Whisper of the Wood

chapter 15.2

The freezing air pinched at her skin once she dropped the furs from her slimming frame. The girl with honey skin had spent many winters in the wilds, but she feared she would not see the next spring.

The number of wolves in patrolling the surrounding territories had increased ten fold in the last few months, even the unclaimed lands were riddled with with other creatures devowering the depleting food sources.

Her growing hunger lead to her putting herself in more danger, but it was do or die. She picked up her makeshift spear as her warm breath escaped into the icy air. She hoped a fish or two would find thier way to her empty stomach soon. She made the small hole in the ice three days ago and failed at every attempt to to fish the conventional way. She wondered if there were any fish in the lake at all as she peered into the darkness. She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath and she plunged her body into the icey depth.

The water felt like a thousand blades ripping at her skin, the act of opening her eyes stung. But she needed her sight to hunt her prey. As her body numbed from the temperature she knew she needed to be quick. Even at her healthiest she wouldn't last long in these freezing waters. despite the pain she swiftly swam deeper into the depth all the while making sure the opening in the ice remained above. If she lost it her short life would be over. Not exactly the way she wanted to go. The blue flame that seemed to enjoy her company was gone. it often did that flickering in and out of her life. She wondered if she lost her way in the depths if it would come to her aid, it usually liked to help. She momentarily stilled her body as she spotted her target and threw the spear. Hunting in the water was much more difficult, but her kill was swift and she returned to the surface with ease.

She threw her dinner out of the water first before lifting herself from near death. Her body shivering as she grabbed her fur cloak wrapping it tightly as she could feel the ice beginning to form in her hair. She knew time was of the essence she needed to get back the the embers of her dying fire to warm up. A familiar blue light circled her as it always did when it returned. 3 days she thought, thats how long she was alone. the blue light had became a source of comfort and even though it never reposnded she enjoyed talking to it. As her head turned to follow the light she spotted him

A large silver wolf laying near the edge of the lake, its bright blue eyes examining her every move. She knew this was bad, she had been spotted. It wouldn't be long before his reinforcements would arrive and she had no idea of knowing how many would be sent.

Her clattering jaw clenched and she twisted on the ice letted her legs carry her as far away from this threat. Each step in her bare feet sent shocks of pain, the weather was really taking a toll on her body. She wonder who would kill her first the wolves or the ice attacking her body. Despite the harsh conditions and ripping sensation in her feet, she made fast progress along the lake toward the forest on the north side.

Taking a quick glace over her shoulder she noticed the wolf had not moved. She wonderes if perhaps luck was on her side today, until five wolves appeared. four of whom began their pursuit.

Her mind was filled with all possible scenarios to get out alive. this wasn't the first time she would come face to face with pack wolves. Typically she would just outrun them, though occassionally had to use her wit to incapacitate them. She preferred avoiding conflict and she had no desire to spend months recovering. There was no time for her to take refuge in the canopy above, where she spent most of her time. it was always safer up there and she developed a unique skill of gliding through the tree branches so quickly even the fastest of wolves struggled to keep pace.

She looked across to the blue flame swiftly following beside her, when she caught moved in the tree time. A usually tactic she thought, they always worked as a team separating off to surround thier prey. But with only four she could make it work to her advantage. The girl kept up her pace as she clocked each wolfs position. One to her left, two to her right and one directly behind her. it seemed as though they were purposefully keeping a distance as she eyed one of the two to her right picking up speed. An attempt to cut her off, so she made the first move swiftly using a small tree to swing and catapult herself toward the unsuspecting brown wolf, tailing behind her.

As she ran towards the wolf it snarled baring its teeth, he lunged and snapped at her catching the long fur cloak. ripping it in the process. She had no problem evading the attack having jumped over the wolf landing four precise blows along its back. She felt a snapping sensation when she landed, the force on her frozen feet causing a shockwave of pain. The brown wolf lay motionless on the ground. proud of her abilities despite her weakened state, she gave a smug grin to the three other wolves who clearly turned to follow as she switched to towards the mountains in the west. She used this as an opportunity to take out the lone she-wolf previously flanking her left side. The wolf had clearly already closed the distance bow flanking her right side as the two male wolves were tailing. The she-wolf was clearly pissed off, several snarls escaped her lips as she displayed her deadly teeth. They were almost running side by side when the girl made her next move jumping again, thia time landing on the wolfs back before landing those same four blows. The she-wolf attempted to turn and bite the girl but when the last blow made contact the wolf collapsed to the floor.

