Chapter VI – Moonlight

From a plan born of his desire to overcome the human origin. Not a beast, nor a man, and still spiritless.

- From Aurion's letter at the 5th of Wind

3rd of Wind, 6th cycle – Evening

His fur felt dry and warm, which surprised the wolf since he could only recall the cold and wet street on which he fell. Alexander took a cautious breath, expecting the same amount of pain to surge through his abdomen as a reminder of the wound. He instead received just a strike of weakness from awaking so suddenly.

The sounds of raindrops hitting the stone roofs echoed through the walls and leaking ceiling, intermittently accompanied by the rumble of a distant thunder that bristled his fur and made his ears perk from the vibrations and noise.

Jerking his body upwards, he stared at his surroundings: dark, musty and permeated with the human stench that reminded him of the western guards. His bed, at least, felt comfortable against his back, but he couldn't stay here. He had another failure to fix.

“Are you awake?" he thought.

[“Watching..."]

Alexander sighed in relief; his spirit's voice always brought such calmness that, even in a fight or during the drawing of a complex spell circle, he could trust to help with his concentration.

“Should've paid more attention..."

[“Brandon..."]

Alexander tried to lift his body up from the bed, pushing the sheets away and stretching his back, but the movement took more than he expected and he had to lean over the near wall, slowly giving in to the floor until he sat down, vision blurring. Did he lose that much blood?

“Alexander!" a familiar voice said from the entrance on the darker side of the room. The fox that helped him through his Call and, now, probably saved his life, for he couldn't think of anyone else capable of healing such a grievous wound and leave almost no trace of it in a short amount of time.

That is if he didn't completely fail his mission and slept through the entire night.

“You've grown," Telsin said.

Alexander smiled as he always did whenever he heard the encouraging, and sometimes silly, words from the Officer.

“I have to thank you again, Telsin."

“No, you don't. Come on, say something less serious like how I smell funny. We really need a laugh now," he said with a grin as he got near, helping the silver wolf back to his bed. The fox's scent spread around the small room – bringing memories of good times along with the reminder of the rain outside, for he was half-soaked.

“I'm not a cub anymore, Telsin. If it wasn't for you I'd probably be in a much worse shape."

“Thank your spirit then. He took the fight a step further from what they told me, and he also waited for the very last moment until-"

“Did he assume control!?" Alexander interrupted, frowning.

“From what the guards said..."

“Is it true?", he thought.

[“Watching."]

That whispering and warm thought came with understanding, and he knew his spirit tried to protect him in the only way he could, even if the wolf himself didn't know it was a viable option. Still, a dangerous thing to try for he'd never allowed such a thing after his Call. Not that he feared the danger of letting his spirit walk with his body, but a careful and controlled observation brought much more than a desperate measure of survival.

“Did he-" Alexander started before Telsin interrupted with a raised paw.

“Nothing worse happened after that, wolf, you can relax," Telsin said before lowering his voice. “But the man still got away with Cairo."

Those words landed on Alexander's mind like a huge boulder, ready to be added to his increasing pile of failures.

“At least your spirit gave him a good burn, that's good news!" Telsin said, smiling in the cheerful way only a fox could muster.

“Do we still have time? I mean, how long-"

“Relax, the moon isn't even out yet. Not that it's going to be easy to see, the storm is getting worse."

As he finished, another loud rumble echoed through the room, shaking the walls and surging uneasiness from their feet through their bodies, bristling their fur. They couldn't help but smile at the reaction; the same fear and anxiety from the wild beasts still ran in their blood and tried to bring out fear and insecurity. However, Alexander's mind wasn't the untroubled wildness from the feral beasts; he had much more serious things to think about.

“I need guidance from my Master," Alexander said, getting up again.

“You and me both, but I wouldn't want to lose an opportunity of getting Cairo back. We have no time."

Alexander raised an eyebrow and stared at the fox's grinning face.

“Do you know where he is?"

“I have an idea, but I will need your magical help," he paused, “and you will need to rest for that to work."

* * *

Telsin walked away from the first infirmary room – which now smelled like a soaked wolf instead of wet dog as the guards said it did. Plans for the inevitable fight churned in his head, each one leading to someone being hurt or killed because he couldn't deal properly with a single mage. That is if he could even manage to arrive safely at his hiding place.

“Why the burial grounds?" He thought.

[“It's a good place to hide."]

“Still… It's not an easy place to reach under a storm like this."

[“You underestimate those humans."]

“I need to think of the worst case. Remember what happened to Russel?"

[“Someone acted without knowledge."]

“No, he acted with his knowledge, and he knew what would happen. I had to-"

Captain Harword's yell echoed through the corridor. Loud swears interrupted his thoughts and urged a response to, at least, guarantee that the backup he'd known to have earned could still be trusted. Telsin ran towards the second infirmary room, the one smelling like an old, strong and hurt human.

