---Milo's POV---

Pain had a unique scent. It was bitter, repulsive and consuming. It oozed out of the skin slowly, enveloping a body in thick, rancid waves. It was a coldness that settled on the stomach, dangerously close to the heart and dug its talons in.

Tilting my head, I huffed as even in sleep, Felix reeked of pain. There was a small spark in the back of my mind, a murmur of the faintest voice that recalled unknown memories.

Memories of a bitter taste on the back of my tongue that made me want to gag and shake my head. How fear and pain meshed into one being as my body became paralyzed, unable to move. Anguished cries that were unheard as lips were pressed firmly together, keeping the pain inside, letting it build and fester with the fear, hate and distrust.

I saw through Felix' eyes how he had finally recovered, how he had slipped out of the house on his usual walk. Even if his legs were shaking with every step, muscles aching and protesting, he forced himself to move. And when he had spotted me, there had been a bright burst of emotions in his chest before he had tripped and broken down.

And now we laid here in silence as I kept guard over the sleeping boy. He was curled up, shivering slightly until I curled closer, covering him as much as I could. With every move I made, his fingers twitched, digging deeper in my fur, clinging on.

My tail curled in tighter as a response, ears perked and eyes scanning the forest.

His family would come for him, I was sure. It was late, much later than when Felix usually turned back. I knew from following the boy that his mother would always wait for him until he got back, never leaving the front porch. I could already hear voices far away in the distance.

They are coming...

As if sensing my thoughts, the boy stirred, blinking softly. He nuzzled closer, ear resting just beneath my shoulder. He seemed to relax as he listened, most likely soothed by the steady thumps of my heart. He didn't care about the voices growing louder, closer, but I had to.

I've heard the crackle of gunfire when I've wandered too close to other humans these past weeks. Only my boy was different, seemed to like me. My ears perked up as I heard footsteps approach but I was unwilling to get up. Felix laid curled up, had squirmed so his face was hidden against my chest, slender fingers woven through my fur...

As if he had wanted to disappear from the world.

Voices spoke up, young voices. Whispering, mumbling and breaking to a halt along with their footsteps. I was already looking at the two young males, hackles slightly raised as they took our tangled forms in.

Felix didn't move, never lifted his head until I slightly rolled so my paws were tucked underneath me. If these humans gave cause, I'd flee... Or defend my pack. They seemed unnerved with my presence, shifting on their feet before they glanced back down at my boy.

"Is that a... A dog?"

"Doesn't look like a dog... Could be a wolfdog... Or a wolf." The other boy gulped, shivering as they whispered to each other. Felix shifted slightly, sitting upright and yawning, which made me respond with a small yawn of my own. The two boys were quiet as Felix stood up and stretched while I followed his example and shook out my fur.

"Cool... Did you, like, bond with a wolf? That's awesome!" One of the boys exclaimed as he got closer. I walked around to Felix' other side, curling my lip in a silent snarl when he reached out for me. "You should back up bro..." The other one warned softly but his sibling chose to ignore him.

A low growl slipped from my lips, tongue flicking out in agitation before my jaws snapped shut with an audible click. Either this human was brave or a complete idiot. I was more than surprised when Felix let out his own little growl and slapped the boy's hand away.

"Ow! Dude, chill. I just wanted to-"

"-be a complete idiot and pet a wild animal? Just go home before you get bitten, you moron." His sibling responded, resulting in a whole lot of mutters and cursing as the other boy stomped away. "I'm sorry about the family Felix. I know they think you don't understand us but its them that don't understand you... I wish they'd see that. Even Shane doesn't understand."

Felix seemed to ignore his words, only taking in a deep breath before he started a wobbly walk towards his den. A soft whine slipped from my body, already dreading the lone night but he needed the warmth of his own home. Instead of leaving, I padded closer until I was walking beside Felix, careful to guide him on the path as he stumbled.

His human friend came up to the left but stayed well away when he had nearly bumped into Felix, causing me to switch position and snarl lowly. He took the warning for what it was and thankfully stepped back. By the time we reached the edge of the forest, it was already dark and adult voices resounded, sounding closer and closer.

I have to run... They'll catch me if I stay...

But what will they do to my boy if I leave?

---Felix' POV---

The darkness was soothing, yet lonely. My ear still tickled with the memory of soft fur brushing against it, the steady and rhythmic pants accompanied with deep thuds still echoed through my mind.

Milo...

I sighed, fingers curling in the bedding as I turned on my other side. For a moment, I had wanted to take him with me, bring him home... But the forest was his home, he belonged there...

And it seemed he felt my struggle, my pain to let him go and walk towards the people I had to call family. Matthew had kept quiet and spoken for me, reassuring my parents and his own that I was fine. Guiding me towards my room, leaving with the soothing words that no-one would bother me and he'd keep Milo a secret.

But more importantly, he offered me something invaluable.

A voice.

He understood I was capable to understand them but had no way to communicate. A soft knock made me sit up in my bed, slightly swaying as Mathew walked in quietly, laptop tucked under his arm as he closed the door behind him. He held the laptop out with a slight frown. "I think it's best if you keep your legs covered. The laptop might produce some warmth..."

I observed closely as he opened the device and started it up, only for me to hiss and cover my eyes when the bright light illuminated the while room. "Crap, sorry. I'll put it down....there, is this better?" I blinked warily behind my fingers, prying them apart and still having to squint... But it was bearable.

Rocking slightly, I leaned closer as Mathew was typing away until he turned the laptop my way. Something called YouTube was activated and I watched in awe at the people talking to each other...without using sound.

"I figured you could learn sign language this way, as he is teaching her and showing the correct way to sign. It's not much but if you can do this, I'm sure that you can be taught at school too." Mathew murmured but I ignored him, completely fixated on the screen. He noticed and chuckled, plugging the laptop in before leaving the room with a murmured goodbye.

I simply kept watching clip after clip, trying my best to mimic the signs, studying the same clip over and over again until I was sure I had it right.

When Mathew came back in the morning to retrieve his laptop, he chuckled quietly and had to pry it out from under me, as I had fallen asleep while watching the clips all night long.

For the first time, I was thankful for this family dinner and that they had stayed the night. Mathew even promised to take his tablet along next time, so he could leave that here. He needed his laptop for his own studies but his promise was enough to give me hope.

Finally, someone had given me the chance to communicate.

I smiled and dressed myself before going downstairs. Breakfast was waiting for me and both my parents and uncle were observing me closely. My stomach curled as they frowned but I couldn't quite make out why. I didn't do anything wrong... Maybe it was because of my outburst yesterday...

Either way, after breakfast I was outside, making my way to the forest.

And I might not be able to express emotions that well, but I felt the burst of happiness flowing through my body at the sight of Milo, squirming on the spot as his tail whipped around.

He was happy too.

My hand reached out, pausing halfway until Milo stepped forwards to press his head firmly against it. My fingers met with soft fur and brushed down to his scruff as he turned and started walking further into the forest.

And I matched him, step by step.

I am happy as well.