Chapter 32

Chapter 32
Damian

Stormwind's hooves thundered over the packed earth as we galloped swiftly toward the forest edge. The wind lashed my face, blurring details into abstract smears of color. But my focus remained fixed straight ahead. 

I would not lose Natalia's trail now. Her life likely depended on my finding her before the elements or wild beasts did. 

Guilt gnawed at my core, sharper than the winter chill knifing through my cloak. If not for my stubborn blindness and temper, she never would have believed fleeing into danger her only choice. I had failed spectacularly in my responsibilities as Alpha.

Only bringing her home safely now could begin to mend this breach. I silently prayed the gods grant us that chance. Stormwind tossed his head urgently beneath me, as if sharing my fervent wish. Natalia's loss would leave a wound beyond healing in us both.

At last the shadowy tree line loomed before us. I reined Stormwind to a canter, then a brisk walk as we entered the dim undergrowth. Now stealth and care mattered more than speed. These woods posed their own grave dangers to the unwary.

As the trunks closed around us, I inhaled deeply, sorting through the riot of scents - damp earth, snuffed campfires, musk of deer and wolves. But no hint yet of Natalia's delicate aroma of fresh linen and woodsmoke. She lacked the skill to mask her tracks fully. I had to keep faith I would pick up her trail.

We continued onward, the muted forest closing behind to swallow us in its green depths. I trusted Stormwind's sure feet to find safe passage while I focused wholly on catching Natalia's scent. But an hour passed with still no success. 

Frustration and dread gnawed at my composure. Every minute she wandered alone made her more vulnerable. Nightfall would render the search impossible. Please, gods, grant me success before then.

In my distraction, Stormwind suddenly snorted and shied sideways. I tightened my knees, peering ahead warily through the dense fir boughs. Had some threat caused his alarm?

Then I glimpsed it - a scrap of roughspun cloth snagged on a bramble a few yards off the game trail. I dismounted swiftly, heart pounding as I approached. Please, let it be a sign of her...

I closed my eyes in profound relief, pressing the fabric reverently to my face. Natalia's scent clung to it richly, traced with delicate lavender soap from palace stores. A sign I was on her path, praise the gods!

I carefully stowed the scrap in my pocket to prevent losing the precious trail. She was moving northwest, toward the dangerous gorge country and icy peaks. Resolve renewed, I swiftly mounted and pressed onward. I would not lose her now.

As the day waned perilously toward dusk, Natalia's trail remained frustratingly faint. But at least it held steady, unlikely to be lost with night's fall. Relief calmed my frantic urgency. Soon I would overtake this headstrong lamb who had strayed from the flock.

When evening shadows crept over the rugged land, I knew we must make camp for the night. Natalia was not far ahead now, but blundering on blindly in darkness would only cause harm. With gritted reluctance, I dismounted and began gathering brush for a fire and makeshift shelter.

Stormwind whickered and nosed at my shoulder worriedly as I started the flickering campfire. I stroked his neck. "Patience, friend. She is near now. We will find her come the light." His trust and devotion were balms to my tattered spirit.

As the stars emerged overhead, I forced myself to eat and rest despite the anxiety gnawing ceaselessly. Being overtaken by exhaustion would not aid Natalia. I had to keep faith her tethered spirit would call out and guide me come dawn.

Settling with my shoulders against a broad pine bole and Stormwind's stirred at bulk at my side, I tipped my head back to regard the glimmering night sky. Somewhere beneath that same velvety expanse roamed the missing piece of my soul. Natalia had gotten under my guard as no other ever had. Losing her gentle light would leave the world a darker, colder place. 

I sent up yet another appeal to the watchful gods that I might succeed in bringing her home. The pack needed Natalia's selfless courage to light our way through these troubled times. 

And I...I needed her bright and fierce spirit beside me. More than she knew. 

I don't know why I'm feeling like this but I can't let her go.

Exhaustion finally dragged me into restless dreams haunted by Natalia's sorrowful dark eyes. But come first light I was alert, preparing to depart as hope kindled anew. Today I would find my lost treasure and bring her home, or die in the attempt. I could settle for no less.

Stormwind sensed my urgency, prancing and snorting impatiently as I stamped out the fire and gathered my gear. Soon enough we were off, pursuing that fading lifeline of her trail ever deeper into the wild unknown.

Natalia had spent a long-suffering night exposed to the elements while I rested in relative comfort. Shame burned in my gut, but also galvanized my determination. I would make that pittance of suffering up to her a thousandfold. She deserved nothing less.

"Hold on, brave one. I am close," I whispered to the silent trees and rocks standing sentinel around me. Any moment now, I would turn this mournful chase to joyful reunion.

Just a little farther, through whatever dark valleys and enemies awaited along the way. Be strong, and keep faith. I am coming, Natalia. Wait for me.