“You're not going!" Harword almost screamed again at his daughter as he tried to get up from the bed he reluctantly rested at.

“You can't stop me! I can down more people than-"

“You," he sat up, his mouth mere inches from her defiant face, “Will. Not. Go! I don't care how much you like that mutt! You won't go."

“I will go," her expression didn't change; the same refreshing human defiance and lack of fear that always wondered the peeking fox, “even if-"

“Oh! The captain's daughter!" Telsin said with a grin as he approached the two humans. “You wanna help us find Cairo, eh?"

They separated on behalf of some unwritten rule of discipline around strangers, but still huffing in their anger. Captain Harword mumbled something Telsin knew shouldn't be said around cubs; even human ones. His daughter left the room, letting him have just a quick look behind, towards the door, before falling back into his bed, masking his weakened form with rough grunts.

Telsin grabbed a nearby chair and sat next to him, tail wagging.

“Take care of her," the captain said.

“Of course, but from what I heard, it's likely she will take care of me."

The captain laughed (good to keep things less serious) but ended with a cough. This one didn't have the luck of changing bodies with a spirit, but he still held on impressively despite the blood loss. He was Captain Harword, after all.

“It's all you beasts fault, you know?"

“Maybe," Telsin responded with a short sigh. Even with the situation unfinished, he felt the consequences already creeping up from the awkward stares and careful words from the other guards. “Will you keep pointing fingers or let loose a few guards?"

“You got my daughter and that excuse for a mage. Be happy that I can't do anything from this bed."

“You wouldn't be able to. They're citizens, not children, and I'm accepting their help. Your daughter-"

“She's gonna do something stupid no matter what," he growled, rather similar to a wolf, “still, I won't risk anyone else in this. It's your problem, not mine."

“Unless we fail."

He laughed, firmness and anger seeping through every disguised cough.

“Yeah, unless you fail. Again," he turned towards the fox. “And if anything happens to her, you don't need to come back."

Talking to the old man proved his worries, and continuing with this engagement would surely bring only more anger. Telsin nodded and got up, giving a last look at the human he saved from death and would never help an heir due to his failure. A familiar feeling, but the fact that, this time, he understood the reason made it a little more burdening.

The captain turned in his bed, either hiding the exhausting strength he needed to do such a thing or just brushing it off as expected from the captain of West Solholm's guard.

* * *

[“Are you going to take her?"]

“She will take herself if I don't. I'm just gonna talk."

[“It's someone else you'll have to protect."]

“I know, but we still have Zavi'sh."

[“Didn't work so well last time."]

“It wasn't him."

Telsin couldn't help but smile upon reaching the second warehouse and seeing the young human girl sitting on the corner and swinging her legs in wild impatience.

“He's not happy, is he?" Telsin said.

She smiled. A good change at least.

“I just want to help, you know? It's hard not being able to-" she stopped when Telsin put up a paw.

“I know what you want to do, Ms., but you must understand how dangerous this is going to be."

“I don't care, I can take care of myself," she said, standing up. “Just give me a sword and I'm good to go."

“I don't doubt that," Telsin scratched the back of his neck, “but the Officer at West Solholm, Tarrash, also knew how to take care of himself. He was a good warrior, you know? Maybe a little distracted, but definitely talented and a good friend. He and his spirit, in fact." Telsin gave a smile to finish his story. The effort of smiling brought him back to the situation at hand, and at least calming everyone would help. Still, Tarrash deserved something better.

“No time for that."

She quieted. Not to blame, of course. No one would come up with an answer to that.

“And also each of those four guards-"

“Fine, fine! I will stay here then, just watching you all do all the fun stuff."

“That's not what I meant, Ms. Harword. I'm saying that we need all the help we can get."

Her face lightened up like a little cub receiving a sweet gift.

“Now, wait here. I'll get you a sword, but you must promise me to be careful."

“Yes, sir!"

* * *

Alexander approached the corpse on the table, still scentless and uncanny; almost like an illusion conjured for all of them, still with the perfect semblance of a recently dead human, even if he wasn't one when he died. To calm his mind and free it from any doubts, he placed a paw over the inert head and confirmed its solidness.

[“Brandon..."]

“Yes… I never had the chance to say goodbye, but now it's time to end this."

Moving his paw over to the back of the human's head, Alexander prepared his fire to spread the comforting warmth which, in times past, would relax the human just enough to calm the beast and allow him to concentrate on controlling his form. He always saw it, lingering sometimes in the back of his neck and flowing, slowly, like a viscous liquid, towards the chest and pooling in a dark stain that would spread through his body under the light of the moons.

