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-I always wanted to be like this, you know?

His voice was so comforting, especially when he kept the head on his chest... Loki could hear how the words came from further down his throat and, with a slight tremor, made their way to the wolf's muzzle... traveling all the way down his neck. When they went out through the mouth, his breath tickled the tips of his ears, which trembled slightly with emotion.

Leaning against the warm body of the Beast he loved, the lynx's eyes were lost in the twilight as he was carried away by an intense emotion, something he had never felt for anyone.

-Me too, Rukj -he replied, closing his eyes and rubbing his head gently against the soft black fur of his broad chest.

He could not help letting out a soft purr while the wolf's strong arms closed around his waist and drew him closer, with an almost sweetheart affection. Completely seduced by contact with his body, Loki flew into the embrace, without being able to think of anything else, he could not recall having ever purred with pleasure, and that certainly had to be the first time... in any case, it felt exaggeratedly good, to be just another sound.

Perhaps it was because, after all, it was a sound that he could only give to only one Beast in the world.

At that moment, something hard and wet slid gently down his ear, making him open his eyes, slightly alarmed. However, as soon as he found out what it was, he smiled, relaxed, and his purring intensified.

-I love you ... Rukj -he whispered, extending the "r" in its name, while the wolf gently nibbled his ear and he tried to combat the need of purring that seemed to have invaded his throat -... You're so... you aarrr -he was not able to finish the sentence.

The wolf began to gently caress his neck as he continued playing with his ear, gently, as if the lynx was an extremely weak prey that he was trying to examine very carefully in his claws. The thought made Loki feel even more excited to be around him, and he was carried away by the wonderful sensation as he closed his paws around the muscled forearm of the black wolf and rested completely against his chest ... At that time, Rukj could have done anything to him, whatever he wanted. He was completely helpless against him, and he could not help liking the idea...

-Me too, cub -he murmured, with that voice so deep and husky, tinged with a tenderness unusual for the wolf.

In that moment, Loki realized that there was something not right. And just had to open his eyes to realize what it was.

The twilight disappeared in a split second, and was replaced by an almost depressing darkness. In the same way, the feeling of the soft black fur vanished in the air leaving an almost painful void on his skin, a void that needed to be filled in some way but only nothing seemed caress him. The pleasure and purring also vanished, as if they never existed.

Loki sighed, leaning against the rough skin of the prey Raon had hunted a while ago, so different from Rukj's soft jet black fur. For a moment, he played with the idea that the dream had been reality, but eventually ended up shaking his head, somewhat disappointed, and resigned himself to think, almost certainly, that reality would never be so enjoyable. <<He must be nearly fifteen years older than I am>> he thought, embarrassed <<. Although he does not seem so old... the truth is that, he looks quite young for his age. And attractive >>.

His own thoughts made him blush again, and his claws became entangled with a timid movement on the mattress on which he was leaning.

-Is something wrong? -Jarek wondered, appearing for the entrance of the cave -. I heard a ... noise.

Loki's blush intensified.

-Eeer... eeeer... -He hesitated, searching desperately for an answer to the question that did not involve having to lie -. Only ... it was only a dream -he finally said, leaning his face against the mat skin so Jarek would not see it was completely flushed again -. Do not worry.

-Oh, good -the wolf murmured, somewhat confused, scratching an ear -. I thought something had happened to you ... something bad. Dreaming ... did you dream about what happened in Frostmoon?

A chill ran down the lynx's spine.

-Er... no -he answered, finally realizing that there was no need to lie -. Not that.

• So...? What happened?

Loki bit his lower lip thoughtfully, while inwardly cursing the copper furred wolf for asking so many questions. At that time he only wised he could get up and give him a good punch ... even knowing that it would not harm him.

After breathing deeply a few times, he felt calmer and was thinking more clearly. At the end of the day, Jarek did that because he was worried about him. He need not be violent.

-It happens that I have a secret -he finally said, without giving further clues -. And. .. not sure I want to share it with you.

