Page K

You push yourself into a run. Your body aches all over from the injuries the dark she-wolf inflicted on you, but you still manage a decent pace.

You hear the rumbling of a storm, and with a low, determined growl, you force a little more speed from your legs.

Before long, you spy the emerald green pine forests of the Khione across the horizon.

It’s becoming colder and colder, and by the time you reach the first snow-covered hill at the Khione borders, you’re just about ready to collapse.

Your body is screaming at you to stop running, and you slow down to a trot. You have to reach the Khione if you want to survive the blizzard..

As its becoming darker and colder, you finally manage to stagger between the first line of trees, and there, you collapse..

You slowly open your eyes, and for a brief moment, you expect to see white.

But you’re not out in the blizzard, and neither are you dead, it seems.

Instead, a fire is merrily crackling in a stone fire-pit beside you, and there’s some food – pheasants – lying in front of you.

Your stomach hungrily growls, and you start to push yourself up, only to notice how your movements are somewhat restricted.

Someone’s packed herbs and leaves against your wounds, securing the make-shift bandages with twine ropes.

And then, your eyes fall on a small group of white Wolf-Born. Their coats are thick and long, perfect for the snowy surroundings.

Most of the Wolf-Born here have golden eyes, much to your relief. You don’t know if you can handle another meeting with a wolf as powerful as the scarlet-eyed she-wolf you met at the mountains.

Coloured and patterned feathers adorn the necks of the Wolf-Born here. Not one of them has the exact same number of feathers with the same patterns or colours. The feathers must be some sort of way to identify themselves, even from a long distance.

One of the Wolf-Born, a cream-white one, with three feathers  - a barred blue one, a purple one and a black one - placed on her neck, is studying you with her icy blue eyes. She glances at the pheasants lying in front of you.

“That’s for you. You should eat.”

You need no further encouragements, and devour the poultry within moments.

A happy sigh escapes your mouth once you’ve consumed the last pieces of meat, and then, you look around you again.

The white Wolf-Born have relaxed a bit, but they’re still cautiously watching you.

“My name is Eilura..” the blue-eyed Wolf-Born then speaks. “You are currently on Khione ground.”

You expected as much.

“My pack mates and I found you some time ago, and we took care of your injuries.. Once the blizzard clears, you’ll have to go.”

You nod obediently, eager to avoid another fight so soon after your fight with the black she-wolf you met in the mountains.

“Is there anything else we can help you with?” Eilura then asks.