This time, however, it stood in the back of his head; the only thing still moving inside the dead body, like a mockery of life waiting for the perfect moment to awaken. It wasn't lycanthropy; such a living spiritual curse would need a living body to sustain itself. Maybe the closest anyone had ever come to the lost prophecy.

“Goodbye, Brandon."

No one knew the cure for this kind of dark curse, and yet, everyone knew how to get rid of it.

“Fire."

[“Fire."]

A small gush of flames erupted from the back of Brandon's head, burning every trace of the dark spiritual remnants that still infected his body – and also much more than that. From the outside, no one would be able to make out what exactly happened except for a small and cauterized hole on the back of his neck.

The smell hit him like a strong gale. Burnt flesh, hair and, faint and subtle but definitely there: Brandon's scent. He stared at the open eyes and limp body for a last time before his vision blurred with the tears he couldn't let out. Alexander walked away. The pyre would have to wait for their return.

* * *

The sword gleamed with the radiance of various wisps that danced around the steel blade, appearing and disappearing freely like the intermittent glow of fireflies. A true masterpiece by Aurion – if he was to trust the small crest on the handle.

“Isn't this a bit much?" Telsin asked, still eyeing the blade.

“Nah, it's supposed to be her sword when she graduates anyway," Max said, grinning, “He's gonna be so angry."

“He's already angry, I really don't know if it's gonna be enough."

“It's all fine, her help is gonna be all we need in the end, you'll see."

“And your help as well, even though I'd prefer to see you two back at the Academy and far away from this," Telsin said, frowning and sheathing the sword.

“And abandoning Cairo?"

“This man killed two guards, a Temple officer and heavily injured the captain."

“He attacked from the back! It wasn't even a fair fight."

“I can't give you orders but I really don't want to see anyone else dying here. If I say 'stay back', can you promise to follow it?"

“Don't worry, that wolf mage and I can take care of anything that appears in this forest."

“I'm not talking about what happens inside the forest, I'm talking about Cairo."

This made the human stop to think and widen his eyes. That subtle movement of his shoulders and the suppressed reflex of taking a step back confirmed his reluctance.

“I told you, I don't want to carry back any dead bodies. If Cairo's spirit gets out of control, stay back."

Max sighed and muttered a low and defiant “fine", which wasn't enough.

“This is serious. You are his friend, but you don't know his spirit."

“I'm not gonna fight him!"

“Of course you aren't, you're going to run. Can you promise me at least that?"

“Fine," he agreed with a sigh.

“Also, can you promise me to not use your magical tricks against the guards anymore?" the human looked at him with a puzzled expression. “Really, I can defend your action of stealing this sword but I can't guarantee my help in the future."

He laughed, but not from fear nor to mask worry.

“Don't worry, I won't need it anyway."

“Doesn't turn…"

Cairo awoke from a dreamless sleep to see large metal bars around in his front and feel the cold shackles that tied him to some kind of pillar in the center of a cage. He jerked his body once and felt the resistance of the bonds on his waist, arms, paws and legs. His head and torso were the only parts that could still move, but only slightly forward.

“Awaken?" That same voice from before. The man who attacked Alexander and the captain, who had the same blood from the werewolf on that Dark night. His eyes still gleamed red and, without the hood, his hair spread wildly on his back, reaching past his shoulders. His beard also had the same unkempt appearance, and his smell reminded Cairo of a stray dog.

“Who are you?!" Cairo barked, still unable to free himself.

“Answer me: Is it today? Your Call?" the man asked, stepping closer to the cage.

Looking around as best as he could, Cairo noticed that the floor around his cage had markings of an arcane magic circle, along with lit candles in specific spots. This couldn't be good.

“Answer or I'll have to use force," the man tilted his head, frowning.

Cairo glared at him. Snarling and growling were the best he could do in his situation, but he also remembered Alexander's body in front of his house and all the blood flowing from it. Being hostile in this situation would not improve it.

“Yes, so what? You're not gonna like it!" Cairo said.

The man grinned, dull human teeth appearing behind his lips as he drew another circle over his head. Expecting the worse, Cairo flinched. However, nothing but a cold current of air got into him as he saw an expanding hole in the ceiling letting the last of the Sunlight wash through his face. He could still see the drops of water coming from the sky, but all of them evaporated once passing through the hole.

The Wind moon was coming, along with the storm, and he knew it.

The man prepared another circle, this time aiming for the cage.

“Now, sleep, until your spirit comes out."

Once the man's hand went through the circle, Cairo knew what he should have expected, but it didn't happen. The familiar drowsiness from a sleep spell, like the one Alexander used on him before, only managed a wave of weakness through his energized body. Cairo snorted in response.

“The same trick won't work a second time."

