"Repeat After Me" by Kongo's is this chapter's first song. I love it so much!

Farther down, there's another song which is by ShineDown and is called "Enemies".

I fell to 298 in the rankings 😖 I'm not sure you guys realize how much voting helps ASN's (A Silent Night, for future reference) rank. My friend voted on all the chapters in a day which is why I rose to 142 from like 500 something (I fell when I didn't update for a week). If those who haven't voted already would go back and vote for all the chapters, or even just start now, it would mean a lot to me. Also, when you list ASN in your reading list, people view it and are more likely to read which also helps.

Ok, no matter how long I end up having to make it, I will put everything in my chapter outline in this chapter! So far I've barely scratched the surface and I'm already at 1,500 words in my supposed to be 3,000-3,500 word chapters.

Lol, I'm now at 1,750 words and my stomach is doing flips even though I already know what's going to happen... sorta, I even surprise myself sometimes when I write XD

Just finished the chapter (have to edit though) and I can't say anything else or I'll spoil it XD

Here's the map of her camp close up again, and below is the map of her entire territory but I still have to improve it so it's easier to read... I'll do that when I have time, I didn't want to hold the chapter up though. The camp is not proportional with the rest of the map, otherwise it would be like the width of your pinky nail. Yeah, they have a big territory. Although warning, I'm not good at gauging things...

Remember, the four rendezvous sites weren't put on the map because they were to remain hidden. Assuming you're not a Blood Moon warrior, Summer's Peak is at the fork in the river between The Forgotten Path and Otter's Course.

Five days.

Five days is all I had to heal before I was forced to march across my own camp. My pack stood erect to the right as I slunk out of the medical ward. Blood Moon, to the left, lounged around lazily, but their eyes glinted hungrily as if I was the only thing standing between them, and their next meal.

Silver could have tried to slow the healing process, or I could purposely not make it across the camp; but either way, we put the pack's safety at risk should the wrong wolf find out.

So, there I stood, in front of the medical ward with Damian at my side... and Nick.

After a few harsh words, the latter commanded me to walk, and I did. I rose my head and straightened my shoulders to symbolize Silver Moon's strength, then I stepped forward.

     I took another step, then another. My heart was racing. I hoped and hoped I'd be unable to cross the camp, but being a werewolf, I heal extremely fast. My two cracked ribs were sore, but healed. My broken one was to the point where I wouldn't have to worry about puncturing a lung, but it was still causing a lot of pain. The gashes which were originally as deep as the length of my pinky in some places, now were only a finger segment deep and span from my bottom rib my hip.

     My pack mates had also healed a lot, but still needed more time; and so did Ivy, Geyser, Talon, and Storm.

     I noticed Keith standing a distance away from his pack, him and a few other's had an obvious distaste for what was happening to Silver Moon.

     I redirected my gaze to my destination; the North Passage. It lay directly across from the medical ward. I moved quickly, but I felt like everything was in slow motion; my head pounded in rhythm with my heart as I felt myself unwillingly destroy my entire life.

The wind blew eerily as if my ancestors were calling; was it a farewell, or a condemnation? Did they understand, or did they think I should have done better? Were my parents ashamed? Would they follow me wherever fate may take me?

Half way.

My pack stayed silent, but I imagine their eyes said it all. I could hear both packs fall into step behind me but they remained at a distant.

I felt as if I was drowning in my own, horrible and forlorn emotions. So, I turned those heart wrenching feelings into ones of cunning and determination. I knew I couldn't let anger set in or it would cloud my judgment.

I'm not signing our surrender, I'm rewriting our freedom.

I neared the North Passage, the very edge of the housing district was in my path, and Scorch stood in the shadow of the corner building.

I walked only half a wolf length past him, our eyes met and I could see my own emotions were blazing in the depths of his gaze. He nodded and I blinked slowly, each of us thinking of the plan that will be unfurling soon.

I was so close to the passage, my heart thundered even louder than before.

I stopped and turned back towards where I'd come. Ignoring any and all Blood Moon warriors, I surveyed my camp. Tadpole springs lay just to my right, housing to the left. My pack was now alongside Scorch in the shadows which were highlighting the deadly looks that reflected their sorrow and rage.

I looked around as if this were my last time to see the place I've always called home. Sadness set in, and after allowing myself to feel it for a few moments, replaced it with readiness. It's time.

I turned back to my warriors, "Be ready. Today, everything changes," my warning had a double meaning that only a Silver Moon warrior could pick up. Blood Moon may have thought it was a sign of defeat, but little did they know it was just the opposite.

