20 What Did I Do Wrong?

One week after Ralphie left my side, we received wind that the vampires had formally initiated war. Earlier on the morning Little Roy delivered his message, an envoy sent by the vampires arrived at the Border. The Bloodsuckers demanded the wolves provide two thousand human offerings as a friendly gesture to extend the century-old treaty among the two opposing sides.

Without any need for consideration, Alpha Simon ripped off the envoy's head and tossed it in the Infinite River. The remaining entourage was slaughtered with the same swiftness and none were left alive to report anything back. Little Roy, one of the fastest runners, was then dispatched to retrieve Ralphie.

And now, even I've received details on it despite being on the farthest side away from the imminent battleground. My grip around the fang in my pocket tightened. At the pace my group was migrating, it didn't seem like I was anywhere near the destination and may not be able to return by Ralphie's side before the war really starts.

"Luna, someone is here for you." The little girl in my arms looked backwards and her little ears perked up. "But I don't recognize his scent."

The child's tiny hand pressed on my shoulder as the stranger came into view. It was a large gray wolf, perhaps even bigger than Ralphie which wasn't too common. His snout was on the longer side with protruding fangs sharper than the average wolf. Three claw mark scars ran across his face, giving him an even more intimidating presence.

"Stop there."

He stopped at my command and bowed his head down slightly to greet a Luna. We may not be from the same pack, but he had obligations to respect me as long as Ralphie remains one of the five main Alphas. It was strange though, the way he looked at me as if he had to be wary of me rather than the other way around especially considering his obvious advantage.

"What message do you bring?" I asked as I placed the child down.

"The battle may begin sooner than we expected and the Alphas ordered me to escort you back immediately," he vocalized in wolf tongue.

"And who would lead this group in my stead?"

"They will find a way to continue on. They will be safe as long as we defend well."

I nodded and dismissed him to wait as I gathered my belongings. There wasn't actually much I needed since there was a high chance I'd lose it all anyways so I decided to keep most of the items in this fort for anyone who'd need it more or until I possibly return one day hopefully together with Ralphie to retrieve it.

Focusing on the essentials, I packed a bit of food and an extra coat of furs to make it seem believable. The extra layer also made it easier to hide my weapon that I know I'd be needing. I felt around my pocket for the red vial before taking it out to examine that the cap was secured. Couldn't afford having any of the contents spilling out. It was a rather small bottle no matter how I looked at it, but Nero stressed a little goes a long way. I'm betting everything he is right.

My guide was patrolling the vicinity when I opened the flap of my tent and his actions were much less for my safety than to ensure I wasn't going to disappear on him. This wasn't the first time someone tried to assassinate me so it wasn't too difficult to pick up on his intentions. He wanted to have me follow him and separate from the pack and then when we're far enough from witnesses, he'd take his chance and carry out his orders.

Until then, he would have to act normal as not to raise my suspicions. He was as good as they come, acting normal and speaking little. Everyone else could be fooled, but if Ralphie partook in any of the decision making of bringing me back, he himself would be the first to come as he would be the fastest. If not him, it'll at least be Bryant or Diane and seeing that none of the options were executed, it was safe to assume that the Alphas were after me unbeknownst to my family.

The lone wolf lowered his body for me to climb on and averted his gaze when I looked at him.

Guilt.

That was a first for any of those who tried shared his intentions previously. Well, I've also never heard of wolves killing other wolves outside of accidents. It was a pity, they sent someone with so little drive. If they sent someone who exuded bloodlust, it'll make the inevitable a little easier.

"What's your name?"

The gray wolf stared at me again with guilt before replying in a mild bark. His name was Bosch.

I threw one leg over one side and steadied myself as Bosch stood up. He was indeed just as large as Ralphie, lifting me around two yards off the ground. I gave him a gentle pat to head out and his paws hit the snow running.

After an hour, we were clear of all my companions of the past weeks. All that was present was trees and snow and perhaps some owls and foxes here and there. If memory recalls, just a little deeper into the forests and there should be nothing but us.

"I want to take a stretch." He pretended to not hear but I tugged the fur behind his ears. "Now."

Bosch was reluctant as he too knew that a little deeper into the woods would mean no chance of witnesses, but didn't want to blow his cover just yet so slowed his steps and knelt to let me off.

As soon as I was off, I jogged a few steps to the tallest tree in sight. He of course tailed me like a child. I motioned for him to stop following, not like I was expecting him to listen because he didn't. Instead, he gave a little more distance and walked instead of trotted. There was not too much panic on his end since I was heading in the right direction either way.

I ran a little further ahead and tried to locate bigger trees and any objects that could hide me better.

"Luna, do not go far."

I continued ahead paying him no heed. When I was gone from his sight, he picked back up his speed and even passed my location before circling back after sniffing around the air. He howled in irritation when he knew I was within his reach but not showing myself.

"Bosch, Alpha Grayson doesn't know you're here, does he?"

The panic wiped off his face when he saw I was atop a branch of one of the trees. He could climb up if he wanted to or he could just knock the entire tree down.

"Rest assured Luna, the Alphas sent me."

"I'm with Alpha Grayson. They would've sent someone I know." I looked down at the wolf before me. "Why did they really send you?"

Bosch didn't explain and instead rammed his body up upon the tree, causing an earthquake. I grabbed onto the branch and tucked my body in the tiny curvature for better balance.

"What did I do wrong?"

"Your existence is a threat to our pack—our family," he said and knocked against the base of the trunk once more. The tree was sturdier than he had imagined, but it wouldn't last another impact.

"You call me Luna. Am I not family?" I shouted, surprised at the hurt in my own voice even when I saw it coming.

He finally looked up.

Guilt. Again.

That emotion doesn't usually manifest when someone wants me dead. His eyes mirrored mine, holding onto tears but despite all the sympathy he held for me, he didn't seem to have any plans to change his mind.

"For the good of the people, Luna. People like you must be sacrificed."