Winwolfa (A Roan x Female OC Fanfic)

Chapter 15

Astrid's mind raced as they weaved between the trees at super speed. The wind caressed her face, leaving her hair billowing behind her. Everybody knew Azgeda was ruthless, but she had severely underestimated how malicious they could be. Killing enemies or threats were understandable, but innocents. Especially children. That was unforgivable.

Perhaps she would be eternally destined for a life of solitude.

They had been riding south for hours. Snow finally melted into luscious green again as they entered Trikru territory. The smell of pine and spring water comforted her as she embarked deep into the forest. Golden sunlight glittered through the trees. Stopping in a dense glen, she surveyed the land for any trailing Azgeda members or lurking Trikru warriors. Once the coast was clear, she dismounted her horse and sent a slap along his rear. He galloped freely back to Azgeda territory.

Before it had grown dark, she found sanctuary in a nearby cave. The furs along her body had grown so hot it was uncomfortable. Instead, she used them as bedding for the night, leaving Astrid in a dark long sleeve and leather pants. Clothes that had finally fit her after her diligent training and warm meals that filled her belly. Oh, how she would miss eating warm bread after a long day of training. Only the white face paint and accented furs suggested any affiliation with Azgeda now.

The next morning was not so restful. She awoke to two Trikru warriors ready to slit her throat. It was a hell of a way to wake up. Her nose and three fingers had been broken and there was a new gash on her thigh all before breakfast. After all that, she debated if finding breakfast was worth it. The grumbling in her stomach told her 'yes.'

Then after dinner, Astrid was dodging bullets from three Ark guards when she ventured a bit too close to the Ark. Unfortunately, they died before they could see it coming. It was a bit of a waiting game, but she shot them from her perch in the tree before they caught her trail. Still, it brought her no pleasure doing so.

The next two days were similar. This time she had the pleasure of meeting Lexa's mercenaries and other clan members. All with sadistic, bloodthirsty smiles on their faces. By the time she was safe again, she was branding 13 more tallies on her shoulder from the past three days. 

When Tilda first placed those 4 tallies between her shoulder blades after the celebration, she screamed and cried from the pain. Now, the only disturbing part was the smell of burnt flesh each night. She'd grit her teeth, bit into her furs, or sob silently in pain just to hide her presence. There had been enough violence for her in the past few days for a lifetime. 

Astrid was working on my last one when a feral growl echoed deep within the cave. She flipped her grip on her sword, searching for the being lurking in the dark. It padded cautiously against the stone floor, flashing its bloodied teeth.

A white wolf, just a small runt, limped out of the darkness. It paced back and forth in front of her, as if deciding what to do with Astrid. But she crouched on her toes defensively, waiting for the vicious canine to strike. Waiting and waiting for each other to make the first move. They circled around the fire, not daring to remove eye contact with each other. Astrid was near the cave entrance and ready to escape when the wolf bowed down to her in defeat.

The wolf slouched, licking her injured back paw. Blood leaked onto the limestone floor. Each time Astrid dared to move towards the exit, a low growl put her back in her place. A definite ploy to assert the wolf's dominance, but Astrid decided to live tonight. Even as the beast ate the rest of her dinner from her makeshift bed.

So, they stayed across from each other the entire night. Eyes fixed on one another until the morning, when it finally limped away. Astrid allowed herself a couple hours of sleep before continuing her run from the Grounders.