Nick smirked, "You have ten minutes to pack."

Damian came with me to my den since I didn't know how long ten minutes was. I grabbed a shiftable, a bag that could be worn during the shifting process. I only took a change of clothes for when I'd need to shift back, a water pouch for the walk to Poppy Fields where the plan would be put into action, and a few sentimental belongings such as the rock necklace my mother gave me and a rolled up painting my father and I had made together.

I finished, and just looked around my den. I told myself I'd be back, but I couldn't help but feel as if I was losing this place. I ran my hand down the notches in a piece of wood that lay against the wall.

"What are those?" I heard a voice behind me, and was surprised when it wasn't Damian.

I didn't look up but rather left my gaze fixated on the notches, "My mom used to measure how tall I was. Every ten sunrises, I'd insist she measure me again. She scratched it each time so I could see my progress," I turned to face Nick who had apparently replaced Damian's presence.

I noted that he didn't meet my eyes and laughed to myself, finally feel ashamed for what you've done?

"I'm sorry. I know you and your pack care about this place, but I'm doing what I need to do," he surprised me, but not enough to keep me quiet.

"That's just it though, you don't need to do this. Some day you'll realize that, but unfortunately, it will be to late," I turned back to finger the wood before sliding to the next object that caught my attention.

He sounded especially downcast as he finished, "Actually, I do need to. I came to tell you your time is up," and with that, he was gone.

That boy is so confuddling, I thought to myself while picking up my bag.

After slipping out and checking the condition and concerns of the pack, I surveyed my surroundings one last time before joining Damian at the almost-front. Nick, being the conceded toad he is, always sped up to stay at the front of our group.

Since not everyone could shift, and because it would be harder to watch my pack in wolf form, we traveled as humans. I fell back every now and then to make sure my pack was faring well and demanded a break whenever I suspected someone of being too tired. I come from a very stubborn line of ancestors and knew that if any of my pack mates were on the brink of death, they likely wouldn't even complain. Plus, we needed to be ready for our escape.

A while after crossing the wooden and stone bridge known as Mourner's Cross, we entered The Forest of Rememberance, where we have lain our dead to rest for generations. We didn't stop, even when we passed two freshly buried corpses with the initials A.R. and L.C. carved on the tree behind them. The first letter standing for rank.

I slowed my pace and veered to the left a little so I could see them without being engulfed by the crowd of the living. Damian and Jade both tried to come near me but I made it clear I didn't want any company. I never stopped walking, and as they left my sight, I murmured a goodbye incase this were my last visit, then resumed my earlier speed.

     My morbid thoughts were washed away as we came to the West Current, the slow river that is nearer to the west than its twin, the East Current. Both are joined together at a fork upriver. Mourner's Cross went over the East Current, but we had to wade through the West one. Luckily, since they are two halves of the main river upstream, it wasn't treacherous.

     I paused on the far bank to ensure everyone crossed safely before I returned to my position at the front.

     We traversed through the very woods my pack would soon be fleeing into. When we were at the heart of it, the birds calling ominously, I once again announced a break.

     As usual, the Blood Moon warriors grumbled, but even they had injured among them and didn't put up too much of a fuss. I let my pack rest before I started to show the signs.

     I began making eye contact with a few of them before I did the hunter symbol for alert; I placed my right hand in a relaxed position on the back of my head with my first two fingers making a 'V'. That's what really got their attention. They slowly stood as I rose in a stretch. Poor Damian who was the only Blood Moon warrior near me never saw it coming.

Thinking the break was over, he stood up. But before he could fully gain his balance from the motion, I kicked the back of his knee, forcing him to crumple to the ground in the most painless way I knew how. "NOW!" I yelled even though those who could were already shifting.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

I didn't even stop to check where the Blood Moon warriors were as I sprang forward. I shifted midair and quickly helped a couple kids onto the backs of shifted wolves. All in a moment, they were up and gone. Scorch, who had earlier insisted I couldn't carry anyone due to my rank, shoved me as his way of saying that he'd ensure everyone got out.

Without hesitation, I leapt over a bush and bolted, my injuries forgotten other than the stinging pain that I'd provoked.

The blood roared in my ears from the excitement pulsing through me; I was scared, more for my pack mates than myself, enraged that fate had left me with the choice between my mate's happiness or my pack's well being, but also invigorated by the adrenaline that pulsed through me.

     My heart pounded so loud I could barely hear the threatening growls that broke out behind me. There's one thing I definitely noticed though, the thing that made me run faster than I ever have before, the thing that worried me more than even the moment just before we ran, when all my doubts had time to swarm me: I could hear most of the wolves were chasing me.

