Shifters - The King of Wolves - Book 1

CHAPTER 6 - A LAMB IN A WOLVES DEN

The forest around us seemed to come to life. The rhythmic pattern of wolf paws suddenly resonated against the forest floor and I couldn't help but glance around, catching glimpses of wolves darting between the trees. Its sight told me that we were getting closer to Nebelwald.

The occasional haunting howls of the wolves echoed through the forest, its sound bouncing from tree to tree. The otherworldly melody left me frightened and caused goosebumps all over my skin.  

The people in the cart grew tense at the sound and sight of the additional shifters around us. Some pressed their bodies closer together, seeking safety in each other embrace. I, too, felt a growing sense of discomfort but the presence of Leif pulling our cart subdued the fright a bit.

The scenery around us gradually shifted as we approached Nebelwald. Amidst the towering trees, a cluster of wooden houses nestled between rolling hills. Houses of various sizes were scattered in an unorganized way, some perched on top of the highest peaks, while others stood close to the flowing river. Occasional waterfalls cascaded between the mountains, their crystalline waters merging into a river that wound its way through the terrain.

As we delved deeper into the forest, the houses multiplied, and curious shifters, both in human and wolf form, watched us from their doorsteps. Their eyes followed our group, their gazes filled with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. Their stares made me feel uncomfortable, but I found tranquillity again in the presence of Leif. Clutching onto this strange feeling as if my sanity relied on it.

Suddenly, the forest gave way to an enormous lake, surrounded by the rugged peaks of the trees and towering mountains. The expansive landscape took my breath away, it felt like I had stepped into another world entirely. The crystal-clear waters of the lake stretched out before us, reflecting the clear, blue sky above.

Nestled beside the lake stood an imposing, wooden mansion. Its structure seemed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment as if it had been there for centuries. More shifters emerged from the entrance of the building, their curious eyes fixed upon our group.

The sheer number of shifters around us was overwhelming, and I became very aware that we were outsiders in their territory. My eyes darted in all directions, watchful for any abrupt assault.

Before the grand mansion stood a middle-aged man with tousled brown curls. He towered over all of the shifters around him but was still a few inches shorter than Leif's imposing appearance.

He was dressed in brown leather attire with a matching cape. His belt held a large sword which was strapped to his waist. Despite his warrior-like attire, his face radiated warmth and kindness. By his side stood a woman, tall and slender with an athletic build, much like the other female werewolves I had encountered.

Her long, flowing blonde hair cascaded freely, and she wore a loose-fitting red gown that accentuated her slim build. The man had his arm wrapped around the woman's shoulders, a gesture that hinted at their close relationship, perhaps as husband and wife. They both regarded our group with friendly smiles.

Leif stopped the cart in front of the large group of shifters, just as the werewolves pulling the other carts did. Hesitantly we remained seated, afraid to make any movement.

The couple that stood in front of the mansion stepped forward, their steps cautious as they noticed our scared demeanour. "Allow me to introduce myself," the man said, his voice carrying a firm yet warm tone. "I am Galdric Eisenhart, the Alpha of the Ashen Moon Pack."

He gestured toward the woman standing beside him. "And this is my beautiful mate, Adelise Eisenhart, the Luna of the Ashen Moon Pack."

I knew that the titles he mentioned were far more than mere names, it symbolized their pack's hierarchal structure. As Alpha, Galdric was the leader of the group of werewolves before me. The name Luna was the female title of the position and was given to the wife of the Alpha, which confirmed my suspicion of them being a couple. Why he referred to his wife as a friend was, however, confusing to me. Maybe the name was customary for them.