Chapter 10 - Ember of rebirth

788 I.C, January 26, Birchtooth Forest, Morning ***

Small rays of sunlight began to break through the forest canopy. A slight fog could be seen rising from the ground as it muddled the beaming light. The trees seemed to groan while the branches whined as a gentle wind caressed the leaves. Drops of dew blanketed the forest and glittered in the light.

We were wrapped in our blanket and it felt warm and dry on the inside as I reveled in the comforting embrace. Talwin's muzzle was buried by my neck while his tail rested in my lap, I held it and let my fingers comb the thick fur. It made him squirm a little as I felt his cold nose brush by my cheek.

Talwin's scent had a distinct marker that screamed canine, it reminded me of home and it made me feel at ease as I drew a deep breath.

My fingers caught on something in his tail, a small thorn perhaps. I eased it out as Talwin made a pleased but low murr that made his chest rumble. Talwin's hand shifted and dropped to rest between my legs. It made me freeze as my heart picked up pace while a strange sensation filled my chest.

It was reminiscent of playtime with the females back at the castle, the point where silly games turned into something more. Need, lust, emotion, allure, temptation.

At the same time it was utterly confusing as if the world had turned upside down.

He's male... I'm male... I've heard whispers of it at the castle... But...

I glanced up at the canopy above as my thoughts began to swirl with wonder and anxiety.

Talwin seemed to stir and his hand tightened on my groin, moments later he grew tense and withdrew his hand in haste.

"Are you awake?" Talwin whispered.

"Just woke up," I answered.

Talwin eased his muzzle from my neck while I made a gamble and eased my hand into his own hand.

There was no resistance as my flat palm met canine pads, he even squeezed back as if to say, 'I'm here.'

This is insane... What am I doing?

"How are you doing?" I asked.

"Better," Talwin answered.

I touched the pads on his hand and felt the texture, it was soft like silk in one direction while rough and sharp if touched any other way. Talwin snickered a little and seemed to smile as I felt his hot breath on my neck.

"Ticklish?" I asked.

"No," Talwin answered with a humored voice.

"You sure?" I asked as I kept teasing his hand.

Talwin squirmed behind me and made something of a canine chuckle, "Stop it."

"I thought you said you weren't ticklish?" I teased.

Talwin's other hand moved along my side and made a gentle scratch, it made me grin as tingling sensation danced over me. The game of tickle intensified as he pulled his hand out of my grip and grabbed hold of my waist.

A warm and tickling sensation washed over me as he leaned onto my back and ran his hands along my chest. I squirmed and chuckled as I shifted inside the blanket and turned around so I could face him.

Talwin stopped for a moment and relaxed as our eyes met, he wore a big canine grin and his ears were perked as he cocked his head a little.

There was a moment of silence where the two of us just stared at each other. It was tense as if both of us wanted to say something yet we found nothing but silence.

I leaned closer and reached out as Talwin raised his hands and held my wrists. A gentle push made him let go as I placed my hands on his chest. His heart thumped and his breath seemed to pick up pace as our eyes were locked in an embrace.

Talwin didn't resist as I moved my hands along his shirt and scratched along the thick fur underneath. His smile seemed to grow as he glanced to the side while his tail shifted and squirmed against the inside of the blanket.

I took things one step further and slipped my hands underneath his shirt. The fur was smooth along his abdomen and it was easy to dig through as I felt the warmth of his body.

"Want me to stop?" I asked.

Talwin shook his head in silence as I moved my hands along his chest and felt the defined muscle hiding underneath the fur. Step by step his shirt started inching upwards. I wanted him bare to the world and I grabbed his shirt and pulled. Talwin didn't resist as he lifted his arms while I eased it over his head and let it drop on the ground.

Sunlight bathed his chest as my eyes wandered, he had an impressive chest for a smaller canine and his years at the farm had paid off as he looked like a hunk of a beast.

"Has someone ever told you that you're very handsome?" I asked.

Talwin's eyes grew wide as he leaned back a little, "No."

I touched his pecs and moved my hands along his shoulders, "Your fur is smooth on the chest, pure white that shifts to reddish brown."

My hands trailed down his side and ribcage, "Light brown with a hint of black, strong and alluring."

Talwin gulped as I looked down and inched toward his abdomen, "Pure white along the treasure trail."

My hands rested on his simple shorts as I took a deep breath, "Your scent is rich and mature."

As well as musky...

Talwin lifted his head and made a weak smile, "Thanks."

I leaned closer and looked down his muzzle as I saw my own reflection in his auburn eyes, "Want me to go on?"

Talwin eyes pleaded to me as he made a slight but frantic nod.

My hand slipped into his shorts and I felt the warmth suffusing his crotch, the sensation of a large if rather fuzzy tube met my hand. The fur was damp and my fingers trailed along his sheath as I followed the contours of a growing erection and the budding bulge of a knot.

Talwin's eyes were like saucers and he didn't dare breathe as I reached lower and felt smooth but warm skin as I cupped his sack and felt the weight in my hand. Hard bulging balls shifted in my hand as Talwin muzzle opened with a sensual moan.

Damn... I guess wulfkin aren't the only ones with big balls...

"You like that?" I mused as my hand moved to his sheath and started rubbing.

"Yeah," Talwin whispered as his hands moved to my hips.

"Why didn't you do anything with that lynx?" I asked.

"Because..." Talwin's voice trailed off as he panted.

"Because?" I asked while his sheath swelled while my hand grew moist as it rubbed against something soft and warm.

"I... couldn't..." Talwin uttered between breaths.

My fingers focused on the growing contour of the knot still hiding in the sheath, "Couldn't do what?"

"I don't like lying or deceiving others," Talwin's voice wavered as he moved his hips and let his erection grind against my hand.

"You don't need to hide Talwin, not from me," I said.

My hand was starting to grow slick and the air grew thick with musk wafting from his groin, it stirred my own lust as I felt my heart pick up pace in excitement.

I eased my hand from the rigid shaft and grabbed hold of his shorts and loincloth. A steady pull eased the garment over his hips as I moved back. The blanket shifted and fell to the ground as sunlight bathed Talwin's now naked body.

The red shaft jutting from his groin stood in stark contrast to the white and brown fur on his front. It throbbed with need and dribbled pre-cum from the tapered tip.

I started to pant in the cool air as I felt heat rising within my own chest. The change was coming and magic radiated from my body as my blood woke to life.

Talwin blinked as he mumbled, "Your eyes..."

