The Ashes Wake

Chapter 21: Romulus

ROMULUS
"We must urge citizens to stay out of the Nebula Forest. An Informer has reported that four shadow wolf clans now inhabit those woodlands. In order for all creatures to remain safe, the Nebula Forest must go undisturbed from now on."

Excerpt from Queen Dalia's Agenda
890 Year, Majira Season

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The ache from Rom's stomach kept him up at night despite the stingless leaves. He sat alone in the infirmary den since Graypaw had retired to the Alpha quarters-a comfy, compact home for the leader. Cloud had come and replaced the older leaves with fresh ones, but they didn't do much good. The slashes were still dripping blood while Graypaw's own injury had nearly healed by the time he'd left.

Rom had sustained injuries before, but he supposed none as painful as the claws of Damon.

The lack of sleep didn't bother him though-the dark dreams he'd had only a night ago pressed down on him, and he didn't wish to meet them again. He stretched his legs slowly until they were uncurled and comfortable.

His skin crawled at the thought of Armina's body. It was surely being devoured by other forest creatures after Graypaw dragged it into the deeper wood. An Alpha killed in battle never received proper clan burial inside the Soulkeeper, which seemed absurd to Rom. Even if they had lost, did the years they led the pack simply become forgotten? It seemed an injustice-even if it was Armina.

And Alpha Graypaw's words about the impending war left him feeling no better. The new leader almost sounded excited at the prospect of it all-Then we will so kindly satisfy that want.

Rom wondered what his pack would think when they heard the news. Surely Alpha Graypaw would call a meeting tomorrow in order to prepare-they'd have to send out more frequent border patrols, hunt for extra food, and devise a plan. The stress of it all hung over him like an ominous storm, its clouds waiting to crack through the sky. The fact that only he and Graypaw knew set his teeth on edge-should he himself tell the pack? They had a right to know as soon as possible.

But it was already well into the night, and Rom knew the Elders would flay his skin if he woke them up again, civil war lurking or not.

Rom tucked his head under his front paws, as if that was enough to keep his existence from crashing down on him. He nearly let loose a sob of despair when the ivy opening to the infirmary den parted, allowing in starlight for a moment.

It was Moon. Her yellow eyes were uncharacteristically wild, glancing in all directions.

"What is it?" He asked while trying to compose himself. "Did Graypaw tell you the news?"

The shadow wolf's eyes swiveled to his. "Alpha Graypaw-what news?" Then she shook her head, gray fur dancing and glittering in the dark. "Never mind that now, there is something you must see. I-I think it will be important for you."

A small sigh slipped out of his muzzle. "I can hardly walk, Moon. You know I heal differently. Can it wait till morning?" He put his head back under his paws and closed his eyes.

He thought he heard the huntress leave, but a moment later her teeth latched onto his calf. Not hard, but enough to get his attention.

Through a full jaw she mumbled, "You will come now. This concerns everything about you."

Rom thought the Lead Hunter must've lost her mind, but with her saliva dripping down his leg he wasn't keen on saying so. "Leg go of my leg," he growled lightly.