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For a few seconds, Raon had the most curious sensation.

It was as if at that precise moment he remembered the exact second in which, just before waking from a dream, any person realizes that he is dreaming and perceives the unreality around it. Only this time, he could not open his eyes in his bed as if none of this had ever happened.

This was real.

"Now, probably you're wondering who I am, if you have not figured that out already" the man in the black box went on, with the same solemn expression accompanying his limp body in each of his gestures. "My name is Aron and, once, I was in charge of preaching among my peers the message that I am now delivering you. My partner and I... " The Vindicator beckoned and after a few seconds, a huge figure appeared one end of the chamber. He was a tall, burly wolf, broad shoulders and thick coppery fur. Without knowing why, he reminded Raon a little of Jarek, but before he could think more about it, the man began to speak again "My partner and I have traveled to all corners of the Lands of Humans and of Beasts. I've reached every corner just to spread our message widely and to ensure that the two races, once separated by the bloodiest war in our world, will return to join as brothers. I've told our story to person after person, village after village, town after town. But... "

The man in the box seemed to stop for a second and look down, while the wolf placed one of his huge paws on one of the man's shoulders, which seemed too small in contrast. For a few seconds, a glow of understanding appeared in the depths of the eyes of the Beast.

"... our efforts have been in vain. People refuse to believe in our history. Hatred develops roots deeper than love and settles easily within the hearts of the people. Once there, it is difficult to remove it unless done by digging out the seed from which it arose. We would have to offer them more than just words to achieve this, we would need to provide strong evidence that allows no argument."

There was a pause, and the man's words reverberated throughout the room, disappearing into the tunnel full of stalactites that led to the cave. The silence was such that even the slightest buzzing of a mosquito would have seemed an insult to the solemnity of the moment.

"So Balter and I traveled again, going over everything we knew and even many lands that until then had we not explored. And so we found this place, a kind of sanctuary where the ancients Humans left much of their wisdom. It took us quite a while to decipher the method of accessing all this information, but finally we got it. And not long after, we learn how to create our own captive images."

Loki nodded slowly as he listened to the story, his eyes fixed on the black box and a deep gloss absolute admiration and devotion in the depths of his eyes. This was why he was there. The mission entrusted to him by the teachers in the Kara's Cubs Order.

And now, he had already fulfilled it.

"However, I do not know how much longer we can hold out here. The cold is frightening and food is scarce... and we are afraid to set out on the journey again after so much time has passed." The man paused again, his eyes wet with suppressed emotion "But we have no fear, the future does not scare us. And, although we have failed our mission... I know that in years someone will finally complete it. We are just paving the way for that person... so that he will be able to do it."

Then, Raon understood what the Vindicator was referring to.

Actually, he and Jarek were a kind of relief. A reinforcement that Aron and this guy Balter had asked for, without anyone listening to them. Would Mother Kara have foreseen that? Had she known ahead time that the Vindicator's mission would not be accomplished?

"The images that will now appear in the box are the evidence that we have both collected to finally change the will of all the Beasts and Humans who inhabit this world" Aron continued , returning to his earlier seriousness "My hope and that of Balter is that, eventually, someone will find this buffer of images and activate it accidentally. It is the only way to avoid conflict."

At the same time , the image shivered slightly and...

...disappeared.

-No! -Raon exclaimed, extending his hand towards the box as if trying in vain to reach the man who had vanished on the other side of that glass.

As soon as he realized that what he had done was stupid, he bit his lip and lowered his hand. He soon felt the warmth of Jarek around his body and softness of his fur, while the wolf rushed to embrace him gently. He could not tell if it was the contact with the wolf or the odd loop fabric between them, but what he could tell was that he immediately felt better.

Aron the Vindicator would not return. Never.

Those were undoubtedly his last words to the world that was now populated by the two of them. Words that, transported from the mists of the past, were now presented to reveal the mission that they should continue.

The glass black box lit up again and the image immediately shook. Jarek, Raon, Loki and Rukj held their breath as before them stood another scene, this time, recreated in a strange, ghostly gray scale that if anything created an even more tense and spectral case. During what could have been minutes, hours, or even days, the four stood in front of the picture box without taking their attention away for even for a second, while the history and origins of the ancient world were presented before their eyes. At that time, they all experienced a range of emotions: from the deepest admiration, to genuine surprise and utter terror. Their hearts stopped beating on more than one occasion and yet there were others where it felt like it was about to burst in their chest.