Jarek watched him for a moment, frowning, still scratching his ear. He didn't even seem upset, just a little confused by the lynx's strange words. However, after a moment, he seemed to figure out what was going through the head of the other Beast and softly chuckled which made Loki raise his eyes, somewhat annoyed.

-What are you laughing at? -he asked, a little scared at the prospect of being seen through.

Faced with that question, the wolf began to laugh slightly higher voice, as if he found the situation very funny. Loki, confused and was somewhat angry with him, he looked away for a second until he got the answer.

-It's about your secret -Jarek smiled after he was able to control his laughter -. I think ... I think I can see him trying to get out of your pants, ha, ha, ha!

Loki did not understand what he meant at first, but then looked down and realized what the wolf was referring to. At that time, he blushed to the very roots of his fur, never having felt so embarrassed before in his life. Sure ... after all, it had not been so long since he had woken up from his dream, and since he had never felt so excited ... he had not tried to hide it from anyone.

But the suspicious bulge in his pants was enough to make anyone realize what actually happened. And more, with all the clues that the copper furred wolf already had.

-Stop... Stop laughing! -he shouted angrily, while he covered up with the skin of the mat -. It's not funny!

-I think so -said Jarek, wiping an imaginary tear from the eye, using a paw -. Hum... Is there a pretty girl then? Perhaps of your species?

-Don't ask! -Loki barked, annoyed, as he bared his teeth and took on an angry expression -. I will not... I will not answer you!

Jarek crossed his arms and cocked his head, leaning against the wall of the cave.

-That means it's probably me -he muttered in replied, softly laughing.

-You wish... - Loki mumbled, while sagging against the straw mattress, still feeling terribly embarrassed. How ... how could he have been so stupid? At the time, he could have wished that the earth would swallow him. This just... could not be happening.

Jarek continued to stay in that pose for a while, staring at him as he let out a soft chuckle from time to time. Finally, he seemed to get a little more serious, something that was unusual for him.

-Hey, sorry if it upset you. I know we do not know each other that well, but ... I found it funny.

• Yeah. I didn't -Loki growled, turning away and trying to fall back asleep. No such luck.

-Hey, sorry. I know I have not shown much tact, and should have thought a bit more before I opened my mouth. And... I do not want you to hate me for this -the wolf asked, approaching steps -. I have enough already with Rukj hating me ...

Loki did not respond.

He continued lying on the mattress, waiting for the blood to go down from his head and tried to relax a little, regulating his breath and his crazy heartbeat. It was not so horrible ... In fact, how could Jarek find out who he had been dreaming about? It was practically impossible ... though he tried to convince himself otherwise.

• It's all right -he replied, after a moment of silence -. It's not your fault.

Jarek gave him one last worried look from the entrance of the cave, before shrugging and leaving him as being impossible. Nor could he think about it too much, indeed, his mind was far away at the time, wishing that Raon would return safe and sound...

...to be able to continue where they had left it.

Frostmoon could seem much bigger and rambling from the outside than what it was actually like inside. And that feeling seemed to intensify further, as in the case of Raon, if it was the first city that you saw in your life.

-Stay close to me -Rukj said before entering, while the Human proceeded to cover his head with the skin of the creature that had been killed, suppressing a groan of disgust -. This is not like out in the open. Here there are things not much less dangerous than a big minor Beast ... and usually, their greatest danger is that they know how to hide that they are dangerous very well. Be careful and do not speak unless it is extremely urgent. So ... no questions.

-All right -Raon nodded. His voice sounded slightly muffled from the skin now covering his head, but he had tried to ignore that fact; perhaps it helped him.

At that time, they walked through the narrow streets of Frostmoon wrapped in an almost sepulchral silence. Rukj walked first, with a frown, and a twinkle in his eye that had little to do with who used to lead the hunt, but rather resembled prey trying to go unnoticed ... With tense muscles and walking without making the slightest noise, the wolf kept looking in all directions as if afraid that at any moment someone was going to come out of nowhere to drag them back to the dungeon.

