Luna
The Lone Wolf
By Forest Wells
Chapter 1
The Lone Wolf
By Forest Wells
Chapter 1
I am feared.
The feeling coursed through my veins as I followed a scent through the forest. The trail led me toward something that would soon be my next meal. A rabbit based on the soft, earthy smell on the wind. I only had to find it, and catch it.
It was about time too. Three moons old, and growing fast, my siblings and I saw no reason to be treated like pups. Wolfor’s fang, we didn’t even look like pups anymore. Much of my puppy fur had turned gray and silver, darkening on my back. The “silver sheen,” as Mother called it, on my neck and hackles had only gotten brighter, though a slight touch of black seemed to outline it.
Father and other adults followed nearby, but this hunt was ours, and ours alone. I followed the trail through brush and leaves, sniffing so fast I might as well have been breathing through my nose. My only pauses came when the trail seemed to thin, or even vanish.
It was during one of these pauses that my brother, Rajor, tried to push past me to find the trail. Much like the rest of us, his puppy fur had taken on adult coloring. In his case, his fur was turning solid black, aside from a hint of a gray tint. He also needed reminding of his place. Pushing past me like that was an act of dominance he had not earned. As such, I snarled and nipped at him, threatening to do more if he didn’t submit. Rajor froze, while his ears and tail fell in submission. They didn’t stay down long, but I accepted it even so. He kept an ear turned my way as he hunted for the same trail.
About time that happened too. Seems he’d finally begun to respect my position as alpha male of the litter, if only a little. I hope it stays that way. The fight it took to claim that spot from him hadn’t been easy. I did not welcome the thought of having to do it again.
I snorted and pressed on with the hunt. The scent was so strong and clear, I wondered why I couldn’t see my prey. I trotted along its path, with Rajor and my sister, Jinta, beside me. The rest of the litter were caught among themselves, trying to find the very trail we now followed.
I wanted to run full sprint after our prey, but we only had the scent to follow, and sprinting would make it impossible to find. So the three of us walked on, sniffing at every turn to make sure we didn’t lose it. We were getting closer, and my heart pounded with every step. At last, my hunt, my kill, all I had to do was... dig it out of the ground?
The trail had gone into a hole much like one Rajor had found before, except this one lay under roots as big as Father’s legs. I’d never fit in the hole, and I wasn’t about to stick my muzzle into it and carry the same scratches on my nose as Rajor. That was one mistake I did not intend to repeat. Of course, if he did, that’d be okay. When Jinta and Rajor followed the scent to the same end, they slumped with a frustrated growl.
Then Jinta looked at me. “Now what do we do, big brother?”
I turned my ears back to say I didn’t know, then looked to my father. His fur was a dark gray on his back and hackles that quickly faded around the edges to a more medium shade on his head. His legs and underside were cream and white, as was his face and muzzle.
“Father,” I said, “how do we get to it without getting our noses scratched like Rajor did?”
Rajor gave a short growl, while Father’s ears flashed back in a cringe. “Luna, you’re old enough,” Father said. “It’s time you used my name. They are part of our identity, and we must not allow it to be lost. As for the rabbit, you have to scare it out. This one chose its den well, but it’s not perfect. For one thing, the den seems rather new, which means it hasn’t had the chance to dig other exits yet. Here.”
Fath… Toltan gently nudged Jinta and Rajor into positions around the hole. “Jinta, Rajor, you two stand at the entrance. Leave enough space between you so you won’t bite each other. Luna, when I tell you to, dig on the other side of the roots. The rabbit will think you’re digging toward him. When he tries to run, he’ll run right into Rajor or Jinta.”
I thought about insisting I be part of the kill, but being the reason it happened was enough. Besides, maybe the gesture would earn me some respect from Rajor that didn’t require my fangs. While Rajor and Jinta found their distance, I chose my point of attack from the other side. The rest of the litter caught up to us, and Father told them to watch and learn. When he did, a rush went through my body that made it feel like I could tear the tree right out of the ground if I had to.
This kill would belong to the three of us, no one else. Our first of many, and I would lead it. It didn’t matter that Rajor glared at me the entire time, or that he might get the kill. It was my hunt. I tried to avoid breathing too hard as I waited for Toltan to give me the word.
Toltan glanced at Jinta and Rajor, flicked an ear, then turned both ears toward me. “Okay, Luna. Dig!”
I tore into the dirt with all my energy. Earth moved in paw-filled piles, slowed only by roots quickly torn through by my claws. An excited growl vibrated through me with every paw of dirt I flung out behind me. As I got deeper, I could hear something. A rustling, skittering sound, like twigs bouncing off each other. I could only guess it was my prey. It seemed to be moving back and forth, as if unsure which way to run. As my paws got closer to the sound, for a moment, I wondered: will I get the kill myself? My paws didn’t have much farther to go. I only had to dig a little more, break into the den, and I’d be able to land the killing bite myself. I could prove myself a skilled hunter in one act.
As the dirt softened, a streak of fur flashed out of the corner of my eye. When I looked up after it, I found Rajor and Jinta staring after a rustle in the brush nearby.
Toltan sighed while rubbing Rajor’s cheek. “Try harder next time.”
“Yeah, like at all,” Calon, another of my brothers, said.
While Toltan snapped a reprimand at him, I growled at my sinking heart. My hunt, my kill, denied by a brother who hates me. I had to wonder if he missed on purpose. After three moons of bullying, I wouldn’t put it past him.
