Chapter 10

"Where were you, Luna?" Kia scolded. "Nina told me you asked her to go back to the camp, but didn't come yourself."

Luna nodded. "Yes, Kia. I'm sorry. But I... I found my connection wolf."

Kia's eyes widened. "Did you really, Luna?"

Luna nodded, excitement sparking in her amber eyes. "Yes, I did. His name is Flint Lone Wolf. His parents were killed, too. He has two sisters and a younger brother."

Kia nodded slowly. "Be careful, Luna. Nina told me the High Hunter Rae chased you two in the woods. You know how the Tribe hates wolves."

Luna nodded. "And us." She spat.

Kia sighed and said, "Oh Luna, don't be like that. They... they live in fear. They have the wrong leaders. Just because they have hatred in their hearts doesn't mean we have to." Luna nodded. She understood. Sometimes she got fed up with the Tribe's ways, and couldn't hold her tongue. "Enough with this. Let's go back to the camp."

Kia led her back to the camp. Along the way, they encountered a group of teenage Chasers gossiping, "Can you believe those filthy brats were in our forest?" One small-eyed girl said.

"I know! They have no right to be there. They should just come out from their hiding so that we can kill them."

Luna almost did come out of her hiding place to punch their stupid faces, but Kia held her back. "It's no use, Luna. You endanger us all when you do things like that." She murmured.

"B-but..." Luna sputtered. Kia silenced her with a look.

Luna was silent for the rest of the walk. She bottled up her feelings and focused on following Kia.

                                                                                       ~☾~

When they arrived back at the camp, Nina rushed forward to hug Luna. Luna stiffened. She was not a touchy-feely kind of person.

"I'm so happy you're back! Ani and I saw those Chasers go out. We were so worried!" Ani nodded, suddenly appearing by Nina's side.

"What were you doing out there?" She asked.

"I found my connection wolf!"

Their eyes widened. "Really! That's so cool! What's a connection wolf?" Nina asked.

Luna smiled and explained.

"Oh! That's awesome! What's his name?" Nina asked.

"Flint Lone Wolf. He's an orphan, too. His parents were killed. His Pack was overrun with the murderers." Luna remembered what Flint had said before she left. "He said we would meet again, tomorrow at dawn," she said, lowering her voice.

Nina hopped excitedly. "Oh! Can Ani and I come with you?" Luna thought about it, then nodded.

"I'll ask Niko if he wants to come with us," Ani said, trotting over to where her brother was standing. Luna saw Niko nod. Ani broke into a smile. She went back over to Luna and Nina and said,

"He's coming with us."

Luna nodded sharply. "Then, we all leave at dawn."