Nita

Farryn smiled at the insult. She loved the way Nita wasn’t too afraid to speak her mind but then she also knew just how dangerous that could be. Farryn dismounted and slapped her on the shoulder. It was nice to feel at ease once again. “I know I am a pain but that just means I like you.” 

She shrugged at the comment. Sure, she would go on but it would be hard. She would mourn for years. Nita meant so much to her and she was horrible at showing her. “Shut the hell up Nita. You know I need you.” Farryn was not normally a sappy person but underneath all those layers there was a woman who longed for lasting relationships, a family. 

Nita was quick, getting right to the roots before her feet even hit the ground. She herself followed the dismount. The saddle bags held some supplies for their journey. Farryn took out some dried meat and two lush looking apples. She tossed one to Nita before answering, “You also know my story to an extent. I think a scar has to be healed before it can be reopened.” 

Farryn sat herself against a tree with a sigh. Maybe it wasn’t worth it to dig into the past. Maybe she needed to let Nita decide when and what to disclose. “Forget it. I know how the past haunts. I guess I just want you to overcome it and be the wolf I know you can be. I also need to listen to my own advice.” She chuckled softly as she opened the map. 

“Deeper in the Oak, you know the stories. I know the stories. I think if we stumble onto some of them we might find some information worth passing on. I do not think we are going to find the Queen Mother but maybe a piece of the puzzle.”

Nita didn’t think that Farryn would relent so easily, but she did. Though once again, she found herself being told that she could be more than what she was. There was so much holding her down and the trader knew that it would take time to shake it off. But forcing it out into the open wouldn’t expedite that deliverance. All Nita could do was take steps in the right direction to becoming a better individual. She needed to challenge herself and step up; she needed to control her wolf and not use it as a crutch. Nita spent so much of her life believing that she wasn’t good enough, but what if she could be?

“Thank you for understanding...I promise to speak with you on it more one day, but not now.” She bit into the apple Farryn tossed her, savoring the sweetness of the fruit. It had a honeyed tang to it, which made her want to cut it up and bake it in dough. “And I get what you’re saying, I might be immortal, but that doesn’t mean I can’t learn. Doesn’t mean I can’t grow.” 

Nita looked over the map, squinting her eyes at some of the markings. There appeared to be a den near the outskirts of Hallowed Oak. “We should check there. It’s an odd spot, but close to the road. If anything is hiding in there, they could snag travelers from the road.” Nita banked on running into trolls, given the area. She hated the greedy beasts, but knew how to handle them in a fight. 

Nita had always been one of his favorite. He’d never admit such a truth, especially because he’s laid with many of his wolves and have taken a few mates in his life– but Nita has always been a wolf who seemed too dangerous to be close with. Just enough to make it thrilling. He appreciated her a lot, more so than other’s who tried to win his heart over. She didn’t ever attempt such a thing with him and it made their time together seem distant from pack life. Something he needed sometimes and she always gave him without one muttered word.

It was frightening easy to see her potential and Alastair wanted to watch her to continue to grow as a person and as a member of his pack. He hoped, eventually, if he were to ever not be around, that Nita would stand proudly by Inga and Tristan, be someone they could count on just as she’s done for him. 

Alastair followed, close by but not enough to seem suspicious of their reasons for being there. Grimsby was always glancing at strangers, but they seemed to know enough travel passing through because of the Kingdom to not give much a batted eye to their stride. Alastair hadn’t spoken more on why he had contacts here to anyone except Elsu and Inga. He had to keep word on his dealings to a minimum– not because it was dangerous, but because he was concerned he had a mole in his pack. Someone who was slipping enough information about pack schedules and warrior rotations to allow his wolves to be attacked. 

He glanced at Nita, glaring unconsciously at the back of her head. How would she take such news? That there was a traitor in the pack. That they are the real person he is fighting. 

“Watch the windows without looking,” he said quietly, “this contact, they sometimes lay hunters traps out of ridiculous fears. They are simple enough to avoid, just be on the look out.” 