“We’ll find him later,” Toltan said. “Right now, I want you to practice the basics. There’s a field near here full of mice. There, you’ll learn the simple techniques you need to—”
All ears perked toward an odd sound from deep within the forest. At first, it sounded like thunder, but it didn’t rumble, nor did it linger. Just one sharp craack, then an almost whistling repeat of the same sound as it faded. Toltan stepped on stiff legs toward the sound, his ears up and alert. The rest of the pack watched and waited, though some drifted closer to the pups.
Craack!-cshoo-shoo
Everyone flinched, with more than a few pups dropping their ears. The adults scanned the forest with straight ears and darting eyes. Noses and eyes searched for threats, though some tails were close to tucking as they did.
I moved closer to Toltan, trying to deny my own fear. “What is that?”
Toltan’s voice, for the first time I could remember, wavered. “I’m not sure. I’ve only heard it once before. We never found the source then either.”
“It sounds like thunder,” Rajor said.
“Yes, it does. Just like the thunder I heard before—”
Craack!-cshoo-shoo
I hugged the ground, again startled, though my ears stayed up in search of the source of this new sound. Part of me wanted to find it so I could know what it was, and then maybe learn it wasn’t worthy of my fear. The rest of me decided going the other direction made more sense. More so as new smells floated on the wind. One was dirty, almost stifling, while others were sweeter, and still more were somehow tart and bitter at the same time. I think I smelled fur too, but it was unfamiliar, as was a kind of sour I’d never smelled before, and something close to... smooth rock? It was the only description that came to mind when I found a scent of something sharp and tangy. What is out there?
“Back to the dens,” Toltan said. “Things are not safe here. Keep your ears open and your nose alert. If something seems wrong, voice it.”
Rajor looked after our prey. “I’m not leaving. We came out here for hunting lessons, and you can’t make me…”
Toltan went stone stiff. His ears were forward, his hackles started to rise, and his eyes narrowed as they locked onto Rajor better than any bite. There his gaze stayed, ready to bore a hole straight through Rajor if he didn’t back down. We pups, and much of the pack, called it the “death stance.” When Toltan entered it, you only challenged him if you wanted to die. The rare times someone did, they were always pinned before they knew what happened.
When Rajor’s ears and tail fell, Toltan only moved enough to speak.
“Your lessons can wait. Now move!”
The pack moved in a tight group back to the meeting area. The pups were kept between the adults, never allowed to roam past for any reason. Every adult continued to check the winds and the forest in search of danger, some with still low tails. I looked back the way we’d come, longing for the kill that got away, but also keeping my ears up in case that weird sound happened again. I heard only the steps of the pack, and my sigh at excitement unrewarded. Next time, I get the kill.
The group didn’t spread out until we had arrived back home. Mother... Martol greeted Toltan with a rub and a soft whine. She had a pelt of thick silver fur that looked smooth and flat, as if it only knew how to be soft.
“Everything all right?” she said.
“No,” Toltan said. “Did you hear the thunder?”
“Yes. Gave us quite a start. I was worried—”
“Luna!” Lonate, our primary pup-sitter, interrupted my perked attention of my parents. “I said follow me. I want you pups where I can watch you.”
I couldn’t resist. “Watch us, or just Rajor?”
Lonate growled and snapped at me. I fell onto my side with a whine of submission, more so because his fur made his glare that much worse. It was mostly white below, but black covered his back, neck, shoulders, and top of his head. His face and throat were white, forcing my eyes to focus on his. Worse than angry, they were heavy with his own brand of disappointment. One that somehow made you hurt as if he’d bitten you.
“I thought better of you,” he said. “An alpha should have more respect for his members. Especially his own brother.”
Did you bother to tell him that? “Yes, Lonate. I’m sorry.”
“Good. Now come.”
Despite the scolding, Lonate gave me a soft nuzzle on our way toward a hillside on the edge of the meeting area. The pack’s dens had been dug into the base of that hillside, which only had one tree at its top. The hill itself went straight up about as high as two adults or so, yet it tapered down the sides enough to be easily walked on.
As we walked, I took Lonate’s nuzzle as a sign of respect, though it didn’t make me feel much better about myself, or the day.
Much as I hated to admit it, he was right. Rajor’s lack of respect for me did not mean I had the right to disrespect him. The thought festered in my stomach, tightening even more as I noticed the adults had made a border around me and my siblings. It made it quite clear how little freedom we had at the moment. More so when I looked at the wolves near the dens and saw them give any pup who came near a straight-eared glare.
Sure, we had an open area among the trees to play in, but we didn’t dare play near the dens, because one of them held a new litter from Solas and Carfen. Toltan had made it clear: no one plays near them, which meant our limited area was even smaller. I tried to listen in on Toltan and Martol, but my head slumped onto my paws when I found I couldn’t hear them. What a fine end to a fine day. A failed hunt, lessons stopped by a strange thunder in the forest, Martol and Toltan appear worried, and now Lonate’s mad at me. At least there’s nothing else I have to deal with.
"You're scared of it, aren't you?” Rajor asked in his usual mocking tone while also giving fake whines. “An odd noise in the woods. Like thunder, yet not like thunder. It just fills you with fear, doesn’t it?"
I should have drowned him at the river. “Go away, Rajor. Leave me alone before I pin you again.”
Rajor growled with a glare to match. I sighed while preparing for yet another fight with my brother.
CRAACK!-cshoo-shoo
All ears shot up toward the forest, save for Rajor’s, whose went flat against his head just as fast. Who’s afraid now?
Squawking soon followed, coming like a strong wind from the forest. I stood with perked ears as I tried to understand what it meant. I knew it was birds, but far more of the same kind, at the same time, than I’d ever heard before. They were flying in a single flock that blew overhead like a cloud rushing by. Most of it was just noise, but I was able to catch something from the mockingbirds.
