Chapter 4 Wake up child
Ira’s POV
The deeper we go into the woods, the louder my heartbeat gets.
A wrong turn could lead us straight to our deaths.
Or worse, Vahl Pack House.
There was a time –at least that’s what the older ones say– when werewolves lived at peace with other supernatural races. Witches, warlocks, and Sempyrs.
Though no one talks about the last much.
They say the Sempyrs wielded black magic… so wild no one could control the evil they did with their powers. Then the Alpha King purged Vahl Pack of them… wiped out every sempyr in Vahl Pack and the three cities under it.
Valmora, Valhez and Val-Gucan.
But I’ve always known there was more to that story because the King didn’t just kill Sempyrs. He killed witches and warlocks too. He spared no one, ensuring both old and young were eliminated.
Even hybrids were put to death.
And now, just because I was born with white hair, something that has nothing to do with witches or warlocks, he’s sending his men to eliminate me too.
No questions asked, and certainly no mercy granted.
I know my life wouldn't be spared.
If only I could feel my wolf, or maybe shift, maybe then they'll be convinced that I am one of them.
“Ira, are we there yet?” Oren whispers, his voice pleading as he clutches my cloak tighter, his face flushed in exhaustion.
“Just a little more,” I mutter through a pant, glancing behind us as we finally exit the woods. “We’re almost far enough.”
Anna staggers, brushing the sweat from her forehead as we burst out into a long lonely road.
The sight is a little terrifying. Aside the constant whispering of insects, the night suddenly appears darker than usual.
“Ira I don't like it here.” Anna shivers.
I take in a deep breath and march forward, into the rocky road. “This is the only escape route we've got. Don't be scared, someone should pass by soon enough.” I say.
I know because I've stolen from travellers twice on this road.
We keep moving, and don't stop until our legs grow sore. The sound of crickets surrounds us, growing louder as we come to a stop.
Heck, I didn't think it would be this hard to get a night traveller.
“Ira, I can't feel my legs anymore.” Oren sobs, his teeth biting down on his wobbly lower lip.
“Alright, we…we'll rest for a while. I'll go a little farther and….”
“NO!” Anna tugs my sleeve. “No, please . Don't leave us. We're not tired. Oren?” She glares at her brother, her eyes tearing up.
“I..It’s true. I'm n..not tired a..anymore.” the little boy lies, hissing when he takes another step.
“I'm not going to leave you. I just wanted to get stones so we can sit.”
Anna squeezes my hand. “Then we'll go with you. Please… We won't complain anymore.”
“Anna I'm not…” Her eyes tear up, her fingers still squeezing my sleeve begin to shake. Seeing her so scared of being abandoned breaks my heart.
“Fine, let's walk together. Oren, here, get on my back.” I say, squatting low enough for him.
Immediately he does as told and I bite back a groan when my wounded shoulder protests.
We walk steady, only stopping when we see a large enough rock. I gently let Oren drop to his feet. He quietly sits with a limp.
When they are both settled, their hopeful eyes rest on me. Releasing a sigh, I drop my bag and stretch my aching shoulders before pulling out the small bottle of red dye.
Silently I push down my hood, frowning when the moonlight catches the white roots of my hair. It's the one thing I wish to change permanently about myself… a curse and the reason I can never feel safe.
I turn some dye into my hand, the cold liquid instantly staining my skin red. It can last at least three months.
Quickly I rub the liquid between my palms then I slowly drag my fingers through my hair, smearing the red into the white until it turns deep crimson.
When I look back into the road, a stranger stares at me.
I quickly jump to my feet, watching closely the middle aged woman who seems to be glaring at us.
“Ira, I don't like that old lady.” Anna mumbles.
“Get up, let's keep moving.” I urge, quickly grabbing the bag and carrying Oren on my back again.
Our legs move faster as I constantly glance back but the woman doesn't move. Still relief floods me when I hear the sound of a rolling cart.
“Someone's coming,” Oren says excitedly.
I pull the kids behind me. “Wait,” I whisper. “If it’s warriors, we hide.”
The cart creaks closer, horses trotting slow. I squint and spot a merchant at the reins, his straw hat tilted low. Behind him, a few weary travelers huddle under blankets.
“Wait! Please!” I call loudly. Anna waves, yelling too until we get their attention.
The man jerks the reins, bringing the horses to a stop. “What do you want, girl?”
“Please,” I say breathlessly. “We need to get out of here. C..can you take us?” I stutter, catching the weary gaze of the others.
“Got coin?” He eyes me suspiciously.
I pull out five pans from my pocket, my hands shaking. “Here. It’s all we have.”
He hesitates, then shrugs. “Fine. Climb in. Don’t cause no trouble.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, lifting Oren into the cart. Anna follows soon after and then I climb in.
The other five people within groan in discomfort as we squeeze ourselves in. When I look up, the old lady is no longer on the road.
The cart rattles forward, wheels crunching over gravel. I hold the kids close, listening to the wind whistle through the night.
Anna leans against me, her voice soft. “Are we safe?”
“For now,” I murmur, truly praying I can keep us all safe.
Oren’s head rests on my lap, his breathing steadying as his eyes flutter shut.
I rest my head on the leather used in wrapping the cart so it sways less, my eyes flickering to Anna whose cautious eyes watch the movement of every one in the cart.
An hour passes and then with a sigh I close my eyes.
Iravelle…
Wake up child
Iravelle…
“IRA!!” Anna's scream shoots through my skull.
My eyes snap open. I see nothing but white at first, my body feeling like a whole cow's been placed on it… like dead weight.
“HELP ME!!” Anna screams again, the agony in her tone successfully dragging me into full consciousness.
There's dust everywhere. The broken cart lies at a distance overturned on the road. Some men in black drag and beat people as they scream and attempt to escape.
Suddenly I'm aware of the hot liquid trailing down my head. By the metallic smell I can tell it's blood… my blood.
Oren, Anna!
“Oren! Anna!” I scream, struggling to my feet. The ground sways under me as I twist my head left and right, searching for the kids.
“IRA!” Oren cries out, and immediately I spot them.