The girl was now panting, struggling for breath, the running had taken its toll so now she would stand her ground. Afterall two wolves were better odds than four.

The last two were much larger, almost twice her size, but the remained cautious in thier approach. The girl noticed one of them seemed particularly stressed by the inconcious she-wolf by her feet. Mates she thought, though she cared not for their bond. The two males remained quieter tough the rage they felt was evident in thier posture. The flicker of light hadn't left the girls side, and she willed it to provide assistance. With the unspoken words a circle of blue flame erupted around her. The two wolves were stunned, that they never saw her coming. In when the flames died down the two wolves lay unconscious on the ground and the girl slumped against a nearby tree hoping it was the end of the days dangers.

Her body was sore and starting to shut down from the cold. If this was death she wished it to be peaceful, she took one last look at the blue flame as it disappeared off into the distance before closing her eyes. traitorous wretch she thought to herself.

As she began to open them again a sharp pain erupted in her right arm. She bite her tongue to stifle her sream as she pulled away. Another wolf had appeared sinking its teeth into her arm, she managed to use what little strength she had to pull away, the teeth ripping her flesh and furs. This wolf could have just killed her but instead it reveled in playing with its prey. She managed to get to her feet refusing to take her eyes off the wolf. Others could be nearby so she took her chances and ran.

Her arm trailing blood behind her, niw there was no escape. As she ran more wolves joined the chase, none making any attempt to cause further bodily harm. But that didn't stop them from grabbing the furs until barely any remained. She knew what they were doing tormenting her and herding her to her final resting place.

She eventually reached an opening vy which time she was surrounded by almost a hundred wolves. Some she noticed were in human form brandishing weapons. She could hear their repulsive chanting. Still none approached her though she noticed on the far side they parted ways making an entry point.

A tall man wearing a white unbuttoned shirt and dress trousers walking into the clearing as the other wolves displayed thier necks. The girl realised this man must be thier alpha. His mousy brown hair was neatly slicked back and his dark brown eyes narrowed on her.

The girl scrambled to grab a broken branch with her functional arm. She knew there was no chance of survival, but she would do as much damage back as she possibly could.

The Alphas posture remained relaxed and his guard was down. He wasnt even trying to attack or defend, she tensed her body at the prospect of dying to a wolf who seen her as nothing more than a bothersome fly.

She watched as his brown eyes became darker and he let his deep voice fill the air, silencing the crown temporarily.

'Calm down little lion, why don't you drop your toy and accept death'

She charged towards him in a fit of anger. She had had enough and refused to surrender as prey to an arrogant alpha. She threw the stick and glided to get behind him. But as quickly as she had made that decision he grasped his hand around her throat and lifted her from the ground. His hand was hot against her ice cold skin and the pressure of his grip caused her to grasp his wrist as she thrashed her body to get free. The lack of oxygen was touture as her vision blurred in and out of focus. But she refused to give him the satisfaction of her scream as her eyes showed her wild rage.

The Alpha then threw her, slamming her boddy to the ground. Still no sound escaped her lips. He stalked toward her, dagger in hand as an eruption of noise filled the air. But the girl could not make out what the voices were saying. She rolled on the ground clutching her throat as she gasped for air. Despite the light feeling in her head she managed to rise to her feet, still hunching over as her hand attempted to sooth her throat. She struggled to focus on anything even the wolf stalking towards her.

She guessed her death would be painful as her eyes landed on a familiar pair of blue eyes in the crowd. The grey wolf who was that catalyst leading to this moment.

She watched as the wolf shot out of the crowd and stopped with his back twards her. What a stupid wolf she thought as she lunged to jump on his back and attempted to pin his down despite being twice her size. But it was usless her body was shutting down and she had no more energy to spare, her head slumped forward as she feelt her conscious drifting away. the words she once heard as a child escaping her lips 'live'. Then darkness enveloped her.