I felt the deep seated aches return while my skin began to itch and tingle. It was a good kind of pain that felt like a kneading massage from within. The star grew warm on my chest as I leaned in and focused on Talwin.

My lips touched his muzzle and the dense but short fur tickled as I touched his lips. Talwin's muzzle opened per automatic as we met in a gentle kiss.

Talwin's heart thumped like a racing steam engine as I found his shaft and wrapped my hand around the tapered end. Talwin mumbled in excitement as I broke the kiss and let my hand slide down his shaft with the gentle touch of a glove.

I hit the soft sheath and pulled it along as it grew taut and slipped over the knot with a gentle pop.

The sheath stayed put as I started to stroke and felt it swell in my hand. It throbbed with every beat of his heart and the hard sensation of the hidden bone faded as it grew rigid like an iron bar.

To my surprise I felt Talwin's hands move toward my back as he slipped into my doublet.

What are you doing?

Talwin's clawed fingers dove into my pants and felt along my buttocks, moments later he found the short nub of my tail. The touch sent a pulse of sensation rippling up my spine as gave his knot a teasing squeeze.

"It's... real!" Talwin gasped as his voice arched for a moment.

I leaned back and eased my grip as I caught his eyes, "You didn't believe me?"

"I-" Talwin's voice was interrupted by a moaning whimper as I renewed the squeeze and felt the shaft throb as a rope of pre-cum settled in the fur on his chest.

The air was so thick with musk that I could taste it, it clung to us like a cloud as the sensations in my own body grew stronger for every breath I took. It ached in my jaws and it made my mouth taste like blood, my feet cramped and my fingertips itched with a building pressure.

A tightening sensation in my pants made my shaft strain as it throbbed with the changes rippling through my body.

Talwin moaned and gasped as I kept stroking while the discomfort in my own body turned into pain.

The pain seared through my spine and hit a peak as the short tail popped and grew new vertebrae. It made me stretch and groan as a splitting pressure crept into my skull.

A pulling sensation gripped my jaw and made me lean forward as I rested my head on Talwin's shoulder. It made me grunt in pain as my jaw popped and creaked as the bone stretched. Millimeter by millimeter it grew and pulled at my nose as it formed a budding proto-muzzle.

The air flooded with flux and the air seemed to shimmer as wisps flickered into existence. My humanity was pushed aside as the beast grew and reshaped me as a true wulfkin.

Talwin's breath became frantic, moments later I felt the still throbbing shaft swell in my hands. The knot flared as Talwin hugged me tight while his claws scratched against my back.

A pleasurable moan from Talwin grew in strength as he reached his peak and made a grateful howl.

The shaft pulsed in my hand as the scent of musk grew a sharp tint. It made my own groin scream for release as I squeezed his knot tight and imagined it as my own. A spreading dampness filled my crotch as I bucked my hips and willed myself to orgasm.

Talwin panted in my ear as I leaned against him and gasped for air. Second by second the world grew calmer while the rippling changes began to slow and calm once more. It left a tired but pleasing sense of relief as Talwin held me while my hand still gripped his shaft.

"Well?" I whispered near his ear.

"That was..." Talwin whispered.

My tongue moved along my teeth as I moved my jaw, it felt strange as my teeth had grown bigger while sharpening into points ready to tear flesh rather than chew. Even the taste seemed odd as saliva dripped from my short muzzle and settled in his fur.

"Are you all right Avery?" Talwin asked.

I leaned back and smiled, "I'm fine Talwin."

Talwin's eyes grew wide as he leaned back and hit the tree with a thud.

"What?" I asked.

"You changed," Talwin whispered.

I reached up and felt my face, it was no longer flat and my teeth seemed to push against strained, "Oh, yeah."

Talwin chuckled he raised his brow, "Nothing ever catches you by surprise, does it?"

I grinned, "Not really."

Talwin panted and made a sheepish smile, "It feels nice and all, but you can let go now."

A throbbing sensation in my hand reminded me of my grip on his shaft. I let go and glanced down as I watched it rest against his abdomen while the sheath strained against the knot in an attempt to swallow it up.

Talwin's ears folded back as he held a hand across his groin in a makeshift attempt to cover the ill red shaft, "So..."

I leaned back and settled on the ground, "Did you like it?"

Talwin tongue slipped out of his muzzle as he nodded, "Yeah."

788 I.C, January 26, Birchtooth Forest, Midday

The morning so far had been pleasant, I had woken up in Talwin's embrace and we had shared some quality time together before making breakfast. I found it pleasant and it was undeniable that he was becoming important to me.

My changes seemed to be picking up pace though and it was becoming a struggle to keep going as we moved along the trees. Every step made my tail and ass ache while my face felt like it was being pushed through a vice.

Talwin sniffed the air and I glanced back, to my surprise he was walking next to me and was carrying a slight smile.

"What?" I asked.

Talwin glanced to the side with a bemused smile, "Nothing."

"You've been acting weird ever since breakfast, what is it?"

Talwin's ears folded back, "Sorry."

I stopped and faced him with a curious glance, "I can't read your mind you know, speak up?"

Talwin stopped and scratched his neck, "I don't know where to start."

I sighed in frustration, "Talwin."

Talwin frowned a little, "Fine... I've got a hundred things on my mind but the biggest one is... the fact that I don't understand you."

"What do you mean?" I asked in wonder.

Talwin raised his brow and motioned to me, "This is what I'm talking about. You're being hunted, you're changing, just a few hours ago we were... intimate. Doesn't it affect you?"

"Of course it does, but it's not like I can stop and think about, I have to focus."

"What do you mean?" Talwin asked as his ears lifted.

"As you said, we're being hunted and we need to move, so we move and that's it."

"That's it? And you're fine with that?" Talwin asked.

I frowned, "Of course I'm not 'fine' with it, but we will die if we stop here and break down. So we keep walking and focus on the task at hand."

"I understand, but it would really put me at ease if you would let me hear your thoughts."

I started walking again and Talwin followed, "My thoughts about what exactly?"

Talwin made something of a sheepish if amused smile, "You've got a short muzzle jutting out of your face. It looks really weird."

I smiled to myself and felt my face and the sharper canines in my mouth, "Feels pretty nice though."

"Aren't you scared?"

"Scared of what?" I asked as I glanced back.

Talwin cocked his head, "You've been human all your life, it should scare you."

"That's the thing you don't understand Talwin, I may have had a human body but I was never human."

"Really?" Talwin asked.

I looked at my hands and noticed that the nails on my fingertips looked bruised and swollen, hints of something big and dark could be seen hiding in the flesh. They were budding claws waiting to emerge.