The sunlight ended, burying them in deep darkness once again, broken only by the flickering light of the candles on the stone floor. A cold thrill went through Cairo's stomach as he knew about the brief amount of time between the sunset and the appearance of the moons. This one would be his last dark sky without a spirit.

When the first light blue rays went through the conjured hole, the man twitched, extending his arm into the air as it grew in size. White and gray fur swirled through his arm, growing and spreading with each breath, along with the muscles, nails and claws. Cairo watched with his maw open as the man's hand contorted its fingers as they became thicker and stronger, black and vicious nails replacing the previous human, duller ones.

The changes spread from the man's right arm towards his torso and head; his nose and mouth extending as he grunted, feeling the same painful change affect his other arm and hand. The human face replaced by a much more ferocious lupine one, and his body arching forwards, almost bringing him to all fours.

He stumbled away towards one of the stone doors hidden by the shadows as the change spread towards his legs and all Cairo could hear were his groans of pain accompanied by small and brief feral laughter.

These last moments before the day ended were his final chance to communicate with his spirit. He couldn't afford to fail once again.

3rd of Wind, 6th cycle – Night

“Beyond the farthest tracks, hiding there so near,

Covered with the scent of death, leaking close and so dear.

They run, they hunt, they stand, they stare;

They are like us, and should also share this fear."

[“A beast I saw, yes!

Am I fair to go? Am I fair to kill?

For I know its claws come, my skin they'll caress.

And to death I confess: I won't stand still!"]

Zavi'sh shook his head.

“And the sword meets the claw,"

[“But fear crawls up the mind,"]

“And the hand shakes the paw,"

[“But these are not their kind."]

“Stop!" Zavi'sh thought, moving, pressing his forehead and breathing deeply.“It's your fault."

[“I acted with your knowledge."]

“But I had no light, and there was no light to be had."

[“And being sure doesn't mean you're correct."]

“If I can't be correct," Zavi'sh took the platinum symbol from his cloak and inspected the design, focusing on the sword engraving behind the claws and fangs. It seemed out of place, wrong, aggressive. Useless.

[“This allows you to be wrong, and the mistake will be all yours."]

“Mistake? This calls, orders for no mistakes, yes?"

[“He's coming."]

Zavi'sh put the emblem back into his cloak and sighed. Could Fillar's guardians, the only remaining secret under those dark burial grounds, give him any answer from the earth that guarded the dead? This stormy night promised at least some revelation, even if the aftermath was not desirable.

He got up, grabbing his cane and preparing to don the leather armor – if only to grant some relief to the fox's heavy conscience.

* * *

“We almost ready, yes?"

“Fillar's burial grounds, are you sure?" Telsin asked his rat friend as Zavi'sh struggled to put on a leather armor.

“That's what's likely, yes? The dead ones were found there, yes?"

“I was there last Dark with the other heirs. Nothing suspicious."

“Was he there, fox of light? Or was he biting the Cairo wolf?"

“I still don't know how can he keep himself hidden all this time in that place."

“We were searching for a body, yes? We didn't see what lies beneath the surface, yes, no?"

“You mean he's hiding under the grounds? That's..."

“Yes, fox. That's were Fillar's body is buried, and this Kael human is now desecrating the place."

“Human..." Telsin said, turning towards the door to leave.

“Half-human, half-beast, same thing, no, yes?"

Telsin took a moment to look back at his friend who held a much more serious expression as he looked down with each slow step. Something had changed within him and, as always, he wouldn't directly say what troubled his mind, lest he knew the fox's light would help.

“Your spirit-"

“He told you what we think, yes?"

“Yes, that Kael wants Cairo's spirit." Clear as light, his friend's deflection hinted at something he wouldn't let out. “What are you hiding this time? There's something-"

“Hide nothing, no. The forest does hide something, yes, deep in the burial grounds."

“He told me that. But what else?"

“Something important. Heart of the Forest, the spirit that once gave the name to all these trees, yes… Yes."

“Fillar? Are you going to desecrate-"

“Stop, Fox of Light, that's not our mission, yes? Curiosity comes, and knowledge is both its supporting rope and the destination of the climb, and mine may be already hooked, but we must concentrate on the Cairo wolf, yes?"

Telsin looked back at his friend, through those small dark eyes that let no sign of hesitation or compassion escape. Zavi'sh had lost some of his confidence, but the spark of knowledge and the determination of his old friend now leaked through his gaze.

“We don't have much time until his Call happens," Telsin said.

“And the humans won't help, yes, no?"

“Cairo's friends will help but… No. The Captain said this beast is our responsibility and that he is still out there because of us," Telsin paused to sigh. “He wouldn't be able to fight anyway. And he didn't let the other guards join us..."

“He lost three guards, yes? And we lost one Officer. We cannot fail, fox of light."

