“Don’t hurt them,” I implore urgently, moving toward the massive wolves.
“Everly, out of the way.” Raiden’s growl reverberates through the air as he tightens his grip on his sword.
“You can’t hurt them!” I snap, blocking his way.
A low, menacing growl sounds from behind me, and I whip my head around to look over my shoulder. Maxon is edging closer to me, his footsteps cautious and deliberate. One of the wolves backs up to me, its head low and teeth bared, as it tries to protect me.
“He is safe,” I whisper.
The wolf relaxes slightly as if understanding my words, moving its attention from Maxon and back to the guards who look as if they’ve seen a ghost.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see a guard readying his bow, and my panic manifests into anger in a split second.
I step forward and shoot him a warning glare. “Don’t you dare!”
His eyes widen at my threat, and he slowly lowers the bow.
Raiden, still not convinced that they won't harm me, speaks low but clear. “Everly, step away. These are the white ghosts of the mountain. They are dangerous.”
“They will not harm me.”
“How could you possibly know that?” he scolds.
Disregarding the others, I shift my gaze to the wolves, taking in their sharp teeth and bristling fur as they prepare for combat.
I don't know how, but a sense of familiar bond washes over me.
A tiny whimper catches my attention, and I halt my steps, straining my ears for the sound. I crouch down next to a bush and push thebranches aside to reveal two quivering wolf pups, their snow-white fur muddled with brown dirt.
“Hey, it’s okay. You’re okay,” I whisper gently, trying to reassure the pups I'm not there to hurt them. Brushing my wild, windblown hair from my face, I take a seat on the ground. I can feel the weight of their curious amber eyes as they watch my every move. The dirt beneath me is soft and pliant, almost like a cushion, as I cross my legs.
“I’m not going to hurt you. Where’s your mother?” I whisper kindly.
The wolves’ tails tuck between their legs as they look around nervously. After a moment of hesitation, one of them inches closer, its nose twitching as it sniffs the air. Holding my breath, I wait as they grow bolder and approach me. I tentatively extend my hand and run my fingers over its head, feeling the softness of its fur. Almost immediately, the pup dives into my lap, huddling against me. The other pup tilts its head at me and then stares at its sibling before slowly trotting over and seeking comfort as well.
Their wet noses and rough tongues tickle me, and I can’t help but giggle. I know Mother and Father will be mad that I came out in the woods alone, but the trees were calling. Plus, if I didn’t go beyond the boundaries, these poor pups would have been abandoned and helpless. I nibble on my lip, trying to figure out how I could stealthily bring the wolves into the castle and up to my room.
“You're mine now and I am yours. I will call you Nymeria and Anika.”
I fall backward as they scramble up my body, their weight pressing down on me, but all I can feel is their relief.
Standing up, I begin walking toward home and usher the wolves to follow.
“Nymeria, Anika?” I whisper, tears stinging my eyes. Emotions I can’t even begin to name surface, putting pressure on my chest, as both wolves snap their heads in my direction.
“Oh my gods, I remember you!” I rasp.
As one of the wolves steps forward, Maxon tenses, but I hold my arm out, signaling him to stay put. The wolf in front of me has a single green eye, which I know belongs to Anika. My lips curve into a tender smile as I open my arms, eager to embrace her. The wolf surges forward, and my arms instinctively wrap around her neck as I bury my face in her soft fur. I breathe her in, the comforting scent of familiarity wrapping around me. A soft warmth presses against my back and Nymeria’s warm breath tickles my skin. My heart feels like it’s about to burst with happiness.
I know these wolves.
They smell like home.
“What is happening right now?” Raiden’s voice sounds extremely pissed off. I can feel the weight of everyone's eyes on me, their silent anticipation almost suffocating. Taking a deep breath, I stand and face the others, squaring my shoulders. Their faces show a range of emotions, from confusion to mistrust to fear. The queen’s guards stand before me with faces twisted in fury as they raise their weapons again. Raiden and Maxon instinctively form a protective shield, blocking an easy path to me and the wolves. Raiden’s wings span out, casting a shadow over us.
“Put your weapons down now!” Maxon barks.
He isn’t facing me, but the threat in his stare is written across every face before us. His warning is emanating from his entire being.
