Blinking in puzzlement, Elwin looked around the forest outside his den, or so he thought. Everything appeared as it should but lacked something. The entire forest shined brighter than could be possible given the trees that blocked the sun.

Silvertree walked out from behind a tree and stood next to Elwin.

Now I know I'm dreaming.

Very perceptive of you. The time has come for you to fulfill your destiny.

Elwin took a moment to compose himself, then nodded.

Please show me the way.

His god glided over the ground, the absence of snapping twigs or scuffling of dirt, an indication of his power.

Despite his trepidation, he followed.

They walked in tranquility. Ghosts of his past appeared one by one, elf and wolf alike.

Trivana and Chiyan died so that he could live. Torvar and his son Shiro. Both were slain by his hands so that he could fight for the future he was promised.

Carca, Elessar, Tinwe, Huine, and Ceuran sat next to a tiger. Each one fell because he ordered them to fight a battle they couldn't win.

Tears flowed down his muzzle when Ryo, Saria, Tisha, Darshee, Tasar, and Esta walked up beside him. Faithful loving friends who died so an elf could live. All because he asked them to.

Forgiveness washed over him from them all as they vanished in a puff of smoke.

The rest of the journey was uneventful. Elwin focused on his surroundings since he would be required to make this trip again when he awoke.

Lost in thought, Elwin hadn’t realized his paws were held firm to the ground. He looked up at Silvertree to ask why but stopped when he followed the god’s gaze to Fraeya.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Before you ask, child, no it’s only a representation of what could be. It’s up to you to make it a reality. Now go and see what must be done.

Not wanting to argue with a forest god, asleep or not, Elwin walked up to Fraeya and sat by her feet. She scratched behind his ears causing him to wag his tail in pleasure which only brightened her smile.

Turning to the vines that covered a hidden structure behind her, Fraeya pulled her sword from its sheath at her hip and cut them down with swift precise cuts before returning it to her waist.

A bright flash of light dazed Elwin when he crossed the threshold. He stood inside of a tomb. Fraeya knelt in front of him and placed a necklace around his neck. The power it held coursed through his trembling body.

Overwhelmed, he jerked awake which woke up Vanima.

“What’s wrong?”

Elwin leaned into her fur and replied, “Silvertree visited my dreams. I know what must be done now.”

His mate returned his affections and whispered, “I will watch over the pack. Please be careful, my love. I don’t want to be left behind again.”

A war between his desire for his mate and the responsibility placed on his shoulders forced him to pause before he rose and licked Vanima’s nose.

“I promise.”

He wasted little time retracing his steps back to the hidden tomb located towards the hills where the sun goes to sleep. Any doubt that it existed for real vanished. Empowered by his reinvigorated hope at defeating the darkness, Elwin let his inner beast run wild towards his former Elven home.

Absorbed in his own hubris, he failed to realize a wild animal can’t walk up to a settlement and expect a warm welcome. Several warning shots from the archers manning the wall peppered the ground at his feet.

Oh, right. I’m a wolf.

Elwin retreated to the edge of the forest only to return each sunrise. The guards welcomed his morning howls with arrows, never aimed to wound, but to send a message. He knew all too well the prowess of an elf's accuracy with a bow. The sun rose for the fourth time when the gates opened up and Fraeya walked out.

Eager to begin, he ran forward and rubbed his head into her outstretched palm.

"My friend, why have you come?"

He ran behind her and pushed her legs in the direction of the forest. When she turned around and pushed him away, Elwin began to whimper. Renewing his effort, he started to pull on her pant leg.

"Fine! I get it. You want me to follow."

Elwin howled in excitement and wagged his tail in anticipation.

Fraeya scratched behind his ear and grinned. "I will be right back."

The gates closed behind her. His growing concern vanished when she reappeared. Dressed in full leather armor with a bow over her shoulder and a sword strapped to her waist.

"Lead on my furry companion. Let's go on an adventure."