"I've spent all my life locked inside a prison and I'm finally breaking free. I am and always was a wulfkin in heart and mind. I'm finally starting to feel at home in my own body."

"I see. So did anything else change?"

I chuckled, "You're very curious Talwin."

"Do you mind?" Talwin asked with a curious glance as he brushed up beside me.

I shook my head, "My feet hurt a little and my tail grew a little longer, it's starting to chafe in fact. Worst is the constant itch though, the fur is really starting to break through."

Talwin drew closer with a curious grin as he watched me with his big auburn eyes, "Can I see?"

My heart beat a little harder as I found myself smiling, it felt nice to be the center of someone's attention.

I started to unbutton the doublet as I spoke, "You let me have a look at you so I guess it's only fair that I return the favor."

Moments later I slid the doublet down my shoulders and held it in my arm. The black fur grew like a forest around my abdomen and crept upwards as it invaded my chest. My back felt warm and a simple touch confirmed that it covered my back and was creeping close to my neck.

Talwin seemed to hover around me as he inspected every inch while sniffing and huffing the air, moments later he stopped by my back and caught my pants.

"Ack!?" I yelped in surprise as I glanced back.

"Tail," Talwin said as he made a gentle tug and eased the pants down far enough for the tail to slip free.

It was a weird feeling as I felt my tail resettle with the sensation of a third arm hanging from my behind. Moments later an unnerving spark ran up my spine as Talwin grabbed hold of it.

"Hey!" I snapped with a rumble in my chest as I reached back to protect my new appendage.

Talwin let go in an instant as he stepped back with an amused grin, "You're a canine all right."

I touched the rather bony tail and felt the fuzz growing on it, "Wolf."

Talwin snickered to himself and resumed walking as he looked up at the tree tops.

I picked up pace and joined his side, "What are you thinking about?"

"This is pretty nice, like you said. It's the nice moments that make life worth living."

"I'm glad to hear that."

Talwin glanced to the side and met my eyes, "So..."

"Just say it?"

"I'm from a different culture, you're from a different culture, we're both in a rather foreign country considering our origins."

"Your point?" I asked.

"Us... This... I mean... Is this normal where you come from?" Talwin asked.

I pondered it for a moment, "I remember hearing a nasty rumor about a lower ranked male raping another, but I guess that's a form of dominance."

"Dominance?" Talwin asked.

"Hierarchy is important to wulfkins and those at the bottom neither have influence nor mates, I guess their desperation force them to take it out in the form of sex."

Talwin's ears folded back, "So our time together... Was that a show of dominance for you?"

I frowned in irritation, "No, don't be stupid Talwin."

Talwin's ears perked once more, "Sorry... But I don't know what I'm dealing with."

I sighed, "We made each other feel good, why does it have to get any more complicated than that?"

Talwin's ears flattened once more, "Oh."

I raised my brow, "You seem to take offense at everything I say now. What is it?"

"Nothing."

788 I.C, January 26, Birchtooth Forest, Evening

The evening meal left my belly full and I now felt exhaustion draw closer as I yawned to myself. Our supplies were running low though and we'd have to rely on hunting from now on.

To make matters worse we were nearing the inner parts of the forest. So far there had been no hint of wulfkin but I still found myself growing cautious.

Talwin had been silent for the most part and was already settling by a tree with our blanket in hand, he seemed deep in thought and I found myself curious what it was that bothered him so.

I drank my portion of the camouflage potion and then grabbed my bag as I moved over to the tree. Talwin settled down and glanced up, his ears flickered and kept shifting as if his emotions were in turmoil. A rather strong odor rose from the blanket and I found myself worried how far it would be carried on the wind, I made a mental note that we needed to wash it.

"Is everything all right?" Talwin asked as I settled on the ground.

I leaned back on Talwin's chest, "I'm fine Talwin, what's the matter with you?"

"I'm fine," Talwin said as he wrapped his hands around me while I pulled the blanket over us.

"Is this why you didn't do anything with the lynx? Because you like other males?"

Talwin grew tense in an instant, "I told you, I don't like lying."

"Let's say you meet a friendly coyote female, would you mate with her?"

Talwin was silent.

How curious... A male that only likes other males...

"I take it society doesn't approve of it?" I asked.

Talwin hugged me tighter, "Yeah."

"So why insist on getting something to hump that night?" I asked.

"I wanted to try it," Talwin whispered.

"Try what? See if you liked females?"

"Yeah. To see if I could get some kind of normalcy in my life."

"You know what?" I said.

"What?" Talwin asked.

"We're already two of the most hated beings in the world, what's one more thing?"

Talwin chuckled and nodded as I felt his muzzle brush by my ear, "Yeah."

"Screw the world," I said.

Talwin snickered, "Yeah, screw the world."

I held his hand in my own and squeezed the soft pads, "I don't mind Talwin."

Talwin's tail squirmed within the blanket as I felt his heart pick up pace, "Thanks Avery..."

I settled once more and wrapped his arms around me, "Goodnight Talwin."

Talwin settled his muzzle by my neck and made a deep sigh of relief, "Goodnight Avery."

788 I.C, January 27, Country Road, Morning

The woods near the road was a flurry of activity as Fletcher stood watch. The spy-master himself had tasked him to lead the investigation for the mysterious red-eyed human.

The sound of shovels made him glance to the side where a couple of canines were digging. They looked like blood-hounds that had caught a trail and worked with a frenzy that any human would find difficult to replicate.

Fletcher neither had the raw strength or senses of a fur, neither was he blessed with enough magic to call himself a mage. He didn't consider himself weak though and took pride in his work and the power it had garnered him.

Several mages walked by but they seemed caught in their own worlds, they were carrying strange tools and wore fancy armor enhanced with crystals. It seemed shallow and stupid but academy mages were known for this kind of flair.

Fletcher shook his head in disapproval as he looked around the camp and noticed Cyrus by a nearby tree. The slim feline had fur like a common tabby-cat and wore a large red robe, he was the main support mage for the group and seemed focused on a crystal hovering in the air.

Fletcher approached and spoke up, "Any news Cyrus?"

Cyrus ears perked as he opened his eyes and glanced to the side, "I just received word from the team heading northeast. The owners of a small tavern called the 'Cheerful Barrel' spoke of a human and a brown furred mutt that stopped for supplies on their way to Caberfae."

"Caberfae... It makes sense that they wouldn't go near the fortress and the city has a sizable population that would be easy to blend in with. However..."

"Yes?" Cyrus asked with a curious expression that makes his whiskers perk.