“Beware the two-leggeds, bearers of thunder. Beware the two-leggeds, bearers of thunder.”
Over and over, they cawed as they flew. The pack watched the flock pass, with Lonate in particular transfixed on them. His ears were up, but there was an odd darkness to him. Something I’d seen on my parents not long ago when they came back without a kill. Toltan seemed particularly worried, while Martol mentioned something about “not having a Mesin problem,” whatever that meant. After seeing this darkness again on Toltan just a moment ago, I realized it was fear, but a kind different than the one that still had Rajor’s ears flat against his head. Wolfor’s fang, what is going on out there?
I hadn’t noticed Martol approach until she barked to call the attention of the pack. Once we were all gathered, she addressed us. “Everyone, listen up! I want a hunting party to gather some meat for the pack. The pups will remain here for now.” She glared at Rajor. “No exceptions! When the pack is fed, we will meet, older pups included, to discuss what we’ve heard today. That’s all.”
Toltan gathered a hunting party without many words to anyone. Rajor tried to join them despite Martol’s warning, but Lonate’s fangs, sharp enough to draw blood this time, put an end to it. Rajor found a spot to be alone and sulk, too hurt in one form or another to bother anyone. Thank you, Wolfor, I thought. The last thing I needed was another fight.
Not that I could relax either. I could sense tension from every adult, particularly Lonate and Solas, like some kind of black cloud coating their fur. Their scents felt thicker, harder, like I was breathing dirt or water instead of a smell. It turned parts of my insides in a way I had never felt before. The only feeling that came close was when Toltan, Martol, or Lonate were angry, and I wasn’t sure if they were mad at me or not. Much like those times, I found myself watching them for some sign of what to do. Solas spent the day talking with the other high-ranking wolves, while Lonate sat on top of the hillside, watching the forest as if something might jump out and bite him.
That more than anything kept me from joining the other pups as they filled their time with playful roughhousing. Lonate had always been so controlled, almost an alpha himself in his own way. Now he seemed more like an omega, utterly subordinate to something only he could see. As much as I wanted to understand it, I didn’t bother trying to ask him, or anyone else for that matter. After all, I was still a pup to them. Until that changed, I wasn’t going to get answers or freedom. That left me with nothing to do except enjoy the soft glow of a half-moon as it rose in the sky. While not as calming as the glow of a full moon, right now, even a tiny bit was welcome.
It proved to be more calming than expected, as I found the tension falling away. The silver of my hackles caught just enough light to reflect, making them appear to glow. I never could tell if they really were glowing, or if it was just the reflection. I only knew that when they did, I was able to relax in a way different than any other. My nerves and frustrations hadn’t left, I was just too far away for them to reach me.
It had been that way since the first time we were allowed to leave the den. While my siblings had gotten lost in the scents on the wind and the vast open space we had only heard about, the full moon had called to me. My hackles, with the same “silver sheen” then as now, began to glow, and somehow, it relaxed me. More than that, at the time, I felt safe, protected, though I still didn’t understand how.
My name came from the same source. Lonate had seen my fixation, and mentioned “Luna,” the eternal forest where wolves go after death, and the only territory we had a name for. It is said this forest resides on the moon and is watched over by Wolfor, the great alpha wolf that created us. We call ourselves “wolf” to honor him, and according to Toltan, though Wolfor lives in this “Luna,” he still watches over us, at times guiding and even helping us when we need it most. Martol and Toltan thought Wolfor’s dwelling called to me, so they gave me the same name in honor of it, and him.
I sometimes wondered if any of it were true, but there was no doubt that something about the glow of the moon seemed to put me at ease. Martol said it was proof of Wolfor’s blessing, Rajor mocked me for it every chance he got, while Jinta playfully teased that I had been born with a dash of Wolfor’s home in my fur. Whatever the reason, I only cared that right now, it meant a moment of peace was not hard to find.
That peace ended when I heard the hunting party return with a kill. The meat was distributed among the pack, with some going into the den for Carfen. The hunting party gave us older pups a share as well, some of it nice and fresh, instead of regurgitated like we usually got. At least something had changed with our age.
I ate my share quickly, not wanting to miss anything that might happen in the meantime. My reward was catching Rajor heading to steal Calon’s share. Calon’s fur was an almost solid pelt of smooth silver, except for his back, where it became a darker gray, and a lighter underside. Every strand was soft and relaxed. He was unaware of the brother moving to steal part of his meal.
Before Rajor could get there, I snuck up behind him and snarled right at his tail. While hardly menacing like the adults, it still accomplished my goal. Rajor snapped around to face me, ears and fur on end like he might leap out of his skin. Calon jerked too, but when he looked back to see me, he gave a growl of his own. When he did, Rajor turned to him, then back to me, then at last, Rajor’s ears fell.
“Better,” I said. “Now go back to your own share.”
“And what if I don’t, Mister Silver Sheen?” Rajor said in a mocking tone. “Are you going to pin me again?”
I bared my teeth. “I just might.”
“Careful. Remember what Father—”
“Toltan! We are to use his name now, remember?”
Rajor’s ears fell further, then they raised with what little pride he had left. His tucked tail betrayed the truth. “He told us that wolves don’t kill their own young before they see their first winter. It’s a law passed down from Wolfor himself. So I don’t have to be afraid of you.”
Don’t be so sure. “Who said I would kill you? I’ve pinned you before. What’s to stop me from doing it again?”
Rajor tried to find an insult. I could see his lips searching for the right words. I deepened my growl, at least as much as a pup can, and he finally lowered his ears.
