It is clear that Reine is upset with me. Confused, frustrated, probably annoyed as hell at my return. After all, I had disappeared into thin air. Despite being imprints though, we had never really gotten to know each other. It wasn’t like I was really able to considering I had went into hiding to protect everyone around me from myself. In this instance, Blackthorne was the greater threat. As she stretches her long legs into a relaxed run, I fall into stride next to her. She is lithe compared to my stocky figure. I keep up with her still, having spent every day moving. My body was used to the way I demanded it; every aspect was sharpened, my eyesight, my nose, my senses. I avoided other wolves at all costs until today.

It bothered me slightly not to stop and verify that my scent was covered. If it wasn’t then we were leaving a clear trail behind us. This was important and I resolved to settle her somewhere safe then try to cover our tracks if I could. I guide her with my shoulder gently bumping into hers whenever I needed to turn in her direction or with a low growl as I turned in the opposite, weaving across a few creekbeds and even padding down one, splashing water and glancing at her as if to say ‘don’t ask questions’.

Finally I head towards the grotto. Long ago I had found a rather hidden cavern; it was cut upwards in the shape of an arrowhead with a large berry bush covering half the entrance and a tangled vine covering the rest. I push my head into the vine, scenting the stale air before nodding to myself and entering. Immediately I turn around, waiting for Reine to enter before sighing heavily. ”Reine, look, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bite you, I just…” I huff, squeezing my eyes shut, not sure what to say after I hadn’t talked to anyone in so long. I open them again, resolute.

”I thought I heard a call. There was a wolf who lived here when I was pup and he came in and took over Iromar, where I lived. He took me and my sister hostage and our friend. We were with him for forever.” It had felt like forever. ”He is dangerous, Reine, and if I finds me I was afraid he would find you. He wouldn’t hesitate to hurt you. Do you understand? I have to make sure you are okay.” I had failed at that for years, I think, and she wouldn’t be wrong to throw that in my face. Imprints were a strange idea to me; I think my mother and my father both had imprints but I wasn’t sure. I had never thought to really ask, to know, and I felt like shit again realizing this. ”Do you have somewhere to go? Parents I can help take you to, to help protect you?”