Lost

5

Chapter 5

The sun broke the horizon many hours later. The four were still asleep so I decided to make a quick patrol around the area and maybe catch something for breakfast. As I emerged from the mouth of the cave, the sun glittered off of the morning dew and the slow running water to my right. To the human eye it would just look a little wet and sparkly, but to the eyes of a night person it was much more magical. A night person could see the array of particles floating in the air and how they changed color at every which way the light caught it, and how the warm morning sun caressed the water and cast an orange overcast about the area. Dawn is my absolute favorite time of the day. It takes a special person to get up early enough to appreciate its beauty.

While I was walking along the waters edge, I spotted a few ducks loitering around at the rivers bend with their backs to me, completely oblivious to my presence behind them. I advanced cautiously, making an effort not to scare away the flighty animals. When I was sure I was close enough I pounced on the birds, claws extended and teethed bared. I bit into the neck of one bird while my claws lacerated the wings of another two. I felt the taste of warm blood flowing onto my taste buds as I tumbled into the water; the bird still clamped between my powerful jaws. I stood to my feet and lay the now silenced bird at the waters edge. I looked around me for my other two victims and noticed them flapping their torn wings in a feeble attempt to escape the fait that awaited them. As an act of mercy I bit into their throats and ended their suffering. Shifting, I picked up the three birds ignoring their blood that flowed down my fingers and made my way back to the group.

~~

I didnt notice how far I had walked from the others but after a while of walking I could see the cave in the distance. I saw the form of three agitated people passing around and running their hands through their hair. When I got close enough a head of red hair whipped in my direction. Lyall lifted her hand to point at me.

There she is! they jogged toward me and I met them half way.

Where did you go?! We thought something had happened to you! they looked upset.

I went for a walk and got some food. I was confused. In a pack there was always someone to retrieve food, it was normal to me. Then I remembered that they were never apart of a pack and my departure had scared them.

Well why were you gone so long, we all woke up like an hour ago and you werent here? I looked at them with confusion. I was gone over an hour?

Im sorry, I left while yall were sleep and hadnt realized I had walked that far. They nodded their heads accepting my apology. I held up the three dead birds with a smile on my face. I brought food. Their faces lifted, smiling, we all made our way back into the cave. Once inside I immediately came to a halt when my eyes fell on the sleeping form of Melle. He was laying on his back with his arms crossed over his chest, almost like he was dead. What made me stop in my tracks though was the smell coming off of him. His smell was no longer muted and dull, he smelt stronger and more powerful. He smelt like a wolf, a strong one. But he also smelt like something else, I couldnt put my finger on it. What the hell is that? I felt Nadia stir. The others who had followed me into the cave looked at me strangely.

Whats wrong Asena? asked Adolpha.

Does he usually sleep this long? while I asked this my eyes never left Melle.

Not usually. Melle was kinda of an early bird. Hed wake up long before us to go on runs and stuff. Its actually kinda weird to see him sleep in. she said. I moved closer to him, ignoring the looks I was getting, and sat my hand on his stomach and then moved it to the side of his head to confirm what I had already thought. Nadia stirred even more at the realization of what was happening.

Hes not sleeping. Their heads whipped in my direction concern and confusion written all over their faces.

What do you mean hes not sleeping? Is he okay? Lyall asked, her voice raising a little.

He is in rest right now. They still looked concerned and then I realized I still had to explain this, and many other things to them. Ill explain it, just sit and wait for me to come back. They all sat on the floor of the cave while I went to start a quick fire to cook our food outside the cave. When I had the fire set and I re-entered the cave and sat down in the circle with the others. I picked up the three birds I had dropped upon interring the cave the first time, and began plucking their feathers.

Rest is the first stage of shifting into your beast. The soft gasps and grunts of disbelief met my ears. They were quiet for a few seconds, staring at me with shocked and surprised eyes, trying to process what I had just said. Eventually Adolpha let out a puff of air and began to speak.

Soso what youre telling us is that Melle is shifting? I nodded my head and moved on to my second bird.

H-how is that even possible? Nashoba said looking more confused than anything.

I dont know. I knew you all were different, somehow, but I didnt know how.

What do you mean you knew we were different? Doesdoes that mean- she looked around at the other two with an astounded look. I nodded my head, already knowing what she was getting at.

I dont know for sure Lyall, only time will tell. I looked back at Melle and shook my head. I dont know how this was possible, and not knowing concerned me. I knew they were different when I first smelt them, they didnt smell at all human and yet they didnt smell entirely like a wolf. They smelt like a mix between a wolf and something else.