Chapitre 8

A drop splattered on stone.

I groaned.

The wind howled in the distance. My head was pounding and I frowned. A musty smell hung in the air.

I lifted my eyelids.

White cloth was tied around my arm where the claws had grazed me. Someone had doctored me. How long had I been unconscious? I tried to raise my hand but they were tied to the chair I was sitting on.

Panic flowed into my heart. I shook the chair, but the ropes continued to chafe my irritated wrists.

"Stop it."

My movements froze as the voice echoed through the basement. Someone stepped out of the shadows into the torchlight.

Alpha Eros.

Silence enveloped us, only the dripping filled the air. His eyes were dark as he stared at me. There was so much in them that I couldn't bear it. So I looked at the stone floor of the dungeon. My hair covered my face like a veil.

"Look at me."

There was anger in his voice. Alpha Eros tried to control his wolf. I lifted my head despite the heavy regret weighing on me.

Alpha Eros walked towards me and leaned his arms against my seat. His eyes bored into my soul. We were so close that I could smell a whiff of rain and wood on him. It drove away the desperate smell of blood and fear.

Suddenly, a tear filled the air. The pressure on my wrists eased. Alpha Eros had broken the bonds. Angry red welts showed underneath. I held them to my chest to quell the burning, but it was no use.

I wanted to thank him. Something about his presence calmed me. I was sure he wouldn't hurt me. Still, I couldn't get a word out of his look. Part of me felt guilty. Another just wanted to go home.

But there was no turning back.

"Why did you disobey my order?"

I squirmed under his question.

"Tommy was in danger. I had to-"

Tense voices boomed through the door along with angry footsteps. Alpha Eros let go of me and stood protectively next to me. The metal in front of us creaked. Two figures stepped into the flickering light.

Crescent shadows lay beneath Alpha Fenrir's eyes, unlike Beta Leo. I could see nothing in him but determination and disgust. He wanted me dead.

What stopped him?

I looked to Alpha Eros for help, but his eyes were fixed on Beta Leo.

"It is time we settled this matter," said Alpha Fenrir. "Where did you get the silver?"

"It w-was a present."

My voice was shaking. I couldn't tell if it was because of fear, pain, or the biting cold.

"By whom?"

I swallowed.

"From m-my mother."

"She is lying!"

Alpha Eros growled in warning. Beta Leo paced in front of me, but he didn't dare approach me. My wrist throbbed exactly where he had been standing.

"She h-leaved it to me."

"Leave or not. she wore it She bears the consequences."

A rumble made the chair vibrate beneath me. Everything in me tightened. Alpha Eros built ahead of Beta Leo.

"I thought we had that settled."

Beta Leo looked anxiously at Alpha Fenrir, who had his head in his hands, and sighed.

"We can not do anything. The law is clear."

Beta Leo stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. My stomach cramped. The two Alphas turned their gazes to me. I looked back and forth between them in disbelief.

The law was clear. So I would die.

All hope evaporated with these words. Why did I think Alpha Eros would help me? A stab pierced my heart. Why did it hurt?

"When will you return to the north?" Alpha Fenrir asked as if he hadn't just signed my death warrant.

"My warriors will depart with Johnson. I'll stay until everything is ready."

"Very well."

The alphas shook hands like I wasn't even there. Then Alpha Eros looked at me, disappointment plain to see.

"I'll leave you alone."

He left the room and closed the door behind him. I wanted to protest. I wanted him to stay, to help me.

Even if I had no right to his help.

He had given me protection in his house. I had scorned it.

He had saved my life in the forest. I had dug my own grave with the silver.

He had just untied my bonds, but why was he leaving now? I wanted to call after him. I didn't want him to go.

I didn't want to die.

"M-please make it quick," I whispered, bowing my head.

Alpha Fenrir's brown boots came to a stop in front of me.

"Well. Ephilia Hershel, I hereby banish you from the Shadowmountain Pack."

My eyebrows shot up as I looked at Alpha Fenrir.

"W-what?"

There was only one punishment crueler than death for both man and werewolf.

Exile.

“I c-can't survive out there. The savages would maul me."

Panic gripped my soul and made it jump in the triangle. My teeth began to chatter as I thought of the packless werewolves, the savages.

