Page 80 of Through the Wicked Wood

Sliding myself off of him, we both lie breathlessly for a few moments. My head swirls and my stomach dips knowing that he is mine.

And I am his.

Sorin’s rough hands grip my chin, turning my face toward him. His dimple greets me as does his deviant smile. “See,” he says, brushing my wild hair back from my face. “Not all for nothing.”

* * *

The nightmares have lessened over the past few days, and I find myself slipping more and more easily into sleep. Until tonight.

Shooting upright at the same time, Sorin and I catch each other’s gaze through the darkness of our tent. A silent exchange of understanding as another deep howl sounds from outside.

“It’s Alaric.” I’m up and pulling my clothes and boots on before Sorin has time to respond.

Rushing out into the violence of the wind, I quickly remember I’m not wearing my cloak. The bite of the cold is a momentary distraction before I’m soon surrounded by Galen, Jarek, and Sam. Another howl, but this time it’s not just Alaric. Ruse’s higher pitched howl joins him and my heart races as I squint through the darkness trying to decipher where it’s coming from. I don’t hear Sorin approach, but his presence is heavy and warm as he stands by my side.

“Where are they?” Sam asks, as she appears beside us. Jarek wastes no time grabbing both his axes.

“I don’t know,” I stammer. “With…with the wind it’s impossible to tell which direction they’re coming from.” Panic floods my veins as the darkness begins to set in around my eyes. Squeezing them shut, I count silently to three. Now is not the time! I hiss at the voices dancing in my ears. Cold hands cup my chin, forcing my eyes to open.

Galen.

He stands before me, his striking blue eyes hold no sign of fear. No worry. “You do not need to hear them, Elora. You just need to feel them,” he says. His tone is soft in a way that makes me actually believe in myself. “The same way you’ve been practicing.” I try to shake my head but his grip remains tight.

“I can’t do it,” I plead, darkness pulling at my vision. “I have no idea where they are.”

“Take a deep breath,” he continues. “Take a deep breath and then close your eyes and reach out for them.” My eyes dart to Sorin, his brows furrow but he nods his head. Fear chokes me as I try to speak, so I opt not to. Another howl. Another shriek. Shaking my head, Galen grips my chin again.

“Listen to me,” he hisses. “Nothing in this world is promised, least of all life. You can either sit here and wallow in your self-proclaimed misfortune or do something about this. Your wolves are out there, and they need you. Use your magick and the bond to find them.”

Swallowing deeply, I attempt to nod my head but his grip is too firm. Easing up slightly, his fingers relax before sliding back into his pockets.

“Now,” he says calmly. “Try again.”

Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath, the cold air fills my lungs. The sound of the howls encompass my mind. I allow them to carry me through the angry gust of wind that sweeps past our camp. I picture Alaric and Ruse. Their coats, the way they move. The angles of their teeth and the shape of their paws. Pressing my eyes shut tighter, so tight stars begin to dance behind them, I keep them closed and picture my wolves until I’m there. Not physically, but somehow, I am there.

The branches moan under the weight of the wind. Alaric paces restlessly before tipping his head up, letting out another deep howl.

Distress. It’s his call of distress.

My eyes, but they’re not my eyes, scan the base of the trees. Nothing but Alaric and darkness. But then, a faint glow rises in the sky. A dim purple flash, and then it’s gone. My attention shifts.

Ruse.

Where is Ruse?

My heart thumps loudly against my chest as I reach out and feel for her.

Her howl pierces my ears. So close, yet I cannot see her. Alaric paces frantically, each step of his paw creates a deep divot into the dirt. I watch him helplessly as he continues his repetitive path. Back and forth. Back and forth. It’s now I realize, he isn’t just pacing. His head dips down with each step. He’s looking at something.

Ruse.

I suck in a sharp breath as my eyes flick open. Losing my balance, Sorin’s there to catch me before I fall.

“Something’s happened to Ruse.” I struggle to get the words out. “I could see Alaric, he’s upset. And Ruse... I could hear her but…” Once I am stable enough on my feet, Sorin ducks behind me back into our tent.

“Where are they? Could you tell?” Jarek steps closer, his axes glistening under the silver moon. I shake my head, searching for something. Any indication of where they are.

But there was something. “A light,” I whisper. “I saw a flashing light in the sky.”

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