Growing up in Leeds made Nita a lot more street-smart than others. She knew how to conduct herself in such lawless places. It was always wise to blend in and remain unnoticed. Her posture was relaxed and unassuming, but didn’t give off the impression of someone careless. She wanted to suggest that she belonged in Grimsby and wasn’t just some traveler. Nita kept her pace casual and stopped once to consider the wares of a peddler. Alastair wasn’t far behind her, but kept his distance. Despite the pressure on her, she felt proud to be there with him. 

Nita knew that this mission would either strengthen or hinder their bond, depending on the outcome. And while she may be his sometime lover, she wanted a more meaningful place in her Alpha’s heart. Not romantically, but as someone he could always depend on to be at his side. She wanted to be important to him and a part of the legacy he sought to build for Anshega. 

“Traps?” She said, keeping her gaze leveled as he suggested. “I don’t understand...” The wolf wondered if the informant had snipers with eyes on the streets. So far, she hadn’t seen anyone in the windows, but that didn’t mean they weren’t there. Soon enough, that scent she followed had thickened in the air, so much that she thought it might have been their prey. 

His gut twisted like a silver blade had made to scar his insides, her words were true as they typically were when he was towering over any of his kind. But he couldn’t deny that she had a distinct point and unique viewpoint many of his wolves didn’t have. Nita was a wolf born with fire in her belly, and it was something he never wanted to watch dim down, but shape. Was she finally getting it? After all these years, her irrational and heated way of dealing with problems was an issue for him– it had been the main reason he refused to approve warrior training not wanting to place her in situations where her rage would become a problem for the pack over helping it.

“I will let you,”

His words spoke intensely, a tone that resonated as command over acceptance and he didn’t say more. Alastair’s emotions closed off and distant to her when he turned his back and started making his way up the road. His mind raced with many things while they traveled. How to deal with this coven of witches. How to deal with the King. How to deal with Midnight. So many powerful enemies were just a flip of a coin away from being a reality should the wolves misstep, and Alastair was feeling instincts to put an end to all relationships with them for that very reason alone.

Grimsby reeked of flooding and snow. He didn’t understand how the humans here decided to pick such a dreadfully dull place to build their town. Smog had settled low under the mountains from the weather wanting to snow and also wanting to sit upon the warm air rising towards sides.

“This is their scent,” he pulled out from his pockets a vial, inside was a piece of cloth and a strand of hair, he handed it to Nita. “I will let you lead this. You can decide what to do with them, how you will handle their treachery and lying to your Alpha that cost the life of one of our own if I were to send you alone on this. I know how I would handle it, and what I was planning on doing. But I will allow you to make your own decision here. Prove to me; you know how to shape your instincts.“

Relief washed over her once Alastair granted permission. Though she couldn’t help but notice the severity of his words. They buzzed about Nita’s head the entire time they traveled to Grimsby. She hoped she was reading too much into his tone, but the wolf knew that would be foolish. 

Once they were within the city’s limits, Alastair handed her the sample of their prey’s scent. Nita took the vial and popped the cork to lightly inhale the contents. She took her time and allowed her senses to commit the scent to memory. Like most smells, there were layers to it and this one was no different. Nita picked up the scent of fish, tobacco, and their body odor. Beneath it all was a faint hint of peppermint. 

She figured the task would be simple enough until Alastair revealed that she would lead the quest. Nita stared down at the vial with wide eyes as panic skittered up her throat.The irresponsible part of her screamed that she bit off more than she could chew. Perhaps this was Alastair’s way of making her pay for it, or maybe he just saw a proper opportunity to present the challenge. Either way, Nita walked right into a trap and would have to navigate her way out of it. “–Alright.” She agreed, choking down her fear. 

It was simply by chance that she heard word of the werewolves’ sparring grounds. Eavesdropping had proven mostly ineffective, but at the mention of a place like this, Jiaying had sharpened her ears; a woman with a sword like the one she was about to steal undoubtedly had to spend some of her time in such a place. And if the Beta herself would not be present, she could not imagine there would be anyone who did not know her. It was with this in mind that she found herself by the sidelines, watching as the werewolves practiced against one another.

