 |
The feel of Isola's coat next to mine gives me strength as I continue to search for signs within the snow. My mind wanders as my feet do. Why would Ska leave Diveen with no word to her father? Why would she purposely cover her tracks? Is she after something or someone? Or better yet, is someone after her? My chest tightens at the thought. Like Isola, my mind dreams up an image of Ruvindra, Ska's mother and Voltaire's former mate. Could she have something to do with this? Is she kidnapping the child to Iromar? Is she trying to hurt Voltaire? Anger builds in me at the thought of her doing this simply out of spite. I hate to admit that I don't know Ska nearly as well as the other wolves with me. She mostly spent time with other wolves her age or her father. I don't think I've ever seen her far from Voltaire's side. When Amir changes direction, I see everyone noticing and acting accordingly. Suddenly Amir lifts his head and calls out to us to come together once more. I lope easily to his side and stop, brushing my fur against Isola's the moment she's in reach, my eyes reassuring her that we will find Ska and she'll be okay. Of course, I can't know that for sure but I know how my mate worries. I listen attentively as Amir tells us that she came here on purpose to draw us off the scent, to distract us and stall for time. I scowl. So maybe she's not being chased by someone then. If it was that much of a panic, she wouldn't have had time to think about distractions, just escape. So she wants something or someone then. Amir then asks which direction she might have taken, toward the woodlands or toward the valley. I glance in both directions, my nose twitching as if I could catch a whiff of her scent and know which way to turn but alas, the weather is cruel and all I smell is the scents of those around me. Finally turning back to Amir, my ears flick back in uncertainty. "There's a fifty-fifty chance of being wrong but she could be long gone by the time we change direction and head back. I don't think anyone wants to split up so we have to choose." I glance at Voltaire now, my eyes determined but questioning. "Your daughter must be after something to want to distract the ones coming after her. She wants time, but for what is the question. Has someone left Diveen recently that she would want to track down? A friend maybe? I know she spent a lot of time with wolves mostly her own age and most of those wolves are either still in Diveen training or have moved on elsewhere. Is there anyone in particular she'd want to stay but didn't? I could be on a wild goose chase with this but it's just a theory. She may want more time to talk to someone, to persuade them to come back." I hope I don't sound like an idiot by voicing this. I almost cringe waiting for Voltaire to snort or laugh at how stupid that sounds. Kane_male_bound to Sinopa_mate to Isola_father to Achilles, Sage, Solaris, Ariel, Haziel, Forfax, Hope, Sango, & Phaedra_son of Kiska&Devil May Cry_39', 190lbs._High King of Diveen_nine years old |