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The Blood War

Chapter Sixteen

The death-wolf sat before her, still and docile, leaving Outlander reminiscent of the time before when he seemed like an innocent statue. "I won't kill you," he repeated. "Just stay quiet." He'd been following them. He could have killed them at any time, but he waited.

He waited until she was alone.

Outlander's heart threatened to break free of her ribcage, but she caught something in his eyes that relaxed it, if only temporarily. He seemed different. Not the bloodthirsty, mindless thing that had killed two wolves before; that had killed Scavenger. No, he seemed sad, almost ... remorseful.

A thousand scenarios played out in Outlander's head. Attacking was a death wish, running might have been the same, so with few options left she held still but remained standing should the peaceful statue be laying a trap. "What ..." she stopped, choosing her words carefully, "Who are you?"

The beast took in a shakey breath, releasing his story in a sigh. "I'm called Bone. I have lived for what feels like an eternity." Sadness tinged his voice with the word "eternity." "I was tasked with aiding wolves with the Gift, and I-"

"Why?" Outlander snapped, losing her patience in a heartbeat.

Bone tilted his head slowly. "Why ... why have I lived this long? I wish I knew, but-"

"Why did you kill her?" Outlander started to tremble, but it wasn't fear that held her any longer. The anger was back, refreshed by the images of Scavenger begging for help, pleading for mercy. She waited for a response, but Bone's jaw stayed shut. It seemed as if even he couldn't think of a good excuse. Against her better judgement, she took a step forward. "She was my only family in the world. The only one who didn't treat me like some disgusting mutt, and you took her. The most innocent soul I've ever met and you took her, and you can't even tell me why?"

Bone lowered his head.

"Why did you come here then? Can you tell me that much?"

He didn't move, but Outlander caught him murmer: "Bloom..." It was barely audible, quiet enough that she nearly missed it. "Bloom?" she repeated, "what does that-"

Their heads turned in unison to the sound of pawsteps coming from behind Outlander. Bone rose from his haunches slowly, both of them remaining breathless until a white head poked out of the brush. "False alarm," Snowbank growled. "Should have followed Snowblind." He looked up and caught sight of Bone standing over Outlander. She caught the look of a wolf on the brink war in his eyes; a wolf that wanted to prove to his mother he was worthy of being the next alpha. "Snowbank. Don't," Outlander whispered, trying to keep the hotheaded wolf calm in vain. Without a word he lunged at Bone.

~CL1

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