"And that's exactly why you should thank Alpha Eros."

"T-thanks?"

Did he make that suggestion? Send me into the wilderness only to suffer an even crueler death? My tongue seemed knotted because I couldn't get a word out.

"He got your banishment. That was his price for helping his pack. You are now part of his pack and you must experience your punishment there as well. And since there is no ban on silver in his pack, let alone laws on humans, you should thank him."

"I'm with the Ice Claw Pack from now on?"

My voice sounded hotter.

"Totally right. And so from now on none of us are allowed to harm you. Unless Alpha Eros allows it."

I rubbed my eyes. All of this couldn't be true. It was beginning to dawn on me why Beta Leo had disappeared so pissed off.

A spark of relief bloomed in me. At least I was alive. I hauled myself to my feet.

Alpha Fenrir opened the door to the passage. I followed him out of the dungeon into the corridor of the cells, which were all separated from each other. Flickering images rippled across the stone floor, and a layer of rot and decay enveloped us.

A tremor and rumble made the ground tremble. The bang made me jump. It roared from a prison of pure silver. A thick padlock kept the beast lurking behind it at bay. But the door had already suffered a few dents and dents.

"W-what is that?" I asked.

Alpha Fenrir looked back and sighed.

"You don't have to worry about that."

Every time I saw him, a new problem seemed to arise for him to take care of. No wonder Alpha Fenrir always looked so tired. I smothered the spark of curiosity and followed him up the stairs. The guards bowed their heads as we passed. The door creaked open.

The sunset greeted me along with the orange sky. A breeze made my hair dance and the fresh air invigorated my lungs. Had I been down there all day?

We left the underground prison behind and headed back into town. The square in front of the pack house was empty. I peeked at the dirt in front of the stage as I passed.

The bracelet was gone.

I really lost it. My mother's only inheritance. She would be disappointed in me. The wolves had probably already melted it down to use for themselves.

Maybe even in the dungeon for that monster down there. I shook myself. The werewolves had some secrets in their history that a human probably wouldn't want to dig up.

My gaze was lowered, but I recognized the path we were taking. Instead of the half-timbered houses we came to the edge of the forest. The two log houses stood against the trees, which stretched in the evening breeze. Light flickered behind the windows.

I swallowed.

"He's your alpha from now on. I'd be careful if I were you."

"Thank you, Alpha Fenrir."

It felt like a goodbye; a farewell to my old life and my home. A lump pressed into my windpipe. I raised my hand to the door before turning around one last time.

Alpha Fenrir nodded.

I tapped on the wood. Both of my wrists looked like they'd been in captivity for years: a feast of blue, purple, and red. I ignored the burning.

Mighty footsteps approached.

The door creaked open and Alpha Eros appeared. His hair was neatly pulled back and he was wearing a clean shirt. There was nothing left to suggest the struggle that had raged this morning.

But unlike the fight, when his eyes had been ablaze, now they regarded me coldly. I took one last look at Alpha Eros, who watched me steadfastly and without pity. My heart picked up speed. I stepped over the threshold past Alpha Eros.

It overshadowed my small form and goosebumps burst onto my skin. At least it was warm here. He closed the door behind me.

I headed towards the living room. The fireplace crackled with a blazing fire. The orange light gave the wood a warm glow. His footsteps resounded and I felt his presence behind me.

"Sit down."

I closed my eyes.

What was I involved in here...

****

"Sit down."

The deep voice sent a shiver down my arms. Alpha Eros pointed to the leather chair in front of the flames. I hesitated before following his instructions. The fire was like a warm blanket on my chilled arms.

Alpha Eros disappeared. I drew my knees to my chin and looked at my joints. The biting pain could be felt with every movement. I hope they don't catch fire. I ran my fingers through my hair. They were caked with leaves, blood and dirt.

Wonderful.

The footsteps returned. Alpha Eros came to a stop in front of me. He took my chin between his fingers. A shiver ran down the back of my head.

"I want you to look at me."

I looked into his eyes. They were hard as stone.

"Thank you," I whispered.

My voice hung thin between us. Maybe it wasn't what he wanted to hear, but it was what I needed to say.

He looked away and knelt in front of me. The smell of alcohol bit my nostrils. Then I felt a searing pain in my wrists.