“Someday, I’ll be alpha,” Rajor said. “You’ll see. I’ll lead this pack, then I’ll put you in your place.”
“You’ll have to beat me first,” I said, still growling.
“I will. By Wolfor, I swear, I will be alpha.”
I huffed as he left. That’ll be the day.
I turned to reassure Calon that I would defend him, only to find that instead of his growl fading, if anything, it had grown louder. His glare was locked on me, as if he could bite me with his eyes.
“What?” I said.
“I could have handled him!” he said. “I didn’t need you.”
You’re welcome. “It doesn’t matter if you did or not. I’m not going to let him—”
“I can fight my own battles! I’m the big brother. I don’t need you to defend me.”
I think that stick up his tail went deeper. It first appeared when Martol mentioned that he was the first to be born. Ever since, Calon had touted himself as our “big brother” despite being smaller than all of us. Even Rajor was talking about pinning him for his own good, and I now wondered if I should let him. Maybe he could knock Calon back where he belongs, or create a situation where Rajor’s focus would shift to him instead of me. I’d be happy with either outcome.
I left Calon to his meal, perking my ears when I saw Toltan taking meat up to Lonate. With most of the adults talking, or transfixed by some rough play that might be too rough, I was able to sneak close enough to the hillside to hear their conversation. With any luck, I could avoid being run off before I got some idea of what had the adults so nervous.
“Come on, Lonate,” Toltan said. “You have to eat.”
“I can’t,” Lonate said.
“Why? You feel sick? Were you bitten by something?”
“It’s the past. Something I thought I’d left behind.”
“What are you talking about? What does the past have to do with—”
“Toltan, Lonate,” Martol called. “Come down here. It’s time we talked to the pack.”
Toltan growled annoyance, and so did I. So much for getting answers. If anything, I’d only gained more questions. What could Lonate have “left behind” that would have him so nervous? Somewhere in the back of my mind, there was the question of how worried I needed to be, but mostly, I was just confused. And the lack of answers was starting to prick at my nerves, because I didn’t know what was going on or how I needed to react to it.
Lonate turned down the hill without his meal, which seemed to draw another growl from Toltan. He carried Lonate’s share down, stopped in front of him, and dropped it at his paws. Toltan’s fur rose, until Lonate looked at the meat like he might throw up.
Once Toltan noticed it, he continued glaring, but somehow softer, and without his fur rising. “You will eat that, or I will stand here and watch you rot.”
Lonate’s ears and head fell, but Toltan didn’t flinch or change. He continued to stare at Lonate as if he could will him to eat. Eventually, Lonate sighed and dug into his share. I had to join the other pups before I saw him finish it, though he soon rejoined the pack, licking his lips. I still had my ears bouncing between him and Toltan. Lonate for whatever “past” he was talking about, Toltan as he talked with the higher ranked adults a short distance away. All this because of some thunder?
I didn’t get to think about it before Toltan and the others returned to the pack. Everyone perked their ears forward as Martol stepped out to speak.
"By now, you have all heard the odd sounds in the forest,” she said. “I’m sure many of you remember hearing it before. We believe it is not thunder. Old legends told of great creatures that could kill from long distances. It was said, when they killed, a sound like thunder could be heard far away. The birds’ call has confirmed that there is something to fear out there. Therefore, new rules are being imposed.”
Toltan’s ears kept shifting as he stood beside his mate. “No hunting group shall be smaller than five wolves. Pups shall be guarded by two wolves per litter. If a smell of smoke is found, the pack must be informed without fail. If anything besides a bird is seen with two legs, you will give a howl of warning. Thunder sounds shall be treated with great caution. Any questions?"
One adult said, "What do we do if we find one of these things?"
"Avoid them. They may or may not be as dangerous as legend tells.”
Another adult asked, “Is it the same legend Mouler talked about? Is it real and out there, hunting in our forest?”
Toltan hesitated and cringed in pain, much like Lonate did some time ago. Unlike Lonate, his lasted only a moment. “I don’t know. I pray to Wolfor it isn’t.”
I couldn’t stop the question. "Will hunting lessons be affected?"
Toltan’s ears and voice turned hard. “Still showing initiative, I see.”
Might as well keep going. “It’s a valid question, isn’t it?”
“You’re right, it is. The answer is no. We’ll just be more careful. Anything else?” The pack replied with silence and backward-ticking ears. “Very well. It’s been a long day for many of us. I suggest we remain here for now, try to get some rest. Conditions permitting, we’ll take the older pups out for some hunting lessons when daylight returns. That is all.”
The pack scattered, many talking about the new rules. Lonate made a point to walk beside me. “You continue to impress me, Luna. Not many pups would follow up on such a question. I can’t wait to see what kind of adult you’ll become.”
My ears fell in blush. I couldn’t even manage a thank you because I didn’t see anything special about what I did. It seemed like a valid question, especially if it meant it would take even longer for us to prove ourselves. With the adults all worrying about this strange thunder, I didn’t want us pups to be lost in it, so I spoke up. That didn’t mean I deserved any credit for it, though I must admit, receiving it did feel pretty good.
I tried to find words, but by the time they came, my ear turned toward Calon as he started muttering.
“‘So impressive, Luna. You’re amazing, Luna. Can’t wait to see what you do, Luna.’ Might as well be Wolfor’s son or something.”
What’s wrong with him? Being mad at me for “not letting him fight his battles” was one thing. This was sending a chill down my back. It was as if some part of me knew something the rest didn’t. Part of me wanted to ignore it, while another said to watch and listen, just in case something came of it. One Rajor was bad enough. Having a second would make my life unbearable.
