Howling Echoes

Chapter 9

Howling 9

It had been a few days since Wolf and Adolpha had washed ashore on an island. After exploring the outside and understanding what the inside was like, Wolf realized no one lived there. Wild animals and insects were on the island, so it was inhabited. Wolf told Adolpha that dangerous animals might lurk, so she must be careful.

Wolf built a shelter and improved upon it every time. Adolpha was amazed by him. She was learning about plants from Wolf, which helped her not be bored. Wolf would go inland, hunt small animals, and bring back some fruits and wild vegetables he found. Adolpha was getting used to it little by little.

It was late, and they were eating. Adolpha asked Wolf if he had seen the dangerous animal he mentioned. "No, whatever is here is keeping their distance. It must be smart," Wolf said. Adolpha wonders what it could be. Wolf changed the subject and asked her how she was feeling.

Adolpha rubbed her belly and said everything was all right, "I can feel our baby growing," she said happily. Wolf smiles and stares at her; it makes her feel embarrassed. Wolf then looks at the waves and lets the sound of the ocean distract him. Adolpha also stares at the sea.

A little more time had passed, and it was spring. Wolf had made the shelter bigger; it was a small house. Adolpha's belly was bigger, and she was outside the house staring at Wolf working. Wolf was rebuilding a boat; he attempted sailing several times but failed. After finishing the day, he asked Adolpha if she wanted to accompany him.

Adolpha smiled and said she would get ready. She grabbed a bag and a knife she was taught to make. Wolf grabbed another bag, an ax, a bow, and his arrows. They were going to get dinner. Wolf and Adolpha had gone native; they wore little clothes. At first, it embarrassed Adolpha, but now she was used to it.

Adolpha still maintained her hair and tail. Wolf's hair grew, and he let it get messy. They also use paint on their bodies to get rid of bugs. Adolpha liked to shower in the river; Wolf would stand watch whenever she did. There was still no sign of anyone passing by the island. The fear of Lord Michael finding them was gone.

They left their house and went inland. Adolpha picked up some wild mushrooms along the way. "What are we eating today?" Adolpha asked. "Fish," Wolf replied. Adolpha made an awkward expression. "AUG, I can't get used to it," she told him. Wolf told her she couldn't eat meat every time.

Wolf and Adolpha reach the lake. Wolf set up and began to fish; Adolpha picked flowers and explored a little. Wolf told her to be careful; after a while, Wolf had caught several fish. Adolpha was under a tree sleeping. Wolf called out to her.

Adolpha woke up, stretched, and walked over to him. "How many did you catch?" she asked. Wolf counted. "Ten," he said. Wolf told her they would go inside the jungle area next. Wolf told Adolpha it was dangerous, so she knew to stay close.

As they made their way, Adolpha stayed on guard; she looked all around. Wolf told her not to focus too much and to relax. They entered the jungle, and it felt humid. Adolpha followed Wolf to some trees where he cut vines. In the meantime, Adolpha was told to pick some fruit. Adolpha picked some fruit that resembled mangos.

Once they were done, they were heading back. Wolf stopped to pick some medical herbs; his instincts felt danger. He ran over to Adolpha and told her to get down. Adolpha got scared and crouched. Wolf sensed danger but could not tell where it was coming from.

After a while, the danger was gone. Adolpha asked him if it was all right now. Wolf told her they should be careful. They left the jungle with no worries afterward. They headed back home. Adolpha began to unpack, and Wolf began to prepare the fish. They ate and talked. Adolpha mostly spoke about her family and told Wolf stories she used to hear.