Fletcher was concerned but kept his suspicion to himself for the moment.

"Nothing, inform the Caberfae guard to keep an eye out for any human accompanied by a fur, and make sure to search the goods of anyone entering the city."

"Caberfae won't like that," Cyrus said with a skeptical glance.

"The point isn't to catch them, it's to make sure they don't enter the city," Fletcher answered.

Cyrus raised his brow in wonder, "I don't follow."

"Caberfae is going to be pissed and it's going to cause a long line by the gates, the ones we're hunting aren't idiots and they'll be forced to go around. That's to our benefit."

"Oh, I see," Cyrus answered.

"Also, send word to any underground agents in the surrounding areas and inform Windsor fortress to keep an eye on the forest."

Cyrus cocked his head, "You're thinking that this might be a diversion?"

Fletcher motioned to hole being dug by the canines, "Perhaps, it's what I would do if I realized there were bounty hunters on my trail."

Cyrus inched closer, "What do you make of it sir? The rumors regarding Everwinter."

"It's going to be nothing but rumors until we find this guy, focus on that Cyrus."

Cyrus stepped back with an expression as if he had been snubbed by the nose, "Yes sir."

Fletcher noticed movement and saw a human mage walk up to Cyrus, the foreign mage handed something over and nodded before leaving once more.

"What was that about?" Fletcher asked.

"They found something lodged in a nearby tree," Cyrus said as he looked over and held out his hand.

Cyrus opened his hand and revealed what looked like a blue crystal marble. Fletcher didn't flinch but his heart jumped at the sight of the bullet, the implications were severe.

"It is most peculiar, like a concentrated flux field. Do you know what it is?" Cyrus asked.

Fletcher reached out and took the bullet, "That's well above your pay-grade Cyrus and I don't expect to hear another word about it, is that understood?"

Cyrus expression changed into a deep frown of insult and anger, it was a peculiar look that seemed limited to mages being denied the thing they valued most, knowledge and secrets.

"Understood," Cyrus said with a worrying reluctance.

Fletcher motioned to the area, "Tell me what you've discovered so far."

"It's peculiar," Cyrus answered.

"Could you be any less cryptic?"

"There are many ways to weave magic but this is a form none of us have encountered before. It's like another language and it has left an imprint on the aether."

"Is it possible to track it?" Fletcher asked.

Cyrus made a sly if pleased grin that made his feline teeth show, "Yes, as long as we hurry and no one else disturbs the trail."

Fletcher felt excitement in his heart as he looked over at the hole, "Make your preparations, we're going after this trail as soon as we've had a look at whoever they buried here."

788 I.C, January 27, Birchtooth Forest, Midday

The stream led to a rock formation that opened to reveal a large pool of water, it glittered in the shifting light leaking through the canopy. Talwin rushed past and crouched by the edge as he leaned down and began to drink.

I settled by one of the nearby rocks and clutched my gut with a growing unease. The threshold was upon me and the changes would really start up now, soon I'd be a full-fledged wulfkin. It was far from normal and it scared the shit out of me as I found myself helpless once more. There was no way in hell that I had anywhere near the body mass to fuel a transformation like this.

My hands trembled as a piercing pain pushed at my fingertips, I could see the nails bulge as blood began to surface. The nails popped and the skin burst one by one as the claws began to push out while blood dripped on the rocky ground.

"Avery?" Talwin asked.

I held my hands out of sight as I steeled myself and looked over at Talwin, "Yeah?"

Talwin stared in silence for a few seconds, "Your eyes are glowing again."

My face twisted in pain as my hands cramped while the pain began to creep through every bone in my body, "I know."

"Are you all right?" Talwin asked.

I gasped for air as my insides twisted while my feet cramped and stretched, "Lets re- rest here..."

Talwin nodded, "Want some water?"

I shook my head as my gut felt as if it was about to turn itself inside out.

"Do all wulfkins go through this?" Talwin asked.

The same sensation rippled through my feet as I felt my toes split, it made me squirm as I pushed at the shoes and tried to get them off.

"Somewhat, but their change is a lot slower," I muttered.

"Why?" Talwin asked.

A sudden burst of anger flared inside me as I growled, " I don't know!"

Talwin's ears clamped to his head as he cowered by the edge of the water, "Sorry."

I looked down at my feet and could see large claws jutting out of my toes as blood dripped on the ground. My heels hurt and I was forced to lift them as a stretching sensation pulled at my tendons.

The cool sensation of the hard rock seemed to fade as a tingling sensation bathed the balls of my feet, I could imagine the canine pads forming but I couldn't see it.

I raised my head and felt drool trail my short muzzle as throbbing sensation enveloped it, my breath grew shaky and my ribcage seemed to creak as I drew breath. The lack of breath hit deep and I felt a growing panic as I began to wrestle and pull at the doublet. Moments later I threw it aside and drew a deep breath that made my head swirl.

Talwin's voice whispered in the background, "You're going to have a full pelt by the rate it's growing."

I reached up and felt my face, it felt like smooth stubble growing all over and I could see a hint of black invading the short muzzle in my field of vision.

The change seemed to hit a peak and it made my chest cramp. I clutched my chest as the insides seemed to bubble and twist while the beat of my heart thumped in my ears.

THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!

A sudden sensation of warmth flushed my skin and focused on my face as if I had gone beet red. It pulled at my face and it felt like my whole skull was being reshaped. The muzzle extended and pulled the rest along with it as my skull took on a canine slope.

The paralysis let go and I started to gasp for breath, a cool sensation hit the back of my throat and I felt it spread as my tongue lolled out. I embraced it and felt relief as I began to pant like a common canine.

"Avery?" Talwin whispered.

The changes slowed and I felt my body relax as I glanced back, "Yes?"

I felt my ears twitch in surprise as I heard a strange voice escape my throat, it was dark and it carried that rumbling distortion that was common to beast-folk.

It made me clutch my throat in surprise, "My voice..."

Talwin stared at me while his tail hid, he seemed scared and worried as he crouched by the edge.

"Would you stop looking at me as if I was about to eat you," I said with my new voice.

"Are you?" Talwin asked.

I felt my lips twitch at the stupid question, "Keep asking that and I might."

Talwin's muzzle dropped a little as if he thought I was serious.

"It was a fucking joke Talwin!" I snapped.

Talwin frowned and glanced away, "Uh huh."

Exhaustion overtook me as I leaned down and rested against the hard rock, "Talwin..."

Talwin glanced back with his ears perked, "Yeah."

"I'm sorry... I just... I'm in a lot of pain and discomfort right now, please understand?"