There was a woman present, beautiful and fierce, with skills greater than all the men combined; at first she was convinced this might be the woman she was looking for. However, she quickly let this idea go as soon as she heard the petty comments some of the men threw her way. Beta was a respected position, so she had gathered, and she dearly hoped few were as dimwitted as to show their lack of respect so bluntly. Of course, they clearly fit the category in some aspects, with their pride too great to admit the skills of the woman. It made it all the more amusing to watch as she beat them, seemingly without much effort at all.

“Hardly,” she responded as the woman turned to her after yet another win. A smile tugged at her lips. “You made the show worth watching.” Frankly, she was the sole reason Jiaying had not turned as soon as she figured Inga wasn’t present. Not only did she peak her interest, but a woman like her had to know a thing or two about the Beta. Maybe she knew where she was, or maybe something about her sword– at that very thought, it was as though her mind went blank for a brief second. The sword was just a sword. Nothing more, nothing less. There was no reason to ask about it. She furrowed her brows slightly before turning back to the woman, trying to shake of the lingering confusion and hoping she hadn’t noticed. 

“It’s Jiaying.” She offered her a hand to do a proper greeting before she glanced over at the other werewolves present. 

“You’re better than most of them, if not all. Are they always this arrogant?” 

Nita’s lips curled into a cocky smirk at the stranger’s compliment. While she was better than most of the wolves present, the gathering mainly consisted of trainees like her. Some of them were younger and less experienced. Anshega’s true warriors were on the sidelines observing and offering pointers on each session.

“Good to meet you too, Jiaying.” She said, shaking her hand when it was offered. Nita didn’t know anything about her, but she seemed rather easy-going. It was a refreshing change, considering the hot-headed environment. “And yeah, this lot usually has their heads up their asses. Some of them look down on wolves like me.” She leaned against her bo-staff casually, treating it as if it were a walking stick. Nita didn’t care that the other wolves could likely hear the conversation. With such keen hearing, their kind either learned to bite their tongues or tune out background chatter. 

“Nita,” he turned with just the tilt of his head, the scruff of his beard caught along the leather on his shoulders. The snow right now was beautiful from this vantage point too, watching Nita’s steps approach after having enjoyed their play in the powdery substance was a little bit of a surprise. Not many could pick up on his departures; he didn’t make them difficult just selected optimal times to walk off while they were distracted.

“You have any right to ask that of me?” he paused, the words didn’t express the emotions in his chest, but came out rough and a little like a warning in the back of his throat. The large scar down his eye twitched, the mixed match hues of his pupils dilating to give the Alpha a discerning appearance against a beautiful landscape. One more war-ridden than what the peaceful aura around Hala and Vargulf expressed. It was evidence alone that this year has been filled with turmoil. 

“Rauha didn’t deserve to be skinned alive when he was playing Nita– he was just a kid at heart,” 

Alastair said this instead of showcasing anger at being paused in his journey. Nita hadn’t been present at the council meeting to know any of the details of his anger about this continuous issue, but Nita should know enough over the past year with rumors alone. Alastair hunting down the people involved has been a hot topic of conversation of late with the latest victim.

He walked towards her, “you know I think about that blade, the one used on me that took half my pelt– and at night I get so angry I fear a rage worthy of monsters swell in my very center,” his palm touched her there, running his palm to her front. “You will fear me if I reach that peak– my people will. So my hurry, Nita– is to travel into Grimsby if you must know. I have a contact there who has lied to me about a lead. I am going to kill them.”

Nita parted her lips to retort, but instantly snapped her mouth shut and averted her gaze. Were she in wolven form, she’d have lowered her head and tucked tail. Though while in her homid state, there were still ways to express submission. His gentle facade from earlier faded and she was suddenly aware of how much turmoil he was still in from recent activities. Many said that their Alpha wasn’t the same after Leeds. But after sporting the scars he wore, who would be? It had dawned on her that Alastair changed and perhaps he wasn’t so immovable after all.  