     I was fast, but surely there was a Blood Moon warrior who was faster. There's something I had they didn't though.

     A large branch loomed over the imposingly overgrown trail I raced down, and on the branch were several distinct claw marks. I almost didn't see it in time and my heart jumped to my throat when I realized a trap lay mere paw steps away. Unable to reroute, I saw the disturbance in the terrain and at the last second, flung myself over what looked like a thin pile of leaves, but I knew a deep hole waited for the ignorant beneath it.

     I could hear the sound of wolves nearing me and hoped that they wouldn't catch the trap I suspected Geyser had laid since he's done a similar one that caught me before.

     Disturbingly soon, which meant they were closer than I thought, I heard a loud crash followed by a surprised yelp behind me.

     I drummed my paws against the ground even harder as I tried to put distance between us. Soon, I passed under the largest tree in this strip of forest and immediately knew I was nearing the Poppy Fields.

     The sound of paw steps behind me had grown distant, but were now once again nearing. I heard a shriek somewhere behind and felt my stomach plummet at the sound of a pack mate being captured. What if it was Jade?

     I forced my horrific thoughts to the back of my mind when I noticed the pursuing paw steps became louder.

     No, no, no, no, I'm so close! I can't be captured... Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in- BREATH! I couldn't go any faster but I could feel heavy breath on the back of my tail that glided on the wind behind me.

     Just a little faster... faster, faster... I repeated over and over as if it would help.

... It didn't.

     A growl emanated through the air but I didn't dare look. They started to run alongside my right flank, unable to tackle me from the back at this speed.

     Maybe it's just Storm, he's the fastest wolf in the pack! He probably just came for moral support-

     They were to my shoulder now, likely able to take me but not wanting to risk it... but it's just Storm, he won't hurt me, I continued to tell myself. I finally chanced a glance, and at the sight of brown fur, felt my stomach churn.

     I gulped, that's not Storm!!!

     Their dark brown eyes sparkled malevolently as if they'd finally cornered their prey. I tore my horrified gaze from them and back on the path ahead, another marked trap! I felt relief for a moment before it was replaced by apprehension; I knew I wasn't out of the woods yet. What if I don't make it? I still must be twenty wolf lengths away and they can take me any time they'd like.

    "Shut up with the 'what ifs' and run!" Brook yelled.

      Fifteen wolf lengths, they're nose is near my ear. Ten wolf lengths, they're moving closer, oh no they're about to jump! Five wolf lengths, I can feel their breath on my neck. Two wolf lengths, there was a blur of motion, I felt something dig into my back. No, I'm so close!

     I stumbled from the added weight but didn't fare my eyes away from the tripwire snare that lay on the ground. They grabbed my scruff and refused to let go as I shook my fur. Their hind paw scraped down my flank and I moaned where it tore at my gashes, blood once again soaking my side. I could hear more wolves crashing through the undergrowth in the distance.

     I paused my thrashing from fear of losing to much blood, and they relaxed their grip while waiting for my next struggle. I held the position, one, two, three, four- the other wolves were growing near, now! I jumped in a sideways motion and twisted despite the pain to land on my back, crushing the wolf that still gripped me.

     I heard a yelp before they released my scruff and I sprang away. The end of the forest was in sight, the light shown through the trees. As I was turning towards my destination, a black wolf broke through the forest growth behind me. I barely saw them, but I could tell who it was.

     I leaped forward and sprinted through the remaining trees, careful not to trip the wire. I had to force every movement; you're not supposed to run from your mate, I felt like curling up in a circle and crying, but also was angrier than I'd ever been at my stupid little mate for putting me in his situation.

     I wasn't sure I'd make it, the rendezvous site was still a distance off and I had to pick up my speed whereas Damian never stopped.

     I soon broke the clearing, the sound of paw steps once again thundering close behind. Once I got a ways into the Poppy Fields, I risked a glance back to see four wolves beside my mate, who was at the front, tearing up the ground as they charged towards me.

     They're too close, I worried as I whipped my head back around and continued to pick up speed.

I could hear them getting closer and didn't dare look back. Up ahead, I could make out cattail fronds mixed in with the leaves. Yes, cattail is common in our territory, but there aren't any water sources in this part of the field which it would require. In other words, another trap was coming. The only problem, I couldn't see it.

Soon it sounded like they were directly behind me, I was now back to full speed but they had had the chance to catch up and were literally on my tail.

I came closer to the trap, the path that I was on suddenly branched and while I still couldn't see the future predicament, the cattail lay on the trail that I could only see before.