Raon had never clung to Jarek so hard. Amid confusing maelstrom of revelations, of painful truths and bitter memories of the past, they needed to hold on to something real, something to keep them afloat and to definitely avoid sinking into the sea that had opened beneath their feet as a result those images. If that time was not pleasant, the past was even less. The era in which they lived could only have been shaped with fire, blood and death. The simple fact of knowing that he was responsible for closing that monstrous wound filled him with anguish and dismay.

Jarek, meanwhile tried to hide his own fears in the best way possible. He had also experienced firsthand the horrors of the eternal war between Humans and Beasts and knew all the pain it could cause, but never would he have guessed that its origins could be so gruesome. However, he did bite the bullet and tried to be calm and resolute for Raon, knowing at that time the Human was more scared than he was.

Loki meanwhile, was unable to react. The revelation of the origin of the conflict between Human and Beasts had hit him with the force of a sledgehammer from the first second, at that time, not all the brutality of those images was enough to evoke a response from him. It would have been simply useless. All he could do was keep watching those images so real and yet so surreal, as his mind tried to digest all the information that little by little, he was receiving.

Rukj remained with an impassive expression before the glass screen of the black box. Like Loki, his heart had shrunk before the revelation of his origins, but he too was accustomed to the horrors of war as the subsequent images affected him. No matter how wild it was its brutality, he had also suffered from that conflict when he was young. He already knew well what he was facing.

None of them said a word, almost as if they were afraid that the slightest noise could cause those images to vanish inside the box and never appear again. Neither looked away, worried about the possibility of losing even a second that valuable information.

And, as unpleasant as they were, these revelations were something that only they had seen for centuries.

There was no movement any more than necessary until finally the surface of black box gently flickered and went out, stopping its disturbing electric buzz and plunging the room into complete silence that lasted for a while, while they were trying to understand and accept what they had just seen.

The first to speak was Rukj:

-Well. This clarifies once and for all the origin of our race and the legends circulated about the first civilization that existed -he paused, assessing the condition that the others were in.

Raon was strongly embracing Jarek and looked scared, while the wolf had looked to Rukj and watched with a mixture of anxiety, confusion and fear. Loki was silent, staring off into the distance.

-And also confirms the prophecy of Mother Kara -the black wolf continued, having received no reply -. Indeed, Aron the Vindicator was waiting here and, somehow, has managed to show you your origins. I guess your mission now is to be his relief and... bring these images to the rest of the World.

-They will not accept it -Raon spoke in a faint voice at that time.

Rukj gave him a questioning look.

-I say they will not accept it -the Human repeated more loudly -. They will not be able to do it. Damn it, Rukj, you've seen the same thing as us! You have seen the truth about our origins! Do you really think that if you teach this to others who have not experienced the same things we have, that they will be able to accept it?

-They will have to. There is no other option -Rukj replied, letting out a small sigh.

-Well, sometimes that is not enough -Raon said, more quietly and looking away.

A heavy silence fell again upon all present, while the Human snuggled against Jarek 's chest, closing his eyes with a certain weariness.

Rukj saw him do this and cocked his head thoughtfully, but said nothing. It was true that, given the circumstances and now that they had discovered the truth about the origins of his race, Raon's mission seemed infinitely more complex than before. Somehow, he could understand that the young Human felt overwhelmed by the immensity of the task he had to perform, but had he not had to do the same just days ago, when the prophecy of Mother Kara had seemed impossible? While it was true that now there was no prophecy to cling to, although in principle that should not determine what the Human would do.

-We can do it -Jarek said, at that time, gently shaking Raon in his arms. The young man raised his head and looked at him with a touching mixture of confusion and deep sadness in his eyes -. I know we can! Look what we've done already, Raon. We are at the end of the world! In a completely unexplored land! And we have found the ruins of a civilization that was believed extinct! -He paused, trying to observe the effect of his words on the Human, but found to his disappointment, that his expression was unchanged -. We accomplished something that no one thought was possible. We are here! -He turned to Loki, seeking their support -.Tell him! Tell him it's possible!

The lynx took a few seconds to react and when he did, he shuddered slightly, as if waking from a deep sleep.

-I... -he whispered, looking down -. I do not know...

Jarek looked at him stunned, unable to believe his ears.

-It can not be, Loki. You too?

-I do not know -he said, letting out a resigned sigh, and then rubbing his temple in frustration -. I think... I think I need some fresh air.

-Do not go far from the entrance -Rukj suggested, as he watched him go into the hallway leading to the cave. The lynx gave him a look of deep sadness, but said nothing.

Jarek watched him go, frowning, and then turned back to Raon, who was still in his arms looking down. There, a refugee between his fur and completely despondent, the young Human looked like a completely different person. Jarek had always seen him as an example of strength and vitality, something that he had to imitate all costs if he want to move forward on this trip, more than anything, because he only had that option if he wanted to survive.