“I did not present the question to offend you, my Alpha. I only asked out of deep concern.” Her tone was lowered and neutral. She stood where was, knowing that advancing might be a sign of provocation, and retreating as a weakness. Nita stopped breathing when Alastair touched her, practically tasting the anger rolling from his pores. “Have you forgotten who I am? You know my past and the things I’ve done...I know that rage.” Nita slowly lifted her gaze. There was no challenge in them, none of the rebellious fire that always sparked there, only devotion. 

That look, it made Farryn show regret even despite herself. She had always been stern with the ones that showed the most potential. It was hard to amend that trait. “Words do sting more coming from friends.” Farryn sighed. That was the closest thing to an apology she would give. She did not have to justify the truth and Nita knew this. “You are missing the point. As usual, your feelings stand in the way of logic.” 

For Nita’s sake Farryn chose to enlighten her to the sharpened edge of her words. “Suppose a guard heard you speak. It took far less to convince others of misplaced guilt. This would put the pack’s life in danger considering how much I care for you. Do you think Alastair would let them torture you for information you do not have? “ Farryn turned to face her but instead of a stern expression there was something else, fear. “Goddess knows I cannot lose you. Who would I have as a friend then?” 

Farryn blinked back whatever moment had arisen between them. There was much more to do and very little time. “Yes it is a wide expanse. Perhaps we should stop to consult the map. Divide into sections? I need to take a piss anyway.” farryn showed the slightest twitch of humor before adding. “ And we need to talk about Leeds. What we both saw. It affected us too much. It was too personal. They knew our deepest secrets. I think that requires a more private setting.”

Angry red flashed across Nita’s cheeks at Farryn’s retort. If steam could fume from her ears they would have. She reined in her explosion, but she did mutter an insult and didn’t care whether her companion heard it or not. She was so tired of people telling her that her emotions clouded her judgement. Regardless of how true it could be in some cases, Nita found the argument stupid. How was she not supposed to follow her heart? It was always more natural to feel, than to analyze. Yet despite her annoyance, she couldn’t deny the reason in Farryn’s explanation. 

Athoria had become a fragile place, more than it already was. The realm of peace that Fanco Athor sewn together began to unravel. The last thing Anshega needed was the Crown breathing down their neck. But if it came down to it, Nita believed the Pack could stand against the Athor’s forces. “Okay okay, you’re right. Point taken, I should learn how to shut my trap in times of crisis. Got it.” Farryn could be like a nagging sister, playing the role of mother and sibling all at once. “And don’t be so sappy, you’d do just fine without me.” She stuck her tongue out at the other wolf. Nita supposed that only true friends could go from being at odds one moment and joking the next.

The Missing Queen Mother, Farryn had been called upon to head a search of the lands. She took pride with the trust that was nurtured in that request. If the Crown trusted the wolves then the wolves could live in a near state of peace. Farryn knew better than to think it could last forever. Nita was eager to join in this quest for diplomacy but her attitude was one that needed to be checked.

“You should keep your doubts to yourself lest they spark an air of suspicion. I would think you’re tired of being wrongfully accused.” Farryn let the sting of her words settle. It was a stab at the past she had revealed in Leeds. They both knew more about each other now. It was something Farryn was eager to speak about.

“I wanted to search the Hallowed Oak. With the rumors and stories shrouded in shadows, it will be the most under searched. I wager the good king has upturned every inch of every city beneath his jurisdiction but you will not find him out here among the ghosts and goblins.” Farryn shot her a smile of reassurance. She hoped her chastising hadn’t made the girl too upset. There was always an edge to her words these days. 

“How are you holding up after…” Farryn slowed her horse to a slow pace as she talked in hushed tones. The event in Leeds had left her with a lot of unanswered questions and revealed secrets. 

