UnTamed [Book 3]

Sinking Ships Were the Good Old Days

So I'm sure most of you (if not all) have figured out that the quotes always deal with something that's going to happen in the chapter, BUT, just in case you haven't, well, they do. Usually it's just a key word to hint something that's happening in the chapter. It usually won't be obvious until after you read the chapter. All right, enjoy!

Chapter Quote:

"I do know this. It's the things we run from that hurt us the most."

~Brad Sturdevant

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Chapter 2: Sinking Ships Were the Good Old Days

Luke

It'd been just over a week, but Bryn's death still seemed like it was yesterday. She may or may not be alive, but if she was, the Bryn that was alive wasn't the Bryn he knew. She was totally and utterly different. Luke had to accept, unwillingly, that he'd never get to see her again, and knowing she died in order to save him would haunt him forever. He would always have this guilt that no one would be able to convince him out of having.

Although, riding a centaur in a hula skirt was an interesting, yet effective, way of actually pushing the depressing thoughts out of Luke's head, even if it was because he was trying not to fall off. The world zipped past his vision, and he had no idea what state they could possibly be in. The centaurs could be taking a long route for all he knew. Luke looked over at Silena and Derek. She seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the ride; he looked like he wanted to puke. Luke couldn't blame him. This wasn't the nicest of rides. Efficient? Yes. Smooth? Absolutely not.

Finally the torture ended when the centaurs skidded to a stop.

"This is where you get off. We're not a big fan of wolves," Ned said.

"No problem. Thank you for the ride," Luke replied. The three demigods waved goodbye to the centaurs.

"I feel like I'm going to puke," Derek groaned. He did look rather pale and sickly. Silena pulled out a small square of ambrosia. He took it gratefully. The trio turned around and stared at the forest in front of them.

"So who wants to walk into the forest of probable death first?" Luke inquired, trying to lighten the mood. When neither he nor Derek moved a muscle, Silena rolled her eyes and started forward, saying, "Wimps."

The two boys quickly flanked her. It still seemed strange that it was just Silena they were protecting. Luke was so used to having to watch out for his sister and Bryn. He'd promised he'd take care of both of them...

"Something's following us," Silena said, interrupting Luke's thoughts. The three demigods halted, drawing their weapons: Luke and Silena their swords, and Derek his bow.

"Who's there?" Derek ordered, sounding surprisingly sure of himself. His question was answered with a low growl... or growls. From all around. Luke watched as massive wolves crept out of the forest with their teeth bared and ears straight up. He didn't need to know wolf to know these wolves meant business and if they said the wrong thing, they were going to end up as puppy chow.

"We're here to see Lupa," Luke said. "We mean no harm but we will defend ourselves if need be."

Do you threaten us, young demigod? A voice demanded. Someone had said it, but not out-loud. They said it through his head.

"I'm not threatening, just advising. May I ask who spoke?"

A wolf, bigger than all the others, jumped down in front of him. Silena and Derek risked a glance behind them, but stayed facing their direction in case this new wolf ordered her pack mates to attack. If wolves could smirk, this one most definitely was and said, I did. Give me your names.