Raon tried to follow suit, but was unable too. This was too much for him, and it was ... all completely new.

So far, he had only seen two buildings throughout his entire life. One was the hut in which he had grown up all his life, the other was the sinuous border dividing the Lands of Human of the Beasts, and the truth was that he was becoming less secure about labeling those as buildings.

But, in that place... that place there were buildings everywhere he looked, so many the Human realized that it would have been virtually impossible to estimate how many people lived in Frostmoon... The houses, built with stones on a regular basis and a clear color marble, were grouped against each other leaving only a few feet between them, the great avenues left a little more space, but the truth was that it still did not matter.

Raon had just discovered what a city really was. And, given the fact that so many people occupy so little space, he could not tell if he was fascinated, lost, terrified, excited or confused. In any case, he continued walking putting as much attention as possible under the circumstances with every step, as he followed Rukj with an open mouth trying to imagine just how many people could live in one place without provoking confrontations and altercations.

Of course, the concept of "law" was still completely unknown to him. So far as he knew, there was only one law: Humans and Beasts could not live together ... that was how it was. And a Human in Beasts' Lands should be exterminated. He was an intruder, the enemy.

Repressing a shudder, He sincerely hoped that the "mask" that Rukj had prepared for him would actually work, and nobody happened to recognize him as a human. ... Like it or not his life depended on it.

Clueless, Raon bumped into Rukj's back, he had stopped at a corner and seemed to be watching what was happening. The black wolf, somewhat annoyed, gave him a puzzled look.

-What are you thinking about? -he growled, softly.

-Sorry, I'm a little nervous -the young human apologized in a whisper -. I'm afraid of ... being discovered and they realize that I am a human -he confessed -. And I can not help thinking that this place is too big ... a labyrinthine maze.

Rukj's slightly annoyed expression softened and gave him a long look of understanding, as if inwardly he understood what Raon meant.

-Even so, be more careful -he asked, in a whisper -. If you are afraid of being seen ... do not let that happen.

He nodded, silently, while the black wolf again turned to the corner and investigated with a furtive glance. His black fur blended into the shadows of the night, even though some brief flashes tore from the red lanterns with dying flames from both sides of the streets. That somehow reminded Raon of Jarek, who at that time would almost certainly be in the cave entrance, awaiting his return.

For some reason he still did not know, his words had made an impression on the young Human. For a moment, when the wolf had caught his hand between his paws, the boy had thought that there was something strange about the situation, something that made him feel uncomfortable but strangely, at once irresistibly attracted him. At first he had thought that it was inexplicable wave of empathy that they both felt to touch... but after a few seconds, he had decided that this was something completely different. While the contact that caused the effect between them still had no explanation, that disturbing emotion had grown inside them both for a few seconds.

Because, for a few thousandths of a second... he had felt the need to stay there by Jarek, for the simple fact of being with him, not to leave him alone, and still feel those padded paws around his fingers.

But the moment had passed. And now he was not sure whether he made the right decision leaving, or whether on the contrary...

-Raon -called Rukj, then -. Raon! - Growled the wolf, a little louder, getting the attention of the Human, who turned to him a little alarmed -. Damn, is it possible for you pay attention tonight?

-I'm sorry -apologized the young man, while looked away, somewhat embarrassed -. It's just ... I have my head some were else.

-Well, you'd better have it here, unless you want someone to cut it and hang it over the fireplace -the wolf warned him, still somewhat annoyed -. I need you attentive tonight. Take a quick look.

The Human did as he was told, and went over to the corner and then gently poked his head, trying not to be seen by anyone. He would continue thinking of the feelings Jarek awoke inside ... on another occasion.

-See that door, the front with two armed lynxes? -Rukj asked, his nose almost in his ear, making him shiver.

