The Blind wolf

The Blind Wolf

Over the years, I have come to understand the smell and footsteps of almost everyone.

I could easily distinguish who enters a room by the way they smell or even breathe.

This was one of the advantages of being blind; your other senses become so in touch that it is almost wonderful.

I have been blind since birth. My parents are dead, and I was left with my aunty and uncle, but somehow I still felt alone. Constantly bullied and humiliated, I had decided, or at least contemplated, moving into the little cottage down the hill, quite close to the forest and a bit far from the pack house.

At least I would have a bit of peace and quiet to myself, and I wouldn't be constantly reminded of my disability.

And here comes that shallow and mocking inhale and that stupid loud stomping of feet, apparently meant for my ears.

Quite silly, most of the wolves here.

Simply because I can't see doesn't make me useless, or as useless as they might assume of me.

"Quiet!" one of them said. "We don't want to wake the blind wolf. She just might scream loud if we do. You know how blind people can be."

Laughter erupted.

I didn't scream. I listened to their footsteps and heartbeat. Over time, I realized that heavy footsteps meant warriors. Intentional ones meant the elders, and just like earlier, the heels digging with that shallow and arrogant sound belonged to the girls who thought life was all about cruelty and oppression of others.

And just like today, it was the third kind.

"Blind girl."

That repeated word I had been called since birth was supposed to cause me pain, but it never did, which made the third ones quite angry.

"How long do you intend on laying there? We entered this room, but still you had no idea you are such a burden."

I reached for my cane, but noticed someone moved closer and threw it against the wall.

"Are you deaf, blind girl? Can't you hear her giving you an instruction?"

I reached for the wall to steady my balance as I almost fell backward. Laughter erupted around me like an endless flood.

"Easy now," Charis said sweetly.

"I think we must stop. She just might cry."

I could feel my wolf whimpering beneath my skin, annoyed but still restrained. I stood tall as I wiped my hands on my dress.

I kept my spirit high like an armor. Not because I could see them, but with the distance of their breaths, I could know how far they were apart, and I could easily guess who stood where.

Lyla always stands behind. Nervous, always.

But somewhere was the loudest. I think it was to hide her fear, or rather the confession that she doesn't want to be here doing this, but she probably can't, or she will become the next target.

"Don't fall again," she adds.

Lyla awkwardly adds, always wanting to prove something. I don't know if it is to herself or to the world.

That made them laugh even more. I mean, how shallow can you get? I used to wonder, but hearing them, I think it goes as deep as you want.

I picked up my cane, putting it in front of me as my guide, before hearing Charis say, "I mean, why were you even given a wolf? It was probably a mistake. Such a waste you truly are.

Muna the blind wolf."

I never answered when they called. I never do and never will. Because girls like them feed on attention, but silence kills them more than anything. I learnt that over the years.

Behind me, I noticed Charis stormed her feet as usual whenever she doesn't get her way. Such a spoilt brat this one was.

And just like that, their footsteps faded. But I remained where I stood.

Today felt different. The situation that just happened helped me make a decision, something I had always contemplated.

I think it was time I moved away a bit farther from the pack. I need my peace and quiet, and since they consider me a burden to them, I know it will be quite a celebration for them that the blind girl who brought but a tint to their perfect reputation won't be here anymore. That certainty would make their day.

And as for my aunty and uncle, I am sure they will be relieved of the burden of me permanently.

So everyone will be happy, myself included.

I stood before the alpha to lay my wish, and instantly it was granted, even with a servant who would help clean the cottage before I moved in.

I knew they wouldn't mind, but somehow, they rushed to get rid of me. It still broke my heart. Even after all these years, I think I haven't learnt completely.

By dusk, I was now settled in my new home, alone and in peace, when I was suddenly jolted awake due to circling noises of something. This was strange because the crickets and owls had quieted down.

But I was sure nobody would dare enter our territory, so what was the circling figure?

I counted the footsteps. It moved every seven seconds.

And it stopped, then continued again.

And now I felt it standing at my door. The breathing was heavy and too close. It smelled different.

I held tight to my sheet.

When a faint knock hit the door.

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