Talwin nodded and scooted closer, "Need some help?"

I nodded, "I'd appreciate that."

Talwin moved up to me and reached under my arms as he held my chest, "How about a bath?"

I panted and noticed streaks of blood on the rocky surface beneath us, "Yes please."

Talwin pulled me up and I stumbled along as we settled next to the water.

"You're really thin, I can feel your ribs," Talwin whispered.

I glanced down at my chest, it was covered by a short but dense layer of black puppy fur. It did little to hide the fact that my ribcage stood out while my waist seemed awfully thin. Any fat had since long been consumed by the insane metabolism ravaging my body.

"I know, how does the rest of me look?" I asked.

Talwin dipped his hand in the water and began to wash my hands, "Caught between worlds."

I chuckled to myself, "Ugly as shit, right?"

Talwin made a solemn smile, "Kinda."

788 I.C, January 27, Birchtooth Forest, Evening

I shook my body with vigor and heard the water break free from my fur. It felt nice but it left me damp and cold as the sun's presence faded. Talwin seemed to suffer the same problem and I could hear him shiver as he stood in the receding light while water dripped from his tail.

I caught him looking at me and spoke up, "What?"

Talwin's tail made a slight wag, "It's difficult to imagine that you were ever human."

I looked down at myself and saw the damp fur clinging to my body like a tight rag, there were only a few spots along my legs and chest that weren't covered in fur.

"Like what you see?" I asked.

Talwin made something of a smirk and nodded as he stepped closer, "I've heard stories about were-creatures but I always thought it was idle fantasy. Is this similar?"

"Well... Wulfkins only change once."

"So is it fueled by magic?"

"I think so but I don't know much about how wulfkins were created."

"I see," Talwin answered as his eyes wandered to my groin.

The sight of it made me smirk, "Eyes up here Talwin."

Talwin's ears perked as he glanced up with a sheepish grin, "I always found human bits awkward, dangling and flopping about. Isn't it awkward?"

His comment shifted my focus as I gave Talwin a quick glance, his canine sheath hung by his abdomen like a thick and fuzzy tube that gently swayed as he moved.

I averted my eyes as I answered, "I guess, but underwear tends to take care of that."

"Isn't it uncomfortable though, having so much fabric clinging to you? I even find loincloths irritating."

"I guess it's something you get used to," I answered.

"So what's it like in Everwinter? I mean, can wulfkins have relationships with the lower class or with people that haven't transformed yet?"

"No. Transformed wulfkins would never touch anyone in human form, other than to mate that is."

"It seems rather..." Talwin whispered.

"Convoluted? Strange? Forced? Broken? Yeah, I guess I never thought about it before but I'm starting to think that the very basis for wulfkin society is a giant lie."

"How do you mean?" Talwin asked.

I shook my head, "I don't know yet but we don't have time for it, we need to move."

Talwin leaned in and made a warm smile, "We could stay here for the night, what's the rush?"

"We're not safe here Talwin and we need to use what little light that's left to get as far away from here as possible," I said.

Talwin cocked his head, "What are you so worried about? We're in the middle of nowhere."

I sighed to myself, "I may have forgotten to mention something."

"What?" Talwin asked.

"Everwinter has a large transporter network spread around the world. This forest has one of those platforms and there could be wulfkins here."

Talwin's ears perked as he stumbled back, "Why the hell are we here then?"

"What were we supposed to do? This might be risky but we need to shake the trail of the other ones that are following us."

Talwin gulped, "What would happen if we encountered other wulfkin?"

"Well... That depends," I answered.

"On what?"

"Wulfkins are immune to magic and they're big and strong."

Talwin cocked his head, "They're immune to magic?"

I nodded, "Any spell that gets close to them fizzles, fortunately they can't use any magic of their own."

Something dawned on Talwin as his muzzle dropped open, "You're going to lose your magic?"

I shook my head, "I think the magic immunity is something that our master bestows on transformed wulfkins. I'm not blessed so I think I'm going to keep my magic."

"So a single wulfkin would wipe the floor with someone as powerful as you?"

I made a mischievous grin as I answered, "I think I may be able to handle a few of them under the right circumstances."

"And what if it's the wrong circumstances?"

"Then we're dead."

"Oh, how comforting."

"Now come on, we need to start running and hopefully dry the fur a little."

788 I.C, January 27, Birchtooth Forest, Night

The carriage in front slowed down and brought the expedition to a halt. Fletcher rose in wonder while the doors opened and the mages stepped out.

"What's going on?" Fletcher called out.

Cyrus spoke up from behind, "They've lost the trail."

"What!?" Fletcher snapped as he looked back at the feline mage.

"Perhaps ten minutes ago or so, they were hoping that it was nothing more than a simple gap."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Fletcher asked in irritation.

Cyrus looked up, "Because we've encountered several gaps in the trail already, do understand the difficulty of what we're doing. It's like chasing the wingbeat of a butterfly."

A point of worry formed in Fletcher's gut as he watched the feline mage. The group no longer had any respect for the chain of command and now it seemed that the entire operation was in Cyrus hands.

Was there something moving in the shadows?

Fletcher swallowed his worry for the moment and motioned to the forest, "Then we backtrack and find the place where they diverted, I'd bet my ass they headed into Birchtooth forest."

"It will be difficult to carry the equipment into the forest," Cyrus said.

"What choice do we have? Inform Sigmund of the latest news and prepare to turn around."

Cyrus nodded, "Yes sir."

788 I.C, January 28, Birchtooth Forest, Morning

A strange sensation stirred me from sleep, it was a warm but wet touch on my cheek. I opened my eyes in surprise and felt a warm breath along my neck.

"Talwin?" I asked.

The grip on my chest tightened a little, "Morning, you overslept."

And you woke me with a tongue-bath? Well... I guess it wasn't half-bad... Still...

"Guess I'm not the only one who's changing?" I said.

"What do you mean?" Talwin asked.

"Just a day ago you were timid, scared, and barely dared speak your thoughts."

"I just..."

"Yes?"

Talwin sniffed the air and brushed by my cheek, "You smell nice."

"So do you Talwin," I whispered.

Talwin's furred hand moved underneath my doublet and trailed along my chest and abdomen, I could feel claws move along my ribs as he trailed down my waist.

"Talwin, stop," I said.

Talwin's hand froze for a moment before he withdrew, "Sorry, I thought..."

"Yes?" I asked with a certain frustration.

"I was hoping that the feeling would be mutual."

I frowned to myself, "What feeling?"

Talwin was silent.