But apparently, everyone had a limit. And that madness had even exceed that of Raon. Distressed, the copper furred wolf gently put a paw under the Human's chin and made him look up until their eyes met.

-Hey, you can not give up -he whispered -. Not you.

-I'm tired of running, Jarek -whispered the young man, with a lump in his throat -. We must not only survive, but we have to fix things... and every time I feel less able to.

-But you're not alone in this -said the wolf -. I am with you, Raon. Forever.

-Never mind, we are still only two. Two against the whole world.

-I do not care about the rest of the world, Raon -whispered Jarek -. It is you who matters to me. You've never given up. And I will not let you give up now.

Having said that, he approached the Human and gently kissed him, it was only just a light touch on the lips, but Raon could not help shuddering from head to foot at the mere touch and from the feelings it aroused. After separating from the young boy, Jarek hugged him tightly and licked his face a few times, trying to give him courage.

-We can do it -he repeated, quietly -. We can do it.

Rukj watched all this in the background, without interfering, and experiencing a curious whirlwind of feelings.

On one paw, he felt he should not be there, being the spectator of a moment that should only belong to the couple, but on the other paw it was something that he would not have wanted to miss.

That scene... that moment symbolized something much deeper than a simple kiss. For the first time since the journey had begun, the intentions of Mother Kara when he had joined the two with such an intense spiritual bond were clear. The Kara's Cubs Order always used symbols to define virtually everything to which they referred and, in that instant, Rukj understood why sometimes symbols may be more effective than reality itself.

Raon and Jarek. A Human and a Beast.

In the middle of the maelstrom of war, blood and death, both felt a deep love for each other. No matter the situation, let alone the fact that in the eyes of anyone else, their union would have been disgusting. They were the light in the middle of that eternal night, they were the epitome of the peace they all wanted to have between Humans and Beasts.

That is why they were the ones to carry out the change and restore the Web. Why there was no one more capable than they are to convince the rest of the world that what was happening was a terrible mistake and that this endless war had to stop.

Rukj shook his head, and for the first time in a while, a sincere smile came to his face.

Raon and Jarek were the hope that, long ago, he had thought was lost. This was the first step towards a better future, although yet to be built, was beginning to show the first signs of life.

-Are you with me? -Jarek asked, gently holding Raon's hands and helping him up.

Raon took a few seconds to respond.

-I'm with you, -he finally said, with the assurance that this would never change.

-Well, -replied the copper furred wolf, starting to smile -. Because it would be rather disappointing if after all the trouble you have given me I had to leave you lying here.

-Trouble? I gave you? -Raon repeated, stunned.

-Of course! -Jarek replied, giving him a light bump on the nose with one of his claws -. Do you know what it takes to constantly support your dog's humor?

-At least I'm not constantly joking in situations as serious as this -. answered Raon, letting out a soft laugh.

-You see? That's because you're boring.

-Boys, I think you should leave it for another time -stepped Rukj, approaching them a little.

-Oh, well. The teacher and leader of the boring ones has just spoken.

-Very funny -Rukj growled -. But I don't like that Loki is out there alone. Moreover, you two can go comfort him between you, but I have the feeling that he also needs some encouragement. -I suppose so -Jarek murmured thoughtfully -. Well then, what are we waiting for?

-One moment, Jarek -interrupted Raon, letting out an exasperated sigh and then turning to Rukj -. What should we do with the images that we have seen? Should we take them, just in case?

Rukj took a moment to answer.

-I don't believe it is necessary -he answered -. After all, we are the only ones who know about this place, and to carry that box for what remains of the journey would be the height of stupidity.

-Yes... I guess you're right -the Human grumbled.

However, he could not avoid letting his gaze drift over to the small black rectangles on the ground, those made with that material so strange, which Jarek had stumbled over. Silently, he wondered what exactly they did, and whether...

-Raon? -Jarek then called from the entrance, making him lose his train of thought -. Are you coming or what?

-I'm coming -the Human replied, giving a last glance at the little pile of black rectangles, before meeting with Jarek and starting to walk towards the exit of the storeroom, leading to the cave.

As they advanced, the copper furred wolf draped an arm over Raon's shoulders and pulled him closer, smiling.

-Can you imagine... ? -he asked, his eyes bright -. Can you imagine that in the future, the Borderline will disappear completely?

-Borderline ... disappear? -Raon whispered, with eyes wide open -. Honestly... I doubt that will ever happen.

-Yeah, but imagine it. The Land of Beasts and the Land of Humans together again, after being separated by the Border for so long. How do you think it would be? How would people take it?

-I do not know -Raon answered honestly.