Before I could pull her away, Alpha Eros grabbed her. I didn't stand a chance against his strength. He spread the liquid on the wounds. I gritted my teeth and stared at him, but his eyes were focused on work.

Even though he was on his knees, our heads were level. He was totally focused on my joints, his grip light as if he didn't want to hurt me. I would love to stroke his hair.

"Finished."

I shook my head to clear the thoughts. What was wrong with me? Alpha Eros seemed oblivious to this as he tied white fabric around my ankles.

"Are you mad at me?"

He looked up. We were so close that his body heat radiated toward me. My throat was bone dry.

"Because of the silver? No."

The fire reflected in his eyes.

"But when I saw you in the forest, I wanted to tear all the wolves on the battlefield to pieces."

His voice dropped an octave and for a second his eyes flashed black. his wolf. I pressed my head against the leather.

"Can I have something to drink?"

The distraction seemed to be working. Alpha Eros raised an eyebrow before standing.

"Wait here."

He eyed me as if expecting protest, but I kept my mouth shut. Alpha Eros returned with a full glass and handed it to me. The cool water ran down my throat like a river. He took it from my hand and set it aside.

"Enough with the games. We still have something to work out."

My heart quickened at his words. He rested his hands on the arms of the chair and leaned down to me. His body held me captive in the chair and at the same time acted as a shield against the flames of the fireplace. His eyes showed nothing but authority.

"I'm your alpha from now on, is that clear?"

A hot tingle clenched my stomach. I swallowed.

"Crystal clear."

If it calmed him down...

"Very good."

He leaned back and gave me air to breathe again. I tried to get up, but my knees were rotten. To avoid landing on the wood, I rested my arms on Ero's broad shoulders. My cheeks turned fiery red.

What was wrong with me?

Before I could react, my feet left the ground. I squeaked in surprise. Alpha Eros picked me up by my waist and positioned me.

"It's time you packed your things."

I opened my mouth to protest, but as I looked into his eyes all dissent died. I had already reached the last straw, so I had to make the best of it.

I would go north.

