*The day after the events of the previous chapter*

*5/8/90*

The following day, Rose, Hunter, and Mason ventured into the woods to meet with the werewolves again. Rose had filled her bag with paper and a few rough sketches the group made of their plan. She wanted to bring fresh clothes for Coraline, but that idea was struck down, as the pack would likely wonder where they came from.

Hunter was still going over what the group decided in his head. He didn't like it, as it exposed Coraline to a lot of danger, but it was the best that they could come up with that didn’t involve risking the town or Ellora’s pack.

It started with the humans patrolling Scar's territory and discovering what they could about the borders. More patrols would be necessary if they didn't find out what they wanted the first night. Once they discovered which parts of the territory were more or less guarded, they'd start launching small attacks. This would cause Scar to post more guards in those places, further neglecting the less guarded parts. Then, on a night decided in advance, the humans would stage an attack on the point furthest away from the least guarded area. During this time, Coraline, who had never been seen by Scar's pack in her wolf form, was less likely to be recognized. She would disguise her scent and enter the territory to search for Emma. It was not a perfect plan, and a lot depended on luck. There was no telling where Emma would be or how long Coraline would have to sneak through an unfamiliar area. Still, it was the best they could do with their limited resources and constant need for secrecy.

When they reached the meeting place, Coraline and Ellora were already there. They were sitting against a tree, Coraline leaning into Ellora, looking like she was half-dozing.

Rose stopped short, a frown coming to her face. When Coraline looked up, however, she quickly forced a smile. "I hope we're not late."

"Not at all," Ellora said. She felt a rush of joy when she saw her human had returned again. There was another human with them. Coraline described him as a friendly knucklehead and bottomless pit. What was his name?

"Hiya, Ellora! Nice to see you again!" Mason chipped, walking over and holding out his hand. "I'm Mason. No hard feelings if I ever swung my mace at you, right?"

Ellora couldn't help but laugh at the man's cheery manner. "Of course not. Forgive me if I ever bared my fangs at you," she gladly shook Mason's hand, noting how strong and forceful the human's grip was. "I like him already!" She thought happily.

Coraline, meanwhile, was tightly hugging Rose. There were now some minor differences in Coraline that were less apparent than before. She smelled more like fresh spring water and grass than the strawberry-scented soap she always used. Her clothes were slightly more tattered and now held some grass stains. Her teeth almost appeared like tiny daggers. There was also a slight feral edge to her eyes that hadn't been as present. Still, she was there, and she was alive.

Ellora approached Hunter with a smile. "Hello again!"

"Hi, Ellora," Hunter replied. "How are you? Were you guys able to get back to the dens without them suspecting anything?”

“Oh, yes. It was a simple matter of running toward one of the borders and returning from that direction," Ellora waved a hand dismissively. "Ember and the rest of the pack have no reason to suspect us of anything, much less fraternizing with humans."

"That's good," Hunter said. "I guess it's the same with us. As long as we bring game back, we’re fine.”

"I hunted a deer this morning if that helps," Ellora said. "It's about a mile to the west. I can fetch it after our meeting."

"Thanks! I'll help with that if you want," Hunter offered before realizing that this werewolf probably carried deer over one shoulder regularly. His cheeks flushed. “That is if you need any help."

"I wouldn't mind the company. Besides, it'll allow Coraline to spend more time with Rose and Mason." Ellora tried to sound nonchalant. However, the prospect of having a long conversation with her human was very appealing. The more time she spent around the humans or hearing about them from Coraline, the more curious she became. With Hunter, in particular, the meeting nights ago felt like fate. Her parents always believed in destiny, as shown by their premonition that Ellora would one day lead the pack. Despite their misguided goals, they had instilled in their daughter that things happened for a reason and that coincidences usually had some meaning. What were the chances that the human who had spoken to and saved Ellora years ago was the same one who would save her charge from death? And now, they were cooperating to save another loved one from danger. What would happen next? Ellora's recurring fantasy of friendship between the werewolves and the civilized towns suddenly seemed more plausible than ever before. Her dreams of finding her sister Isabelle and killing the monster that took her almost seemed reachable. When she looked at Hunter, she was convinced that he would play a large role in both dreams if they ever came to pass.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Once the greetings were out of the way, the group sat down and discussed the plan. Ellora and Coraline agreed to it, though Ellora had an extra suggestion. "Coraline mentioned that you have a friend who is very skilled at sneaking. Brianna, wasn't it? She can back up Coraline when she goes to look for Emma. If Scar is as obsessed with Emma as we think, he will likely give chase once he realizes that she's missing."

Mason made a noise in the back of his throat. Though he had total faith in Brianna’s skills, he didn't like the idea of one of his friends going into werewolf territory alone.

Ellora noticed the sound. "I know several methods of disguising scent. Talk to her about it and see if she's willing. I honestly think it would help in the long run."

"Oh! I have another idea!" Coraline spoke up. "Ellora, remember when you used your alpha stare on the Shadows? What if, when I go in to rescue mom, you make some Shadows attack other parts of the border? That'll draw away even more of Scar's forces!"

Hunter's eyes lit up as he thought of something else. "Or they could attack the border first. Then, we could follow the Shadows, and it would look like we were chasing them. That'll keep Scar's pack from suspecting anything," he paused, brows furrowing. "Wait… You can control Shadows?! What's an alpha stare?"