Nita blinked as if she’d been slapped and had to choke back the growl that simmered in her throat. Perhaps Nita should have known better than to share her secrets with a spy; they used information like a knife. She never expected Farryn to be so harsh though, or was she just being far too sensitive? It had been over a century since those events and the wounds still cut deep. That only made her wonder if immortality ever mattered with traumas. Did they get easier to carry like distant bad dream? Or do they stay forever, resurfacing at the slightest prodding? “I don’t share my secrets just for you to throw ‘em back at me. You want to correct me, fine, but not like that. Not ever.”

It was the only warning that she’d give on the topic; some lines just shouldn’t be crossed, even between friends. Maybe Farryn didn’t mean much harm, but that didn’t make the words any less hurtful. “And I’m doing as fine as expected after Leeds. Still see that giant hole opening up in the sky when I sleep sometimes and I can still hear that fucker laughin’ at me. Truth be told, I can hardly look at a witch without wondering if they played a role in that mess.” She still had yet to figure out how she and all those people were suddenly transported to Leeds in the first place. Magic or no, it just didn’t seem possible and effortless air of the act made all the more fearful. 

@nitaspicer

A surprising loud laugh drew the Alpha’s gaze further down from where he perched on a roof top. A black bear fur cloak draped over his shoulders and up over the crown of his head. It shrouded him from immediate sight from most of the passing humans, a few wolves picked up his scent, but this part of Hala was vibrant in late evening activities and enough of his people to give him some element of surprise.

A crinkled grin stretched his lips into a half grin while he enjoyed seeing a few people out in the snow, adults starting snowball fights, and those without the kids were merry in their singing outside the tavern. It was a warm feeling of home that swept him into feeling suddenly sentimental and grateful to his packmates– especially those mortals ones who always managed to stress him out and make his entire world equally.

When he felt enough time slipped by, he slid down the back of the roof and landed into the snow in the tavern’s backyard. He had business in the Ancient Forest again– the Queen Mother still missing. And though he’s feeling thunderous flashbacks to the last time he had business there. There was an impending issue involving the Ancient Forest in his life. He had to kill a few of his wolves with his bare hands when they fell into the Bloodmoon rage and never came out on the other end, and he was desperate not to send too many there this time around.

Not that Alastair believed in working alone, he had yelled at everyone on his council and his warriors to snap them back into fuller attention to his demands. He knew the path he was on was going to make a lot of his closest companions and most trusted question his judgment. If too many challenged him– it would be more blood on his hands and a waste of talent and life.

There was so much blood in the Ancient Forest already; it’s magics must love it.

With a steady stride he started making his way through the dark, leaving the shelter of Hala and headed alone north.

After searching for the Queen with Farryn, Nita returned back to Hala. There was something about the winter that drew her to the Pack more than usual. It was as if her instincts knew that the cold months were a time to band together for survival. Despite the chill in the air, the people of Hala always tended to have a reason for celebration. Even Nita felt victim to the winter joy and engaged in a snowball fight with a few children that frequented her shop. They wagered for sweet treats if they claimed victory and Nita was more than happy to oblige.

Like those around her, she was aware that their Alpha was among them. One could tell by the sense of security his great presence carried. Yet when he rose to leave, no one seemed to note it. Everyone was too occupied with enjoying their moment of peace. Finding it odd, Nita made quick work of defeating her little assailants, to their dismay. But, to make up for it, she promised them twice the amount of cookies they bargained for. Satisfied, they allowed Nita to leave them to follow their Alpha’s trail. 

She was surprised to learn that he headed north, which made his sudden disappearance even more curious. Nita followed him along the road leading into the Ancient Forest, until they were about a mile away from Vargulf. “So where are you in such a hurry to go?” She said, knowing he could hear her. “Especially, since you took care to make sure others didn’t notice.” 