“Why so suddenly?" Telsin asked, staring at the rat, “Why did Kael kill so much? Before that he didn't-"

“He has the answer, yes? Someone who doesn't change and doesn't have a spirit yet. It's the perfect moment to take it, the moment the spirit is most vulnerable, yes?"

The sheer act of taking an heir's spirit at the moment of their Call, something so obviously cruel it didn't get through the barrier of prohibitions, and so complex and wild – like the spirits themselves – that its existence was, until now, hidden through myths and legends, showed how far this apprentice would go. Still, no matter how much the mages called him an apprentice, he shouldn't be underestimated – even by Russel.

Telsin stepped outside and stood awed by the wild gusts of wind carrying the cold rain to the swinging trees and muddy steps of the marked path around the guards' warehouses of West Solholm. Humid and cold, the air brushing against his fur reminded him of the strength Cairo's spirit would unleash, even in his most vulnerable state. He gritted his teeth and proceeded with his improvised plan.

The thought of returning to the vision of his family's farm house never seemed so dreary, but he calmed his mind enough with the memories of cool air and fresh morning scents that relaxed him every time he brought himself back. This time, however, the air stood still and no clear sunlight descended through the orchard. A windless and moonless night had dawned upon the place with only the stars to provide light on the outside.

Cairo turned to the door behind him, entering the dimly illuminated kitchen and instantly blowing all the lit candles off with a gust of wind. In their place, only thin smoke lines floated and spread their dry scent. His spirit was not here; maybe the mirror would provide more luck.

Dashing past the table and through the corridor, seeing more candles being whiffed out by his mere presence, Cairo entered his room to see the same scenario from his first successful vision. He stood in front of the mirror but, this time, not even a distorted image of himself, only the reflexive glass and no imminent feeling of danger.

Clenching his paw, he exited the room and went through every door in the corridor: the bathroom, his uncle's room and the perpetually locked door to the guest room. Nothing inside the house gave any clue other than ominous darkness and silence. Cairo went back to the dining hall, exiting through the other door towards the patio.

From here he could gaze past the front fence and at the street where, rarely, a carriage would pass by, loud with passengers, or a merchant would stop by, heavy with produce and cuts of meat. Not this time though: the street ran as empty as most days and as far as the eye could see in the dirt path. The only other place he could think of trying was the garden at the back of his house, so he turned around the corner of the patio.

Sprawled on the stone ground, quivering, stood Alexander's body, leaking blood and spreading its metallic scent around the place. Behind him, the uncloaked figure of his human assailant, arms twitching and mouth groaning in pain as he turned into the white werewolf. One step closer and Alexander's muzzle mouthed what didn't need to be heard: “Run!"

Cairo circled the patio once again, getting inside the house and closing the door, panting as he tried to gather the nonexistent air from his vision. He shook his head; nothing in here was real and he couldn't run away anymore; he had no choice but to face it.

He peered through the door and, seeing no sign of the beast, stepped outside carefully. He turned around the corner once again to check for the werewolf, finding nothing in his way besides the final corridor of the patio, ending in a thick wooden wall. Was he on the right way? He shook his head, which didn't help alleviate the pressuring feeling inside this vision. Looking at the garden by his side, he focused on the huge pile of branches and dead leaves they once burned to get rid of all the accumulated trash. The pile wasn't nearly high enough to burn this time, so it lay there to gather inconspicuous bugs and maybe small pools of rain water, producing the so-characteristic scent of moldy and rotting wood – at least one scent he could remember and relax to.

As if noticing his relaxation, the ground trembled for a quick and unnerving moment before the pile lit with the beautiful swirling flames from that day. He remembered the great feeling of making something grand, from such a small flame held on the end of a stick in his tiny cub paws, spreading quickly through all the branches and the sudden change of scents – from the wet and unpleasant decaying wood to the dry and powerful cinders – and how he wanted to stay near the expanding flames but his father, laughing with pride, pulled him back to safety. Cairo smiled with determination. He could feel something else walking in the patio; each step provoking a small tremor, reminding him of the fear he felt before – the fear that should burn with that fire.

Cairo dashed back to the main patio, looking towards the front of the garden. The vibrations continued, but he still couldn't see anything new; only feel his fur beginning to bristle and his muscles to stiffen.

“Come at me!" Cairo shouted towards nothing. The steps hastened.

It wasn't long until the familiar pressuring feeling was back, fighting against his reflex of looking back. He felt warmth coming from behind him and heard the growls and snarls of a huge creature trying to sniff around and decide whether to attack this heir.

“This time..." Cairo managed with a shaking voice, “we're stuck, spirit."

Much to his surprise, the growls stopped and the winds began to gather around him. A mild breeze at first, strengthening with each passing moment.

“No one to take me away, now. Let's see how long this actually takes."

