INFINITE NIGHT

3. It all started with a War

When I returned to Ink's cot, he already had his art equipment ready for me with his goofy headlamp on. Due to how poorly lit the mine is, an additional source of light is necessary so that he does not spoil our life's work. That's right OURS, cause maybe I pull the trigger but he's the artist giving me something to remember it by.

"What got you so railed up?" - he asked when I sat down with a loud sigh.

"Pops and Dennis want to send my Mom away. They think it'll be better and safer for everyone." - I summed up our conversation.

"And you disagree?" - he states more than asked.

"Not entirely. I know they are right. But she's my Mother, and it's not her fault she's sick. Those damn wolves did that to her, and taking her away from the only people she recognizes doesn't sound like the way to heal her."

"If you want I can back you up. Maybe they'll change their mind." - he was always such a good sport, ready to help me with whatever and whenever.

"Thanks Ink, but they didn't set the date yet, so maybe it's only one of their crazy ideas. Anyway, let's start now, we have a lot of work to do." - I finished that subject not wanting to spoil my big success with the upcoming parting. I know it's not only an idea, if Pops brought it up to me, things are already in motion and I know there's nothing I can do. I'm also aware that my Mom's instability is potentially dangerous just like they pointed out, but I hope Pops will at least organise it the way I could still see her from time to time.

"Alright, so strip." - Ink ordered wagging his brows. He's such a tease sometimes.

I took off my top, and covered my breast with it exposing my back to him. He started tracing his finger around my skin looking for the perfect spot to commemorate my today's achievements.

"It's getting crowded here, you sure you don't want me to work on your shoulders?" - he asked after a while.

"I'm sure. My shoulders are reserved for moons. Two on each side, just like we planned it a long time ago. But you can move lower." - I said, slipping down my shorts. Nudity wasn't an issue to me. I mostly work without my clothes on, besides we all have seen every part of our bodies. Living together in all these tight spaces and learning with my friends about our wolf side has successfully cured my shyness.

"Ok, that'll do. But I think I should make them smaller." - he said, touching my skin just above my buttocks.

"Sure. Those four were pathetic either way, can you believe that none of their warriors chased after me. They will be so lost without their leaders it makes this all almost too beautiful to be true." - I said happily.

"You will never change." - he said with a chuckle.

Ink then turned on his headlight and took a simple medical needle and tube of tattoo ink and started creating another one of his masterpieces. When I said Ink is like an Artist, I really meant it. Since Pops came up with The Flair, which was seven years ago, soon after all five of us learned to shift into werewolves, my back has become a canvas for Ink. Whenever I return from my mission victorious he puts another celestial body on me. Each represents one of my targets. We even came up with some coding. Single Star is Alpha, Comet is a Beta, Gamma or Luna, if I manage to take down a simple warrior, he or she is represented by a single freckle in my constantly growing nebula, but my top prize is a Constellation. Those I get if I'll take down two or more top wolves from one Pack. Just like today.

The one thing I craved for but didn't have a chance to get yet is the moon. I would be satisfied with even one, but sure four is the dream. Moon for me represents one of the Lieutenants - Alpha of the whole region, who has authority above all other simple Packs. I know that having one of those Fuckers in my optical sight will be the best thing I'll ever see. If I'll manage to do just that, the whole region would be in chaos and that's my ultimate goal.

We aren't in the position to declare open war on them. There are too many of them against just a few of us, but if I can make at least that small change. I'll take it gladly. They are like a plague that destroys everything on its way, but I am the penicillin to that spreading bacteria. I know I won't heal the world, but those in my reach I will.

The first time Ink made a tattoos on my back it hurt like hell, not that it doesn't now, but this small amount of pain is something that I know is necessary. And comparing it the suffering those that I hunt on cause to a human race I shouldn't even mention stupid tattoo making.

Ink was so focused on his work that he didn't even stop when Ruby turned off the lights. The whole main became silent, and the only sounds were those made by a needle tapping on the rim of the ink jar. Today was my personal best, so it shouldn't shock me that Ink will take his time. On my previous missions I sometimes got two stars or a single four-star Constellation taking down both Alpha and Beta couples from one Pack, but never did I achieve what I had today. Two Packs without their Alphas and one with basically no one at all. This feels so f*****g good.

Ink was done late at night when everyone else was sound asleep. He wiped my back from extra ink that always spills a bit.

"Perfect. I will show you tomorrow in the mirror. But you should seriously think about additional spots. I don't think I could squeeze here more than two, maybe three stars and a small constellation." - he announced, clearly as proud of his work as I was with mine.

"I'll think about it. So how many are there now?"

"Eighteen Stars, eleven comets and seven constellations, and don't even think I will count freckles on your nebula." - he said.

"Good. Is it looking like a night's sky now?"

"Are you kidding, of course it does. It's funny they gave us Infinit Night, and you are making your own with their deaths. Ironic, isn't it?" - he said amused.

"Yeah, it's hilarious." - I answered without a trace of joy in my voice.

Fucking Infinit Night. It changed the lives of millions, and it all started with a War.