Alone and broken...

As the snarling creature crashes into Lillie’s side with a thunderous force, her flailing paws lift away from the ground while she releases a shattering growl in retaliation. Wincing in pain, Lillie thrashes in revolt mid-air while she tries to free herself of the clawed hand that has clasped itself onto her rear leg. While her widening eyes drown in despair, Lillie’s body plummets towards the floor with a fierce velocity. Yelping in agony, Lillie hits the ground with a heavy slap while Fara’s hold loosens away from her sister's neck upon impact. Winded from the grotesque creature's unexpected blow, the youngster falls into a violent tumble. Unable to stop herself, Fara rolls away from the ravenous attacker when her head hits a protruding rock nestled within the ground; making her erupt into an agonised wail before curling up in terror.

With no delay in hearing Lillie’s outcry, Ash firmly plants his paws into the ground beneath him—burying his nails deep into the dirt as he attempts to bring us to an abrupt stop. Spinning around, Ash turns in the girls’ direction while his feet scuffle wildly before they find their footing once more. Bursting into an unkempt sprint, we race towards the pair while I clutch onto Ash’s fur—leaning upwards as I ready myself to jump off, bracing myself to get Fara while he assists Lillie. As we near the youngster, I watch as she gives in to the overwhelming fear coursing through her, frozen by the unimaginable sight unravelling all around. With Fara’s eyebrows pulling together while she stares on helplessly, her body trembles visibly as she watches the fight unfold; witnessing the creature pin her cherished sister down, causing her to release a shrill, loud scream in fright.

As the unnatural-statured beast brandishes its sharpened teeth at Lillie, it snaps its mouth savagely towards her while leering over menacingly—attempting to edge itself closer to her neck. Unable to reach her flesh while she furiously fights back, the creature screeches in anguish—appearing enraged by her persistence to not give in. With wicked snarls rippling through her lips in protest, Lillie kicks her hind legs into the sickly looking beast’s chest with a heaving grunt when a low bellow erupts from her opponent in return—allowing its threatening hold to loosen and for her to wriggle free. Closing in, Ash turns his head towards me; signalling for me to go with a swift nod before returning his attention to the unknown creature.

Launching off of his back, I clumsily fall while scraping my hands on the rough, uneven ground. Gasping for air, I push myself up while my stomach gently aches from the landing, leaving me to groan as I stand to my feet. Shaking off the pain, my head snaps upwards when Fara’s lime green eyes meet my own; bulging almost too wide for her small head and sending me into a racing frenzy. With outstretched arms, she shuffles towards me on her unsteady knees, sobbing with relief as her face glows an alarming shade of scarlet red.

“Willow, I’m scared,” Fara pleadingly cries out while shaking her head, “-I don’t like this,” her face crumples as she erupts into a blubber of untameable hysterics.

“Head down, eyes closed, sweety,” I whisper shakily as I approach her, leaning down to swoop her into my arms.  

Lifting her up, Fara rests her head on my shoulder. Covering her face from the horrors surrounding us, she wraps her shuddering arms tightly around my neck. Wheezing uncontrollably, the youngster finds it difficult to catch her breath while her wails continue to prevail, murmuring her sister's name brokenly in between each shortened gasp. Racing to a nearby hallow trunk, I shield our backs from any looming threats while turning to my brother and Lillie. Appearing to have the advantage, Lillie pins the unearthly creature down while Ash rips it apart, tearing at any piece of the monster that he can latch onto as it continues to lash at him in response. Releasing a bone-chilling hiss, the beast flashes its razor-like teeth towards Ash, unsuccessfully trying to lash forward.

The creature's piercing black eyes flicker between the defending pair while it lies at their mercy. Noticing the odd transparency of the beast’s skin, my stomach churns when I catch sight of the dark purple veins pulsating repulsively underneath its stretch as they cover the entirety of its contorted limbs like a spreading web. Releasing one of its claws from Lillie’s tiring grip, the creature throws it towards Ash’s arm unexpectedly—leaving five wounding gashes to soak his fur, certain to leave scars. Letting out an infuriated growl, Ash unleashes his building anger while the beast refuses to back down, right until its very last dying breath. Finding an opening, Ash pounces forwards and catches the creature's throat, tearing into its neck and allowing its sticky black blood to pool on the surrounding floor.