I veered onto the new path that redirected back to the north where I was originally headed.

The path was much smaller with thorn bushes along either side, and I heard one of my followers forced to turn right. Not even a moment later, there was a loud squelching sound that seemed suspiciously like deep mud.

My remaining stalkers had fallen back, though only a few paces, at the unexpected turn.

I couldn't go any faster, and while most of them couldn't either, one was again closing in.

Despite the thorns that lay hidden in the tall grass, I jumped off the path and zigzagged through the tall fronds. It whipped at my face, but I didn't duck my head from fear of unforeseen obstacles.

I soon realized it was a mistake, I could no longer hear where they were over the sound of grass beating against me. And while I was slowed down by the dry grass that crossed my path, I trampled it for my pursuers.

I could of swore I saw a wolf to the right, but suddenly something nipped my tail, and I was forced to turn my attention back to the path. I could feel hot breath on me once again, and as my tail tip brushed against something, I jumped left with a thorn bush right in front of me.

A loud yelp pierced the air, and I thoroughly hoped it wasn't Damian who would be peeling themselves off that prickly mess.

I didn't have to worry for long as the sun sank in the sky on my left, because as I raced back onto a newly found trail something rammed into my side forcing my hind legs to skid towards the west on the left.

I scrambled to get a hold on the terrain as the black blur that had flung into me whipped back around. Damian growled, unscathed from all the traps that had been laid.

I snarled back, and tried to inch back in the direction of Summer's Peak, the rendezvous site.

Every time I stepped back, he came forward, Why is he doing this???

"Because he has to," Brook solemnly replied.

I couldn't just run, he was too close and would catch me as soon as I turn. I had to move though, his pack would be here any second now. That left one option, fight my mate for my freedom.

How am I supposed to fight my own mate?, I felt like it was hopeless, but I realized, fighting doesn't necessarily mean I have to severely injure him. Okay Damian, let the games begin.

     I stalked around him in a circle, gradually growing nearer. Shock and sadness momentarily flickered in his eyes before it was replaced with determination.

     He began to circle me as well. He lunged forward and tried to knock my paws out from beneath me, but I jumped over him. In my moment of overconfidence when I thought I was in the clear to run, he flipped underneath me and shoved up on my exposed belly. My hind paws flew up, moving faster than the rest of me. I landed painfully on my back, and as I tried to roll back up, he stood over me. No matter where he restrained me, I had some sort of injury, resulting in him having a very loose hold.

     I used this to my advantage, and quickly squirmed out. Time was wasting, and I was no closer to an escape. Someone crashed through the woods and I knew I was finished. I'd never give up, and I held my head high as a third wolf entered the fight.

     There was a loud thump, and I realized it wasn't me on the ground. There was one large, writhing mass of black fur in the grass. They broke apart momentarily and I could make out Ivy's searing, green eyes.

Being in wolf form, I was able to mind link her; however, it was still a difficult task. "Ivy, what are you doing here?"

"What does it look like I'm doing? Saving you of course," she exclaimed.

"How'd you know where to find m- No, Ivy stop!" I leapt forward in horror when she clamped her teeth on Damian's leg, earning a yelp as she was about to twist her head.

Before she knew what was happening, I shoved her off.

She spun around, obviously furious, "What do you think you're doing?! If I broke his leg then-"

I interrupted her, "Ivy, he's my mate."

Her eyes widened, "What the bloody frog livers is your 'mate' trying to capture you for? I'm sorry, Crystal, I thought you two were trying to kill each other a moment ago..."

"Never mind that," I rushed, "we need to go, now."

She nodded her head, but before we could move, the other four Blood Moon warriors caught up, apparently they'd stopped to help the ones who'd got stuck. Damian slowly rose, and I realized he was holding his leg up. As much as I hated for my mate to be injured, I was relieved he wouldn't be able to follow us now. The wolf who I assume ran into the thorn bush earlier limped to the side where he wouldn't be in the way of a fight. That left three wolves.

Ivy looked at me and murmured, "Don't argue, just run."

"What? I'm not leaving you-"

"Go, Crystal! It's you they want, and it's you our pack needs. Not me," she was going to insist on this as usual.

"But, Ivy, that's the problem! They won't fatally harm me but you they might," I pleaded. This was one of my worst fears come to life.

"Now," she yelled and before I could react, she sprung forward.

It was too late, she'd made her choice, and left me with only one decent option.

I turned around and ran; ran from my best friend who was fighting for her life against three wolves.