It would be a terrible lie to say that these past few weeks weren’t the most confusing time of her life. Suddenly she felt thrust into this new life. Despite knowing her transformation day would come, there was nothing that could have prepare Mia for what it was going to be like. And how she was going to feel afterwards. Everything was completely different now. Maybe in some bad ways, but also maybe in a few good ways. Though she wasn’t sure if she was ready to admit that openly just yet. Still, there was a lot of adjust to. New noises and sounds she could suddenly hear, new instincts that she had never felt before were bubbling to the surface. All of it just made her want to runaway and hide. Though she was told by dozens of different people in the pack that it wouldn’t get any better until she learned to control and adjust to it.

Mia was thankful that Nita was willing to spend the day with her. She was trying her best not to be a total grump about being here and was trying to be as helpful as she could be. Honestly, she enjoyed working with Nita. First, that it was nice to work on something since it helped to take her mind off her own situation. And secondly, Nita was very kind with her and patient through all the new wolf issues she was going through.

Nita was even able to pull a small laugh from the young wolf, as the last customer walked away. Mia began cleaning up some of the things that were left out. She slowly nodded her head in response to Nita’s question. “Y-Yes….well as alright as I can be right now.” she said, truthfully. There seemed to be no reason to lie to Nita. She wasn’t sure how wolf things went and she didn’t know if Nita could tell if she was lying. Regardless it didn’t seem useful to lie to someone trying to help. “I d-don’t like that I can hear p-people talking when they think I cannot hear t-t-them. I’ve heard too m-many things I didn’t want to k-know.” she sighed. Mia’s eyes wandered over towards where the big event was taking place. “I think I can h-ha-andle going there…but what if I slip up? W-What if I do something w-w-wr-wrong?”

Nita gave her a sympathetic smile, remembering what it was like to deal with those burdens. She hated overhearing private conversations, especially those centered around herself. It took a lot of willpower not to butt into every exchange or become annoyed. One of the first thing she learned how to do was sift through noise, to pick and choose how intensely she wished to hear. It took a lot of practice and a great deal of patience Nita never knew she had. She had faith that Mia would have an easier time, given her more peaceful demeanor. “It gets easier and it won’t take as long as you may think, Mia. You’ll learn that people are assholes, more than you realized, but you’ll figure out how to tune them out.” 

Soon enough, she might find out that those secrets she overheard could be gifts as well. Secrets could be as valuable as diamonds and the whisper of a stranger could save lives. “I know it isn’t easy, but the sooner you stop fearing what you are, the better. You didn’t ask for this, Mia, I’m aware of that, but you survived the Change for a reason. You’re far stronger than you realize.” Seeing no one else eye her carriage, Nita began to close-up shop. She placed jars back in containers and clipped latches shut. “You’ll be fine out there, but if you start to sprout hair, I’ll carry you away myself.” Nita didn’t know what exactly what happened when the protection wards ejected people and she didn’t want Mia to be the one to test it out.

Once everything was placed back into its proper drawer, she shut the rear doors and slapped her lock on it. The trader wasn’t worried about thieves, but it was a an act done more out of habit. “Alright, let’s go have some fun, eh?” She slung an arm around Mia’s shoulder and began to lead her toward the crowd.

She did see them but her senses had honed in on Nita. She was only concerned with her safety. She could still hear the sounds of panic crashing down against her ears as the waves before a storm. It was chaos. Farryn listened to Nita speak against the fog of the whiskey she had consumed. “Magic that corrupt…..” Farryn closed her eyes as she rubbed away the visions of hell and darkness. “It shouldn’t be known on this earth. This place is cursed ground now.” And as long as farryn breathed it would remain so in her mind. It was already a hub of the grey areas of the world but now the balances was tipped to the fullest extent. 

As Nita spoke of her past it became clear to Farryn just how horrific it was. She had heard whispers but nothing matched the reality of her ordeal. “Bastard.” She growled out at the mere memory of his corpse. He had deserved death but at what price? “When you took justice into your own hands you played a dangerous game. It was deserved and goddess knows I would have acted no differently…..but Nita, you can’t let him affect you now. Just like I cannot let Fen affect me.” 

