[1st draft] Bora's near-death experience caused a brief separation from Gemma, but to live in peace, he must end the Seven Shadows.
Bora Hawk, the polar wolf, has an unexplained target on his back. His enemies want him dead, caged, or becoming the...
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Bora POV
I am immersed in a cocoon of gray wool, the portrait of a newborn being swaddled. The material is lacking to fight off the brisk chill where I used to drift off after nights of scavenging for fun on a full belly. Not at this hour. It is stiffening the dried blood on my lips.
Could the grinding of sharp blades against the glacial lake be any louder? It intensifies my migraine. I grapple the rays that seep through my lids, too bright to see pass. Through the squint to bear a shadow. A person I had never seen before dragging the sled with effortless pulls. Only able to discern a feminine shortcut and fur collar wrestling with the wind.
A woman?
A momentary spasm shoots through my skull, curbing my muscles. The female abandons the rope and surges to my side. "Stay with me, Bora." She panics. My body shivers with active flops as liquid trickles down my chin.
"He is losing consciousness." She muffles into the air. "Stay with me, Bora, bond with the poison. You can do so." The warmth of her palms lies on my cheek, matching my exact intensity as she restricts the strands behind my ear. I can't break the violent quivers, disconnecting, and my existence sinks into an unknown dark void.
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365 days. Gone.
If flesh could rejuvenate into an infant's stage. How should the new legs explore this ancient earth? If he guaranteed us a fresh awakening. Will we live our last and achieve the things we promised ourselves? Or waste another lifetime. The distinction between humans and me is that I'm not afraid to die. More afraid of deserting her. The one I love?
Snatch from my fate, remembering the commitment to fill. Exhausted as I rose an inch further, but sank to the mink surface. I warmed up.
Life has lent me a second chance. Not a fragile infant, but a means of payback against the ones who dumped my wounded spirit. They tried to bury me but delivered an invitation to slather those butt sliding mutts. In shaking excitement, admitting that we won't last in peace unless I end them.
