I had been an otter once, floating along in the lake, darting to and fro after fish. I was not an otter now. Otters don’t have to think as much as I do right now. A part of me wants to go back to the river, splashing about with Taika and Edrick. The thought of the two of them hurt, especially that of the two of them together. I cared for them both more than I knew how to admit, despite having only known the two for a short amount of time.

Taika understood me, something that few others seemed to. She understood play and running and chasing fairies and turning into birds and otters and everything else. She had taught me about fairies.

But then Edrick seemed to understand too. I want to be close to him and to never leave his side. And yet, some part of me knows that would hurt Taika. Worse, it might hurt her so much that we may never play together again. I don’t know if whatever Edrick is to me is worth losing her.

The thought of losing either of them hurts that same place in my chest as before, and my forehead wrinkles at my thoughts as I stare across the lake, so lost in my own thoughts that I jump when I hear a male voice.

Quickly, I stand, turning to face him. He is an older male, though quite handsome for his age, and he seems to have his family with him. My tail wags slightly in a friendly manner, although it soon ceases as I hear his words.

“Don’t have so long?” My white head tilts to the side, confused at his words. “I don’t understand, what shouldn’t you be saying?”

I don’t have long for what? Surely not long to stay in these lands. My parents didn’t even want me back, I’m quite sure, there is no way they would come looking for me. And my siblings had been so young when I left, they wouldn’t even remember my scent! And with Edrick and Taika, I certainly didn’t plan on leaving on my own accord any time soon.

My gold eyes narrow slightly as I take in the male's appearance. "Didn't I see you in the crags? You called and a bunch of wolves came!"

That was the day I had met Edrick. It was a most important day. In fact, I owe this wolf. Without him, I may not have Edrick in my life. It would probably be simpler and I would be playing with Taika, but still, I would not have him without the stranger before me.