Your Ring On My Skeleton

44 : Run, Wolves

"Stop the nonsense, Nikolai. Kahit sino sa ating dalawa, kapag nagdesisyon si Antara, wala tayong magagawa. I know she loves you too but that doesn't change the fact that she is stubborn in nature." Ignis answered. He even heaved a sigh. "Maybe this is why we are stuck in this lovely triangle you say. We're both attracted to this stubborn woman."

"You are in my mountain, Ignis. Your city is not here. You really should watch how you move and talk."

"Owning this part of the mountain is such a brag, Nikolai. But that is just an understatement to tell that I do not belong in these mountains, too. My wolf is here. My Antara is from here. I walked in these mountains, and you can say I stepped and let it know I am here."

"Scales and smokes." Nikolai said. "You smell like it until now."

"Oh, for God's sake. If I am a dragon, I should have burned you already." Ignis hissed.

It wasn't the hiss nor what Ignis said that triggered Nikolai but the fact that Ignis smiled after that. It seems like he is really trying to really get under his skin.

"Ignis, Nikolai, please stop." I just said. "This is making me tired."

Bumuntong-hininga na lang ako. Sandali kong nakita ang pagtitinginan nilang dalawa bago sila tumigil ngunit kalahating minuto matapos iyon ay nagulantang kami nang biglaang pumasok sa bahay si Anika at nagdiretso kung nasaan kaming tatlo. Sandali lang siyang yumuko bago kami tingnan at magsalita.

"Qura homes," she said with her eyes telling more. "There is a rumour that there are ten dead wolves from the Qura homes are seen dead on the Hashian Lake."

Kumabog ang dibdib ko. Heto na nga ba ang sinasabi nila. These past days including the days I was unconscious were suspiciously calm and this is the exchange of that calmness. Nang tingnan ko ang reaksyon ni Nikolai ay kalmado lamang siya kagaya ng palagi niyang reaksyon. He is just looking at Anika and listening to what she is about to say again.

"The Hashian Lake is a peaceful piece of this mountain that any wolf can go and not be bothered about their safety and territorial issues." I said. "It is the only part of this mountain where wolves aren't afraid to be attacked. Why is the one behind this tainting that place with blood and killings?"

"It has only been minutes since their death. Other alphas and some of their Zeta are there to check the bodies." si Anika. "Should we go?"

"Too dangerous." si Nikolai. "Pupunta roon ang mga Alpha at Zeta. That means the packs would be left with less wolves to protect their territory. That is a perfect time for the attacker to peak. It is broad daylight and there are attacks of mass killings. Stay here. Do not let any wolf go nor roam around outside. We might be the next target."

"Nikolai,"

"Why, Luna ko?"

"It is fine. You can go. You need to get information there at least. Maari mong iwan si Anika rito o hindi kaya ay si Anika ang papuntahin mo roon. This is getting out of hand. Masyado nang nabubulabog ang kabundukan."