Wolves of the new dawn

Rats and respect

*Freesia*

As we step into the cool darkness of the sewer pipe, the air shifts, wrapping around us like a damp blanket. The sound of water trickling echoes in the distance, and I can’t help but shudder slightly. I grip Raylee’s hand tighter, feeling her small fingers tremble. Torren leads us with a firm resolve, his presence both reassuring and commanding.

“Are you okay, Raylee?” he asks, glancing back at us quite often, as if scared we will disappear. I watch the way his brow furrows, the intensity in his eyes softening when he looks at her. It’s a side of him I haven’t seen before, and it stirs something inside me. I’ve always known men to be brash and domineering, but Torren treats Raylee with a gentleness that feels almost foreign. I find myself examining his every move, realizing that he values us, that he sees us as worth protecting.

“I’m fine,” Raylee whispers, though her voice wavers. Torren comes to stand beside her, adjusting her backpack, making sure it sits comfortably on her shoulders. “Just a little tired. Can we stop soon?” she asks, her big eyes searching his face.

“Just a little longer,” he assures her, his voice low and steady. “We’ll find a place to rest as soon as we are out. You’re doing great.” I can see the way he tries to mask his worry, how he keeps glancing back at us, ensuring we’re still in step. It’s evident that his priority is our safety, and with each passing moment, I can’t help but feel a warmth growing in my chest.

The path twists and turns, the walls closing in, and I can hear the soft scuttle of something in the shadows. My heart races as I squint into the dark, my mind conjuring images of what lurks in the depths of this forgotten place. “Torren?” I murmur, my voice barely rising above a whisper.

“Stay close,” he commands, his tone leaving no room for argument. There’s an edge to his voice, a primal instinct that kicks in, and I feel a surge of admiration for him. He’s not just a protector; he’s a warrior, and I’m beginning to understand that beneath his rugged exterior lies a deep-seated respect for those he cares about.

A sudden rustle draws my attention, and I freeze, fear washing over me. Torren shifts into a low crouch, his body tense and ready. “What was that?” Raylee gasps, her grip on my hand tightening.

“Rats,” Torren mutters, and just as he says it, a massive rat scuttles into view. It’s the size of a small dog, its beady red eyes glinting with malice. My stomach churns at the sight, but I don’t have time to react before Torren shifts. In an instant, he transforms into his wolf form… a magnificent creature with gleaming fur and sharp, powerful limbs. The air vibrates with energy, and I can hardly breathe as he lunges at the rat.

The creature barely has time to squeal before Torren’s jaws close around it, and with a swift, brutal motion, he dispatches it. My heart races, as first fear and then awe flooding my senses. His wolf form is majestic, and in that moment, I realize how fiercely he will fight to protect especially my sister.

One by one, more rats emerge from the shadows, their eyes glowing with hunger. Torren dispatches them with an efficiency that leaves me breathless. He moves like a shadow… quick, lethal, and utterly in control. I can’t help but admire the way he fights, the way he embodies strength and respect for his surroundings. It’s a stark contrast to the men I’ve known, and the realization sends a shiver down my spine.

Finally, the last of the rats lies motionless on the ground, and Torren shifts back, breathing heavily but with a triumphant glint in his eye. “All clear,” he says, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his lips.

“You’re incredible,” Raylee whispers, unable to keep the admiration from her voice.

I watch as he checks on her, asking her if she’s okay and making sure she’s not too shaken. It’s a simple act of kindness, but it speaks volumes. I’ve never seen a man treat a woman with such respect, and it’s starting to shift something within me. Perhaps there is more to this world than I ever realized.

“Let’s keep moving,” Torren urges, and I nod, feeling a sense of renewed determination. The darkness of the sewer no longer feels as suffocating; with Torren by our side, there’s a glimmer of hope.

After what feels like an eternity of navigating through the damp, winding tunnels, I catch a whiff of fresh air. The scent is cool and inviting, a stark contrast to the musty odor that has clung to us. “Do you smell that?” I ask, a spark of excitement igniting within me.

“Yes,” Torren replies, his expression shifting to one of focus. “We’re close. Just a little further.”

As we press on, the tunnel begins to widen, and the sound of water becomes more pronounced. My heart races with the prospect of escape. The air grows fresher, invigorating me as I quicken my pace, Raylee trailing closely behind.

Finally, we reach an exit… a small, hidden alcove that opens up to a glimmering lake. The moonlight dances on the surface, illuminating the water in a silver sheen. I can hardly believe we made it. My heart swells with relief, and I take a moment to breathe in the beauty of the scene before us.

“We did it,” I whisper, glancing at Torren, who watches us with a proud smile. There’s a quiet strength in him, a sense of purpose that ignites a fire in my chest. Maybe, just maybe, this journey will truly lead us somewhere brighter, somewhere safe.

“Now, let’s get to the other side,” he says, and I nod, ready to follow him into whatever lies ahead.