She placed her hand on Nita’s shoulder with a reassuring, although unconvincing, smile. It was hard to show anything but worry after the night they had had. “Fen and I were walking in the forest near our little home. We were very adventurous.” She chuckled softly before continuing into the darker details of that day so many years ago. “The world held so much wonder for us. We heard stories of the horse men. They were Demon stories meant to keep us within arms length of our parents. Fen and I were old enough to take care of ourselves. We weren’t children. So we went out too far. He wanted to go back but he was lost. I knew where we were and which way would take us home but I lied and led us deeper into the forest hellbent on adventure. The next think I knew we were being run down. They were too fast. I ran but Fen fell behind and as I turned I…..” 

Farryn wasn’t drunk enough to get through the entirety of her gruesome encounter but she did not stop. Through the lump in her throat she continued to speak in shaking syllables, “He was dead before he hit the ground. I could feel it. We were so close. I guess it’s a twin thing. I only survived because they wanted to have their fun…..tied him up by the ankles and drug him all the way to the edge of our property. You couldn’t even recognize him.”

Farryn looked away as a few tears slid down her cheeks. Her brother did not deserve that and seeing him tonight in that state made her relive every moment before his final breath. “It may have been the worst of Fen but he was still right but that’s enough about me, how did you escape from that cross?”

Nita wanted to reach up and pull Farryn into a tight hug, but she didn’t have the strength. She wanted to cry with her, to tell her that it wasn’t her fault, that she was just a child who didn’t know any better. Nita knew all too well how hard it was to believe something without seeing it. How was she supposed to know that those things would come after them? How would she know that he Centaurs wouldn’t just kill Fen, but make a game out of his death? Nita wanted to tell Farryn not to blame herself, but couldn’t bring herself to spare the words. She would carry her weight until she was ready to let it go, just like Nita would. 

“Since I was human, they were just lazy. The shackles were standard, not the sort that that was enchanted or adjustable...they just snap on and off.” There were still faint marks around her wrists from where they once lied. Her fingers absently traced over them as she continued. “I lost enough weight that I could finally wiggle my wrists in the cuffs and dislocated my thumb. I popped it back in place with my mouth, unlatched the other cuff and I was free.” 

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“It’s been pretty well diminished but I saved you some.” Farryn limped into the room to stand near the fire. She wouldn’t speak of the events that led them here, how she had to climb over bodies and listen to the screams of innocence she could not help. It weighed heavily on her conscious then. She had already been reminded of her brother’s death, how much more blame could she handle before she caved in on herself. 

Farryn had drank most of the whiskey to chase away the horror. Sip after sip until it was apparent nothing could wipe away the stain of this night’s events. “The windows were all busted out before we arrived. I think it’s over but the silence is the worst part of it all. The dying are dead and the living are as good as.” Farryn was not the most cheerful when she drank. It was as if all of her shortcomings came to life with the intensity of the proof. 

Farryn handed her the remains of the bottle and found a seat near her on the floor bringing her knees into her chest in a huddle. “I, do you think we were the only ones trapped from the pack? With all the commotion it was hard to distinguish the sounds. How the hell did we even get in that house?”

Farryn was glad to have someone to talk to. the silence was driving her up the wall. “You also owe me a conversation and I suppose I owe you one. You know that was my twin brother, Fen. He was killed by the centaurs when we were young. It was my fault. I …..” Farryn sighed before she finished. It was too hard to say. “He was right but that was not the brother I knew.”

Nita silently took the bottle from Farryn, frowning at it before bringing it to her lips. “Im just glad we made it out of there...” She replied, lightly belching after downing the last of the drink. “But I’m definitely certain we weren’t the only ones from the Pack trapped there. Did you see how many people were trapped in that house? Even more were out there in the streets.” Nita knew that she’d end up having nightmares of this day. Not of the giant hand jutting from the sky or mass death, but of Matthias’ specter. “I don’t know how they got us all to teleport here either...I grew up here in Leeds, but I don’t know too much about magic.” 

