Silver Jungle

Chapter 25

Ylva turned out to be a real werewolf, transforming all the way to her wolf form, convincing Amber, who was becoming increasingly cautious when it came to identity. She led them through the land, quicker than Dani could though was possible. "We're been expecting you for a while. I don't know why," She added, seeing the look on Amber's face. "But we have been. You don't need to worry about being betrayed. We hate the King."

"For an oppressed group of Silver Mages, that doesn't sound right." Dani commented. Ylva snorted in disgust.

"We haven't been on good terms with the Dawon since there was a fight between the pack leader's daughter and a Dawon." Ylva said, her coal black eyes glinting in anger. "And it was our Alpha who said not to hurt you."

"How long have you been having problems with Shapeshifters, Ylva?" Dani questioned, trying to change the subject before Amber did something they would both regret.

"Not very long. They don't survive very long up here, believe it or not." Ylva snickered. "It's been a long time since I've ever been outside these Silver Lands. I rather enjoy it here though. It's peaceful." She paused and looked over the horizon. "Oh."

"What?" Amber demanded, terror in her eyes. "What's happening?" Dani started to shift into his partial origin.

"Nothing now. Little snake, whatever you do, don't change into your partial origin." Ylva ordered. "You're a cold-blooded Silver Mages, and you will fall asleep instantly."

"Thanks for that." Dani said, forgetting that small fact about snakes. "I appreciate it."

"Is the village far? I don't remember it being this long of a journey." Amber commented, seeming a little miffed.

"Selkies are very good at making long distances seem short." Ylva responded. "They are masters at bending distance in large groups. However, we are a trio consisting of a werewolf, coatl and Selkie. It will not work."

"Then how long will it take until we are there?" Amber complained, and Ylva made a chuckling sound deep in her throat.

"Not long, little seal. Be patient." Ylva chastised.  "Be patient."

            ***

The home of the Northern Wolves was just like Amber had said. The buildings were ranches made of logs and shimmering with snow. Dani could see it from a distance, like the illusion wasn't enough for his mind. Amber squinted, and seemed to relax a little bit. Ylva had pushed them the last few miles, mostly because she said that if they stopped, they would freeze. Dani didn't want to test it.

"It's beautiful." Dani whispered under his breath. Many fires lit homes and by a central blaze, Dani could see movement, like a party. Raucous laughter and howling echoed around the surrounding cliffs.

"Thank you." Ylva seemed to glow in the light of her village. "The Matriarch Alpha will see you as soon as you arrive. I was told to bring you right to her once you arrived." She added, as Dani was trying to protest.

"We will be happy to see the Matriarch Alpha." Amber thanked Ylva, and the noirette smiled gently. 

"The Matriarch Alpha is very fond of your mother, Dani Coatl. You would do well to uphold the reputation that you have around here." Ylva cautioned him, her coal dark eyes sparking with distant fire.

"Thank you for the warning, Ylva." Dani replied stiffly. Ylva gave a sharp huff that Dani had discovered was laughter.

"Ylva!" A yip resonated from a young child, playing in the snow. She looked maybe six, with long red hair, glittering like a dying ember in the slight moonlight. "Tora said you were coming back soon!"