The Wild Wolf Within

Ruins (2)

That was curious I thought to myself. "Sure."

She walked forward tipping her nose down, she placed her forehead to mine. The instant she did that sent a jolt of electricity through my body. The intake of breath was sudden and harsh. That breath stayed in my body for a matter of what felt like minutes while I started to panic a bit because I could not breath out. Pictures of ancient times flowed through my head. Women warriors, rulers and priestesses they were honored, loved and revered for their access to the realms. There was magic, in the form we could only wish for now. Transformation happened, as did much more. Wolves ran the woods as both human and wolf. While other humans took on forms that suited their bloodlines. Elves, dwarves, and all other magical creatures we seen in wishes walked among us. They intermixed with us, lived worked and loved with us. Dragons roamed the skies, as did other creatures both imagined and not. That is when I heard it.

"Accalia, your bloodline has laid hidden for many generations. There is a reason for this. Now is not the time. I awaken in you the power to protect yourself and those around you. Blessings my cub, your change has started." Just after that the wolf removed her forehead from mine. Releasing the breath I had held, and panting now I stared at her. I knew her name Lada, and everything about her. How Leto the goddess of Titans created her from the clay she birthed Apollo and Artemis at. Lada was similar to a golem in magic but the use of birthing soil made her live.

"You know why I am here and why I must protect you. The red wolf is yours to destroy. I will deal with the Skinwalker. " Lada growled the last bit.

"I understand, but the how is a little fuzzy." I mentioned off hand, touching my hand to my forehead.

Looking down at the rifle I had dropped, Lada drew attention to it. "He is not immune to that. He is no different then real wolves and coyotes that roam this area." She looked at me with her violet gaze. "Your wolf inside you is strong, much like the ancients. Do not doubt yourself." Lada turned and walked right into the plaza and the trap I knew was there.

Grabbing my rifle, while ungracefully almost face planted. Shaking my head, here my bloodline some fantastic thing and my grace eludes me at the most epic times. I slid against the wall and peeked around the corner, my rifle at the ready.

Peeking around the corner was a bad idea, almost dropping my rifle again. If my Grandfather had known that boy would he be turning in his grave. What I saw would horrify even the worst serial killer on the planet. The Skinwalker covered in blood, fur, and a multitude of other bits I couldn't figure out other then "ewwww"...

I mustered up the strength to step around the corner. Lada was in full fight mode with the Skinwalker. Sounds I had never heard nor ever wanted to hear were echoing in the plaza. I was looking for the red wolf and Mackie. Both I guessed had to be here. There were several lower rooms I figured I would look in. The light was dim but the first room empty. Coming out of that one is when I seen the red wolf. Making his way toward the Lada and the Skinwalker in mid fight. I lifted my rifle sights and remembered the position. This time I didn't shoot just in front. This time I hit the spot I should have the first time. He dropped hard, skidding to a stop just near the two fighting forms. Since he came from that way I walked back around giving wide berth to the two engaged in battle.

Getting to where I seen the red wolf come from, I turned a corner to see her wrapped in animal skin, there was blood, oddly I could smell it first off. Something about the blood smell had me off. I was not sure why. "Mackie, can you hear me?" I asked.

The eyes that looked up at me were hazed and terrified. My heart dropped, she had lost one son from the chaos that started in town. "Let me get you out of there." I knelt down placing the rifle on the ground next to me so I could pull my pocket knife out. I was just about to cut her bonds when I clearly heard Lada in my head "Don't!" I stopped to look up and see where Lada was. Just as I did, I looked into the deadest eyes I had ever seen. Of course my awkward grace kicked in and I dropped the pocket knife. The face hissed at me. looking down to reach for the knife I managed with equal awkward style to kick the knife further. I sensed Lada behind me "what the f**k is that?" Each word held with emphasis I asked.

"That young cub is the actual Skinwalker. They used the one I fought as a decoy." Lada walked closer to it. "In the name of my ancient line I take away your powers and include the sentence of death." If I had known what she planned to do I would have looked away. But, since I did not well lets just say I now know what a skull crushing sounds like.

"If that was not Mackie, then where is she?" I stood in cringed awe.

"I suspect she is, here." Lada looked around. I followed her gaze.

Ah! The wounded mare! "Do you know where the creatures took your human?" I asked her.

I could feel the hurt leg and injuries, but she looked toward me and said "the wolf took her in there. I heard screams and only the wolf came back out."

"Come cub, we go to look for her together." Lada Turned from the nasty thing she had left, towards the darkened door.

I walked next to this massive wolf. She gave off a motherly aura minus the bit of yuck I had just witnessed. "Mackie?" I hollered into the dim light ahead.

We both heard a rustle of movement and then a very very weak "Lia?"