-The truth -continued Jarek -is that I would give anything just to be there when it happens. And to see it, at last. Wouldn't you?

Raon smiled slightly, resting his head on the shoulder of the wolf.

-I think you have a head full of fantasies -he said, with a little smile.

-Or perhaps you're the one who has his head so empty -Jarek said, giving him a gentle tap on the forehead with a paw.

Raon could not help laughing softly, but the laughter died on his lips as he realized that, not much further, Rukj had stopped suddenly. He and Jarek approached with slow and cautious steps up to where the black wolf stood in silence, scanning the rest of the way.

-What is it? -Raon asked, quietly, and fearing the worst.

-I thought I heard something -whispered the black wolf, with a small voice -. Not sure, but I'm afraid...

-You don't need to hide! -they then heard a loud voice, coming from the mouth of the cave -. We know you're there, so if you do not mind, do us the favor of showing yourselves and have some courage for a change!

Raon and Jarek exchanged a worried look. Rukj scowled and tightened his claws with such force that they creaked.

-You are thinking about it? -continued the voice that, in spite of being completely unknown to Jarek and Raon, Rukj knew very well -. You should not make us wait! I remind you that we have here a friend who is not in a position to wait much longer...

-Loki! -Raon exclaimed, putting a hand to his dagger and making a feint to go out in the open.

However, Rukj stopped him with a gesture and gave him a fierce look.

-Stay. Have not I taught you anything? -he said, with a gesture of anger -. We do not know how many there are. By far the most sensible option is to face them with no intention of fighting. Maybe we can negotiate something.

-But Rukj... ! -Raon protested.

The black wolf silenced him with a gesture and then took a couple of steps and out into the open, exposing himself to his enemies. Raon and Jarek exchanged a new look of uncertainty. The Human perceived all the fears and doubts that the wolf hid with his look, gently taking his paw and giving it a squeeze.

Then the two moved towards Rukj, coming out of hiding, and therefore becoming vulnerable prey to those who were waiting at the entrance of the cave.

They were not too late to see Loki, not very far from the mouth of the cave.

-I'm sorry... -was all they heard him say, as he cast a glance of fear mingled with the utmost regret.

The next thing Raon noticed was that a sharp knife was gleaming menacingly barely an inch from his throat. And its holder, whose white fur seemed to blend with snow outside and whose eyes, red as coals, did not appear to have even the slightest qualms about completing the motion his paw was about to make.

-Ronod -Rukj spat, loading each of the two syllables with infinite hatred -. You found us.

The white lynx smiled unpleasantly.

-It was not so hard, really, -he said, gesturing with the knife dismissively -. In fact, things have only gone well, one after another according to my plan. And without the outstanding performance of Sek, that night in the dungeon, -he added, pointing with his chin to the bull, who was not far from there, with his arms crossed and surrounded by some other Beasts -this would not have been half as easy. Well, I am but a humble man, so I find it reasonable to grant the Commissioner of Frostmoon his share of the credit.

-Sek... -Rukj growled, gritting his teeth and trying to avoid rushing towards everyone present.

-That's it -Ronod continued, still clutching Loki tightly -. Your friend and comrade in arms, your brother in the battlefield, deceived you that night. In fact, he did not free you. He just let you escape so our spies could begin following you more easily... and the rest was a breeze.

Rukj looked at the bull with a glance loaded with anger and pain, but he seemed to ignore him completely.

-Although we were not expecting that a few days later you and the one you protected returned to the city -Ronod said, making a false look of surprise -. How could you have forgotten the lynx's bag there?

He let out a loud laugh, and some of his men joined him. Rukj meanwhile, continued struggling to control himself.

-But well, let's just say that this was the last thing I expected. We were all surprised.

-So, that was you who finished off the Humans camp? -Raon asked, with a slight tremor in his voice -. The camp of the Trackers.

-Very clever, kid! Clever enough to be one of the Links in the Chain, I would say, huh? The truth is we did not know that they were Trackers, but yes, we did take care of them. We wanted to avoid any kind of... intervention, even if small. Our mission could not be jeopardized, certainly not by a bunch of stupid humans.

-So you exterminated all of them -Raon finished with a dash of hatred.

-We try not to leave anyone alive, true. I think that under the circumstances, we did our job rather well. But why are we talking about this when there's so much to do? -said the lynx, smiling unpleasantly again -. I guess we have more important issues to deal with.

That said, his eyes reviewed all those present. Rukj held his gaze without blinking, but Raon could not help but cringe himself as he felt the penetrating gaze of those red eyes analyzing him carefully.

