SWNOVELS Chapter 54
The waning moon cast long shadows across the forest floor as Lyra and Fenris made their way through the dense undergrowth. They had been traveling for days, their bodies weary but their spirits buoyed by the knowledge that they were nearing their destination. The nexus point lay just beyond the next ridge, and with it, the culmination of their long and perilous journey.
As they set up camp for the night, Lyra couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched. She glanced over at Fenris, who was busy gathering firewood, and wondered if he sensed it too. His werewolf instincts were usually sharper than hers, but he seemed relaxed, almost carefree.
“Fenris,” she called out softly, “do you smell anything… unusual?”
He paused, arms full of branches, and lifted his nose to the air. After a moment, he shook his head. “Nothing out of the ordinary. Just the usual forest scents. Why do you ask?”
Lyra shrugged, trying to dispel her unease. “It’s probably nothing. Just a feeling, I suppose.”
Fenris dropped the firewood and came to sit beside her, concern etched on his features. “Your instincts have saved us more than once on this journey. If you sense something, we should take it seriously.”
She leaned into him, drawing comfort from his solid presence. “You’re right. I can’t put my finger on it, but something feels… off. Like we’re not alone out here.”
No sooner had the words left her mouth than a twig snapped in the darkness beyond their campsite. Both Lyra and Fenris were on their feet in an instant, weapons at the ready.
“Who’s there?” Fenris called out, his voice a low growl. “Show yourself!”
For a long moment, only the sounds of the forest answered them. Then, with a rustle of leaves, a figure emerged from the shadows. He was tall and lean, with shaggy dark hair and piercing green eyes that seemed to glow in the moonlight. Like Fenris, he carried himself with the fluid grace of a predator.
“Well, well,” the stranger said, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. “Fenris Moonhowler. It’s been a long time.”
Fenris stiffened, his hand tightening on the hilt of his sword. “Caden Shadowclaw. What are you doing here?”
Lyra glanced between the two men, sensing the tension crackling in the air. “Fenris, who is this?”
“An old… acquaintance,” Fenris replied, his tone guarded. “From my pack days. Before I met you.”
Caden’s smirk widened into a grin, revealing sharp canines. “Acquaintance? Come now, Fenris. Surely our relationship was a bit closer than that. Or have you forgotten our time together in the Silverpelt Pack?”
Fenris’s jaw clenched, but he said nothing. Lyra stepped forward, her curiosity overcoming her caution. “How do you two know each other?”
“Oh, Fenris and I go way back,” Caden said, his eyes never leaving Fenris’s face. “We were rivals, you might say. Always competing to be top dog in the pack. Isn’t that right, old friend?”
“That was a long time ago,” Fenris growled. “Things have changed. I’ve changed.”
Caden tilted his head, studying Fenris with an appraising eye. “Have you really? The lone wolf, running with a human now? I never thought I’d see the day.”
Lyra bristled at his tone. “Fenris is more than just a werewolf. He’s a good man, and my partner in every sense of the word.”
“Is that so?” Caden’s gaze shifted to Lyra, a predatory gleam in his eyes. “And what a lovely partner he’s found. Tell me, my dear, has he told you about the ways of werewolves? About our… instincts?”
Fenris stepped between them, his voice low and dangerous. “That’s enough, Caden. Say what you came to say and be on your way. We have important business to attend
to.”
Caden held up his hands in a placating gesture, though his smirk remained firmly in place. “Peace, old friend. I mean no harm. In fact, I’ve come to offer my assistance.” “Assistance?” Lyra echoed, skepticism clear in her voice. “What kind of assistance?” “I’ve heard whispers of your quest,” Caden replied. “Of the great task you seek to accomplish. I thought perhaps you could use an extra set of claws.”
Fenris shook his head firmly. “We don’t need your help, Caden. This is our burden to bear.”
“Are you sure about that?” Caden’s voice took on a silky quality. “From what I understand, the road ahead is fraught with danger. Wouldn’t it be wise to have another warrior at your side? Especially one with my… unique talents?”
Lyra glanced at Fenris, seeing the conflict in his eyes. She knew they could use all the help they could get, but something about Caden set her on edge. There was a hunger in his gaze when he looked at her, a possessiveness that made her skin crawl.
“We appreciate the offer,” she said carefully, “but I think we’ll be fine on our own. As Fenris said, this is our quest to complete.”
Caden’s smile didn’t waver, but a dangerous glint appeared in his eyes. “I see. Well, perhaps I could convince you to reconsider. After all, there are certain aspects of werewolf culture that a human like yourself might not fully understand.”
Fenris growled, taking a step toward Caden. “Watch your tongue, Shadowclaw. You’re treading on dangerous ground.”
“Am I?” Caden’s voice dripped with false innocence. “I’m merely stating facts, Fenris. Our kind have certain… needs. Instincts that can’t be denied. Are you sure you’re satisfying all of those needs with your human companion?”
Lyra felt her cheeks flush with anger and embarrassment. “Our relationship is none of your business,” she snapped. “And I assure you, Fenris is more than satisfied.” Caden’s laugh was low and mocking. “Oh, I’m sure he tells you that. But deep down, don’t you wonder? Don’t you worry that one day, his true nature will assert itself? That he’ll need something you can’t provide?”