With the unknown beast dealt with, the panting pair turn their focus to Fara and myself. Swiftly rushing to our side, they check us over nervously, ensuring that we’re both okay. Satisfied that we’re fine, the two wolves turn around and allow their eyes to dart across the enclosing forest—standing defensively while bracing for another encounter to ensue, looking on in dismay as the unknown forces tear through the fleeting camp. Placing Fara down beside me, she steps towards her sister and tugs on her fur gently. Looking over her shoulder, Lillie nudges Fara with her nose, to which her sister embraces her with a fierce hug, relieved to be reunited with her protector. Without a second thought, Fara wastes no time and quickly climbs onto her sister's back—burying her head into Lillie’s fur as she had done before and holding onto her with all of her might. 

A gash of radiant moonlight breaks across the cauldron-black sky amidst the crawling clouds; illuminating the horrific scene ahead while the ground below becomes baptised with the blood of the innocent. A great tremor overpowers my body as it forces me to clasp my hands over my mouth; barely helping to muffle my hushed weeping while I look around in disbelief, traumatised at the onslaught raging on. While a stream of tears cleanse my flushed cheeks, we back further into the nestle of forestry behind us—allowing the entwinement of branches to act as a barricade and shelter our backs from any potential attackers. With the screams of the camp travelling throughout the forest, the haunting echoes float into the still night and undoubtfully act as a warning to all who can hear them, near and far.

Trying to comprehend what is actually going on, I watch in silence while the twisted monsters blaze with a powerful hatred bursting from within them; noting the fury scorched inside of their eyes as they mindlessly rip through the terrified camp, chasing the wolves to no end while they attempt to flee their vicious, hungry attackers. Too swept up to pay much attention to my wolfs growing growls, I notice Ash remain tense at my side, ready to launch at any moment. Scanning the area, he studies the potential threats rushing throughout the trees, beckoning him to join in on the fight against them as they ruthlessly hunt down our own. With the fur on his rigid back raising more than I thought was possible, he lowers his head and squares his shoulders—readying himself to fight back against the creatures that continue to swarm in, ruthlessly killing any wolf in their path during this blood fuelled frenzy. 

An overwhelming sensation of helplessness consumes me as my eyes flicker towards a fleeting blur of movement near to where we huddle. Swallowing down the lump gathering in my throat, my words catch within my chest as I witness an unknowing wolf being stalked while she backs into the reach of one of the predators while it stalks her silently from behind. A sharp ripple ruptures within my chest, making me wince when the lone wolf lets out an agonised cry in desperation. Howling in agony, the wolf finds herself trapped as the enraged creature wickedly grips her by her tail before tightening it around his wrist torturously. Dragging her backwards and pushing her into the ground, the beast violently flips her onto her back—making her chances of survival close to nothing with no intervention.

Ash releases a low rumbling growl as he catches sight of the disadvantaged wolf; becoming restless and tormented while he sits idly by, listening to the wails and cries of the scattered wolves building around us. Looking up with anguish-washed eyes, he whines in reason when I can already guess what it is that he wants—unwilling to stand by anymore and allow the downfall of our friends to pursue despite their tenacious efforts to fight back. Jittering to where he stands, every molecule within Ash’s body becomes responsive—urging him to protect those who need help, to follow his wolf's instincts and defend his fallen companions. 

Nodding uneasily at his request, a sudden sense of dread crashes over me the instant I give in, knowing, either way, he still would have gone whether I had agreed or not. A pang of guilt washes over me, wishing I could do the same as I stand here cowering, hidden away from our attackers when our people need us the most. Utterly useless. With no hesitation, Ash bursts into a sprint and heads towards the squirming wolf while she desperately kicks and bites at the twisted figure attempting to isolate her while it drags her away. Her growls break unevenly as her panic rises, flailing on the ground erratically; causing the creature’s annoyance to grow even more as if it were expecting her to blindly comply with the fate it imposed upon her. Launching from behind unnoticed; Ash glides through the air with teeth baring before releasing a bellowing growl and throwing all of his hefty weight towards the creature, still oblivious while it fixates entirely on its chosen prey. 

