The Other Side

Prologue

A brown wolf with darker brown markings padded into a cave that smelled strongly of herbs.

"How is he?" The brown, rather big wolf asked.

"Oh! William, you startled me." A light gray wolf with gray markings said, turning from where she was sorting herbs.

"Sorry, I'm just worried..." William muttered, glancing down at his paws.

"Well... He's not doing much better.. He's very weak and can barely keep anything down. He's over there sleeping." She responded, nodding towards a light brown wolf in the back of the den. His fur was messy and his breathing was heavy. The wolf coughed and shifted but still kept his eyes closed.

"Aaron .." William muttered, knowing he couldn't go near the sick wolf. He quickly turned to the gray female. "I.. I better be going." He said, starting to walk out of the den.

"Wait." She called after him. He turned and she ran up to touch noses with him. "Aaron is strong. Don't worry." She said, though there was a hint of uncertainty in her voice. William locked gazes with her for a few moments before nodding. He turned and headed outside without glancing back again.

"Aaron... Please get better soon. For the others, they need you. You're their deputy. I need you!" He whispered, knowing his friend couldn't hear him. "Please.."