Raon tried to discern with his eyes, looking for what the wolf seemed to see... yes, it was not far, maybe twenty yards on the other side of the street... although he was not sure that standing guards outside the door were exactly lynxes. In fact, due to the armor covering almost their entire body and their heads, Raon could not have sworn that they belonged to any of the four species, yet again risked his hide and nodded, glancing up to look into Rukj's eyes.

-How are we going to get in without them perceiving our presence? -the Human asked, with a sigh.

The wolf frowned thoughtfully, until finally his eyes sparkled and ears rose, as if he had a brilliant idea. Raon seemed to understand what he was thinking about even before he shared it.

-Bait, right? - He asked, giving him a long look -. Like tonight, when we were hunting.

-Yes -replied the wolf, with a low growl, and immediately shook his head -. Although ... I'm not sure that's a good idea ...

-I could do it myself -assured the young Human -. I might get their attention and then flee...

-Do not make me laugh, Raon -Rukj interrupted, rather dryly -. Yes, you could distract them, because it is not very common to see a Human in Frostmoon ... but then what? Would you randomly run trying to find your way in a city you do not know? It would be too dangerous... -he paused and gave him a concerned look -. Also, I've taken care of you for too long to allow you to risk something like that. And more, given what I know now.

-And what do you know now? -Raon asked, unable to contain himself. At the wolf's refusal, he let out a resigned sigh -. Look, Rukj ... is a simple plan. I could go around the building so that they follow me, you would enter into the dungeon and take Loki's bag. We would meet once they returned and we could get out of here.

-With the guards at our heels -. Rukj reminded him -. And we have not foreseen the possibility that someone may be in the dungeon... that might delay me.

Raon folded his arms and leaned against the wall, giving him a long look, between angry and thoughtful.

-Well, it's the only idea that comes to mind -he said after a moment, as he directed his gaze to the corner -. And... by Loki's reaction, that bag you are talking about must be important.

<<More than just important. You can not imagine just how much>> Rukj thought to himself, as he leaned against the wall and also closed his eyes, trying to think.

What could he do, after all?

Raon was right. There was no chance of getting away from the city with that bag, unless he carried out the Human's risky but simple plan. And it was necessary to recover what the lynx had lost, or else there would be no hope for anyone.

Rukj shivered slightly.

When he had decided to adopt Raon as his own son, he had done so under the influence of an illusion that, at the time, he had thought of as futile and improbable. He had dreamed that, when the day came, the seventh descendant of Aron the Vindicator could finally bring peace between the two races, ending the bloody and cruel war which, for centuries, was fought between Humans and Beasts... During the early years, when he was still young and the boy was just a baby, he had kept that hope alive. That was all that guided him at a time when the world had turned its back: keep that one Human alive, the chosen one ... so that same world that had alienated him was changing once and for all, and this time for the better.

But, over the years, the flame of hope had been extinguished in Rukj as the cold and loneliness had consumed him. His dreams had died as he had been becoming an adult ... and until a few days ago, he had been simply unable to think there was just a possibility... however small... to rekindle the spark of his first desires.

But it had happened.

And now, he could not allow Raon to be exposed that way, because if something happened, that little flame would go out with him. And the wolf, after being so long without hope, would not lose it again.

Still ... there was no alternative.

-All right -he said finally, with a slight tremor in his voice. His young protege stared for a moment, surprised by his unsure tone -. But promise me, Raon ... you'll be careful. Tonight you are not at your best.

Raon smiled faintly.

• I promise. I will be alert.

It would be dawn in just an hour, so they didn't have much time.

The plan, as Raon had contrived it, was overly simple; to first be offered as a helpless prey, appropriate for pursuit ... and then, the wolf would take action and recover the bag. The two would meet and would leave the city as quickly as they could, escaping the Guard. It was a simple plan.

Easy, except for a mere factor that the Human had not counted on.

Silently Raon crouched against the corner where he stood, trying to control his breath and calm down his heart that threatened to burst from his chest. Again, fingers pressed hard against his spear, until the knuckles turned white and his hand began to ache.