"May I say goodbye?"

~~~~~

We stood in front of the house I had called home for the past nine years. I had to say goodbye to that now.

"You have tonight. We'll leave at daybreak."

"In order."

"Only pack what you need. No clothes."

I nodded. Alpha Eros turned and disappeared into the twilight. I sighed in relief before opening the door and stepping inside. Warmth greeted me and the familiar smell of paper and fire.

"Uncle Theo?"

My voice was cautious. I sneaked into the living room. Someone had rolled and stacked the scattered drawings in a corner. Who put things in order here? It certainly wasn't Uncle Theo.

"Ephilia?"

Three figures sat on the ground and one of them jumped up. Uncle Theo wrapped his arms around me. My legs could no longer hold me. He held my weight in his arms, but that didn't seem to bother him.

"I thought you were dead," he whispered softly.

"I was thinking the same thing."

He took my face in his hands. His eyes were as glassy as the surface of a lake. I didn't want him to cry because of me. Then I had to cry too.

"What's happening?"

"I won't be able to stay. I have to go in the morning."

"Not into the wilderness?!"

"No, do not worry. The Iceclaw Pack took me in."

My words were hesitant. I knew what Uncle Theo thought of Alpha Eros. But that didn't matter. I could only think of how much I had let him down.

"I am so sorry. I lost the bracelet."

Tears pooled at the corners of my eyes.

"I don't give a fuck about the bracelet. The main thing is you're okay. I made a promise to your mother."

"And you never broke it."

"E-Ephilia?"

I pulled out of Uncle Theo's embrace. Behind him stood Lizzy and Tommy. Lizzy's eyes were red, but relief shone through them.

A smile tugged at my lips. At least they were fine. I hugged her and hugged her tightly to me.

"Thanks, you saved him. I am forever in your debt."

"It would be enough for me if you could smile again," I said.

"How am I supposed to smile when you go away. You're my best friend! Who am I supposed to boss around now? Who am I supposed to clean up after?"

I sighed. My brow furrowed in sadness as the corners of my mouth turned up.

"I only have one request: Take care of Uncle Theo. He's even worse than me when it comes to order."

"You have my word," Lizzy said, looking at me.

A tug on my leg drew my eyes down. The little boy stood in front of me with his head bowed. I knelt down.

"Tommy, look at me."

He looked up and big tears burst from his eyes.

"Phiphi! I'm so s-sorry!"

"You do not have to cry. I am fine. And you too. That's the most important."

I wiped his tears from his cheeks.

"You have to listen to me carefully now: listen to your sister, all right? She's reasonable."

He nodded vehemently.

"I will."

I tousled his hair and smiled.

"And don't look so sad. You can do it."

I got up and hugged them both to me.

"I will miss you."

"So do we," Tommy whispered.

"We'll meet again. I'm sure."

I smiled goodbye.

They were part of my family and they were safe here. That reassured me and Uncle Theo had someone to take care of him. Lizzy took her brother's hand, who reluctantly followed her.

"Be well," Lizzy said.

"Make it better," I replied.

The door clicked shut behind them. Uncle Theo put a hand on my shoulder.

"I may never have told you before, but I'm proud of you. All this time you cared for me, reminded me of everything, cooked for me and assisted me."

"It was a matter of course. You took me in and gave me a home."

Deep laughter lines arose around his eyes.

"Your mother would be proud of you even if you lost her bracelet. She would have laughed at that... You look so much like her."

A sob shook through his body and almost broke the dam inside me. After what felt like an eternity, he released his arms.

"I'd better go upstairs and get some sleep," I said, yawning.

"You're right. A new bed arrived today. I don't need the second anymore. Do they even have beds up north?"

I smiled wearily.

"I can handle it as long as they don't sleep in caves."

"Okay."

I left the living room and climbed the stairs. A freshly made bed stood in the same place as my old one. My shoulders sagged. I threw myself onto the feather pillows, which received me gently and gave me comfort.

A sob broke from my throat. I guess I finally made it. I finally destroyed my entire life in just one day.

And the worst part was that I would do it the same way all over again.

Tears soaked into the sheets. I tried to get my breathing back under control. I had pulled myself together all day. That was over now.

At least for this evening.

I needed a bath to finally wash away the musty stench of the dungeon. Goosebumps ran down my back.

The bandage around my forearm hid the wounds that the day had left.

I took a deep breath.

Tomorrow was a new day.

Tomorrow my new life would begin.

At Alpha Eros...

***

TUESDAY OF THE 9TH MOON COUNT:

My eyes opened. Reality woke me up. The feather pillows couldn't change that either. I looked out the window. A dense fog lay in the darkness. The sun wouldn't be long now.

I jumped out of bed.

It was time to pack. What was important enough to take north? Alpha Eros had allowed only light luggage. Instead of a dress, I put on gray pants and a white blouse: work clothes.

She was probably better suited to travel.

I grabbed my small black leather shoulder bag and stopped in front of the stacks of books. There was only one book important enough to take with you.

With my hands I ran the golden cooking pot engraved on the red cover.

Grandma Thilde's recipes for all occasions.

A smile scratched my lips. The pages were still slightly curled, the black ink was scrawled on the yellowed paper. I knew it by heart, but Grandma Tilde wrote it for me.

I had learned a lot from her, even if I only had a vague memory of her gray locks.