The storm hadn't stopped or loosened up, instead it grew up in intensity. The windless day from before gave the warning and now the five of them were struggling to pay the price.

Sounds of two pairs of boots sloshing through the muddy path intermingled with the three pairs of paws behind them and the occasional distant thunder that made them stop in apprehension were all the group would hear. They were glad that, at least, two mages could alternate a protective barrier against the rain – both noise and water – as they walked.

“How long until we get there?" Max said as he held his hand up, maintaining the barrier under Alexander's careful inspection.

“Not too long," Telsin said. “Hard to see through this storm but if we keep following the path, we're fine."

Another thunder rumbled on the forest, reaching them in a wave of vibrating ground, deafening the sound of raindrops and any of their sloshing steps. Upon seeing the shaking hands of the human holding the barrier, Alexander decided to intervene.

“My turn now, Maximillian," Alexander said as he drew a transmutation circle on the air. He was sure the spell was completed before lifting his paw upwards, higher than the human's hand, creating a larger barrier. “You've done well. Your spell was perfect."

Max didn't complain about how his barrier was dwarfed by the wolf's new spell; he was just glad to let his right arm rest near the scabbard in his waist.

“What should we expect once we get there?" Sarah asked without looking back, receiving only silence and nervous glances inside the barrier.

“My priority is rescuing Cairo," Alexander said, “I leave the rest to the Officers."

“We'll have to fight the beast, most likely," Telsin said.

“There's no way it can win. We have two mages, three heirs and Sarah," he bumped his elbow against her, receiving an appreciative smile.

“He has a hostage," Telsin said, “and he's a mage."

“Yes, but you said he needs Cairo alive, right? Also, we have three spirits on our side."

“Earth, light and fire, yes? Do you think this is enough, human?" Zavi'sh said with a distant voice, not even bothering to look ahead, instead staring at every careful step he took.

“Of course! Even if it isn't, we have Sarah to teach him a lesson-"

“Look, I'm not gonna defend you if you don't even make an effort to take out your sword," Sarah said.

“Do I need to? I'm not even gonna waste my time-"

“It's not a waste of time!" she said, both humans getting closer and spouting their discussion as Telsin just watched. Like wolves snarling at each other, dogs barking or bulls snorting and clasping their hooves on the ground, every species had their way of discussing with a slight hint of aggression and without any intent of an actual fight. Still, that couldn't justify what he was about to do to an unfortunate human that happened to be stuck in the world of beasts. He was glad Alexander's paw on his shoulder brought him back from his reminiscence.

“Is Hazel awake?"

It took him a moment to understand the question, but after a good shake of the muzzle, Telsin responded.

“Yes, dangerous land. Dealing with a mage, he could've hidden traps," he managed to respond with the clearest concepts his mind could muster.

“Does your friend there have a signature to help as well?"

Telsin eyed the rat by his side. He still looked down and pensive, but able to follow the muddy path.

“No. And I told you it's not a signature." Telsin said in a low voice.

The silver wolf's muzzle twisted in a half-smile.

“Still, I can guarantee there are no traps or illusions around," Telsin said.

“Good. How bad do you think things will go when we find him?"

“With Zavi'sh here, not too bad. My main worry is the wolf..."

“We're almost out of time," Alexander said, muzzle down, “he's going to be a problem."

“Didn't you teach him how to control?"

“He was progressing, but now... If the spirit awakens in a place like the burial grounds, I can't be sure of what it's going to do."

Fillar's Burial Grounds hid behind the foliage of the greatest oak trees from the forest, inside a meadow that only existed through the help of an old earth spirit. The muddy ground from the path gave away to the ancient stone carved in neat, same-sized blocks, forming a linear path towards an elevated building – now without its ceiling and much of the walls already dominated by wild growths of vines and moss. Six thin marble pillars still stood proudly around the place as if immune to the beatings of rain, wind and snow; their positions delineating a circle centered at the old Heart of the forest, from which only a crypt, a shrine and some remnants of ancient wood remained.

After Telsin and Zavi'sh finished inspecting the insides of the crypt and being sure there was no way to enter or exit the sacred place without some magical transportation, they stopped. The winds already softened their assault, being now much lighter and colder, bringing the good news of the end of the storm; and the apprehension of a new day starting.

“No entrance here," Telsin started, directing his curious gaze at Zavi'sh.

“Tell the wolf to steady the shield, yes? Tell the cubs not to scream, yes?"

They all listened to the rat's words, but he seemed too lost in his own mind to notice their questioning faces and nervous frowns. Telsin just confirmed with a nod and motioned for everyone to get near.

Zavi'sh slowly lifted up his cane and let it hang in the air before crashing it through the stones on the ground, provoking a tremor that shook the nearby trees and almost threw them out of balance. On the place of the impact, a small and circular hole opened through the remnants of rocks and dirt, gathering the overflow of water and mud from nearby pools.

