two. Where are his warriors? Did he come alone?
“Do you realize the risk you took? The harm that would have come your way?” He pushes me deeper into the tree as I meet with the wrath of his fury.
“I was doing good. I have observed quite a lot. I was going to gather more information from the two wolves -”
“There weren’t merely two wolves, Lumina! There was plenty present hidden waiting for the wolf that shall come to be used as bait.” He declares the truth as I stand caught off guard in front of him. I was sure there were only two I had scanned the area well.
“H-How do you know that?” I question whilst Cronus sighs. A low whistle leaves his lips and in a second several of his warriors come forward from the shadows. They are all dressed in black and some in dark green making it easier for them to hide.
“We practice camouflage. We converse through whistles and sounds. My warriors are the best at this.” He replies finally releasing me from his hold. His anger towards me still simmers beneath surface and I find it quite interesting to see him upset for this is the first time I have seen it.
“Deimos. Have you seen him? Do you know where he is?” I capture the material of his shirt in my hands pulling him towards me my fearful questioning eyes meeting his. Cronus tilts his head whilst he gazes down at me and shuts his eyes in understanding.
“I do know where he is.” He replies.
“Take me. Take me to him.” I plead as he seeks my truth held deep beneath my eyes.
“I will if you promise me you will leave as soon as daylight breaks. I shall assign one of my warriors to take you home.” He says waiting for my answer.
“I will. I will leave, I promise. Once I know of his well being I shall leave. Take me to him, Cronus.”
He gives me a curt nod of acknowledgement and moves his eyes to a warrior behind me.