Shadow of the Day (Wolf Moon Sequel)

Chapter 3: Charades

Changing wasn't as hard today as it was yesterday. I knew that I had to focus on my body and relax completely, make my mind blank or at least relaxed, before I could Change. Which is why it didn't take as long as before.

Once I was Changed I shook myself off before taking off into the forest. I was a little clumsy at first but when the scent of deer (I finally put a name to the smell) reached me my body reacted instinctively and took off after its trail. I found that when I wasn't thinking and just feeling, letting my instincts guide me, everything was easier.

So I stalked the deer, a buck this time, getting close to it but not close enough that it would know I was there.

I felt restless as I hid in the bushes, watching it as it snuffled at the ground. I wanted to run, to hunt, to play, to do something active. My tail twitched in excitement and it was a struggle to stay still in my hiding spot.

There was the snap of a branch and the buck took off. I shot after it; it was fast, thankfully, which meant I could give chase for long. Plus now that it knew there was something shooting after it, it put on another burst of speed out of fear.

I could smell it, delicious and tempting. I put on another burst of speed, getting close enough to see its small white tail flicking and back hooves hitting the ground hard and fast as it twisted around trees. Unfortunately, that also meant I was close enough to get the snow and dirt that it was kicking up in my face.

Adrenaline pumped through my veins nonetheless and I ran forward joyfully, making sure to keep its brown hindquarters in view.

I could see it getting tired, stumbling slightly and slowing down. I snapped at its back legs, not close enough to actually bite down but enough to scare it to go faster. I continued after it, but it was slowing down again. I was kind of bored with it. I wanted to play. To fight with my brothers and sisters.

I slowed down until I was walking, only slightly winded and warm, as the buck continued running off. I let out a whine, feeling lonely as I looked at the vast woods. I wanted my pack to play with. But there was no one.

Droppimg my head low to the ground, I sniffed half-heartedly to catch the scent of something interesting to keep my mind off the fact that I was a lone wolf.

I wandered aimlessly through the forest for a while, chasing after new scents until I found the source, trying to expand my knowledge so I could recognize more species more easily. After a while I came across that familiar scent. It didn't make me as mad as before but I was still disgusted by it. I followed it slowly, paws crunching on the snow as I walked. I found the source of the scent and scrutinized the defeated looking figure on the ground.

It took me a moment to put a name to the scent but I eventually got it. Wyatt.

I let out a whine and he lifted his head, staring straight at me from my spot in the bushes. I stepped forward, the branches scratching at my side but I didn't care. I kept going forward until I was in the clearing. We stared at each other for a long time before I folded my legs beneath me and lay down, never taking my eyes off his. I dropped my head onto my paws and whined again.

"Even as a wolf you're still beautiful," he said, giving me a sad smile.

I let out a snort like sound and his smile broadened, "Still modest as well I see."

I growled.

"What?" he asked, frowning.

I let out a puff of air out of annoyance before I stood and paced, trying to think of how I could ask my question. Being a wolf was awesome, except for the communication barrier.