The feeling coursed through my veins as I followed a scent through the forest. The trail led me toward something that would soon be my next meal. A rabbit based on the soft, earthy smell on the wind. I only had to find it, and catch it.
It was about time too. Three moons old, and growing fast, my siblings and I saw no reason to be treated like pups. Wolfor’s fang, we didn’t even look like pups anymore. Much of my puppy fur had turned gray and silver, darkening on my back. The “silver sheen,” as Mother called it, on my neck and hackles had only gotten brighter, though a slight touch of black seemed to outline it.
Father and other adults followed nearby, but this hunt was ours, and ours alone. I followed the trail through brush and leaves, sniffing so fast I might as well have been breathing through my nose. My only pauses came when the trail seemed to thin, or even vanish.
It was during one of these pauses that my brother, Rajor, tried to push past me to find the trail. Much like the rest of us, his puppy fur had taken on adult coloring. In his case, his fur was turning solid black, aside from a hint of a gray tint. He also needed reminding of his place. Pushing past me like that was an act of dominance he had not earned. As such, I snarled and nipped at him, threatening to do more if he didn’t submit. Rajor froze, while his ears and tail fell in submission. They didn’t stay down long, but I accepted it even so. He kept an ear turned my way as he hunted for the same trail.
About time that happened too. Seems he’d finally begun to respect my position as alpha male of the litter, if only a little. I hope it stays that way. The fight it took to claim that spot from him hadn’t been easy. I did not welcome the thought of having to do it again.
I snorted and pressed on with the hunt. The scent was so strong and clear, I wondered why I couldn’t see my prey. I trotted along its path, with Rajor and my sister, Jinta, beside me. The rest of the litter were caught among themselves, trying to find the very trail we now followed.
I wanted to run full sprint after our prey, but we only had the scent to follow, and sprinting would make it impossible to find. So the three of us walked on, sniffing at every turn to make sure we didn’t lose it. We were getting closer, and my heart pounded with every step. At last, my hunt, my kill, all I had to do was... dig it out of the ground?
The trail had gone into a hole much like one Rajor had found before, except this one lay under roots as big as Father’s legs. I’d never fit in the hole, and I wasn’t about to stick my muzzle into it and carry the same scratches on my nose as Rajor. That was one mistake I did not intend to repeat. Of course, if he did, that’d be okay. When Jinta and Rajor followed the scent to the same end, they slumped with a frustrated growl.
Then Jinta looked at me. “Now what do we do, big brother?”
I turned my ears back to say I didn’t know, then looked to my father. His fur was a dark gray on his back and hackles that quickly faded around the edges to a more medium shade on his head. His legs and underside were cream and white, as was his face and muzzle.
“Father,” I said, “how do we get to it without getting our noses scratched like Rajor did?”
Rajor gave a short growl, while Father’s ears flashed back in a cringe. “Luna, you’re old enough,” Father said. “It’s time you used my name. They are part of our identity, and we must not allow it to be lost. As for the rabbit, you have to scare it out. This one chose its den well, but it’s not perfect. For one thing, the den seems rather new, which means it hasn’t had the chance to dig other exits yet. Here.”
Fath… Toltan gently nudged Jinta and Rajor into positions around the hole. “Jinta, Rajor, you two stand at the entrance. Leave enough space between you so you won’t bite each other. Luna, when I tell you to, dig on the other side of the roots. The rabbit will think you’re digging toward him. When he tries to run, he’ll run right into Rajor or Jinta.”
I thought about insisting I be part of the kill, but being the reason it happened was enough. Besides, maybe the gesture would earn me some respect from Rajor that didn’t require my fangs. While Rajor and Jinta found their distance, I chose my point of attack from the other side. The rest of the litter caught up to us, and Father told them to watch and learn. When he did, a rush went through my body that made it feel like I could tear the tree right out of the ground if I had to.
This kill would belong to the three of us, no one else. Our first of many, and I would lead it. It didn’t matter that Rajor glared at me the entire time, or that he might get the kill. It was my hunt. I tried to avoid breathing too hard as I waited for Toltan to give me the word.
Toltan glanced at Jinta and Rajor, flicked an ear, then turned both ears toward me. “Okay, Luna. Dig!”
I tore into the dirt with all my energy. Earth moved in paw-filled piles, slowed only by roots quickly torn through by my claws. An excited growl vibrated through me with every paw of dirt I flung out behind me. As I got deeper, I could hear something. A rustling, skittering sound, like twigs bouncing off each other. I could only guess it was my prey. It seemed to be moving back and forth, as if unsure which way to run. As my paws got closer to the sound, for a moment, I wondered: will I get the kill myself? My paws didn’t have much farther to go. I only had to dig a little more, break into the den, and I’d be able to land the killing bite myself. I could prove myself a skilled hunter in one act.
As the dirt softened, a streak of fur flashed out of the corner of my eye. When I looked up after it, I found Rajor and Jinta staring after a rustle in the brush nearby.
Toltan sighed while rubbing Rajor’s cheek. “Try harder next time.”
“Yeah, like at all,” Calon, another of my brothers, said.
While Toltan snapped a reprimand at him, I growled at my sinking heart. My hunt, my kill, denied by a brother who hates me. I had to wonder if he missed on purpose. After three moons of bullying, I wouldn’t put it past him.