“One," Zavi'sh said as he lifted up his cane again. Telsin barely had the time to signal for Alexander to kneel or hold into something before the impact came. This time it resonated through the ruins, widening the hole underneath and making them descend further into the ground.

“Two." Alexander managed to steady his paw and keep the shield up before the last impact shattered the remaining stones and broke the ground, landing them into the underground sacred crypt of Fillar, along with the built up water, mud and earth they collected from the surface, throwing both humans to the ancient granite floor and forcing Alexander to end his spell.

“Three. Now get up, yes?"

Illuminated only by the moon shining through the large opening in the ceiling that now dished out a constant stream of muddy water, the four downed bodies stood up.

“No way to be sneaky, Zavi'sh?" Telsin said as he and Alexander shook the water from their fur, making the two humans run for the shadows of the place to avoid the shower.

“We needed an entrance and such was made, yes, no? We must get to the Cairo wolf before the new day, yes?"

Zavi'sh didn't give any time or mind to an answer, already walking towards the darker side of the room, where the humans now followed. Telsin muttered a quiet “Yes..." before nodding to the also confused silver wolf by his said. They both followed along.

The chamber they fell into was clear of the old rubble present on the surface and the dim illumination from the Wind moon showed only a dark path that advanced through a shattered stone door. Max had already conjured a light spell to allow his and Sarah's exploration.

They traversed the corridor hearing the sounds of their wet steps on the cold and firm stone along with the weak echoes of rain from above. Both humans had their hands on their scabbards while Telsin and Alexander strained their eyes, trying to anticipate any beast coming from the shadows. Zavi'sh stood behind, lightly running a claw through the walls and feeling every marking on the granite.

After incessant moments of calmness, they reached an open area in which the ceiling was shattered and pierced by huge, thick roots provoking a constant flow of rain water to pool in a hole on one of the corners. Max moved the light orb to illuminate the roots, finding another opening that twisted through the corridor to the right and a large stone door marked with the same symbols of the walls.

“Fillar's grave, through that door, yes?" Zavi'sh said.

“Or it could be through that corridor over there," Max pointed. “But Fillar's grave… I always wanted to see-"

He stopped when he felt Sarah's elbow striking his right arm.

“You can study the place after finding Cairo," she said with a frown.

“Telsin, can you see the right way?" Alexander asked, walking around the room and conjuring brief sparks of fire to illuminate more of the place.

There were no illusions around, but something huge hid behind those doors and a trail of a strange, smoky scent lead towards the corridor.

“Behind the doors-"

“Is Fillar's tomb and his guardians. You four, go get the wolf from the other room."

Zavi'sh gathered stares from all of them as he stepped forward and ran a claw through the worn and dusty scriptures.

“What did you say?" Telsin asked, stepping near him.

“I need the knowledge behind these doors, hidden and sealed within this tomb. It cannot be opened without an earth spirit; the beast couldn't be inside, yes?"

“Zavi'sh, we need you to-" Telsin started but seeing the slumped shoulders of the rat made him stop. “What are you planning?"

“I need to know," he turned around, snarling, “these guardians, dead and buried, don't oversee this forest anymore, yes? Why let a beast like this walk around and kill in their forest?" He paused, huffing and leaning his head over his cane. “What's the truth behind this door, fox of light?"

“Fillar's dead, there's no one else to protect this forest."

“Yes, yes. So, what lies beyond this door?"

A moment of silence, interrupted only by the rumbling strike of a thunder on the outside.

“Tell me, fox of light. Does this werewolf also have a chance?" Zavi'sh asked.

The gazes turned to him, despite the lack of understanding. Three confused faces looking at him and all he could respond was “I don't know."

[“Almost a lie."]

“Please Hazel..."

“I need to know then. Go save the wolf," he turned towards the door, “I will try to save something else, yes?"

Another moment of hesitation before he could respond.

“That's your plan?"

“Did I lie, fox of light? Cairo is through that corridor, yes, yes?"

“No, you didn't lie."

“Did you lie to Russel, fox of light?"

He hesitated again. Damn his conscience.

[“You didn't."]

“Let's go," Telsin said, starting the walk through the corridor. “I hope you find an answer, Zavi'sh."

He didn't hear any reply, only the rat's claw scratching the door once again before the sounds of cracking rock echoed towards the group. They hurried their pace.

“What was that about?" Max asked.

“You wouldn't understand," Telsin said. “Some answers lie buried behind that door and Zavi'sh wants them."

“Is he just gonna abandon Cairo, then?" Max said, frowning and looking behind as they walked.

“It's not," Telsin hesitated for a single step, “It's not his mission."

“What!? What do you mean it's not-" Max started before Alexander intervened.