He was nervous. Much more nervous than he had initially thought he would be.

<<Not that hard, Raon>> he told himself, trying to infuse some tranquility <<.Just get close, get their attention, and run around the building. They can not catch you if they have to carry their armor...>>

But these thoughts, even those that might have seemed sound, did not calm his nervousness.

At that time, the young Human noticed the warning signal that Rukj gave, from his hiding place, telling him now was the right time to take action. Raon, still somewhat confused and nervous, and without being too clear about what exactly he would do to get the guards attention, came around the corner wrapped in white fur, and held his breath as he stepped forward, apparently intending to secure the dungeon entrance, where the two guards were waiting. Despite trying to keep a cool head, he could be seen clearly as his heartbeat quickened with every step, approaching his hunters ... hunters who he had to turn a prey for. <<Just calm down and everything will be ok>> he told himself, trying to avoid being nervous. However, at that time, he was far from being calm or feeling confident enough to follow his own advice.

The guards did not react. It seemed ridiculous that their bronze helmets, tight around the head and leaving only two small openings for ears and one for the snout, they could not see what was going on either side of their field of view. That was both an advantage and a disadvantage: they had not yet seen him despite that he had already been advancing towards them for a few seconds, but then, Raon needed to attract their attention from a distance... or he could not escape in time.

With a layer of cold sweat on his brow, the Human realized there was something he had not noticed until now: civilians. If any of them saw him and tried to stop him his flight... How could one overcome or avoid them? And time was against him, every moment that passed increased the likelihood that not only the guards, but that any other inhabitant of Frostmoon would discover him...

His nerves decided it for him.

In an irrational movement, the youth raised his spear and threw it through the air towards the guards, who just heard the whistle that it made from cutting the wind. In any case, the spear landed just inches from the first guard's snout, who turned, alarmed, in the direction the attack had come from, and likewise his companion also did so, surprised.

Raon couldn't help but to inwardly congratulate himself, knowing he had achieved his goal: draw their attention. However, he had no time to rejoice, because after the miss came a loud curse, and the two guards ran after him with surprising speed, considering that they were encumbered with heavy bronze armor. The Human cursed, turned around and started running, realizing he had not a moment to lose. He had underestimated the pursuit ability of those two, and if he did not hurry, he believed they would eventually catch him.

While twisting behind the corner he had been hiding behind only seconds before, running faster than he had ever run before, the Human remembered something Rukj had explained long ago, something about the four species of Beasts: of all these, the fastest were the lynxes, both physically and psychologically. Maybe he should have remembered that before risking being chased by two of them, because now he could see that, as usual, what the wolf had said was completely right.

Again he turned another corner, and just a split second later, he realized that he had taken a wrong turn. A cold sweat that threatened to freeze from time to time due to the bitter cold, threatened what little security he had left.

-Shit... -the Human murmured, as he threw a quick look back and made out the silhouettes of the lynxes coming even closer, barely ten yards. Sure they knew that he made a wrong turn.

Okay, he was lost, but that did not help ... he had to find a way to delay the lynxes long enough to find a way, to find his way back. If only he had something to throw ... unfortunately for him, his spear had been thrown far away in the dungeon door. How could he have been so stupid to have gotten rid of his most important weapon without thinking?

At that time he noticed the view of the torches along the street while that was going on... on both sides of the road, he could see some jars of burning wood gently dispelling the darkness of the night; Raon wondered who would be responsible for lighting them every evening, but immediately dismissed the question. No time to think about that, nor was it the most appropriate time to do so. However, those jars of fire gave him an idea... an idea that might be his only chance ...

He risked them reaching him, stopping quickly at one of those huge torches and pushed as hard as he could, trying to overturn it. It took more than he had expected and the menacing eyes of lynxes reflected the flames of the fire only a few feet away, too close to him for the Human felt calm...

But he succeeded.