In one sweeping snap, Ash’s jaw clamps onto the beast's bony shoulder as he makes impact, making the monster release an ear-piercing shriek in anguish. With its deafening cry filling my ears, an icy shiver rushes down my spine as I clasp my hands on either side of my head in a bid to keep the noise out. While Ash sinks his teeth in, the familiar flow of tar-like blood spills from its pierced skin—breaking the monster out of its ravenous trance, helping to release its grip on the panicked wolf within its grasp. Ash violently tugs at the creature’s frame while reducing it to its knees; forcing it down onto the floor while shaking his head ferociously, tearing deep into its rancid flesh. Surprised by the attack, the unexpecting creature lashes out while kicking out on the floor—continuing to screech its disorientating wail and drowning my mind of all of its thoughts.

The freed wolf weakly stumbles to her feet, shaking her head before turning around to reveal the multiple fresh crimson crescents along her legs and side from the bites of the malicious creature. Exhausted from her struggle, she staggers forwards while attempting to regain her spent strength, allowing her narrowing eyes to lock onto the monster that intended on destroying her in revulsion. Fuelled by a burning vengeance, she lunges at the beast and tears open its chest while Ash pins it down in assistance. In a sudden burst of energy, she wraps her jaws around the creature's face and clamps down hard, showing the savage no mercy like it had done with her only moments before.

Pausing momentarily to gather themselves, Ash and the injured wolf acknowledge their small win as she bows her head towards him with acknowledgement, thanking him for his interception before shifting her attention to herself; attending to her wounds and licking them without complaint. Unable to relish in their victory any longer, a harrowing cry erupts somewhere nearby—snagging the unrelaxed pair's attention. Selflessly turning away, they rush out of view and into certain danger as they go to assist the others, helping to rebalance the odds as more wolves begin to fight back after the initial shock.

I try to focus on the creatures, spiralling within my own mind as I question what they could be—left in confusion when the only answer the creeps up is the most impossible of all. Trying to make sense of how this is even happening, I reel in my thoughts when a curdling cry breaks above the carnage sweeping throughout the forest, capturing my attention chillingly. Snapping my head to the side, I locate the creator of the noise when a small boy comes into view, no older than six, shuffling further into the shadows as if he were being pushed back. Covered in mud and trembling, his chest shudders while he hyperventilates, choking on the iron tainted air. My eyes follow the boy's glare as he fixates on a shadowed figure now cornering him, cunningly segregating him from everyone else—just as the other beast had tried to do earlier on.

Hunching down, the creature slowly prepares to pounce like a lion on a gazelle, taunting the boy purposely before going in for the kill when I realise the time to act is now. A sudden surge of bravery runs through me, maybe even madness, but whatever it is, it drives me to conjure up the small amount of strength I have left. Inhaling deeply, I shake in anticipation as a flooding dose of adrenaline builds inside of me while I brace myself to run into the open, not acknowledging the extent of the risk that I’ll be taking as I head out into the battlefield, unarmed and unprotected.

With no one else coming to the boy’s rescue, I take the first few steps out from beneath the shelter when I’m forcefully yanked backwards. Glancing behind me, Lillie holds onto my jacket persistently while trying to keep me in the safety of the leafy shelter that’s kept us out of sight. With a snag of my coat held within her mouth, she stubbornly tugs at me, unwilling to let me go. Refusing to sit on the sidelines this time, I pull my coat away from her hold, causing her to growl softly at my defiance. Through a frown, Lillie’s eyes plead with me, shaking her head to show her unhappiness with my intention of leaving our dome of protection despite the pressing reason.

 “Please don’t go, Willow,” Fara whimpers quietly through repeated sniffles as she wipes her snotty nose with her sleeve.

“I’ll be back, I promise,“ I hesitate while Fara stares at me through a set of puffy eyes, clasping onto my hand as she replicates the same action as her sister

“Stay with Fara,” I glance at Lillie before resuming my exit.

Spinning around, I run off before either of the girls can try to reason with me anymore, already set in my decision. As my eyes pass over the destruction already caused, my stomach twists, making me feel sick while I rush through the carnage, trying not to heave. Choking back the rising bile building in my throat, I race past the mangled bodies strewn across the floor, unrecognisable in my passing as I keep my sight set ahead and my attention on the child desperately needing my help. 

Disturbingly, my shoes squelch against the blood-soaked soil, allowing the stench of iron to drift upwards and fill my nostrils while the aroma of death consumes the night. My heart beats quickly, vibrating in my ribcage as I push past the horror and bloodshed. With each step I take, I notice my breathing grow raspier while my chest tightens along the way while I finally close in on the boy. Still frozen with petrify, he shudders, traumatised by the nightmare standing in front of him. As the final shards of possessed innocence are taken away from him, the quivering child cries out for his father while closing his eyes tightly in distress. 