“We’ll find him later,” Toltan said. “Right now, I want you to practice the basics. There’s a field near here full of mice. There, you’ll learn the simple techniques you need to—”
All ears perked toward an odd sound from deep within the forest. At first, it sounded like thunder, but it didn’t rumble, nor did it linger. Just one sharp craack, then an almost whistling repeat of the same sound as it faded. Toltan stepped on stiff legs toward the sound, his ears up and alert. The rest of the pack watched and waited, though some drifted closer to the pups.
Craack!-cshoo-shoo
Everyone flinched, with more than a few pups dropping their ears. The adults scanned the forest with straight ears and darting eyes. Noses and eyes searched for threats, though some tails were close to tucking as they did.
I moved closer to Toltan, trying to deny my own fear. “What is that?”
Toltan’s voice, for the first time I could remember, wavered. “I’m not sure. I’ve only heard it once before. We never found the source then either.”
“It sounds like thunder,” Rajor said.
“Yes, it does. Just like the thunder I heard before—”
Craack!-cshoo-shoo
I hugged the ground, again startled, though my ears stayed up in search of the source of this new sound. Part of me wanted to find it so I could know what it was, and then maybe learn it wasn’t worthy of my fear. The rest of me decided going the other direction made more sense. More so as new smells floated on the wind. One was dirty, almost stifling, while others were sweeter, and still more were somehow tart and bitter at the same time. I think I smelled fur too, but it was unfamiliar, as was a kind of sour I’d never smelled before, and something close to... smooth rock? It was the only description that came to mind when I found a scent of something sharp and tangy. What is out there?
“Back to the dens,” Toltan said. “Things are not safe here. Keep your ears open and your nose alert. If something seems wrong, voice it.”
Rajor looked after our prey. “I’m not leaving. We came out here for hunting lessons, and you can’t make me…”
Toltan went stone stiff. His ears were forward, his hackles started to rise, and his eyes narrowed as they locked onto Rajor better than any bite. There his gaze stayed, ready to bore a hole straight through Rajor if he didn’t back down. We pups, and much of the pack, called it the “death stance.” When Toltan entered it, you only challenged him if you wanted to die. The rare times someone did, they were always pinned before they knew what happened.
When Rajor’s ears and tail fell, Toltan only moved enough to speak.
“Your lessons can wait. Now move!”
The pack moved in a tight group back to the meeting area. The pups were kept between the adults, never allowed to roam past for any reason. Every adult continued to check the winds and the forest in search of danger, some with still low tails. I looked back the way we’d come, longing for the kill that got away, but also keeping my ears up in case that weird sound happened again. I heard only the steps of the pack, and my sigh at excitement unrewarded. Next time, I get the kill.
The group didn’t spread out until we had arrived back home. Mother... Martol greeted Toltan with a rub and a soft whine. She had a pelt of thick silver fur that looked smooth and flat, as if it only knew how to be soft.
“Everything all right?” she said.
“No,” Toltan said. “Did you hear the thunder?”
“Yes. Gave us quite a start. I was worried—”
“Luna!” Lonate, our primary pup-sitter, interrupted my perked attention of my parents. “I said follow me. I want you pups where I can watch you.”
I couldn’t resist. “Watch us, or just Rajor?”
Lonate growled and snapped at me. I fell onto my side with a whine of submission, more so because his fur made his glare that much worse. It was mostly white below, but black covered his back, neck, shoulders, and top of his head. His face and throat were white, forcing my eyes to focus on his. Worse than angry, they were heavy with his own brand of disappointment. One that somehow made you hurt as if he’d bitten you.
“I thought better of you,” he said. “An alpha should have more respect for his members. Especially his own brother.”
Did you bother to tell him that? “Yes, Lonate. I’m sorry.”
“Good. Now come.”
Despite the scolding, Lonate gave me a soft nuzzle on our way toward a hillside on the edge of the meeting area. The pack’s dens had been dug into the base of that hillside, which only had one tree at its top. The hill itself went straight up about as high as two adults or so, yet it tapered down the sides enough to be easily walked on.
As we walked, I took Lonate’s nuzzle as a sign of respect, though it didn’t make me feel much better about myself, or the day.
Much as I hated to admit it, he was right. Rajor’s lack of respect for me did not mean I had the right to disrespect him. The thought festered in my stomach, tightening even more as I noticed the adults had made a border around me and my siblings. It made it quite clear how little freedom we had at the moment. More so when I looked at the wolves near the dens and saw them give any pup who came near a straight-eared glare.
Sure, we had an open area among the trees to play in, but we didn’t dare play near the dens, because one of them held a new litter from Solas and Carfen. Toltan had made it clear: no one plays near them, which meant our limited area was even smaller. I tried to listen in on Toltan and Martol, but my head slumped onto my paws when I found I couldn’t hear them. What a fine end to a fine day. A failed hunt, lessons stopped by a strange thunder in the forest, Martol and Toltan appear worried, and now Lonate’s mad at me. At least there’s nothing else I have to deal with.
"You're scared of it, aren't you?” Rajor asked in his usual mocking tone while also giving fake whines. “An odd noise in the woods. Like thunder, yet not like thunder. It just fills you with fear, doesn’t it?"
I should have drowned him at the river. “Go away, Rajor. Leave me alone before I pin you again.”
Rajor growled with a glare to match. I sighed while preparing for yet another fight with my brother.
CRAACK!-cshoo-shoo
All ears shot up toward the forest, save for Rajor’s, whose went flat against his head just as fast. Who’s afraid now?
Squawking soon followed, coming like a strong wind from the forest. I stood with perked ears as I tried to understand what it meant. I knew it was birds, but far more of the same kind, at the same time, than I’d ever heard before. They were flying in a single flock that blew overhead like a cloud rushing by. Most of it was just noise, but I was able to catch something from the mockingbirds.