Coraline quickly explained what she learned about werewolf rankings, hesitantly adding that she was also an alpha wolf. She winced when Rose shot her a sharp look.

"How did you figure something like that out?" It was hard for Rose not to sound judgmental. The idea that these beasts can worm into your mind and force you to do things...

Coraline's face turned red, and she stared at the ground. "Uh... Well, there was a guy in the pack who…." Mumble, mumble. "And he didn't take the hint, so…" Mumble.

It took a moment to realize what Coraline was saying. Then, Rose gasped softly, her heart sinking. "Oh, Coraline! I'm so sorry. Did he hurt you?" She felt her blood boil at the thought of some uncivilized dog trying to force himself on her baby sister.

"No one in the pack would do that," Ellora said quickly, noticing the concerned looks on the humans' faces. Now that their town's religious beliefs weren't in the way, it was easy to see just how much they cared about each other. They were like a small pack, in a way. "Lightning is just slower at understanding certain things. I talked with Ember and keep Coraline with me. Once the mating season is over, there shouldn't be another issue."

"That's right. It’s mating season for them," Rose glanced at Coraline, her mouth going dry. "Is that why she and Ellora became so close so quickly?"

"So, what is this scent-disguising thingy? Does it work?" Mason asked. "I don't want Brianna going in without a fair chance of survival."

"It's a simple procedure," Ellora said. "Though…I suggest that Brianna wears clothes she doesn't care about when she sneaks in. She'll probably want to burn them when she’s done."

Coraline made a face. "Wait, is this the same thing we will use to disguise my scent?" At Ellora's nod, she groaned. "I hope Mom appreciates what a great daughter I am."

After discussing the plans for a few more minutes, Hunter and Ellora retired to fetch the deer. They walked silently for a few minutes, Ellora frequently slowing down to allow her human companion to catch up.

"Sorry," Hunter said the third time she had to stop and wait for him. "I thought I was better at forest trekking than this."

"Don't be ashamed," Ellora said. "No human can hope to match a werewolf who's lived here her whole life. You seem to keep up with your friends just fine."

"Yeah," Hunter allowed. "I'm not really much of a fighter, though. I’m good enough, but I'm more of a tactician and a healer than anything."

"Those are very useful skills and not as common as one would think," Ellora said, thinking back to all the werewolves she had seen die of sickness in the past. “Basic knowledge of herbs can only get one so far. Being truly skilled in healing saves lives.”

"I'd be happier if I could heal the minds of the people in our town," Hunter admitted, breathing a sigh.

"Like those humans you mentioned who burned the Albino's homes?" Ellora asked, her lip curling with distaste. "I still can't believe how divisive humans can be. Why make more enemies than you already have?"

Hunter shrugged. "Brianna says that people try to pick fights because they can't find meaning in their lives."

“Is Mason her mate?” Ellora asked curiously. “He seems protective of her.”

Hunter lets out a short laugh. “Nah. Mason just sees her as a friend. He’s protective of all of us. Besides, Mason likes cute, shy girls.”

He paused to climb over a large fallen tree, feeling a mild blow to his pride as Ellora easily jumped over it. "So, what about you? You mentioned it’s mating season. Any nice guys in the pack?" As he spoke, he wondered how easily he was asking about the topic. In Castell Henllys, it would be seen as improper conversation. He supposed that the ease came mostly from how casually Ellora approached the subject. Werewolves seemed far more casual than humans in many ways yet incredibly traditional in others.

"There are a few kind males, but none I'm interested in," Ellora replied. "As I said the other day, being assigned the destiny of leading the pack has some drawbacks. Even if I wanted to court someone, I feel anyone in the pack would be too intimidated to approach me."

Hunter looked at Ellora sympathetically. "That sounds pretty lonely," he paused before adding: "You know, if we find mom and she's okay, I guess you could say that things worked out really well for all of us. You'll have Coraline and mom to keep you company in the pack, and we know that werewolves aren't the monsters that stories portray you as. Maybe Coraline and mom getting turned will be good," he shook his head. "I can't believe I'm thinking that."

"I feel the same way!" Ellora said eagerly before pausing, her cheeks flushing a bit with embarrassment. "I've thought of you frequently since you saved me years ago. I've entertained a fantasy of seeing you again and bridging the gap between your people and mine. Imagine what we could learn if werewolves and humans could be friends!" Even as she spoke, she could hear how childish her words sounded. She quickly averted her gaze.

Hunter, however, found himself getting caught up in the werewolf's enthusiasm. He imagined for a moment what it would be like if the werewolves could be allies with Castell Henllys. Between the wolves and the Huntsmen, they'd rarely have to worry about the Shadows again. They could rely on the werewolves for hunting while focusing on other crafts. It seemed so impossible. And yet… "A few days ago, I would've thought that working together with werewolves like this was impossible. But now, look at us. Maybe more can happen after we find mom. I'm okay with the idea of everyone being friends," he glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, feeling his cheeks warm... "I…I think I'd like to be your friend, Ellora."

A bright smile came to Ellora's face. "Likewise," she turned to look at him, and their eyes met. They showed no fear or mistrust, even though they had only known each other for a few days. There was only curiosity and anticipation for the future. The warmth in her chest lasted until long after they returned the deer to the group and parted ways.