-As you may have already figured out, my blade is not held against the throat of the young lynx simply for my pleasure -started Ronod -. I'll be blunt: I will release your little buddy messenger in exchange for the two Links accepting my request to join my caravan for say... an indefinite period. What do you think about the offer?

-Rubbish -Jarek said through clenched teeth.

-Oh, really? In that case... -Ronod murmured, making a quick gesture with the blade.

-No! -Raon cried in alarm. He moved away some from Jarek and took a few timid steps toward Ronod -. No... don't hurt him...

-Well, well! -exclaimed the lynx, starting to laugh derisively after a few seconds -. It seems like you've thought better of it. So, have you reconsidered my offer?

-Raon, don't do it -Rukj said at the time, but did not seem very sure of himself. It almost seemed as if, instead of giving an order, he was begging him.

-But I have to -Raon said quietly, looking down.

The truth was that he was not at all sure whether the decision he was about to make was the correct one, but what he did know was if he did nothing, Loki 's life would be in danger. And, after all they had been through together, the Human was not willing to allow that to happen. Not if the ability to prevent it was in his hands.

Although, on the other hand, what would Ronod do to them? He had said he would keep them in his caravan for an indefinite time, but by the reaction Rukj had when he saw him, he was not sure if they could trust the lynx. What if his goal was to finally get rid of the Links of the Chain? What if instead of making them travel with him, he got rid of them as soon as he had the slightest opportunity? <<I must be strong>> he thought, trying to encourage himself.

In that moment, he felt the weight of a paw on his right shoulder and turned with surprise.

He soon found Jarek's emerald eyes, who contemplated him with a mixture of understanding, grief and resignation.

-We have to -the copper furred wolf repeated, softly. Raon nodded.

-No! -cried Loki at that moment, trying to get free from Ronod's grip -. Don't do it! If you get caught... everything we've done...!

-Shut up already, messenger -Ronod snapped, striking him forcefully on the head. Then he looked up and stared at the two Links, smiling again -. I see... Isn't that touching? Both Links are delivered to your captor, trying to save from death the one that has brought them into this mess... while the messenger tries to defend what little remains of the stupid fantasy of his order...

-Enough -Jarek growled, stepping forward -. It is not necessary to go through all this with your little speech. If you want us, take us, here we are. Release Loki and the deal is done.

-Oh, no way -Ronod denied, laughing scornfully -. You will go over to Sek first, you will place yourselves between several of his men and then, only then, will I release the lynx. I will not do it any other way.

-Raon... -whispered Rukj, giving him one last pleading look.

-I'm sorry -the Human replied to Rukj, holding in his gaze for the last time the amber eyes of the one that, for almost fifteen years, had been his father -. It's what we have to do.

The black wolf was slow to react, but finally nodded.

For a moment, Raon almost had the feeling of watching a different wolf, then at the end of the day, he had never before seen Rukj in doubt. However, he could not help but feel in the depths of his soul a stinging pain at having to say goodbye to him, who until then, had been his guardian and protector.

After a few moments that seemed to last forever, Raon began moving towards the huge bull Ronod had pointed to, without parting from Jarek even an inch. They walked slowly, trying to hold their breath and deliberately ignore the survival instinct that screamed for them to get out of there and escape from the hand of that red eyed lynx.

However, the two were able to suppress the impulse, and stand next to Sek, who did not change his expression one iota and stayed by his side, with his arms crossed, watching them suspiciously. Loki tried once again to escape Ronod's iron grip, but the white lynx gave no hint of letting go.

-Well, -murmured his captor, flashing a wide smile again -. We already have both Links of the Chain. And now what?

-"Now what"? -Jarek repeated, slightly shocked and teeth showing -. Let Loki go.

-Release your friend? Yes, I suppose I could... but consider the other possibilities -Ronod murmured, with a slight purr, gently stroking the neck of the other Lynx with the blunt edge of his blade -. What I have here is, after all, a member of the Kara's Cubs Order... one of those little parasites that have long infected our world with their absurd ideas and fanciful prevarications. One of those... obstacles that I've always wanted to get rid of. And let's say, in addition to that, he has been very close to organizing a revolution against the order that we established for so long -he paused and glanced briefly glanced at Sek -. Do not you agree, Commissioner of Frostmoon?

The bull nodded without any hesitation, frowning.

-The reconciliation activities planned by the Kara's Cubs Order are a threat to the security of our Lands -he said, seriously -. Even though we would like to carry out a reconciliation with the Beasts, we could not ensure that the Humans were willing to reach any agreement. They might take advantage of our attempt at reconciliation and use it as a cover to organize an invasion...

-But if we do not trust each other then we will never come to any reconciliation! -Loki exclaimed, with a note of anguish in his voice -. Why can't you understand this? If every...!