"You like me?" I asked.

"Yes," Talwin answered.

I found myself confused once more and it was as if everything I had ever known was clouded in uncertainty and doubt. We were like two lost souls spiraling out of control with no solid ground beneath our feet. It was chaotic, emotional, and it felt like a recipe for disaster.

"Isn't this a little hasty?"

"I don't know... I just... I just..." Talwin mumbled.

"What?" I asked once more.

Talwin's drew a deep breath, "I want someone to hold onto, I mean, I don't have anything more than the clothes on my back and a small bag. I'm stuck in a forest that's supposed to have wulfkin inside it and we're being hunted. A few hours from now we could be dead and at times I feel like I want to panic. I just want someone to trust, someone to keep me sane."

I slipped out of his embrace and turned around so that I could face him, Talwin looked like a scared pup as he stared at me with his hands hovering in the air.

"Talwin?" I said.

Talwin blinked and gulped, "Yes?"

"I have no idea what we're doing, I'm lost and I don't know what this thing is between us. This isn't something that we're going to be able to figure out while fleeing for our lives. Do you understand?"

Talwin made a slight nod as his mood sank, "Yeah, I guess you're right."

"That said though..." I whispered.

Talwin's eyes widened a little as he focused on me, "Yes?"

"I'm a wulfkin and the thought of me having pups in Agron would not only be dangerous but also unfair. If I were to have a mate in this strange world, then I would look for one in a trusted companion by my side. I don't know if the term applies but I wouldn't mind courting you one day."

Talwin gulped and blinked, "Are you serious?"

I smiled and nodded, "One day Talwin, not now. For now we focus on getting out of this forest alive and then we can figure things out, step by step."

Talwin's ears perked as a warm smile grew on his muzzle, "I can do that."

I settled back on the ground as my stomach growled, "Hungry?"

Talwin nodded, "Yeah."

788 I.C, January 28, Birchtooth Forest, Midday

The horses kept a steady pace as the expedition moved through the forest. The lack of roads had forced the most of the expedition to stay behind, that in turn meant that the hunting force now consisted of horses burdened by mages and their equipment.

It left the group with plenty of magic potential but little brawn except for a few canines and felines that were strong enough to keep a steady pace on foot.

The mages were spread out like a sensor grid and Cyrus acted like the spider coordinating everyone.

Fletcher stayed close to Cyrus and so did the rest of the brawn who jogged in pace with the horses. It gnawed on Fletcher as he found himself far outside his comfort zone. This was the realm of mages, not someone used to dark streets and subtle tricks.

"How's it looking?" Fletcher asked as he looked over at Cyrus.

Cyrus horse walked with a strange but stable gait that made it seem as if the feline was floating while focusing on the crystal in his hands.

"Cyrus?" Fletcher asked once more.

Cyrus made a slight frown and looked to the side, "Yes Fletcher?"

"I want a status update?" Fletcher said.

"It's rather interesting, the signature we picked up remains the same but we've noticed two more trails."

"Two more?" Fletcher asked.

Cyrus nodded, "Yes, one is the signature of a powerful and disciplined mage, the other seems like an untrained novice."

"So there's three of them now?"

Cyrus cocked his head a little, "I'm not sure about that."

"Then what are you saying?"

"It could be that we picked up the signature of a powerful artifact. It makes sense as the aetheric signature is on a... what shall we call it... a wavelength where one would not think to look."

"Then how did you find it?"

"Tracking mages using this method is notoriously difficult and that's why we were rather surprised but happy to find such a distinct signature back at the place where we found the bounty hunter."

"So you weren't able to track them until now? How close are we?"

Cyrus made a pleased smile, "About a day, there's no way they'll be able to escape now."

"Will others be able to track him?" Fletcher asked.

Cyrus cocked his head, "It's possible I guess but any kind of aetheric disturbance is going wipe out the signature. If I were to guess then I would say that our prey doesn't realize the trail he's leaving behind."

"How confident are you that you can overpower them?"

Cyrus made a gentle if curious smile, "Why overpower when diplomacy can work that much better?"

"That's not what I asked Cyrus."

An amused smile grew on Cyrus feline face, "We are some of the most skilled mages the underground has to offer. The Arch-Mage himself would have a hard time dealing with us, this novice has little chance even if he's got access to an artifact and forbidden knowledge."

"Forbidden knowledge?" Fletcher asked.

Cyrus nods, "Yes, just like the artifact speaks an aetheric 'language' so does our red eyed prey."

"Are they the same?"

Cyrus shook his head, "No."

"So how is it different?"

"I guess I would describe it as cold and structured, it is very different compared to our own form of magic that is rather... passionate and chaotic."

"I see," Fletcher answered.

"You have no magical aptitude at all? Do you Fletcher?" Cyrus asked.

"Well... I can light a candle I guess but no more than that."

Cyrus mused, "It's surprising that you managed to rise in the hierarchy like this, I take it you have influential relatives?"

Fletcher felt a flare of anger but forced himself to stay calm, "No, I don't. My achievements are my own."

Cyrus looked in front with a bemused smile, "Yes, and I take it that enchanted armor and weaponry of yours has nothing to do with it?"

Fletcher stared at the impetuous feline, "Tools do not make a good spy, just as magic doesn't elevate one above others."

"Of course," Cyrus answered as if repeating a tired lie.

"So how is it that you manage to keep in contact with everyone else? Messenger stones?"

Cyrus nodded, "I create messenger stones for a living and I am a skilled manipulator of the aether, I helped build the transportation assembly in the academy in fact. It is child's play to maintain these links."

"I see," Fletcher answered.

"Hmm," Cyrus murmured without warning.

"What?"

"They managed to dig up the spot by the edge of the forest, two horses and a casket of sorts was found inside."

"Does that mean anything?"

"Not really, by the way. That bullet you took earlier, are there more of them?"

"Is your confidence wavering Cyrus?" Fletcher teased.

Cyrus small ears perked as his whiskers lifted in an annoyed grimace, "Only if you're keeping something important from the rest of us."

"As I said Cyrus, it's well above your pay grade."

788 I.C, January 28, Birchtooth Forest, Evening ***

My leg caught on a branch and I found myself falling. I tried to ease the fall but my arms seemed sluggish and wouldn't move right.

"Whoa!?" Talwin uttered as I felt him snatch hold of me.

"Sorry..." I mumbled as Talwin pulled at me and my legs found footing once more.

"Are you okay?" Talwin asked as he held my side.

"No," I answered with a tired voice as the world seemed to blue and shift.