The jar turned with a loud clang, and burning logs were scattered down the street filling it with embers, ashes and smoke. Raon heard the sound of one of the lynxes cursing, but could not let that delay him more without risking being caught, he began running again as quickly as possible toward the other end of the street, wishing the curtain of smoke and burning embers would serve to delay his pursuers.

However, when he arrived at the end of the street and ventured around another corner, he realized that although he had gotten rid of the lynx guards, the problem was now different: how on earth could he find the way back to the Headquarters if he did not even know exactly where it was? In addition, he was beginning to feel fatigued: he was not used to running for so long and even though he was in good shape, it was hard to maintain that frantic pace for so long... He had to do something... he had to find something to do, to get to return to Rukj before it was too late and the guards found him again...

But, unfortunately, he was lost in a city that he had never come to know, being a member of the race shunned by virtually all its inhabitants, and pursued by the members of the Guard.

He just could not think of a way out of that situation.

He was wandering around the city trying to be as stealthy as possible, still running, trying to find the way back to the police station, only guided by his intuition. Twice he found civilians; all they did was stand aside and let out a gasp of terror as they pointed a finger, eyes wide open and faces distorted in a grimace of horror. <<Like I now wanted to or could harm any of them>> thought Raon, ironically, trying to beat the despair of knowing he was lost in the city.

Then, turning a new corner that led directly into a dark alley, suddenly he collided with something big and fell headlong, hurting his ankle and letting out a cry of pain. He had no time for regrets, however, knowing that someone was there in the alley with him, desperately seeking the reassuring touch of his knife in his belt, the Human anxiously tried to get up, increasingly feeling the pressing pain in his injured ankle...

He was unable to do so in time.

A paw closed around his shoulder and drew him into the darkness of the alley; Raon let out a scream of terror that was quickly silenced by something soft but strong that landed on his face, forcing him to shut up. Terrified, the youth kicked and tried to hit whoever had so stupidly trapped him, but did not get anywhere, because whoever it was, was much stronger than himself.

-Raon -he then heard a familiar voice close to his ear, a voice that made him stop -. It's me. Rukj.

The paw was immediately removed from his mouth, and the Human dropped to the ground, panting with exhaustion and breathing heavily, slowly raising and directing his gaze into the deep shadows, in which the black wolf remained camouflaged. The same black wolf that had raised him, with whom he had lived since he could remember ...he had no reason to fear.

-I'm... sorry... -he whispered, still trying to catch his breath -. I got lost...

-It's all right -Rukj reassured him, raising one arm with something hanging; Raon just had to strain a bit to make out that it was a leather bag sizable -. I found what we were looking for. It was not too difficult.

-Well... -Raon sighed, putting a hand to his chest and leaning against the wall, while rivers of sweat ran over his face.

There was a brief silence, until finally Rukj murmured.

-After you recover a bit, we will leave. I would not like to stay in this place any longer than necessary. It's a matter of not putting you in danger.

• Rukj... my ankle...

The wolf gave him a worried look, understanding.

-Is it serious? Think you can get to the cave?

Raon looked up, consternated, and then went to his foot, straining against the ground to feel the sharp pain that arose in the ankle. He gritted his teeth, but he shook his head, ready to stand for the moment.

He did not want to spend even one more second in that place, there was something worse than the pain, even the fact that he had to be exposed to retrieve the bag... and it was that uncomfortable feeling of constantly being hunted, of being wanted, of being hated, rejected and even persecuted for being who he was... just a dirty Human. No one would mourn his death and therefore... nobody would do anything to prevent it. He was, to put it in other words, condemned to die if he had any encounter in that city.

It was the pressure, he realized. The pressure of knowing he was completely exposed.

He shook his head, trying to separate those dark thoughts from his mind and focus on reality again.

-You'll have to help me a little -he finally acknowledged -. But I think I can do it. Let's get out of here, Rukj... please.

Loki woke again, this time shivering.

