The Shadow Wolves thundered past, their colossal paws thudding heavily on the wet earth. They howled at the sky, pausing momentarily.
Faolan cowered in the mud, praying that its strong odor would disguise his half-breed scent.
He flattened his ears and whimpered softly. The Shadow Wolves started running again, and he breathed out a sigh of relief.
He pulled himself out of the mud and shook off the worst of it. He would clean it off later. For now, it camouflaged his pure-as-snow white fur.
He pricked his ears and swiveled them around, listening to the sounds of the forest. He heard the Shadow Wolves searching for him to the east.
On the south were sounds of water. A great river ran swiftly, causing loud churning noises that echoed all around. Even a newborn pup would be able to hear it.
Faolan decided to rest by the river that night.
He closed his bright green eyes for a few minutes and set off.
He struggled for breath by the time he was even halfway, and he lay down for a rest.
Wheezing, he examined the long claw marks that scarred his flank.
They were bleeding heavily and he narrowed his eyes.
Oh, no, this is DEFINITELY not good, he thought to himself.
He growled softly and looked around. He spotted some cobwebs a few feet away and whimpered as he stood up. Blood trickled down his forelegs and he swayed dangerously.
His eyes closed and he dropped onto the forest floor.
Everything went dark.
.....
Faolan's eyes flickered open and he growled drowsily. He looked around warily.
Where am I?
He didn't recognize his surroundings. The smell of raw meat was strong and he drooled.
He was starving. His stomach rumbled and he lifted his head. Faolan stared in astonishment. His flank was covered in what looked like strange white pelts, and it didn't hurt anymore. He sniffed the pelts curiously, and recoiled in disgust.
Ugh, that's disgusting!
They smelled bitter and unnatural. He curled his lip and chuffed out a breath in displeasure.
He snorted and looked around. He had never seen such a strange den. The walls were made of cut trees, and the roof seemed to be made of branches.
He blinked.
CRASH!
His ears flicked towards the sound as he whipped his head around.
Loud sounds assaulted his sensitive hearing, and he flattened his ears with fright. His green eyes searched the room for places to hide. There was no room for a full grown hybrid wolf to hide. His eyes widened as the sounds grew closer.
He whimpered in defeat, curling his long tail around himself. He could feel his wings, straining against his skin.
No, he told them, not yet. Not now.
They formed slight bulges between his shoulder blades, and he wished he could unleash them.
Shadows played against the floor of the den, and he tensed.
Suddenly, light filled the room, and Faolan opened his jaws wide in silent terror...
[To be continued...]
YOU ARE READING
Light in the Shadows
FantasyThis is set in an alternate universe. Follow a young wolf as he goes on an epic journey. A rare twist of supernatural, suspense, and nature.