"I think I see a spot, come on," Talwin said as he propped me up and helped me walk.

I could feel the change once more, it blossomed all over my body and reached deep into the very core of my bones. It scared me as the transformation was supposed to be marked with an increased hunger that was supposed to fatten you up.

Raymond had experienced it and it was one of the reasons he and the others in my class had become so strong near the end. I had nothing like that and I felt like little more than skin and bone with a pelt of fur growing on me.

My feet hurt with every step and my hands started to cramp as they twisted while an itch washed over my face.

I'm so hungry...

Talwin brought us to a dark and rocky crevice before easing me down, my tail got caught and I cringed with pain as the sensitive appendage was pinched. An irritated growl escaped my throat as I leaned on the side.

"Sorry... Silly tail, right?" Talwin whispered as he reached back and lifted my doublet so that the tail could slip free.

"Better?" Talwin asked.

I nodded, "Help me out of my clothes will you?"

"Oh... OK," Talwin answered as his hands grabbed my doublet.

I hated to be at the mercy of another once more, it made me feel weak and the only reason I tolerated it was the fact that I liked him.

Despite my exhaustion some part defied all reason as a rather uncomfortable erection formed in my pants. It felt like a bad case of blue balls and Talwin seemed to notice it as he sniffed the air while easing the doublet off my body.

"I think it's part of the change," I muttered.

"Uh huh," Talwin answered as he unbuttoned my pants.

I felt the pants slide down and my erection sprang free, it frustrated me and I covered myself with one hand. Talwin seemed to ignore it and let go for a moment as he pulled at my shoes.

A sudden sense of relief hit me as I felt fresh air touch me feet. It made me stretch as I glanced down and noticed that my feet had splayed and was taking on the more rounded form of paws.

Talwin touched them and seemed to focus on the underside, the touch made me jump as I felt his claws trace what felt like toughened pads.

"Cute paws," Talwin commented.

I leaned back and rested my head on the rocky surface, "Yeah, right."

"You don't like your paws?" Talwin asked as he reached up and resumed pulling at my pants.

I shifted and helped him ease the pants off me, "Not when I feel like this."

Talwin made a slight nod as he pulled of my pants and put them aside, "Need some help with that?"

I glanced down and saw my own junk settled in a layer of black fur. My shaft stood proud and my glans had pushed out well beyond its regular limits. The fuzz on my foreskin made it look as if it was already turning into a loose sheath.

It ached all over my body yet the offer had an alluring hint to it as I saw pre-cum seep from the tip as it trailed down the shaft before getting caught in the soft fuzz of black fur.

Talwin didn't wait for approval and leaned as his hands moved along my thighs. I didn't protest as his clawed fingers touched by the sensitive shaft by the base.

His padded fingertips climbed the forming sheath and pulled at it. The sensation was akin to a glove being removed and the sliding pressure across my shaft made my breath tremble as the red shaft was exposed for the very first time.

Moments later he reversed and watched the sheath pull up once more, it was a teasing maneuver but it made me pant in excitement as the pain was numbed.

Talwin glanced up, "Want me to stop?"

"No," I whispered.

Talwin looked down and lowered his head into my lap, it made me stare at the back of his head in wonder before a startling sensation hit me as a warm tongue touched the tip of my shaft.

The intense sensation rippled through me and for a moment I felt nothing but the soft and wet touch as the tongue started at the bottom and moved up until ending it with a flick at the glans. Every lick made me gasp as I rested my hands on his shoulders and let my mind blur as I focused on the pleasure.

Orange light from the setting sun moved along the trees and created a weaving pattern of shadows. It made me settle back as the pain from the change became like a kneading massage.

Minutes passed and Talwin's ministrations only seemed to grow as he bobbed his muzzle up and down while lapping at every inch. It was a pleasurable haze that left me panting as I watched the forest grow darker.

Humanity slipped from my body as I watched my hands warp while my own muzzle grew to become a permanent part of my vision. I could see my nose blacken as it grew a wet sheen while the shadow of fur extended to cover every inch of skin.

It moved in waves and worked on me inside out as my chest rounded a little while my ears twitched and resettled on the top of my head. The tones of the forest grew sharper and I could hear the forest come alive, there were bats nearby and I could hear a drip of water. Small critters scurried in the distance and I could hear the distant hoot of an owl.

I looked at my palms as the faint outline of pads began to puff up and darken, it made my fingers look fat while my thumb ached as it pulled back and grew more bestial.

The claws jutting from my fingertips extended and curved while my tongue felt sharpened teeth poke at it. I gulped and felt the confines of my mouth change as it grew ribbed while the teeth made their last growth spurt. My lips tingled and I could imagine them growing black while my tail wriggled and cramped as it grew.

My shaft tensed and my hips clenched as I felt a sudden rush, Talwin gulped as I felt myself shoot a load into his maw. It made me moan in pleasure as I watched fog rise from my muzzle.

Moments later Talwin resumed and I could feel his hand rest at the base of my shaft, there was something growing there and his fingertips massaged it with a delicate but wondrous touch.

My human form was a source of torment for me, it represented boredom and suffering caught in a form that had never brought me peace. I did not hate myself nor did abhor humans, but my human form was and would always have been a reminder of my past.

I was glad to be rid of it.

It was with a sudden realization that I noticed a distinct lack of cold on my body, the wind brushed against me but I could no longer feel the pinch on my skin. My fur covered every inch of me and the pelt felt just like I had imagined it, a warm and soft embrace shielding me.

The last of the changes hummed across my body and I could feel it focus on my groin, it pushed and it burned as if trying to eradicate one last and resistant seed of humanity. The scent wafting from below no longer carried the tint of humanity, instead it was canine, wulfkin, sharp and pungent.

The peak crept closer and I embraced it as the warmth brewed in my groin and nuts. Power coursed through my veins and my nerves tingled as if I felt it coming, one last push to usher in my new self.

Warmth flooded to the base of my shaft as an intense pressure built. Talwin's hand wrapped around it as the new knot swelled and settled into place.

My hands pushed on Talwin's head as I growled and felt the rush of release move through my loins. It pulsed from deep within and made me hump his muzzle as the last of my human essence left my body.

It was short and intense but it left something new in place. It grew and bubbled as it rose like boiling lava, it rushed up my shaft and I felt it harden like a piston as wulfkin cum flooded Talwin's muzzle.

Talwin squirmed as I made a canine grin of relief and felt the odor hit my nose. I let go and gasped for breath while Talwin rose and held his muzzle with a look of shock. Precum dripped from the fur on his muzzle as he swallowed with a strange expression plastered on his face.