His first reaction was to cover more with that warm blanket skin Raon had gotten for him, but when he opened his eyes, he realized that he was covered with it and yet, the cold still harassed him mercilessly. <<Anyway>> he told himself, thoughtful <<, I should thank the Human>>.

In silence, he looked around the cave, still wrapped in these and other thoughts, looking for the cause of the uncomfortable cold that had awakened him. He quickly found it.

-Jarek -he called, in a whisper, at the copper-furred wolf, who sat cross-legged in front of the fire, staring -. Jarek! -he called, somewhat louder, getting his attention this time -. Eeer... could you... could you relight the fire, please?

The wolf blinked several times, back to reality as if he had fallen asleep with his eyes open. It took him a few seconds to find an answer.

-Eh... I... I don't know how to do that, Loki -the wolf finally muttered, sinking shoulders -. Sorry, but we will have to wait ... for Raon to return.

-Raon and Rukj, you mean -the lynx corrected him, slowly getting up and sitting down with the blanket still wrapped around his body.

-Yeah. And Rukj.

Loki briefly observed Jarek's expression of anger and could not help a funny smile.

-It's funny you don't get on well at all -he said, after a moment, the wolf giving him a somewhat annoying look -. You two are different, yes, but ... you're wolves.

-That has nothing to do -growled Jarek -. I do not look anything like him.

Loki was watching for a moment, still smiling, until he finally sighed and left it as impossible. His gaze then recognized the remains of the fire, and he slowly began to remember things about that copper-furred wolf, the same wolf that he had heard of long ago... It just took a moment to connect everything he knew and relate it to what was happening right now.

-You said... you do not know how to start a fire? -he asked with an extended claw, as he played with the ashes leaving the groove his claw left in them.

The young wolf looked up, somewhat confused by the tone he had asked the question, and nodded slowly.

-Do you know? -muttered the lynx, while drawing a spiral on the remains of the fire, thoughtfully -. Sometimes I think... you should all be subject to the code of the Order... Lies only make things more difficult than they already are.

Jarek took a few seconds to realize what he meant.

-I'm not lying -he said, with some ferocity, but with a slight tremor in his voice -. And how... how the hell could you know I'm not telling the truth? You have no reason to believe that. How...?

-I heard it in Frostmoon -Loki revealed, raising deep look in his blue eyes, having nailed it -. About the fire.

Jarek turned pale.

For a moment, he kept his position, watching the lynx in front of him with wide eyes and mouth ajar, as if he still was not able to believe what he had heard. Or as if unwilling to assimilate that, suddenly, that Beast, that had just escaped from certain death, had risen to revive with the memories of a night that should never have taken place...

-I'm sorry -Loki muttered, looking down -. Maybe I should not have said anything. I should not pry into your affairs.

-No... matter... -Jarek replied, trying to bury the weight of what just happened in the depths of his heart, and escape from the harrowing feeling that his past haunted him -. Heh... you see? - he asked with a slight smile -. We could say that you owe me that. I used to meddle before... when I was not asked.

-Yeah, but that was rude -he muttered, looking away.

• Hum... you know? I do not think it was so bad -Jarek continued joking, while gradually the previous topic of conversation was being forgotten -. And it could be worse, I could tell Raon and Rukj when they return...

-No! -Loki almost shouted, as if he suddenly had become very nervous. Realizing how absurd his reaction was, the lynx dropped his ears a little and coughed a bit -. Eh... no. Don't do that, please.

Jarek watched him for a moment, surprised.

-Okay, okay... don't worry. I... won't tell them. Is that better?

The lynx did not respond immediately.

Indeed, despite Jarek's absurd behavior was causing awkward situations, he could not help but be in his debt. For several reasons: first, he and Raon had kept him alive during those days he had been unconscious, on the other hand, he was one of the two links in the Chain he was entrusted to look for, and the last... He could not help thinking that, somehow, he was starting to get on well with the copper-furred wolf.

-Better -he finally said with a slight smile.