She listened as Farryn shed some light on her past. Nita knew the elder blamed herself, but she couldn’t help but disagree. “That ain’t your fault. Those monsters think they own that forest...they don’t have the right to shit. Unless you held him down and let him get shot...that ain’t on you.” She still hadn’t known the whole tale, but wouldn’t press her. If Farryn found it too painful to put in words, then she’d spare her that turmoil. Besides, Nita was the one that promised to bear all, she hadn’t demanded that of Farryn. 

“I think that when those witches brought them back, they only summoned the worst in them.” She smiled bitterly. “But my demon...that man, Matthias Uriah, hardly changed. I knew him before I was turned, back when I just started up my business. He was a powerful warlock, came from a magical bloodline and all that. A real sexist, stuck-up, piece of shit.” Nita wished she had more booze, but decided to use Farryn’s presence as her anchor. “When I went into his manor to show him my supply, he took one look at me and all my wildness and called me bandit. Said I was peddling stolen goods.” 

Her fingers toyed with the fur blanket beneath her, needing to focus her attention on something. “So...he gave me this.” Nita showed her the X-shaped brand on the back of her hand. She usually wore gloves or hand-wraps to keep it covered, but the fabric tore away when she shifted. “I was branded a thief, stuffed in a dress to mock me, then tied to a cross. I was sentenced to death by starvation. Gave me nothin’ but a ladle of water a day. It wasn’t until I was face to face with a Reaper, that I mustered the will to escape. When I healed up, I spent all my savings hiring cut-throats, spell-swords, or anyone who called the Uriah Coven an enemy.” 

“This is what hell looks like.” Farryn could smell the death and brimstone all around them. She could feel the heat of scorned souls swirling the city for victims. It was a terrible sight to behold but the fate of Nita was more concerning to her now. The knife was deep and the wooden shard,…..”Nita….” She shook her head in disappointment. “This is what happens when you lose control. You will tell me who that was after we get you to safety” It was not a request but a command. Farryn wanted to help Nita reach her potential in any way that she could. 

Farryn gave her no warning before she grabbed the wood shard and forced it out of her leg with a quick tug. Before the blood could come she bound it as tightly as she could with little success. “It’s going to bleed through.” She  shook her head as she handed the shard to nita. “Look at that. If you keep letting that rage rule you it will be worse next time.”

 ‘If you think you know everything you will die’ Inga’s words rung in her mind. Perhaps she should not be so hard on Nita for losing control. With concern in her eyes she she glanced back at her friend. “I just don’t want to lose my friend, I don’t have that many.” Farryn grunted as she moved lower to examine the knife. It was deep and farryn was terrified to touch it in the open street.

“I can’t do this here. I think I can carry you to your place. “ She glanced down at the arrow shaft stickout from her leg and nodded. It wasn’t so bad, she could push through it to save Nita. 

“I know...I’m sorry...I couldn’t stop myself.” Nita said, her voice thick with shame. It was all too much for her, the chaos, the death. The skeletons in her closet returning to haunt her sent Nita over the edge. It was her worst nightmare come true and that frightened Nita beyond measure. “I should have told you about him ages ago...he is someone I’ve tried to forget for a very long ti– GAH!” The wood was a lot deeper than she expected and hurt like hell coming out. “Ah, fuck you, Farryn...I know, I know.” She cast the warrior a cold glare and tossed the shard aside. Nita already knew she screwed up, she didn’t need her rubbing it in.

Nita fastened her hand around the hilt of the knife again, making sure her hand didn’t tremble. If Farryn couldn’t pull it out there, then she’d have to carry her. There weren’t any other options and the scene before them would only get worse. “Alright...fine, let’s do this.” Nita looped her arm around Farryn’s shoulders, keeping her other hand fasted around the knife. When the other woman lifted her off the ground she felt the knife shift inside of her, the lance of pain so shocking that she went limp in Farryn’s arms.