Forever Luna

sunder

verb ~ to split something apart

CHARLIE

We covered a few miles, watching the sun set and the moon take over. We slept through the sunrise, but I was woken up when a sharp gasp tore my chest apart.

It was back, but harder. Tearing through my window of sleep, it captured me in its hold. The feeling was stronger now: one of dread, one of fear.

Calida growled low, but it's not hostile. It's... uncertain. She stepped forward slowly, then glanced back at me, her dark eyes locked onto mine. There's something there, not just instinct. Not just hunger or irritation or the usual edge she carries. Something... clearer.

Awareness.

She recognised my pain and didn't bite me to get over it.

We were so close to Phoenix's land, but I didn't expect to feel anything. We were still miles out.

But... was this on purpose? Had Calida...

Surely not. But then again...

She didn't just wander; she led us. Not directly or in a straight line, but close enough, following the trail of Aldren, Cors and the stranger until we stood idle a few miles from Blood Moon's eastern border.

Close enough that the bonds can reach me again.

My chest tightens.

Why?

Why now?

I force myself to concentrate, squeezing my eyes shut and forcing the sounds of the forest to quieten. I focus on my breath, deep and even as I force myself to calm down. Then I focus on the smells, the feelings that come with it, the scent of home.

But then... there's... something... else... something harsher.

The answer comes before I can stop it, my eyes shooting open to stare directly at the southern border.

Something's happening. The bond pulses again, stronger this time, sharper, a cry of danger.

My jaw clenched, a growl rumbling through me as I began to pace uncomfortably.

What the hell am I supposed to do?

Go back? After everything? After leaving?

After choosing this over them?

My stomach twisted painfully; the need to run away and help burned me from the inside out. Phoenix won't hesitate; he'll do what needs to be done... He always does. And Nova...

I exhale sharply, shaking my head. Nova will feel this too; she'll see it, surely? Hell, she probably already has.

That thought alone makes my chest tighten, and my wolf growls. 'Must go.'

If she's involved, if she's in danger... The pack... My wolf surges forward beneath my skin, restless, pushing, demanding.

'Go!'

I clench my fists. It's not that simple.

Calida huffs, stepping closer. She nudges my shoulder with her nose, not gently, not aggressively either, but just enough to make a point.

I glance at her; she doesn't even know what she's done. I'm fighting every instinct against each other. She doesn't like other wolves, or people, or... anything, really.

A growl that was meant to be a groan escaped me, and her ears flicked, but she didn't move away. I swallow hard, looking back toward the pull of home.

Home.