The wolf smiled back, but immediately his face was frozen in a warning gesture. His ears are up and the smile disappeared and was replaced with a look of distress. Normally, Loki would have asked what was wrong, but despite the wolves had an excellent hearing, the lynxes' was not far behind and theirs was almost as precise and useful as the others.

He also had heard noises outside, past the mouth of the cave.

The way back was longer than the first leg.

Raon, who walked with a limp while Rukj held his arm to keep him from falling, was plunged back into his deepest thoughts... and most of them, very reluctantly, had to do with Jarek.

For some reason, he could not forget the touch of his fur and the dire need to feel that fur against his skin again; the memory was almost intoxicating. Beyond that wonderful empathy that seemed to have united the two from the first day, and beyond the strange connection that seemed to exist between the two of them... Raon believed he had found something more. Something new, strange and unfamiliar, but pleasant wild, untamed but hopelessly tied to the deepest part of himself. What the hell was that? Maybe... perhaps Rukj could give him an answer.

In silence, he looked up and turned to face the black wolf, he walked silently staring straight ahead, lost in his own dark thoughts. As soon as he felt the Human's eyes fixed on him, Rukj turned his head toward him with a confused look.

-Is something wrong, Raon? -asked the wolf, as they continued walking.

-Just... just wondering... - the Human began, not quite sure how to tackle with the topic -. Earlier... you said that the meeting between Jarek and I was not entirely accidental. What exactly do you mean?

-Loki will explain when we get back with the bag.

-You know something -Raon replied, somewhat annoyed -. You know something that you don't want to tell me.

A brief flash of sadness crossed the black wolf's eyes, and his head turned forward again, taking away his deep amber eyes from the Human who he had protected since his youth.

-It's complicated, Raon. I do not know if you'd like knowing.

Raon lost his nerve.

-You can't decide that for me -he mumbled, gritting his teeth -. You know I've never asked you about my origins, nor have I asked any questions about how you came to adopt me... I never pressed that item, Rukj -he reminded him with a reproachful look -. But this is important, right? Loki and you know that it's more important than the simple fact that I find out where I came from.

The black wolf stood a moment in silence, thoughtful, and Raon was able to perceive how that gleam of sadness grew more and more recognizable in his eyes. Finally, Rukj shook his head and muttered:

-Trust me. You could talk about your past at any time. I have no problem with that, especially now that things are so complicated -he paused -. But I don't have the courage to speak of what there is... in here -emphasized his words by giving a soft knock with his claws to the bag -. So you have to be patient... and wait until Loki is able to tell you everything. That is his mission. Mine... I guess mine has been just to keep you alive until this time comes.

-This time? -Raon repeated, looking down -. Rukj, you're starting to sound as if... as if something was about to happen. Something... something disturbing. And you're starting to scare me a little.

Again, the wolf took the time to answer.

-Maybe it's better this way -he finally said in response, his voice hoarse and with a more serious tone that caused Raon to be concerned.

At that time, they both reached the top of a snowy hill and from there they could see the small mountain range whose foot held the cave where they had taken refuge during the last few days. The Human felt a wave of relief to realize that they had finally arrived, and that he would soon be able to talk with Jarek about what had happened before he left... if he found the courage to confess what he had felt for a few seconds. Rukj, however, was tensing every muscle, and it seemed as if he had spotted something in the distance that the darkness did not allow Raon to see. His eyes narrowed, and suddenly his mouth slightly opened slightly to show his fangs. The young man could have sworn that he had even released a curse under his breath.

-What is it? -he asked, alarmed -. What happens?

The wolf quickened his pace, as if he had not heard the words of the Human. Raon groaned in pain as he supported his injured foot, but tried to bear it and stand and not stop Rukj, who suddenly seemed much more eager to get to the cave.

-Rukj? -he asked, with a trembling voice -. Is it... something wrong?

This time, the wolf seemed to understand.

-I'm afraid so -he replied, with a low growl -. It's about Loki and Jarek. Raon, I'm afraid they are not alone.

Raon's heart sank.