Wolves of the new dawn

Finding rest

*Torren*

The moonlight spills across the surface of the lake as we reach the other side of it, casting a shimmering path that beckons us forward. I can feel the tension in my muscles begin to ease as we walk through the cool night air, the oppressive darkness of the tunnels far behind us now. The fresh scent of the water invigorates my senses, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

“Let’s find a good spot to set up camp,” I say, my voice steady, but my mind is racing. The wolf inside me is restless, pacing in the back of my consciousness, drawn to Raylee in a way that’s both exhilarating and terrifying. It senses her vulnerability, her warmth, and it wants to claim her, to mark her as mine. But I can't let that happen… not yet. Not when Freesia is still here, and not when there’s so much at stake. I push the desire back, focusing instead on the task at hand.

Raylee and Freesia follow closely behind as I lead them to a good spot, keeping an eye out for a suitable place to rest. The moon hangs high above us, illuminating the landscape in a silvery glow. I can hear the soft lapping of the water against the shore and the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. It’s peaceful, a stark contrast to the chaos we’ve just escaped.

“There!” I point to a small, flat area beneath a cluster of trees, their branches swaying gently in the night air. “We can set up here. It’ll give us some shelter from the wind.”

As we approach, I drop our packs onto the ground and quickly begin to gather wood for a fire. The wolf within me grows impatient, its instincts urging me to stake my claim, to protect what’s mine. But I push those thoughts aside, focusing instead on creating a warm, inviting space for the three of us. It’s a struggle, but I can’t afford to let my feelings get in the way.

Once I have a decent pile of wood, I kneel down and begin to set up the fire pit. I can feel Freesia and Raylee watching me, their curiosity palpable. “You know how to start a fire?” Freesia asks, her voice filled with a mix of awe and disbelief.

I chuckle softly, the sound reverberating in the stillness of the night. “It’s a necessary skill out here. You never know when you’ll need warmth or light.” I quickly arrange the twigs and kindling, striking a flint against steel until sparks fly. With a few breaths, the fire catches, flickering to life and casting a warm glow around us.

Raylee gasps softly, her eyes widening as the flames dance, illuminating the features of her face. There’s something enchanting about her, a spark of bravery that shines through the uncertainty. I can see her relax, the tension in her shoulders easing as the warmth of the fire envelopes us.

“Let’s eat,” I say, rummaging through our packs. I pull out some dried fruits, nuts, and a few strips of jerky we had gotten from the supply store. “I know it’s not much, but it’ll keep our energy up.”

“I’ll take it,” Raylee replies, her voice light. She leans closer to the fire, the glow reflecting in her eyes. It’s moments like this… simple but profound… that make the weight of the world feel a little lighter.

As we eat, I can’t help but steal glances at Raylee. Her laughter mingles with the crackling of the fire, and I can feel the wolf stir again, a primal urge to pull her close. I clamp down on the desire, reminding myself that she is still getting to know me, still learning who I am. I don’t want to scare her.

Freesia finishes her meal and leans back against a tree, her eyes fluttering closed as she fights against sleep. I can’t blame her; it’s been a long and harrowing day. I finish my portion and glance at Raylee, who is still nibbling on her jerky, the firelight illuminating her features in a way that makes my heart race.

“Raylee,” I say softly, “can I hold you? While we sleep I mean.” The words slip out before I can think them through, the wolf inside me urging me to take this step, to pull her into my embrace and keep her safe.

Her eyes widen slightly, surprise flickering across her face. I hold my breath, unsure of how she’ll respond. “Yes,” she whispers, her cheeks flushing as she scoots closer to me, her body instinctively seeking warmth.

I spread out a blanket for her, and we both lay down on it, her back to me.

I reach out, wrapping my arms around her as she snuggles against my side. The moment she settles against me, the wolf quiets, satisfied for now. I tuck her hair behind her ear, my fingers brushing against her skin, and she snuggles into me further, her breath steadying as sleep begins to claim her.

Freesia shifts, curling up on her own nearby, and I take a moment to observe the both of them. In this brief respite, under the glow of the fire and the watchful eye of the moon, I can almost forget the dangers that lurk just beyond our camp. I feel a surge of protectiveness over them, a fierce need to shield them from the darkness that seeks to encroach upon our newfound sanctuary.

As Raylee drifts off, her body relaxed against mine, I allow myself a moment of vulnerability. I’ve fought hard to keep my emotions at bay, but in this moment, with her warmth seeping into my skin, I can’t help but feel a connection to her that runs deeper than anything I’ve ever known.

The night stretches on, the fire crackling softly as I keep watch over them, I can’t allow myself to sleep. The wolf inside me may have its instincts, but I know I have to be the one in control. And as I hold Raylee close, I feel a sense of hope growing within me. Maybe, just maybe, I can protect them both and who know what will happen when we reach the pack.