Amoux and Aurora: The Era of Wolves

Chapter 25: A Howl In The Dark

*Somewhere in the forest*

A group of archaeologists, among the group was an archaeologist named, Li. They were exploring the forest before reaching the plains. "This landscape is wonderful. Never have I seen such beauty in a plain land like this." said Archaeologist #1. "Hey, I'm picking something up on my scanner." said Archaeologist #2. "What is it?" he asked. "It seems to be coming from there." said Archaeologist #2, pointing to a cave between the mountains.

The group heads in, flashlights on. It was empty but upon further exploration, they would find more deep inside. As they see light, the see a large fortress, surrounded by lava. "My goodness. It seems we've stumbled upon a sanctuary of some kind!" said Archaeologist #2. "No. More like a kingdom. Li, take this and prepare to set up camp. We'll spend the night here and we'll observe more tomorrow." said Archaeologist #1. Li nods before leaving the cave. As he was leaving, he suddenly heard noises behind him and sees his group being attacked by unknown figures. Quickly, Li leaves the cave and sprints into the forest, hoping to find safety.

*Meanwhile at the Sanctuary*

As morning arrives in the beautiful Sanctuary, Carla wakes up as the sun beams on her face with a smile. She then feels a warm presence behind her as she turns and sees her husband, greeting her with a hug. "Morning, my love." said Chris with a smile and Carla chuckled. "Morning to you, my dear husband." she replied as the two share a warm kiss. "How are you feeling?" asked Chris. "I feel refreshed." Carla replied as Chris smiled. "That's good enough for me. Come here you." said Chris as he gave her a passionate kiss. "Chris...when do you think it's time to settle down? You know, retire for good." said Carla. "I don't know. I mean, to be honest, I didn't think we'd get this far. I mean, we were young when we had Luna, we've been on crazy adventures, we had Leo and now here we are. Married. Parents. Pack leaders. What's next?" said Chris. "What's that smell?" said Carla as they see smoke. "Kids! What's going on down here??" asked Chris. They see Luna putting the fire out. "Sorry Dad. I was trying to make breakfast for Mom, but Leo keeps distracting me!" said Luna with a glare towards Leo. "Hey! I wanted in on the surprise too!" he said. "Kids, kids, you guys are sweet but you didn't have to do all that." said Carla. "I know but we want to. You've been through a lot ever since what happened with Viperess." said Luna. Carla smiled and kissed Luna in the forehead. "Thank you, sweetie. Leo, I also appreciate your effort as well, my little handsome boy!" said Carla as she pecks his cheek. "Mom." Leo groaned. "Anyways, now that everyone's here, I've been thinking since we've been through a lot this past month and what better would it be for us to spend some quality family time." said Chris. "That sounds great. I could sure use a breather." said Carla. "Come on." said Chris as they all ventured through the Sanctuary. They then reach the cliffs, where they the beautiful view of the valley with the waterfall in the distance. "Take it all in guys. Nice to settle down in peace, am I right?" said Chris as Carla chuckled. "I'm glad we did this, Daddy. Thanks." said Luna. Chris smiled and kissed her forehead. The family would then proceed to enjoy the view, only to hear a howl in the distance. "Chris! Someone's here!" said Dire as the family stood and proceeds to the gate. "What's going on?" asked Chris. "We found him wandering in the forest, perhaps he was running from someone." said a wolf as Li approaches them. "I come in peace. I needed to seek safety." he said. "Who are you?" asked Chris. "My name is Li. I'm an archaeologist." he said. "Come with us. You can fill us in on the way to the lab." said Chris.

The group then enters the lab. "Mei!" said Chris. "Chris?" Mei replied. "We found someone that is in need of help." said Chris as Li approaches her. "Ah. I assume by your clothes, your an archaeologist?" asked Mei. "Correct." Li replied. "So Li, you were running when my pack found you. Why is that?" asked Chris. "Last night, me and a group archaeologists were exploring the forest until we stumbled upon a noise in a cave. We investigated and I was sent to set up camp, only for them to be attacked." said Li. "Who attacked them?" asked Carla. "I don't know. But one thing I can tell you...when I was escaping, I saw glowing eyes. I couldn't tell exactly how it looked." said Li as the group were silent. "Mei...can you try to trace the location of the scientists?" asked Chris. "I can try. But it's going to be a while until I find a signal." said Mei. "Okay Li, in the meantime until we figure this out, you can have shelter here. Mei can supply you with the clothes and anything you need." said Chris. "Thank you, sir." said Li as he enters the bathroom to clean up.