There was a soft knock at the door.

"Ephilia?"

"Come in."

I rubbed my eyes to banish any remaining tiredness. Uncle Theo stood in the doorway. He looked hesitant.

"I have something for you. Here so you don't get too cold up north."

He handed me a mouse-grey scarf. My hands dug into the fabric, which was soft as a chick.

"Thanks."

"And here, I put some money aside for emergencies."

Uncle Theo put a jingling bag in my pocket.

"How am I ever going to thank you enough."

A red sky loomed over the horizon. Alpha Eros would be here any moment. I wrapped my scarf and bag around my neck and looked into my room one last time.

It had been my kingdom for almost ten years. Now it was time to say goodbye.

"I'll write to you if it's possible," I said as we descended the steps.

"Even if I have to carry the fox up north myself, you'll hear from me," he replied.

A vigorous expression gave effect to his words.

I could see the sadness behind it.

"Lizzy will check on you."

"And who's checking on you?" he asked.

I swallowed before forcing a smile onto my face.

"I, of course."

Uncle Theo gave me a last, comforting hug.

"Give me a sign if you've arrived safely, please. And don't take a shit from the wolves, do you hear?"

"I promise it."

A pounding snapped us back to reality. My heart pounded faster in my chest. I pulled out of the hug and grabbed my red coat.

"Goodbye," I said, glancing into his glassy eyes one last time.

"Goodbye, Ephilia."

I let out my breath before opening the door. Before me stood Alpha Eros in all its glory. Not an ounce of fatigue darkened his eyes. His hair was pulled back severely.

A heavy black coat was draped over his elbow. He looked me up and down.

"Are you ready?"

"Yes."

You could hear the lump in my voice as I stepped out of the house. It was dead quiet. Only the fog kept us company. The cool morning air settled like ice on my cheeks.

I was already grateful for the scarf.

"Come."

I followed Alpha Eros to the edge of the forest.

"I thought you were running away."

My eyebrows shot up. His comment almost brought a smile to my face. But Alpha Ero's gaze was fixed on the path ahead.

"I've done a lot of stupid things, but running away has never been one of them."

"I will remember that."

"How so? Is it that bad up north?"

"It's the most beautiful place on earth for a wolf," he replied.

A little stone fell from my heart as we walked through the forest. My intuition told me not to fear Alpha Eros even though he was the king of the north.

As long as I was on his cheerful side...

It was quiet around us except for the crackling of the leaves. The cool fog of dawn slowly lifted and gave way to the first rays of the sun. Alpha Eros stopped.

I ran face first into his back.

"Ow..."

I rubbed my nose. Unlike Lizzy, Alpha Ero's back was as hard as metal. Those damn werewolf genes. He turned to me, his eyebrow raised.

"Here."

He gave me his coat and I took it. In front of him was a black backpack that I hadn't seen before. At his nod, I pulled him onto his back. Then he began to unbutton his shirt.

"Ah, what are you doing?!"

I held the black fur in front of my eyes. Heat shot up into my cheeks so early in the morning. I did not understand the world anymore.

"What does it look like? How do you think we're going to get north?"

I carefully lowered the cloak only to see Alpha Eros shirtless. The curves of his muscles were clearly visible. I spun around and closed my eyes.

Something was wrong with me.

"I thought we were... walking?"

A deep laugh sounded behind me. I suppressed the urge to turn around. Glad he could at least enjoy my ignorance.

"It takes me almost two days in my wolf form."

"2 days?!"

I wanted to turn and look into his eyes, but I held myself back.

"Exactly, that's why we should go now, so that we can arrive tomorrow evening. Put your coat on, it's getting cold."

I followed his instructions. The sleeves were way too big. In the coat I looked like a child. Suddenly something cracked behind me, like a tree being ripped out of the ground.

"Alpha Eros?"

I turned around carefully. A gasp sent a shiver down my spine. I stumbled back and landed in the fall leaves. Before me stood the huge black wolf with blue eyes. His gaze was fixed on me.

Memories of the fight jumped in my mind and I tried to shake them off.

I swallowed before picking myself up off the floor. I brushed the leaves from the clothes. He came at me and I had to fight the urge to back away.

Alpha Eros knelt.

"You want me to ride on your back?"

he was crazy How should this work? The wolf snorted impatiently and looked at me. I hesitantly came to his side.

Even though he lay down on the floor, I wasn't as tall as him. I put my hand on the charcoal fur. It was surprisingly soft and warm. I took a step and jumped.

I landed on his back, feeling the muscles underneath. My legs dangled down the sides. I clutched my hands in the fur. Alpha Eros stood up and the ground moved farther away from me.

"Wait, can't we- Ahh!"

The wind whipped my face. The trees blurred past us.

This is what flying had to feel like.

My scream turned into a laugh. A hum went through Alpha Eros, but it couldn't dampen my joy.

My first adventure.

It wasn't what I had planned.

This was better.

The vineyards passed us as we raced up the heights. I looked back one last time at the city I had called home.

From up here it looked so small, like a miniature version. It was completely enclosed by the forest, our house, the market place with the pack house and the grocery store where Lizzy and Tommy were sleeping peacefully.

I brushed my strands back from my face as I gazed at the valley ahead. There was nothing but a sea of gold-red treetops.

The journey north could begin.