Unsure of what to do next, I search around frantically for something to use against the beast when the approaching thudding of footsteps near. Looking up, I watch while Ash and Ronnie rush to our aid just as the monster leaps into the air; saving the boy from his near-death by throwing the beast off track. Tackling the creature to the ground, they hurtle its body into a nearing tree, leaving it to scramble back onto its oversized feet upon release. The vile monster looks back and forth at the wolves standing at each of its sides, cautiously watching them while they edge closer with each passing second. Unsure of which one to lunge at first, the creature hesitates while both wolves stand fierce. Lashing out, the beast throws its pointed claws towards Ronnie’s face as he backs away effortlessly—leaving both wolves to snarl in response to the outlash, hastily prompting them to approach in sync.

Ronnie catches the creature’s leg between his teeth and starts tugging towards the ground, pulling hard as it attempts to make a grab at Ash. With the creature caught off guard, Ronnie shakes his head savagely while ripping into the beast's muscle, tearing its flesh wide open and exposing its bone. The creature ignores the pain and tries scratching at Ronnie, but before his claws can make impact with the old wolf, Ash latches onto the beast's arm, causing it to writhe in agony. With the creature stunned from the attack, it releases a screeching cry—unable to fight back while the wolves pull at its limbs, mimicking a rope in a game of tug of war until it has been torn apart. As they toss the remains of the creature from their mouths, Ash’s narrowed eyes wander around until they land on me—not looking impressed as he races over in a flash.

“Don’t,” I halt him as he stops in front of me, “-I can do without the lectures. I saw the boy and no one else was helping. What else was I supposed to do?” I point towards the child being led away by Ronnie, suddenly feeling foolish under Ash’s judgemental gaze, realising how unprepared I was racing into this.

Admittedly, I had no idea what I was doing. He knows it, and so do I. As if reading my mind, Ash growls at me; turning his head toward Lillie and Fara’s shelter in the distance, implying for me to return to the safety of our hidden dome. Before I can even utter a word in protest, he snaps an agitated bark at me, indicating it’s not up for discussion. Turning away, I rush back towards the leafy sanctuary. I pivot my head behind me, glimpsing Ash as he re-joins Ronnie’s side while they rush the young cub to nearby safety. As I make my way back, I suddenly grow uncomfortably aware of how quiet the forest has become in the passing minute or so—an overwhelming eeriness lingering in the air as the uncertainty of which side is winning suddenly becomes foggily unclear. Staring around, I try to establish where we stand on ending this fight when my body shivers uncontrollably. Unexplainably, the hairs raise on the back of my neck when the knowing sensation of being watched suddenly washes over me.

To my horrifying surprise, I hear my wolf's growl once again; her voice resonating inside of my head clearly, as if her outburst was playing through a speakerphone and putting me on high alert. Sending me into a frantic search for a nearing threat, I wildly spin around when I instantly feel my blood turn cold—forewarning me somehow for what’s about to come. Blinking frightenedly, I halt when I’m met face to face with one of the cruel monsters; standing out above his comrades as he wears an unclear tattoo on the top of his skull, appearing much taller and great than the rest. Crouching under the moonlight before me, its darkened eyes watch me cower; sending my stomach into a cluster of tightening knots while I take a set of hesitant steps backwards, gulping loudly amidst the stillness. When its hallow stare meets my own, their appearance resembles what I can only describe as an abyss, completely empty and soulless, yet filled with burning spite.

A cruel, twisted smile spreads across its thin lips as it senses my fear; revealing two rows of knife-like teeth while it straightens back up before looking me up and down, glancing me over if I were to be its next meal. Licking his lips, an icy chuckle breaks free of them, taunting me into a disgusted shudder. Despite wanting to scream, I remain gripped in the beast's imposed terror while any raising words remain held within my tightening throat, barely giving me any room to even release a small cry. Begging my legs to move and turn, I wish for them to carry me away; but to my dismay, I stay stagnant—terror-stricken before forcefully coming to my senses. Turning around, I race in the opposite direction, crying silently as I try to escape the creature's clutches. Giving the beast enough time to make its move, it embraces my dithering and attacks, hurtling itself into the air like a speeding torpedo.