Ronod stopped him by striking him with another blow to the head and Loki gasped in pain.

-Do you see? -murmured the white lynx, with a gesture of disdain -. This is why he should be killed. All the Kara's Cubs Order should be eliminated. If these ideas are spreading... What kind of world will we live in?

-In a world in peace, perhaps -Rukj growled.

-It's curious that you say that, Rukj. I am confident that, as you know, there are many kinds of peace. Do you really think this reconciliation that Kara's Cubs Order speaks about so much could achieve an ideal peace, free from any conflicts you speak of? I highly doubt it -he paused gravely -. Things would not go so well. Indeed, perhaps the great heads of each Clan will decide to commit to a non-aggression agreement or a truce with the Humans. And then what? Do you think that these problems would simply vanish as if by magic? Do we not have minor conflicts, small guerrilla fighting, despite the established peace? -his red eyes addressing him with a quizzical look, trying to analyze the reaction of the black wolf -. It's only a matter of time that a small spark unleashes an explosion and war breaks out again. Your "peace" is a utopia, Rukj.

-But, at least, it is better than what we have now -Rukj replied without being intimidated.

There was a long silence while the eyes of the two, red and amber, faced with each other as if they were trying to topple each other and convince the other of their point of view. Finally, it was Ronod which looked away and, without a word, forcefully pushed Loki hard towards the black wolf. The small lynx stumbled, lost his balance and fell to the ground, but quickly crawled away and approached Rukj, with his tail still between his legs.

-And do not think of this as an act of kindness -Ronod said, returning a hard look at them -. After all, the wilderness will be responsible for killing both of them... and if not, when you return home, you will be alone. You no longer have your Links.

-You're sick, Ronod -Rukj growled, baring his teeth, and then turned to Sek -. And as for you... Commissioner... -he spat the word with hatred -...you're no more than a dirty traitor.

-Wonderful -the white lynx smiled, as he turned keeping the knife in his belt -. Remember those words, Rukj! You can repeat them in the wilderness over and over for the duration of your exile, if that helps to calm your anger -he paused -. As for you, little lynx... -he said, lowering his voice, and fixing his eyes on Loki, who could not help but shudder from head to toe -. You chose the wrong path in this life. I'm afraid you should have taken my advice before it was too late.

And with that, he began to move away from the mouth of the cave along with the rest of the caravan. Raon and Jarek gave one last distraught look towards Rukj and Loki, until the two bulls each took them shoulder to shoulder, forcing them to keep pace with the rest of the group. They soon became tiny specks in the distance, inadvertently breaking up the perfect whiteness of the snowy landscape of the wilderness.

Rukj, from the mouth of the cave, could do nothing but stare at them as they walked away, fists closed tightly and with a painful sense of helplessness threatening to overwhelm him. He was unable to restrain himself, and when the pain, frustration and despair overwhelmed him, he finally ran a few steps forward, towards Ronod.

However, just a few seconds later, the rational part of his being once again took control and he stopped at the site, with a heavy heart.

-Damn you, Ronod! -he cried, with all the anger and power that his lungs allowed -. I swear I'll find you and kill you!

His words echoed on the wilderness, fading to sound more like a last howl of infinite hatred. Soon after, an almost inaudible sound reached Rukj's ears, although from the rage and fatigue that had overcome him, he could not be sure if he really heard anything. But in any case, it sounded like a prolonged laugh, not very far away, fading into the distance...

-We... we will get them back -Loki then said beside him, managing to startle the wolf -. You'll see.

Rukj glared at him with a furious look.

-Get them back? Get them back?! -he almost shouted, turning to him as the blood boiled in his veins -. Is that all they are to you? A few simple tools?!

Loki hastily retreated a few steps, with terror painted across his blue eyes. After a few seconds, he gathered the courage to respond.

-You... you know I don't think that way -he whispered, with a small voice -. But... but I... -This was all wrong from the start -Rukj continued, beginning to pace back and forth as he growled -. I should never believed all this madness would be worth it!

Loki made no hint to move towards him; at that time, the Rukj he was seeing was not the one who had known weeks ago in Frostmoon, and he did not know he would react if he took a single step. Never had he seen him so angry, anxious and exasperated at the same time.

-Everything was supposed to turn out well... -he said, stopping at the site, and then turning to Loki -. What do you have to say to me now, hmm? What does your clever Mother Kara have to say now to give us hope? Is she not supposed to know everything that was going to happen?

-I... I... -Loki muttered, looking down.

-What happens now? Was this also planned?

-... I don't know -the lynx finally answered, with a knot in his stomach.

