I sigh as I pull over, my tears blurring my vision and making me unable to drive. It’s been two hours since I left the temple and it takes everything not to turn back and return. But I can’t. I have to keep going and make my way to Toronto in order to hide from Alexander and to find my own way in life before I can take the throne. Taking deep breaths, I wipe away the tears and calm myself down. Even with the feeling of home sickness kicking in harder than I expected. Deciding I need some fresh air, I turn the hummer off and step outside, making sure to bring my silver dagger with me before locking the vehicle. Thankfully, I had pulled into a rest stop that leads to a hiking trail, no one would question a car left unattended here. With a smile, I walk into the forest, relishing in the freedom of being one with nature for a moment without any constraints.
Awwwwooooooooh
My foot steps pause at the sounds of a howl, one every wolf hates to hear. Soulless were near and that spelt trouble. Rushing towards the direction the howl came from, I head deeper into the forest and off the hiking trail. The farther into the trees, the closer the stench of death and decay became.
“Stay back Alice!” A childish voice calls out, making me run faster. Children were in trouble and a rush of fear that the Soulless is after them hits me. Scenting the air, I frown and realize two other wolves were near, meaning two children are facing off with the Soulless and if I don’t hurry soon, these two will become mince meat.
“Be careful Blake!” a little girl cries out in warning. Thankfully I am close and with a burst of energy, I find myself jumping off of a small cliff and landing in front of the two children, dagger at the ready as I take in the two Soulless baring their putrid fangs at two kids.
“Who…who are you?” The boy asks as soon as I straighten, deciding which Soulless to kill first.
“A friend. We can talk later.” I reassure the two frightened kids. Without a second to spare, I race towards the Soulless on the left, dodging a swipe of their claws and slashing at their paw with the dagger. I watch as it recoils in pain, the silver burning it’s flesh and giving me a moment to quickly slit their throat and give them a quick and painless death. Now on to the second Soulless.
This one eyes me carefully, as if its humanity is not too far gone. I have a feeling they are watching, waiting to see what the results would be. Something inside me tells me that I need to kill this wolf and that instinct turns out to be correct as the wolf slowly backs away before turning tail and run off. Making sure the children are safe, I rush after the Soulless, using the trees the way Amberle trained me too, and quickly catching up to the Soulless. With in moments, I had taken the lead and waited patiently before finally jumping off the branch and landing directly on its back. Although this did not kill the Soulless, it did slow it down and I give me a chance to back away before they could sink their teeth into me.
“Coro sent you, didn’t he.” I speculate, seeing a flash of recognition in the Soulless’ eyes.
“Tell my brother I will find him and kill him then.” I chuckle out, slowly stalking towards the wolf before me. I watch as fear clouds its face just as I sink my dagger into its neck, not bothering to dodge the attack and earning a wound on my arm. It’s the price I have to pay to send the message to my brother. After making sure this Soulless had a painless and quick death, I rush back to where I left the children, shocked to see them still against the cliffs walls and waiting patiently for me.
“Thank you for saving us.” The little girl smiles out, the boy standing in front of her protectively.
“You’re welcome. Why are you two out here alone?” I watch the two closely, deciding to lean against a tree a few feet away to give them their space.
“Why should we tell you.” The boy answers defensively. Ah, the teenage attitude. Goodie.
“Because its not normal for pups to be out alone without pack mates while carrying back packs.” I point out, nodding towards their packs on the floor just behind them.
“We ran away from our pack.” The little one answers. Looking closely, I notice how gaunt their features are, realizing they were way under weight.
“Alice shut up!”
“No Blake. She saved us so she must be good!” I watch the two bicker and sigh, pushing myself off from the tree and walking towards them, scooping their back packs onto my shoulders.
“I am Crystalline Thorn. If you want, I am heading to Toronto and could use the company. I was even thinking about heading to McDonalds for some food.” I smile at the two pups, seeing their eyes widen when they realize I was offering them a ride and food.
“You won’t take us back to our packs?” The boy asks.
“You ran away for a reason. So did I. Why don’t you tell me all about it on the way to the city and stick together while we are at it.” I answer, jumping in surprise when someone takes my hand and notice the little girl beside me, a smile on her face.
“Can we go to one with a play place?” She sheepishly asks and I chuckle, bending down and lifting her into my arms, doing everything to keep the smile on my face when I realize just how light she is.
“We can definitely go to one with a play room for you.” With that, I carry her towards my Hummer, knowing the boy will follow me no matter what.
“I’m Alice Skylarke and that’s my older brother Blake.” With a smile, Alice introduces herself to me and her brother Blake as well. I have a feeling these two have a story to tell and when they are ready, I will listen.