“Maximillian, please don't inquire further," he said, “We don't have time for that."

Another rumbling thunder echoed through the corridor, much closer this time and almost cracking the ceiling, detaching small clouds of dust which spread around them. The previous silence from before, intermittently interrupted by the reverberations of their steps, gave place to the incessant and low sound of growls, echoing from the end of the corridor.

“I'll explain later, no time now," Telsin said before they all ran towards the noise, arriving at a great circular chamber with a cage in its center, holding the gray wolf by metal chains tied to a stone pillar and illuminated by a silver ray of light descending from the moon. A huge magical circle drawn in white and decorated with numerous candles centered into him.

Cairo's face displayed a division of shades evidencing the struggle between the spirit's irresistible mission of taking control and Cairo's determination of keeping it back with a mixture of grunts, growls and wisps of light floating around his muzzle. He barely acknowledged Sarah and Max running towards his cage as Alexander and Telsin rushed to inspect the room.

“Can you see anything?" Alexander asked, paws already up and ready to conjure fire.

“Not yet… Don't let your guard down," Telsin said, inspecting every dark corner of the room.

“No one else in here," he thought before directing his vision to the two other doors that led into darker corridors. One of them was closed shut with a large metal chain holding the handles. The other one laid cracked with dozens of wood splinters littering the ground as if torn open by a huge beast. A faint and flickering light occasionally broke through the darkness inside the chamber beyond its shadow.

[“Careful!"]

* * *

His movements came slowly as the wind gained in strength and the darkness behind him rescinded back out from his vision. The gusts felt warm and comforting against the pressuring presence from before and Cairo found himself breathing in the energy that came with it.

In the distance, along with the swinging trees from his family's farm, grew the shadow of a feral wolf. Tall and strong, it lumbered, small tremors echoing with each step and reaching Cairo's paralyzed form like strong waves. It stopped upon noticing him, eyes glowing and ears perked as he crouched, trying to sniff whatever scent that came from Cairo.

“It's… you?" Cairo said.

The previous darkness that strained his every action went away as the wind gained in strength, brushing past his fur and bringing back to life the scents, colors and light along with it. Night gave away to a rising Sun, illuminating the white, radiant fur of the huge creature in the field.

He heard the growl once again from behind and turned, seeing a large feral black wolf looking past him; sharp teeth gleaming with ferocity and eyes dead on the creature in the distance. It jumped, landing on the earth with enough strength to launch clouds of dust over to the wind and block Cairo's vision, forcing him to cover his eyes and crouch.

He heard the sound of a fight, two large bodies thrown against one another with intermittent snarls and whimpers. The tremors continued as the creatures charged, jumped, bit and slashed until one of them let out its last whine accompanying the sound of a cracking neck.

Once he managed to open his eyes again, all he could see were two feral blue eyes from a white wolf carrying in his mouth a bleeding and inert body of a black wolf, blood trickling from his fangs and pooling onto the floor.

“Wake up!" a voice came from nowhere, bringing the blinding light that usually ended his vision.

* * *

Hastened, the werewolf jumped from the shadows behind the downed door, aiming for Alexander who heard Telsin's warning with enough time to summon a fire barrier against the assault; but the same protection used on Brandon earlier still affected this beast, and his claw encountered Alexander's shoulder, spraying blood on the wall next to him and making him yelp in pain as he fell backwards. Sarah drew her sword, summoning blue wisps that followed its enchantment, and Max prepared an abjuration circle.

“Get ready, Hazel."

Turning around and staring at the two humans and the fox, he jumped towards Telsin with bared claws. However, his increased speed wasn't enough to dodge Sarah's ethereal slash, which flew from her enchanted sword and cut more than just fur on the beast's right leg, forcing him down to the floor, grunting with rage and, with uncanny speed, turning in place, preparing another attack.

[“Go help that wolf."]

“Prepare a barrier."

Telsin ran towards Alexander, having almost enough time to scream “Stay back!" before the beast jumped towards Sarah, aiming towards her head. Sarah managed to dodge the lunge, rolling under the beast and throwing the enchanted sword towards it, digging into its abdomen and bringing it down to the floor, sputtering blood.

“Dispell!" Max yelled through his complete circle, breaking the ethereal shards of the hastening enchantment around the wounded werewolf by his side. The shock was enough to gather the gasping beast's attention.

“Now, Hazel!" Telsin shouted.

The transparent light barrier that suddenly appeared in front of the human shattered under the massive strength of the beast, spraying enough human blood on Cairo's shifting face to wake him and every feral sense inside his body. Seeing his friend being struck by the same beast from the last Dark night – and now falling, face first, into the stone floor – took all the remaining breath he held in his lungs.

Moonlight reflected in his fury-filled eyes.