CHAPTER 13 #2
The rabbit fell in a crumpled heap onto the ground as Lenore’s hands disappeared. She felt the cool grass under her paw pads, thick fur shielding her from the crisp air that had once tickled her skin.
Her gaze looked down in horror at the rabbit. She squeezed her eyes shut.
In one swift movement, her jaws gingerly picked up the rabbit. Her tongue pulled back as far as it could. She fought the urge to gag.
“I—mmph—I’m ready,” Lenore mumbled.
Hans broke into a trot and answered back, “I’ll let you know when we’re near.”
Lenore kept up as best she could as his pace quickened.
The rabbit’s fur in her mouth intensified her nausea.
Saliva threatened to spill past her lips from how precariously she held it.
She was forced to discard her mental discomfort for the sake of her physical—her jaws clamped down on the rabbit, securing it in place.
Her eyes stayed glued on Hans, trying whatever she could to ease her discomfort.
It helped that he was fast, as most of her attention was focused on keeping up with his pace.
The cool night air rushed through her fur.
Unkempt wilds transformed into established pathways.
Well-lit lanterns bathed them in a warm glow.
Familiar sights of Lunavie’s small town soon entered her vision.
Other wolves passed by them, a thrum of excitement rippling through the ongoing conversations that filled the air. Snippets were heard whenever Lenore was in earshot.
“—to think we might catch one right before the ball!”
“Might? Even without our Caernith, our Vesren and the rest of the Duskryns will—”
“I wish I could get to chew on its antlers.”
“—the other packs will be jealous—”
“Oh, look, that must be the new Nyven.”
“What was the Caernith thinking—”
“Lucyn-turned—”
“—But she looks like us—”
“A bad omen—”
Lenore tore her attention away when she realized some of the conversations were about her. Claiming the nausea was from the rabbit alone became a lie.
Hans slowed his pace before a large wooden ramp.
Lenore could distinguish a pale green canopy above the ramp, supported by pillars, even though the night sky had darkened its color.
Vines of wisteria covered the canopy with blooms of purple and blue.
Ahead, the elevated path was constructed with planks of fine walnut.
Faint hints of the wood’s aroma wafted through Lenore’s nose.
Each side boasted a line of buildings that reminded her of a rustic shopping street.
“Up ahead.” Hans pointed a paw toward the strip of buildings.
“You’ll find the butcher’s. It’s where all prey needs to go after a successful hunt.
Each member has a quota to meet.” He glanced over at Lenore’s rabbit and added, “Don’t worry too much about it.
A Nyven like yourself usually makes up for the lack of quantity with other tasks. ”
Lenore placed the rabbit down. Just as she turned to ask him one of the many questions swirling in her head, Hans was already departing.
“I’ll leave you to it then.” Hans gave her a quick nod, then broke out into a run—the soft thumps of his paws faded fast.
“Oh—um, thank you! I hope you catch the mithrial!”
A distant “thank you!” answered Lenore’s words before Hans disappeared into the dark horizon. She lingered there for a moment longer before she shifted back into human form. Her brows knitted together as she made a face. She opened her mouth, pulling out short strands of rabbit fur.
“Ptui!” Lenore spat the remaining hairs onto the ground below her. The back of her hand wiped her mouth, grimacing all the while. Disgust disappeared under the weight of the silence, and the remnants of the words she heard came creeping back.
A bad omen.
It was undeniable then. What she was—it was different from the others. More than an outsider, she was...
A monster, her mind whispered. A flash of the black wolf with ghastly yellow eyes appeared, the nightmarish glimpse fading as she quickly rubbed her arm against her eyes. For a heartbeat, the air grew colder.
She stared bleakly at the rabbit below.
“It’s just you and me then,” she finally murmured.
She bent down, picking up the rabbit by its sides.
A short, humorless laugh escaped her. “Oh stars, I’m talking to a dead animal.
” Her eyes scrunched as she shook her head, “And I need to stop talking to myself out loud—which is exactly what I’m doing right now. Urgh.”
Before she went on a tangent talking to herself, she moved forward, heading up the ramp at her own pace.
She was at least glad she had a goal to get to tonight.
Her boots clicked against the wood, a satisfying thump with each step.
A few pixies zipped by, shedding their sparkling dust as they disappeared into the night.
The street itself contained a small crowd of werewolves, each going about their own tasks.
Some ran about as wolves while others strolled by in their human appearance.
Lenore glanced at what looked like a cafe that was still open, its outdoor tables occupied by a few werewolves chatting away.
The wooden sign above the door gently rocked back and forth from a light breeze in the air.
The sweet perfume of planted lavender in front of the cafe drifted by.
For a moment, it all felt normal to her.
As if she were back home in Arkhaven. She could imagine the floral shop she frequently visited after a stop at her favorite cafe, the curiosities shop that housed all kinds of faerie goods, the fountain filled with magical coins, and the hustle and bustle of different races mingling in the main streets.
The fog of her imagination dispersed, leaving her to wade through the reality of her new home. She kept walking, absorbing all the details of her surroundings as best she could, pretending she didn’t notice the looks.