“Beware the two-leggeds, bearers of thunder. Beware the two-leggeds, bearers of thunder.”
Over and over, they cawed as they flew. The pack watched the flock pass, with Lonate in particular transfixed on them. His ears were up, but there was an odd darkness to him. Something I’d seen on my parents not long ago when they came back without a kill. Toltan seemed particularly worried, while Martol mentioned something about “not having a Mesin problem,” whatever that meant. After seeing this darkness again on Toltan just a moment ago, I realized it was fear, but a kind different than the one that still had Rajor’s ears flat against his head. Wolfor’s fang, what is going on out there?
I hadn’t noticed Martol approach until she barked to call the attention of the pack. Once we were all gathered, she addressed us. “Everyone, listen up! I want a hunting party to gather some meat for the pack. The pups will remain here for now.” She glared at Rajor. “No exceptions! When the pack is fed, we will meet, older pups included, to discuss what we’ve heard today. That’s all.”
Toltan gathered a hunting party without many words to anyone. Rajor tried to join them despite Martol’s warning, but Lonate’s fangs, sharp enough to draw blood this time, put an end to it. Rajor found a spot to be alone and sulk, too hurt in one form or another to bother anyone. Thank you, Wolfor, I thought. The last thing I needed was another fight.
Not that I could relax either. I could sense tension from every adult, particularly Lonate and Solas, like some kind of black cloud coating their fur. Their scents felt thicker, harder, like I was breathing dirt or water instead of a smell. It turned parts of my insides in a way I had never felt before. The only feeling that came close was when Toltan, Martol, or Lonate were angry, and I wasn’t sure if they were mad at me or not. Much like those times, I found myself watching them for some sign of what to do. Solas spent the day talking with the other high-ranking wolves, while Lonate sat on top of the hillside, watching the forest as if something might jump out and bite him.
That more than anything kept me from joining the other pups as they filled their time with playful roughhousing. Lonate had always been so controlled, almost an alpha himself in his own way. Now he seemed more like an omega, utterly subordinate to something only he could see. As much as I wanted to understand it, I didn’t bother trying to ask him, or anyone else for that matter. After all, I was still a pup to them. Until that changed, I wasn’t going to get answers or freedom. That left me with nothing to do except enjoy the soft glow of a half-moon as it rose in the sky. While not as calming as the glow of a full moon, right now, even a tiny bit was welcome.
It proved to be more calming than expected, as I found the tension falling away. The silver of my hackles caught just enough light to reflect, making them appear to glow. I never could tell if they really were glowing, or if it was just the reflection. I only knew that when they did, I was able to relax in a way different than any other. My nerves and frustrations hadn’t left, I was just too far away for them to reach me.
It had been that way since the first time we were allowed to leave the den. While my siblings had gotten lost in the scents on the wind and the vast open space we had only heard about, the full moon had called to me. My hackles, with the same “silver sheen” then as now, began to glow, and somehow, it relaxed me. More than that, at the time, I felt safe, protected, though I still didn’t understand how.
My name came from the same source. Lonate had seen my fixation, and mentioned “Luna,” the eternal forest where wolves go after death, and the only territory we had a name for. It is said this forest resides on the moon and is watched over by Wolfor, the great alpha wolf that created us. We call ourselves “wolf” to honor him, and according to Toltan, though Wolfor lives in this “Luna,” he still watches over us, at times guiding and even helping us when we need it most. Martol and Toltan thought Wolfor’s dwelling called to me, so they gave me the same name in honor of it, and him.
I sometimes wondered if any of it were true, but there was no doubt that something about the glow of the moon seemed to put me at ease. Martol said it was proof of Wolfor’s blessing, Rajor mocked me for it every chance he got, while Jinta playfully teased that I had been born with a dash of Wolfor’s home in my fur. Whatever the reason, I only cared that right now, it meant a moment of peace was not hard to find.
That peace ended when I heard the hunting party return with a kill. The meat was distributed among the pack, with some going into the den for Carfen. The hunting party gave us older pups a share as well, some of it nice and fresh, instead of regurgitated like we usually got. At least something had changed with our age.
I ate my share quickly, not wanting to miss anything that might happen in the meantime. My reward was catching Rajor heading to steal Calon’s share. Calon’s fur was an almost solid pelt of smooth silver, except for his back, where it became a darker gray, and a lighter underside. Every strand was soft and relaxed. He was unaware of the brother moving to steal part of his meal.
Before Rajor could get there, I snuck up behind him and snarled right at his tail. While hardly menacing like the adults, it still accomplished my goal. Rajor snapped around to face me, ears and fur on end like he might leap out of his skin. Calon jerked too, but when he looked back to see me, he gave a growl of his own. When he did, Rajor turned to him, then back to me, then at last, Rajor’s ears fell.
“Better,” I said. “Now go back to your own share.”
“And what if I don’t, Mister Silver Sheen?” Rajor said in a mocking tone. “Are you going to pin me again?”
I bared my teeth. “I just might.”
“Careful. Remember what Father—”
“Toltan! We are to use his name now, remember?”
Rajor’s ears fell further, then they raised with what little pride he had left. His tucked tail betrayed the truth. “He told us that wolves don’t kill their own young before they see their first winter. It’s a law passed down from Wolfor himself. So I don’t have to be afraid of you.”
Don’t be so sure. “Who said I would kill you? I’ve pinned you before. What’s to stop me from doing it again?”
Rajor tried to find an insult. I could see his lips searching for the right words. I deepened my growl, at least as much as a pup can, and he finally lowered his ears.
