Chapter 7

• With trembling hands, I opened the door once more, feeling the chilly night air strike my face. I scanned the trees around the hunters' compound, my heart hammering in my ears.
• Now that the guard patrol had moved them away from this side of the exit, the road ahead was clear. But I knew I just had a little time before they came around this way once more. I had to get moving fast.
• I took a long breath to settle my anxieties while holding the door, and then I slipped out. The ground was slightly wet from previous rains, and the soil and leaves gave off an earthy smell. I resisted the need to express gratitude for the clean forest air since I knew it could give away my escape.
• Rather, I hugged the building's shadow and moved purposefully away from the area, applying the stealth skills Bustane had taught me. I could feel the knots of tightness in my chest loosening with each step.
• I'm getting out!
• After a few steps, the trees were protected with their thick branches. But, before I could reach them, a twig snapped beneath my foot. I froze, my breath locked in my throat, terrified again.
• Indeed, a booming voice rang out from close. "Who is there?" "Show yourself!"
• Think fast, Luna! Do I run for the trees and become lost in the woods? Or do I wait in the shadows and hope the guard does not notice me?
• My thoughts raced as I examined my options. Running meant risking being spotted and pursued, whereas remaining still meant being caught. Neither option felt good, but I needed to choose one.
• As the guard's footsteps got closer, another sound reached my keen ears: the distinctive howl of a wolf in the distance. It was faint, yet close enough for me to identify the particular sound.
• Bustane!
• My Alpha's howl strengthened my determination. He was out there somewhere, not knowing about the trap set by the hunters. Another purpose motivated me. I couldn't get caught here, not when I was close enough to reach him and warn him of the danger.
• With tense muscles, I got ready to run for the tree line. But before I could run forward, the ground itself seemed to shake and tremble. I stumbled and fell on the soft ground as the guard's bright light passed over my previous hiding spot.
• “What the hell...?" He pursed his lips, shining a light at me.
• At first, I was scared of being seen. To my surprise, rather than being as brilliant as a squirrel, its brightness quickly filled a big space immediately beneath my feet.
• "Son of a..!" None other than the exploding mole creatures!"
• The guard raised his gun, aiming at the weird animal digging. But the animal was not scared. It made a loud noise, displaying its long nose and sharp fangs.
• Oh my goodness ...is that a thing?
• Before we were able to react, the beast grabbed something and blasted foul air and dirt into the guard's mouth. He shouted, unable to see or move normally for a moment.
• I took my chance while the guard was blinded and dashed into the trees, my pulse racing. I walked effortlessly into the dark forest, the thick leaves enclosing me like a warm shield.
• In a few never-ending minutes of worry, I rushed unobserved, stumbled over small roots, and collided with branches and thorns, but eventually, my wolf instincts took over and carried me deeper into the safe woodland refuge, away from the hunters and danger.
• Finally, with my lungs burning and my legs aching from the effort, I slowed down and stopped. Pressing my back against the massive, thick tree trunk, I took a deep, labored breath as my ears strained to listen for any signs of being followed.
• Nothing. Only the quiet silence of the forest at night.
• A relieved laugh erupted from my chest. I had done it! After so much struggle and frustration, many times when escape seemed impossible...I was finally free! Part of me could hardly believe it.
• However, I realized that my relief would be fleeting. Finding Bustane before the Hunters discovered him had to become my primary objective, as much as I wanted to enjoy my newfound freedom.
• I hadn't endured such hardship and taken such a big chance to let their wicked trap work. Without a doubt, I would locate my alpha and make sure to alert him. I straightened my shoulders and took a moment to orient myself and let my wolf instincts lead the way.
• Bustane, my alpha, my mate...I'm coming for you. Just hold it a little longer. Help is on the way.
• I returned to the haven of the forest with firm steps and a clear goal in mind, determined once more to get past the obstacles and see my love before it got too late.