Rukj stood on the site and seemed to calm down slightly from seeing him so affected by that. However, that dangerous glint in his eyes did not disappear while, unable to stop, he began to pace back and forth, mumbling nonsense and grinding his teeth.

Loki saw him move, but said nothing.

Basically, he was trying to suppress the urge to do exactly the same thing.

Raon and Jarek did not say a word the whole way.

Unable to talk about the situation that seemed to alienate them, the two only exchanged a few looks of understanding while escorted (or rather, confined) by the entourage that followed Ronod and Sek, still advancing towards an unknown location. The emerald eyes of the coppery furred wolf seemed to be saying constantly << Don't worry, I'm here >>, but Raon could not help but think realistically that, at least in this situation, that would not be enough.

He was jarred from his thoughts as the whole entourage stopped at the top of a hill.

-What happened? -he asked, turning to the bull that drove him forward with a paw on his shoulder. However, he did not even give him the slightest glance.

-We have stopped here -he heard Ronod's voice at that time, just behind him, sending a chill down his back -so that you can have a better view of the wilderness. Doesn't that sound like a good idea to you?

Jarek and Raon and exchanged a new look, wondering if the white furred lynx was teasing them.

-I can see that it's not -said the lynx, in a tone of disappointment -. Well... in that case I 'm afraid I can't help but show you just how wrong you are.

Raon could not tell why, but something about the white lynx's words gave him the willies.

-Why have they stopped? -Rukj wondered, scanning the horizon with a frown.

As the distance between them and Raon and Jarek had been increasing, the black wolf's anger had been fading, to Loki's relief. However, that suppressed anger and nervousness seemed to remain constant in his expression and the way he moved, although not quite as easily visible as it had been just moments earlier.

-Perhaps... -ventured Loki, standing next to Rukj -. Perhaps Ronod is trying to make us more nervous, don't you think?

-It could be -the black wolf muttered, scratching his neck with one of his paws -. I do not understand... What does he want? Do we follow them? Is he challenging us?

-I do not know... -Loki sighed, turning around, trying to ignore the completely insane games that lynx was playing.

He had enough in Frostmoon, and of course, was not willing to repeat the experience. If Ronod wanted to play with them, he certainly was not going to be part of his stupid game. Not as long as he could avoid it.

That was when he looked up and saw her.

-When I said that everything had gone according to my plans... -Ronod began, placing his muzzle on Raon 's shoulder and whispering into his ear, causing a new chill down his spine -... I was not bluffing, you know Raon? And I hope you understand that, after all the problems he has given us... I can't leave your... What do you call him? Dad? Alive.

Raon didn't respond.

With a heavy heart and a growing terror growing in the depths of his soul, the young Human stared at the ridge which Rukj and Loki still remained, paying too much attention to them to realize anything else.

-What is it? -Jarek asked, puzzled.

But Raon had seen it.

Or rather... he had found her.

There was a flash of red between the rocks of the mountains, just above the mouth of the cave, something that could only be seen from their height, and for Rukj and Loki, had to be virtually invisible. Its outline was difficult to distinguish from this distance and even more difficult when taking into account the soft snow that began to fall shortly after they left the cave, but Raon was quite sure of two things.

First, he was convinced that that figure was Human.

And, secondly, that he knew who it was. He had seen her before, not so long ago, dancing in the glow of a hungry fire... Ronod 's words echoed again in Raon's head with frightening clarity: << We try not to leave anyone alive, true. I think that under the circumstances, we did our job rather well >>.

At that exact moment, the redheaded woman with the ponytail, Han's companion and only survivor from the attack on the group of Trackers they knew of, sat up on the rocks. She raised her right hand up with something sharp, and made a rapid and precise movement...

-No! -Raon cried out, realizing what was about to happen.

Loki barely had time to react.

-Rukj! -he shouted, although he knew full well that the black wolf did not have enough time to dodge the path of the spear by himself, given that his attention was focused on another point.

Suddenly, everything seemed to happen at once for a few very confusing seconds.

The young lynx heard a scream of terror and warning in the distance, it sounded like the dying horn of a lookout near death, and something inside him allowed him to move as if driven by a spring. The next thing he heard was the air whistling around him and an unpleasant noise, which was unlike anything he had heard before.

Shocked by what had just happened, the lynx looked up, but all he could see was reddish spot moving away from them between the rocks of the mountain...

Just then he felt a shooting pain.

It took him a few seconds to react.

-Loki... -he heard Rukj say from behind him.

The lynx did not respond. He only slowly looked down, afraid to find what he already knew was there.

The spear was driven in up to the hilt. It was squarely in his stomach and had sunk with such precision that it would be difficult to remove without causing more damage to anything that was not already broken. Blood was running down the spear's shaft and slowly dripping on to the snow, dyeing it a scarlet red that was far too intense for such an immaculate whiteness.