“Someday, I’ll be alpha,” Rajor said. “You’ll see. I’ll lead this pack, then I’ll put you in your place.”
“You’ll have to beat me first,” I said, still growling.
“I will. By Wolfor, I swear, I will be alpha.”
I huffed as he left. That’ll be the day.
I turned to reassure Calon that I would defend him, only to find that instead of his growl fading, if anything, it had grown louder. His glare was locked on me, as if he could bite me with his eyes.
“What?” I said.
“I could have handled him!” he said. “I didn’t need you.”
You’re welcome. “It doesn’t matter if you did or not. I’m not going to let him—”
“I can fight my own battles! I’m the big brother. I don’t need you to defend me.”
I think that stick up his tail went deeper. It first appeared when Martol mentioned that he was the first to be born. Ever since, Calon had touted himself as our “big brother” despite being smaller than all of us. Even Rajor was talking about pinning him for his own good, and I now wondered if I should let him. Maybe he could knock Calon back where he belongs, or create a situation where Rajor’s focus would shift to him instead of me. I’d be happy with either outcome.
I left Calon to his meal, perking my ears when I saw Toltan taking meat up to Lonate. With most of the adults talking, or transfixed by some rough play that might be too rough, I was able to sneak close enough to the hillside to hear their conversation. With any luck, I could avoid being run off before I got some idea of what had the adults so nervous.
“Come on, Lonate,” Toltan said. “You have to eat.”
“I can’t,” Lonate said.
“Why? You feel sick? Were you bitten by something?”
“It’s the past. Something I thought I’d left behind.”
“What are you talking about? What does the past have to do with—”
“Toltan, Lonate,” Martol called. “Come down here. It’s time we talked to the pack.”
Toltan growled annoyance, and so did I. So much for getting answers. If anything, I’d only gained more questions. What could Lonate have “left behind” that would have him so nervous? Somewhere in the back of my mind, there was the question of how worried I needed to be, but mostly, I was just confused. And the lack of answers was starting to prick at my nerves, because I didn’t know what was going on or how I needed to react to it.
Lonate turned down the hill without his meal, which seemed to draw another growl from Toltan. He carried Lonate’s share down, stopped in front of him, and dropped it at his paws. Toltan’s fur rose, until Lonate looked at the meat like he might throw up.
Once Toltan noticed it, he continued glaring, but somehow softer, and without his fur rising. “You will eat that, or I will stand here and watch you rot.”
Lonate’s ears and head fell, but Toltan didn’t flinch or change. He continued to stare at Lonate as if he could will him to eat. Eventually, Lonate sighed and dug into his share. I had to join the other pups before I saw him finish it, though he soon rejoined the pack, licking his lips. I still had my ears bouncing between him and Toltan. Lonate for whatever “past” he was talking about, Toltan as he talked with the higher ranked adults a short distance away. All this because of some thunder?
I didn’t get to think about it before Toltan and the others returned to the pack. Everyone perked their ears forward as Martol stepped out to speak.
"By now, you have all heard the odd sounds in the forest,” she said. “I’m sure many of you remember hearing it before. We believe it is not thunder. Old legends told of great creatures that could kill from long distances. It was said, when they killed, a sound like thunder could be heard far away. The birds’ call has confirmed that there is something to fear out there. Therefore, new rules are being imposed.”
Toltan’s ears kept shifting as he stood beside his mate. “No hunting group shall be smaller than five wolves. Pups shall be guarded by two wolves per litter. If a smell of smoke is found, the pack must be informed without fail. If anything besides a bird is seen with two legs, you will give a howl of warning. Thunder sounds shall be treated with great caution. Any questions?"
One adult said, "What do we do if we find one of these things?"
"Avoid them. They may or may not be as dangerous as legend tells.”
Another adult asked, “Is it the same legend Mouler talked about? Is it real and out there, hunting in our forest?”
Toltan hesitated and cringed in pain, much like Lonate did some time ago. Unlike Lonate, his lasted only a moment. “I don’t know. I pray to Wolfor it isn’t.”
I couldn’t stop the question. "Will hunting lessons be affected?"
Toltan’s ears and voice turned hard. “Still showing initiative, I see.”
Might as well keep going. “It’s a valid question, isn’t it?”
“You’re right, it is. The answer is no. We’ll just be more careful. Anything else?” The pack replied with silence and backward-ticking ears. “Very well. It’s been a long day for many of us. I suggest we remain here for now, try to get some rest. Conditions permitting, we’ll take the older pups out for some hunting lessons when daylight returns. That is all.”
The pack scattered, many talking about the new rules. Lonate made a point to walk beside me. “You continue to impress me, Luna. Not many pups would follow up on such a question. I can’t wait to see what kind of adult you’ll become.”
My ears fell in blush. I couldn’t even manage a thank you because I didn’t see anything special about what I did. It seemed like a valid question, especially if it meant it would take even longer for us to prove ourselves. With the adults all worrying about this strange thunder, I didn’t want us pups to be lost in it, so I spoke up. That didn’t mean I deserved any credit for it, though I must admit, receiving it did feel pretty good.
I tried to find words, but by the time they came, my ear turned toward Calon as he started muttering.
“‘So impressive, Luna. You’re amazing, Luna. Can’t wait to see what you do, Luna.’ Might as well be Wolfor’s son or something.”
What’s wrong with him? Being mad at me for “not letting him fight his battles” was one thing. This was sending a chill down my back. It was as if some part of me knew something the rest didn’t. Part of me wanted to ignore it, while another said to watch and listen, just in case something came of it. One Rajor was bad enough. Having a second would make my life unbearable.