WOLF WALKERS

Chapter 11.

 Traitor

Thomas's POV

Thomas crouched in the shadows outside the ex-mayor's mansion, ears perked as he listened intently to the conversation inside. His heart pounded with a mix of fear and anger. The ex-mayor and Casper were plotting the destruction of the forest, aiming to rid the land of wolf walkers once and for all.

With a signal to the wild wolves surrounding the mansion, Thomas leaped into action. Kiyoko and Hiroshi were right behind him, their eyes burning with the same determination.

Thomas let out a commanding growl, urging the wild wolves forward. They burst through the door, their sheer number and ferocity overwhelming the guards. The ex-mayor's eyes widened in shock, while Casper's face mirrored his astonishment. Casper's body crumpled to the ground as his wolf walker spirit erupted from him, taking the form of a dark black and silver wolf.The ex-mayor's shock quickly morphed into a smirk as he grabbed a loaded pistol from a nearby drawer. 

"Well, if you won't just die," he said, voice dripping with malice, "then I'll just have to kill you myself." He aimed the gun at the wolves standing in his way.

Before the ex-mayor could pull the trigger, Casper's wolf lunged at Thomas, and a fierce brawl erupted. Claws slashed and jaws snapped, filling the air with the sounds of the brutal fight. Kiyoko and Hiroshi circled Casper's wolf, their growls and snarls a deadly chorus.Thomas focused on dodging Casper's attacks, his mind racing. He needed to end this quickly and find his mother. His eyes darted to the ex-mayor, who was taking aim again, this time at Kiyoko.

With a surge of adrenaline, Thomas dodged another attack from Casper and sprang towards the ex-mayor. He tackled him to the ground, knocking the gun out of his hand. The ex-mayor struggled beneath him, but Thomas's wolf strength kept him pinned.

Thomas bared his teeth and growled, a clear demand for information. The ex-mayor's defiance faltered under Thomas's fierce gaze. "In the basement," he muttered.

Thomas nodded to Kiyoko and Hiroshi, who quickly led the way to the basement. Bursting through the door, they found Thomas's mother chained to the wall. Relief washed over Thomas as they freed her, but the urgency of their situation kept him focused.

Thomas nudged his mother gently, urging her to stand. Kiyoko and Hiroshi circled protectively, ensuring they had a safe path out. The wild wolves formed a protective circle around the group as they exited the mansion, ensuring their safe passage through the forest.

As they reached the safety of the den, Thomas turned to Kiyoko and Hiroshi, his eyes filled with gratitude. He nudged them both with his muzzle, a gesture of thanks and camaraderie. 

 As the group made their way back to the den, Thomas took the lead, ensuring his mother was supported and protected. The wild wolves flanked them, providing a living shield against any potential threats. Kiyoko and Hiroshi moved alongside Thomas, their presence a constant reassurance.

They reached the den behind the waterfall, the sound of rushing water masking their entrance. Thomas's mother collapsed from exhaustion as soon as they entered. The wild wolves settled to the sides, their eyes watchful and alert. Thomas's wolf walker spirit fell back into his sleeping body, and he quickly ran over to his mother's wolf form. Placing his hands on either side of her furred coat, he looked at the deep gashes and wounds that marred her body. Closing his eyes, he focused all his energy on healing her. A soft golden glow emitted from his hands, spreading warmth and light over her injuries.

Slowly, the cuts and wounds began to close. Thomas's mother stirred slightly as the healing energy took effect, her breathing becoming steadier and less laboured. Since her wolf form was linked to her physical body, the gashes and wounds healed on both sides, spiritual and physical.Thomas opened his eyes, watching as the last of the wounds closed. He gently stroked his mother's fur, feeling immense relief and gratitude. She was safe, and for now, they were all safe. The den was filled with a sense of calm as the wild wolves settled down, their eyes still vigilant but more relaxed. Kiyoko and Hiroshi approached Thomas, their expressions reflecting the same relief.

Thomas stood and turned to his friends, nodding his thanks. They had all risked their lives tonight, and their bond was stronger for it. But the fight wasn't over. The ex-mayor's threat still loomed over them, and they would need to be prepared for whatever came next.

As the night wore on, the den grew quiet, the wolves resting after the night's events. Thomas stayed by his mother's side, his hand resting on her now-healed fur. The battle had been hard, but they had won this round. And together, they would face whatever came next.

 **Thomas's POV**"It's time we leave this place. I know you both have families in the human city. But are you just going to leave them? Or tell them the truth?" Thomas spoke to Kiyoko and Hiroshi's wolves. The two wolves understood each word. Though they couldn't speak back in their wolf walker form, they nodded before turning to leave. Kiyoko's POV

Dodging past trees and obstacles, Hiroshi and I headed back into the city. It was a maze, but we each knew our separate ways back to our sleeping bodies. Once I reached my house, I quietly slipped through the window into my room. My wolf walker spirit jumped back into my human body.

Eyes wide open, I gasped and sat up. I quickly began to pack my things. Before heading out, I went to my mother's room. Knowing she was asleep, I knocked softly on the door and walked in. I watched as my mother yawned and sat up, giving me a sleepy smile.

"What's up, honey?" she asked. I gave her a sad look. "There's something I have to tell you. But you can't freak out. You have to trust me," I spoke softly, my tone serious.

My mother's sleepiness washed away as she looked at me, concerned and worried. "What is it, Kiyoko?" she asked again.

"Mom..." I sighed, holding her hands in mine and giving them a small squeeze. "I'm a wolf walker," I finally let out, searching for a response on her face.

To be continued...