I'd have to repay him later but for now I just leaned back and enjoyed the afterglow.

788 I.C, January 28, Birchtooth Forest, Night

Pads touching each other, the gentle click of claw meeting claw, fur brushing against fur. I may not have been a full-fledged wulfkin but there was a peace and calm in my body that I was finished for now.

I had a muzzle, big triangular ears on my head, claws on my hands and feet, fur covering me from top to bottom, even my tail was long enough to play and squirm alongside Talwin's tail.

"How are you feeling?" Talwin whispered.

"Good, I feel at peace now," I whispered within the warm confines of our blanket.

"You're still really thin," Talwin whispered as his hands rested on my waist.

I chuckled, "I can't create mass Talwin, the changes took what it could from my body."

"So," Talwin murmured in wonder.

"Maybe I'll grow, maybe I'm stuck like this, I don't mind either way."

"Well, you could use a little more meat on your bones."

"Yeah, and I'm hungry like a wolf to boot."

Talwin snickered and I felt his breath brush the side of my muzzle, "Thank you... for earlier."

"Happy to oblige," Talwin mused.

"You looked rather stunned though."

"Yeah... Can't say I've ever experienced something like that before, and your scent is pretty strong."

"Our strong scents are like markers to let others know they're... taken. I don't know what purpose it serves though since wulfkins can't mate with one another."

"Huh?" Talwin asked in confusion.

"Mature wulfkin, those that have transformed that is, can only breed with hybrids that are still part human."

"How did something like that come to be?" Talwin asked.

"There's a lot I don't know about my own species to be honest. Hell, it might be that the 'blessing' that makes wulfkins immune to magic also render them infertile with each other."

"So you've got a wulfkin and a hybrid as parents?"

"As biological parents, not as parents that raised me."

"What do you mean?" Talwin asked.

"My father mated with a hybrid female, me and my brother were taken and then raised by my father and his wulfkin mate."

"Oh..."

"Yeah, wulfkin society can be quite monstrous."

"Sorry about that."

I shook my head, "It doesn't matter Talwin, I'm no longer part of Everwinter."

Talwin's hug tightened, "Yeah. Do you miss it?"

I huffed to myself, "Do I miss my family? Friends? The once unbreakable bond I felt with my 'species'? Yeah, I do. Do I miss being beaten? Hunted? Tormented? Being surrounded by suffering and an environment that would make the most positive of people into cynical bastards? No."

"Mm," Talwin murmured.

"You?" I asked.

"You're wondering if I miss the clan?" Talwin asked.

"Yeah."

"I think I've repressed most of it. But no, I don't miss it."

"Why not? What about your family?" I asked.

"My family were vultures that feasted on defenseless caravans, whether they were kind to me is irrelevant when you consider their crimes."

Solid moral fiber... Good to know... Respectable... Potentially troublesome...

"I see," I answered.

Talwin's muzzle lined up with my own as he settled in and drew a deep breath, "Thank you."

My ears perked in surprise, "What for?"

"For giving me the push to leave the farm, you were right even if you were harsh. To tell you the truth..."

"What?" I asked.

Talwin hesitated, "It's nothing."

I held his hand, "Tell me?"

"Sorry, it's just me mumbling."

I was about to dig deeper when I felt something in the back of my mind. It was like a distant buzz, a tingle that felt foreign yet so familiar as if I had known it all my life.

"Avery? You're squeezing my hand pretty hard..." Talwin said.

"Quiet... We're in deep trouble," I whispered.

"What do you mean?"

"They're here..."

There was a field approaching from the forest, it sounded like static in the aether and I could feel it growing stronger for every second.

Can they track me? Did they sense my transformation? The star?

"Move back, push as deep into the crevice as possible!" I hissed.

The two of us shuffled back into the rocky crevice until we could move no further, we then huddled down and wrapped the blanket tight as we stared out into the dead of night.

Step by the step the aetheric noise grew louder until I could hear the rustle of heavy steps in the forest.

One noise in particular cut through all others, it was a high pitched if dampened shriek that I had only heard once before. This troop of wulfkins had a sentinel with them.

An eerie blue light began to illuminate the forest as wisps weaved along the trees. I stared at it and felt my heart freeze with fear that I had not felt since I had arrived in this strange land.

The light of the wisps reached far enough to bathe the rocky crevice in a dim gray glow. Moments later I saw one of them, a huge wulfkin marching through the forest. He was three times the size of a human and every step made a heavy thump that rivaled that of a large bear.

A scattered array of more wulfkin followed but to my relief they all seemed focused on the path ahead.

Judging by the direction I figured they were heading somewhere south. Several smaller figures followed in their wake, they were the size of humans but wore large hooded robes that shielded them from view.

The aether hummed with distortion and I found myself wondering if the sensation of it had always been this strong. It was an annoying and unsettling sensation that pulled at the magic in my body.

Talwin's grip on my waist tightened as the distant scream picked up in pitch, moments later the obsidian sentinel came into view. It was an ominous and scary sight as the large slab hovered along the ground and glittered as the blue light danced across the runes covering it.

One of the wulfkins at the edge of the formation faced our hiding spot, he lifted his head and seemed to sniff the air while his lips pulled back to reveal sharp canines.

My teeth ached as I bit together and waited for seconds that passed like an eternity. Luck was on our side as the wulfkin looked back toward the group and ignored whatever scent he'd caught on the wind.

I exhaled in relief and drew a deep if slow breath as the wulfkins began to move out of sight while the sentinel's distant scream began to fade.

The relief didn't last as a sudden sound of claws hit rock, Talwin jumped in fright and I could feel his claws dig into my chest. The noise came from above and it was the skittering of claws as someone climbed onto the rock-formation.

The wulfkin panted and I could hear the click of claws as a scent trailed down from above and hit my nose. It was a male wulfkin with a very mature if rather old scent, some part of my mind found it familiar but I couldn't place it.

Perhaps one of my old tutors? Or one of the many wulfkin I had helped transport?

The noise calmed and the wulfkin seemed to pause as if to admire the view for a moment.

Please... Don't catch our scents... Please don't look down...

A sudden rustle of armor was heard followed by several clicks and clacks. Moments later a wet splattering sound was heard followed by a relieved sigh.

Oh for fucks sake...

I frowned at the absurdity of it and felt my lips twitch as the raw and pungent scent of urine began to fill the crevice like a choking cloud.

At least he won't catch our scent, that's for sure...

It lasted for a minute and was followed by another rustle of armor as the wulfkin rushed off and descended the rock formation.