As the monster crashes against me, we're thrown into the clearing on the outskirts of Luna City. Upon landing, my back slams against what feels like a scattering of jagged rocks led across the floor, hidden within the tall glades of the grass. The pressing weight of the creature on top of me pushes the sharp edges of the stones further into my skin, cutting through the layers of my clothes while we land with a harsh thud. He immediately grabs my head and begins slamming it repeatedly into the hard surface beneath it; a repetitive ringing of my skull crunching and cracking fills my ears while his sharp claws dig into my cheeks. As the soaring pain bursts from within my head, my vision blurs while the unrelenting blows continue to rain down, making my head light and my thoughts overwhelmingly foggy. 

Lying there unable to move, all I can do is hope for the attack to end; left to drown in the rotten stench of the creature while it drowns out any surrounding scent, thick with decay and dust. Failing to wrestle the beast away, a trickle of warm flowing liquid seeps across my face when the taste of iron drips past my lips and into my gaping mouth. Hitting me with a heavy fist in response to my flailing protest, the creature showers my undefended body in a mist of punches and slashes, cracking my bones and sending a wave of searing ripples to surge throughout me. Freeing my arms, I hold them out protectively in front of my face with one eye already swollen shut. Thrashing my head around, I search desperately for any other survivors, while my fading hope of someone finding me quickens into nothingness. Releasing a pitiful whimper, the realisation dawns on me that I’m alone and broken—soon to meet my end.

Agitated by my reaction, my attacker grips my neck viciously before applying a fatal squeeze. Sneering in my face, the beast tilts his head with intrigue as I try to pull his gripping hands away. With each attempted breath I try to take, my lungs remain empty as the building pressure grows within my skull. As the tears roll down my face, the creature chuckles coldly—taking enjoyment in my suffering as a sudden tiredness washes over me, beckoning me to give in.

“Poor little wolfy,” I hear a smirk within the creature's voice while my fighting hands fall away from the gripping beast’s own, allowing my vision to slowly fall into darkness.

Wriggling in agony, the creature unexpectedly releases its hold. Opening my unswollen eye as I heave a deep breath, I reluctantly look up to see the creature pulling its blood-soaked claw behind him while raising it past his head, ready to send it thrashing down once more. Anticipating the savage blow, I close my eyes, wincing expectedly, defenceless and ready to take the next hit. Preparing to accept my fate. A swooshing burst of movement rushes past my ears, leaving me in a state of confusion when no apparent pain seems to follow. Thanking my graces far too soon, I suddenly notice a vast pooling of sickly liquid gathering in the back of my throat. Spluttering in horror, a splatter of crimson fluid sprays into the air—painting the ghastly skin of the beast above me. Clasping my neck, my hands quickly warm as the gushing blood racing from my being continues to spill. With shock widened eyes, I tremble erratically—feeling the life slowly slip away from within me as the warm liquid covers my shoulders and chest, dripping onto the frosted grass around me. 

With shaky hands, I clasp at the fresh gash on my neck. Remembering this feeling all too well, my mind flickers momentarily back to the first occasion when this had happened, recalling how I received the scar on my neck. Urging my body to stay awake, it grows lifeless, refusing to respond as if I no longer held any control over it. As sheer dread spreads within, a heavy weight of drowsiness hits me quickly, despite my commanding attempts to hold on. Fighting the sensation to drift away, I feel my hands loosen from around my neck, just as they had done seconds before when the beast had nearly suffocated me—no longer preventing the gushing blood flow. With a harmonic buzzing filling my ears, I feel myself drift, unable to keep myself grounded when my eyes try to close against my will.

Without any warning, the sudden pressure of the creature lifts away from me as I faintly make out the beast standing. Looking around cautiously, his interest in my demise quickly disperses as he curses beneath his shrill breath; leaving him less enthusiastic than he was just moments ago. Noticing the faint sound of rustling approaching, the creature sniffs the air while the patter of footfall becomes noticeable, fastening its pace as if heading directly for him. Glancing down at me with angered eyes, the beast hisses in defeat, annoyed by its inability to finish me off before dealing me one last hefty kick. Unable to react, I lay stiffly, watching as the creature hesitates for a second before speedily departing just as fast as it had arrived—blending back into the darkness, vanishing into the treeline from where it had come.