Chapter 6

A shooting star wouldn’t be enough to wish the tension away.

I lacked the knowledge of how many surrounded my form, but I knew they were waiting for me to make a move. There wasn’t a single growl in the air but likely out of forced submission, I can feel several eyes on the pup in my hold. This little wolf didn’t have any more blood family but the remaining wolves clearly had an agenda to fill. From the left, I can tell several of the pack are ready to leap. On the right, they were prepared to lunge.

They already sealed my exit routes on the ground. These are the ‘pets’ the Queen bought and wanted to preserve in a jar? Intelligent creatures like this? Exotic nobility indeed, what a small mind to have.

I am on limited time, surely, but the wolves staring me down implied disastrous consequences if I throw caution to the wind. I had no intention of additional wolf bites, pain will never be on my priority list when inflicted on myself. In fact, I have no idea how to treat this bite wound. I did not need more.

These furry, glittering creatures were suspicious. They were also traumatized, harmed, paranoia forcing them to lock onto the possible threat rather than ally.

I understand.

The pup in my arms, now dubbed Ruby, gave a wriggle. The little wolf didn’t escape however, so I breathed in, enjoyed the taste of moss-tasting oxygen, and decided to speak regardless if they could understand me. This planet previously hailed itself with magic, why wouldn’t the remnants hold linguistic wisdom?

“The gate is open,” I declared. “But how long will you accept the hell nipping at your paws?” The silence is still stone-still, a sign of prelude before disaster.

Their collected rage doesn’t have to be my consequence.

“I have been deemed Shepherd by a being by the name of Kazo.” By this time, I managed to catch sight of several ears perking up as Ivory and Ebony’s would. My heart stuttered from the mini-win. “You’ve been through tragedy and enslavement,” The red pup shifts again in my arms. “I am here to liberate you from grubby hands and more.” It was easier to be confident when it was true.

I wanted to do this. Not because of Ebony and Ivory as a reward, but because I hated people doing whatever they wanted without belief of consequences.

“Follow me, and we will find a place to thrive. To be safe.” I glance at a violet wolf with amethyst gems on the ears. Two little ones stayed by their paws, two different shades of darkened blue. “You will never have to deal with Dullings separating your family again. Never have to wonder who’s turn it will be, to be sacrificed for the ‘good’ of the community.” At least, such is what the captors wanted them to believe.

“Those who have ruined your lives, I will help ruin them in return by letting you thrive.” I finally began lowering the red pup to the ground, and Ruby, who had finally let go of my arm to stand properly, blinked up at me with focus. I made sure the little wolf wasn’t sick before straightening my stance, crossing the arms. “Those who threaten your lives, I will personally see to their fall.” Be it death or otherwise if the situation called for it.

I would hope not but there will always be those who’d rather die than lose.

“I see you. You see me. If the world will not see you as anything more than objects,” I take a slice of out Ivory’s counterpart’s favorite book and bow. I can feel my own ears flick up with resolve. “Then I will take the role of dragon, and act like a greedy barbarian with you all as my most precious treasures.” To be fierce and unrelenting, that is what it means to be a scaled magical being of myth.

I raised my head, taking the seconds to look upon each wolf readily listening to my drawn speech. “All the while, the truth will be us, we are allies. Equals. I’ve lived a decent life once, and it was taken by someone greedy,” The rumble in my throat tore through fangs; I didn’t bother to stop it. “Someone who could never let go. Someone who believed I belonged to them–To be tossed away at a moment’s notice because when,” I sneered. “When, were we anything more than a toy or flower to be plucked? To scum like that?”

I raised my claws in reach of the far-above rock ceiling, the wolves still do not move.

I saw this as understanding.

“I want to live freely. I won’t let anyone sabotage my happiness ever again. What say you?”

I do not move nor dare to breathe.

However, after a long pause, I witnessed one, then three, then several more of the wolves begin to sit in wait. A patient consideration. The collective decision is lacking violence or tearing into me. They may keep a steady watch but there is less paranoia, less keen eye to see if I were a hybrid threat.

I breathe out heavily, feeling the aching throb of my bitten arm.

There’s a new air of acceptance in the atmosphere.

“You’re all much too merciful,” I murmured, bowing my head. “And kind. Thank you for choosing to believe me.”

A wolf with three gems on the head, approached with their head high. With a fur coat an opal pink, the three jewels shone like shiny pebbles. The eyes were a darker rose, and before I could nudge Ruby over, the rosy wolf pushed into my side.

I fell to one knee from the sway, so very puzzled as my claws moved to push the bold creature away.

In retaliation, the tips of my claws scrape against one of the jewels, and I am unable to think of anything else as ‘WonderHopeSavior?’ Flooded my mind like a newspaper line. As if I read but felt the impact at the same time. I wheezed, lungs heaving as I struggled to adjust.

The creak of a gate stilled further thought.

I leap to my feet, as do several of the other wolves who turned in the gate’s direction.

Multiple footsteps and shouts, absolutely the hostile kind.

“…Made…Beast!” Distant voices but not far enough to be a non-threat.

I swiftly roll my shoulders and gesture with a low click of the tongue. I dashed further into the garden, and like a practiced platoon, pawsteps joined in organized groups and lines.

These Gem Wolves could absolutely outrun me. I wanted to reach their level of speed someday.

As for our escape route, the guard had squealed about a hidden passage to the outside. It wouldn’t open without the key, so now we need to charge there before our pursuers realized.

Through the Dulling-Handmade garden, we raced.

Claws and paws to wet rocks. Dirt and grass felt itchy and muddy. Any complaints filed away in favor of survival. The air felt prickly with sparks of both stress and urgency. The stench of moss was great as every wall of the enclosure was pure stone covered by mossy green. By the time I spotted a makeshift stone fountain pouring water, I leapt and threw out my legs.

The fountain slid from my reckless push. Some of the gem wolves began to rumble in snarls, the enemy must be approaching.

A click and loud flop-thud brought my attention to a wall further ahead.

The garden is still full of grass, an occasionally planted tree, and Dulling-Made touches. This enclosure was a mockery of freedom.

There. I find the target rock wall and swiftly rub my claws up and down. A claw catches on the small indent, and after removing some moss, the keyhole reveals itself. I waste no time in putting the key in, twisting and hearing the final click.

The door is old and likely rotted, I thought, when the unlocked doorway does not break open. With a snarl, I hammered into it with a shoulder, yelping from the impact and a hurt arm. Right as I was about to shoulder-tackle it harder, colorful blurs flooded my lower vision. The adult wolves are pushing against the rock with their heads or paws. I glance back, the elders are standing guard with the young just behind them.

I bit my tongue, tasting blood. I charge back into the rock, snarling, sneering as the other wolves give their all.

We’re not losing because I have strength. And these wolves have their willpower.

“They’re at that exit! It’ll lead straight to—“ A guard hastily began as they became visible in the distance.

The wall created a gap, wide enough for the gem wolves to begin running in. As soon as the last wolf is through, I slid between the hole and see the Queen as I began pushing it shut.

I couldn’t help the challenging grin at her livid face as I forced the door closed. Hence, leaving the sealed doorway once again, difficult to open.