Between Two Worlds

Chapter Two

Father has spent countless moons training me ever since I could walk properly on all four paws. My father had assigned multiple mentors for my specific courses.

Such examples included Micah, a stag who specialized in the healing courses. He’s been teaching all the younger pups since he was an apprentice. Micah has proved to be a valuable member of the pack, and Father has assigned him to journey with Thorn and I.

Ryker’s a falcon who’s specialized in the flight course. Ever since I’ve received my crystal, it was Ryker who has taught me how to use my wings efficiently. Having a strict side, the falcon was often harsh and impatient, but I’ve slowly grown to simply ignore him.

They were the only two coming alongside Thorn and I. It was a bit intimidating to have two experienced packmates joining the pair of us, but I didn’t mind as long as they didn’t try to boss me around. This was my mission, and I’m not gonna let them forget it.

My thoughts were interrupted as Thorn entered my den. I shrieked in surprise as he poked his head in, and I almost slammed him into the clay-splattered walls.

The wolf backed away in alarm as I bristled in fear, but soon recovered and huffed in laughter.

“Come on,” Thorn whispered softly, and I sighed in relief as I crept out from the mud-encrusted cave.

Ryker and Micha were already in front of the illuminated portal, and the pack stayed clear of Thorn and I as we made our way to the edge of the clearing. Mother and Father stood in front of it, waiting to tell us farewell.

The grass was worn from all the animals that have made their way from and to the portal, and I felt a stab of pain in my chest when I remembered that only a little more than half of the animals that left The Oasis came back alive.

My mother must’ve noticed my anxiety, for she padded toward me and gave me a comforting nuzzle on the head.

“You’ll be fine, Duma,” she whispered softly, “You’re ready for this.” Mother flicked her ear and motioned to Father.

“Trust your Alpha and I.”

The massive wolf stood stiff-legged in front of the entryway to Earth. He refused to make eye contact with me, and I understood why.

Despite being protective and aggressive over his pack, my Father had a soft spot for every single one of his packmates. Knowing he may lose Micah, Ryker, Thorn or I is really shaking him up.

“Father.”

The white wolf slowly turned his head. I noticed distraught in his gaze, and I couldn’t help but give him a little pat on the head.

“We’re gonna be fine. No one’s going to get hurt. We’ll solve this Outsider issue and make our way home safe and sound.”

Father gave me a narrowed glare.

“Promise me you’ll be okay.”

I glanced toward Thorn, who lifted his head proudly. Ryker nodded to Micha, who planted his hooves firmly into the soil.

“I promise.”

With one final gaze around my lifelong home, we said our last farewells. we slowly stepped toward the portal, afraid of what was to come next. And finally, we went into the entryway into unfamiliar territory.