Flames singes my side, my skin marking with burns. Eyes half closed, I leap over a charred bush, nearly tripping on my paws as I land. Ava's heart beats steadily against my back, blood oozing from her wound. The warm liquid streams down my shoulders in a steady but worrying rhythm. She's losing a lot of blood; if she's to live, I must find Kyra. The pack, luckily, had established rendezvous points so that all survivors may regroup and recuperate in case of an attack such as this; underground bunkers. Built many years ago, I never thought I'd see the day they'd be open...
As the smoke clears, a large fallen oak peers into view, its log marked by wolven claws. To the naked human eye, this mark was but a mere etche into the wood. As for our pack, it meant shelter waits ahead.
Slowing my pace to a trot, I carefully slide Ava onto the ground and assume my human form. Scooping her body from the ground, I push through the moss. Darkness swallows the tunnel as the mossy wall silently closes behind me and seals the entrance from view. Fear scent overwhelms my throat, overwhelming my senses. I take a few steady steps down makeshift stairs and reach the bunker's door.
I knock and tap into the link. Anyone inside? It's Cade.
Muffled voices echo from the other side and an audible click! reverbs into the tunnel. The hinges scream, sparks flying as metal scrapes metal and the massive door creaks open. I step through, ordering to have them closed immediately. Icy concrete meets the sole of my bare feet with a jolt through my system. I ignore the biting cold and continue towards the nearest bed. The dry mattress creaks with age as I gingerly lay Ava onto the bed.
"Cade!'' A hand touches my shoulder. I recognize Angel, my sister, by her voice alone, her tone quivering with relief. I happily squeeze her hand in return and send a thankful prayer to Selene for keeping her safe.
"Who's this?" She asks, all traces of emotion erased when she focuses on Ava.
"Her name's Ava. She's been shot." At that, I lift her shirt and verify the wound. The bleeding has stopped and her breathing had steadied.
"Kyra-
- I'm here." I start when the Healer responds from behind, seemingly materializing out of nowhere. She walks up to the bed, brows frowning in thought.
She kneels down. "You said she was shot?"
I step aside, allowing her space to work. "Yes. Might be silver.
- She'd be dead if that were the case. Hold her up." I obey and kneel down, holding Ava upwards while Kyra removes her blood stained clothes. "Good. I can take it from here, but do get yourself some garments of your own- I need to focus."
Red flushes my cheeks. Nudity has never been a subject that particularly bothers me - I've been caught and caught my pairs enough to become desensitized - but Kyra's comment manages to tap into my self-conscious side a little.
I head for the shelter's washrooms and take the opportunity to indulge in a quick shower before slipping on a fresh pair of jeans and a white T-shirt. Returning to the main chamber, dread begins to weigh heavy on my shoulders. Everyone's face, even those harboring a smile, hides behind a veil of gloom.
We've lost countless lives today. The pack has never suffered such a loss- my throat bobs as I catch myself leaning into grim thoughts and I push them away. There will be time to mourn later. They need me.
I join Kyra and find some relief to see Ava's wound bandaged and cleaned.
"She'll be fine." Kyra comments, hands shoved in a bucket of water as she scrubs off the blood. "It may take her a few days before she's able to change form. She'll need someone to carry her until then.
YOU ARE READING
THE FALTERED BOND
Manusia SerigalaBOOK #1 of the Faltered series | WIP She is the daughter of an exiled traitor. He is the heir of a feared leader. She is shunned by her rank. He is praised for his title. She's an Invalid Omega. He's the future Alpha. Ava Rose and Jace Weston. Two o...