The world began to move.

Luckily for him, something caught him before he hit the ground and before he had time to utter a single word, something black, with two precious amber eyes, appeared in his field of vision. A face that he knew too well.

The face for which he was sacrificing himself.

-Loki... -Rukj whispered, holding him in his arms and trying to analyze the wound without letting the lynx perceive how worried he was -. What... what have you done?

-You... you have taken too many blows during this journey -Loki said, with a weak voice, as he lifted a paw with effort to place it on one of Rukj's -. I guess... that I had to take this one... right?

Rukj nodded slowly and placed his other paw on the lynx's, giving it a gentle squeeze to infuse some warmth. His golden eyes glowed more than usual, and for some reason that only made it even more impossible for Loki to look away from his face. At that time, nothing and no one would have been able to stop him from contemplating the wolf.

Neither said a word for what seemed like ages and even the snow, so discreet, joined their shared silence as it was slowly accumulating black wolf's fur.

-Isn't it... beautiful? -Loki asked, with a lump in his throat. He could feel Rukj's heat through his fur and though he was scared, that encouraged him.

-Beautiful? -Rukj asked. His voice was broken, weak, and fragile.

Loki tried to smile, hoping that if he did, he would not hear him speak that way.

-Yes... -he said, looking deep into his gripping eyes -. The snow... on your fur... while you hold in your arms the lynx... that... loves you -he finally dared to say, fighting back tears inside his eyes -. It is... a nice scene...

-It is not, Loki -Rukj contradicted him, unable to hide the tremor in his voice -. But I understand.

The lynx was watching him for a moment longer, fascinated by his gaze, meanwhile Rukj squeezed tighter against him, being careful not to aggravate the wound or not to press on the area where the spear had pierced. The excessive cold of his body struck him, so he did not take even a second longer to realize it and with tender care, embraced him even tighter, trying to infuse all the heat possible.

-I know it... -Loki said, close to his ear -. I know... you understand...

Rukj did not respond. He simply lowered his head and placed it on Loki 's shoulder in protective gesture, trying to hold back tears.

-Rukj... -the lynx murmured, his voice almost inaudible -. Care for them... promise?

-Yes -replied the black wolf, a lump in his throat -. I promise you, Loki.

The lynx sighed softly, relieved, and seemed to relax a little more in the arms of Rukj. The wolf did not stop holding him tightly for even a second, even when he noticed the tears streaming down his chest from the young lynx.

The two remained together , as the snow continued to fall slowly.

Gently.

Rukj could not say how long they remained embraced by the depths of silence. The real world seemed to have vanished completely, not even the falling snow seemed to be real, or the mountains, only a few yards away, appear to be solid any longer. However, when he had almost given up hope of ever hearing the lynx speak again, he lifted his head slightly and turned to whisper in his ear a few last words, which Rukj would never forget:

-Remember... there's always a sparkle of hope... if you just believe...

Having said that, Loki seemed to relax a little more and the tears ceased to flow from his eyes. Rukj didn't react at first, still holding the body of the young lynx and trying to share any slight hint of heat, with the hope that he would retain it. He kept Loki in his arms for many minutes, perhaps hours, trying to keep him warm and to hold him close for as long as possible.

But after some time, he realized that there was no more heat to conserve, nor any reason to keep him close any longer. With tenderness that was almost a caress, he slowly separated from him until he rested on the snow and closed his eyes, those beautiful blue eyes that he had learned to know so well during those days. In silence, he slowly stroked his cheek and after a few seconds of uncertainty, hunched over the young lynx to lick his forehead gently, in a final act of love that perhaps came too late.

The black wolf closed his eyes and cried for the first time in fifteen years, sincere and silent tears.

Tears in honor of Loki, the messenger of the Kara's Cubs Order, who had successfully carried out a mission that from the beginning had been much too large: bring the two Links together and showing them the way to the truth that both should convey to the world. But above all, he wept for Loki: the shy lynx lost in the middle of that street in Frostmoon; the lynx that, with a stoic conviction, had survived Ronod's interrogation and confessed not even a single word; that lynx that displaying the same conviction, had led them all there.

The lynx that had fallen in love with him, and now, was dying in his arms.

-I'm so sorry, pup... -he said tearfully, still watching him.

The snow continued to fall and time passed. The wind whistled through the rocks of the cave and sang melodies not made for mortal ears, songs that were yet to be deciphered. The world moved on.

But in the meantime, the soul of a young lynx who had been able to see beyond the present and had dared to dream of a better future was fading...

... forever.