Unn Thalor welcomed the Elven warrior back with open arms. Fraeya collapsed on the ground gasping for breath. Her tears had dried up long before she reached the gates. Still in shock, Fraeya could only stare up at the sky.

Ciyradyl stepped into her field of view, placed a hand on her cheek, and asked, “What happened child? Where are Morco and Lorthen?”

Voice barely audible, she looked up into the old woman’s eyes and said, “It killed Morco and Lorthen. The darkness consumed them.”

Shock flashed across the woman’s face but was quickly replaced with concern. “Darkness?”

Deep loathing towards herself and the elders bubbled up to the surface and erupted from her lips.

“The Monster that attacked Elwin’s Patrol. The one we didn’t believe existed. The excuse you used to banish him, for jukkete's sake. Everything he said was the truth.”

She forced herself up on her feet grabbed the front of Ciyradyl’s shirt and screamed, “You convinced me to push away the only elf I ever loved but that wasn’t enough for you, was it? You had to send him to his death after he watched two of our finest soldiers die fighting this monster.”

Two guards yanked Fraeya from the elder and dragged her back. Still enraged, she yelled, “The only reason I’m even alive is that the forest protector used his pack to save me.”

After Ciyradyl smoothed over her ruffled shirt, she walked up to the distraught elf and slapped Fraeya across the cheek.

“You need to control yourself, girl. You have been spending too much time with that wolf and he has corrupted you somehow. I am confining you to your home for your own good. Morco and Lorthen have run away while out on patrol before. There's no reason to lie to us.”

Rage spent, she let the guards drag her home and toss her inside. Fraeya could hear the wolf howling in the distance the following morning but could do nothing about it.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

Her furry companion kept returning at first light to howl before he was scared off again. On the fourth sunrise, the men watching her home knocked and opened the door for the captain of the guard.

Relaxed, he strode in and said, “The elders refuse to believe that some creature is out there killing our men. The only Elves who may know the truth are you and Elwin.”

Her heart ached at the reminder of what she did. She looked out the window and said, “But Elwin is dead.”

Fingers rubbing his temples, the captain gave a short nod and said, “Which is why I’m ignoring my orders and asking you to go out there and find out what that wolf wants.”

She reached the gates and the captain ordered the men to open them up. When Fraeya walked out, the wolf ran up to her and rubbed his head against her outstretched hand.

“My friend, why have you come?”

The wolf tried to push her towards the forest. Confused, she pushed him off only to hear him whimper and tug at her pant leg.

“Fine! I get it. You want me to follow.”

She smiled in amusement when he wagged his tail and howled in excitement. She felt a connection with this wolf that filled a hole she thought would never be whole again.

Fraeya scratched behind his ear and grinned, “I will be right back.”

Once inside, the gates slammed shut behind her. Ciyadyl's voice sliced through the air as she ordered the captain restrained by two of her guards. None of the other elders showed interest in the situation.

Why do they bother showing up when she makes all the decisions anyway?

Ciyradyl stepped forward and spoke. “It appears that the captain has made several poor decisions and will be stepping down from his post. As for you, child, you will be escorted back to your home.

In a blink of an eye, Fraeya plowed into one of the guards holding the captain, knocking him to the ground and relieving him of his weapon. Before anyone could react, she shoved the old woman down and placed the tip of the sword on her throat.

“I’m done playing your games.” Pointing to the gate and the wolf outside with her free hand, she continued, “I’m getting my gear and leaving with him. You can decide if I’m banished or not, I don’t care.”

Tossing the sword aside, she left Ciyradyl on the ground speechless, and walked back home for her armor and weapons. When she returned to the courtyard, Fraeya noticed the captain and twenty of his men had captured the elders and their retinue.

She nodded in silent thanks and left without ever looking back.

Someday they will thank me for this.