     I avoided two more traps and then the fields opened to show Summer's Peak. It was a large rendezvous in the crook of a river fork.

I was in tears as I raced through the barrier which was immediately closed behind me. I went straight to the nearest building where I shifted and changed into my spare change of clothes.

Wiping the tears away as I emerged from the building, Scorch raced over to me, "Luna Crystal, what was the hold up? We thought they'd captured you and- why are you crying?" he looked concerned.

I drew in a deep breath, "They had me, Ivy rescued me. Without her, I wouldn't be here, but I had to leave her to fight five other wolves, two of which were already injured... what if they kill her?" Scorch was like a second father to me; a silent, brooding, sophisticated, impatient father.

"Your wounds have reopened as well," he noted.

I just nodded before changing the subject, "Who all is back?"

"It's a matter of who's not back," he commented, "we've regained twenty two wolves, including both of us. Hunter, Briar, Cresent, and now Ivy have not returned."

     "One sacrificed herself, two couldn't shift, one was carrying another," I added.

     We made our way towards the barrier. It was a limestone-based cement wall which was designed for a crisis or combat training, I think it's clear what this situation fell under.

     "They've been attempting to penetrate the wall, but every time they come near we have a warrior keep an eye and a weapon on them. So far, they haven't come within shooting distance since an archer shot one of theirs. Non-fatally of course," I was glad when he finished that statement.

     "Everyone knows not to kill one of them, right? The last thing we need is a reason for them to want to come after us."

     "Everyone knows, but I'll be honest, they've killed our mates, children, friends, and family; I won't blame anyone who is a little, 'over encouraged' to kill," he contemplated.

     I was about to argue when I heard yelling outside. We exchanged looks before heading towards the gate.

     I stepped ahead of him and climbed up the stairs to look over the thick wall. Nick stood below, waiting for a response to whatever he said earlier. Damian leaned against one of the few trees that were in the fields. His eyes held all his emotion, but at the same time hid it with a hard glare.

"What do you want, Nick?" I called down.

"I'm here to propose a trade, Crystal. We have four of your warriors, there's only one who we really want," he yelled ominously.

They have all four? That means Ivy is still alive!... wait, saying they have all four doesn't mean they're not dead, I realized. "Show me them so I know they're alive."

"No, Crystal, absolutely not. You're not making the trade, the pack needs you," Scorch insisted.

"You can lead them while I'm gone. I would never forgive myself if I left them for my own safety," I argued. Before he responded, I turned back to Nick, "Well, where are they?" as I asked, eight figures burst through the grass. Having shifted to humans, my pack mates' arms were tied behind their backs in a way that should they shift to their wolves their bones would break.

Despite this, I sighed in relief that they all seemed far from Death's cold grasp.

"So, do you agree?" he smiled hideously.

"Don't do it, Crystal!" Ivy yelled before a hand was slapped over her mouth by the female guard restraining her.

I sighed, I finally escaped, and here I am running straight back to my capturers, "Yes, I accept."

Ivy wriggled so much another guard had to help hold her, an almost indescribable, angry moan erupted from her, resembling a very angry moose's call.

     "Line them where you're standing, then back up to the edge of the grass. I'll meet in the same place," my voice was hollow.

     He flashed one last smile, before signaling to his guards to do as said. I moved to go down but Scorch grabbed my arm, "You at the very least need your side bandaged before you leave," he sounded so sad, it reflected in his eyes, and I realized that from his point of view, he was letting his deceased best friend's only child, go to the hands of the very one who killed him.

     I agreed and let him lead me to where Silver was with the medical supplies. It didn't take long, and once she finished wrapping my side, added a hug as an extra layer. "Your parents raised you properly and don't you forget it!" She sounded happy, but tears left trails down her face. I thanked her before turning for the door. Just before I reached it, Scorch said, "Luna Crystal."

     I turned to him.

     "It has been an honor serving as both your parents', and your beta," his eyes glistened as he also embraced me. A complement and reaction like this from Scorch, was a huge achievement; but one I didn't have the heart to celebrate.

     "I speak for the three of us, when I say it's been an honor and pleasure working with you as well," I broke away and we continued out of the building.

     As I marched to the gate, my pack came to meet me. I hugged each and every pack mate until only a cluster remained. When I reached them, Jade raced forward and hugged me, dampening my shoulder. Before she let go, Storm embraced me as well, followed by Geyser and Talon. I hadn't even realized I started crying until they pulled away from our group hug. The only one missing was Ivy. Only now did I realize, I'm not coming home, I never will get to visit my parents where they now rest, to tell them I miss them. I'll never have the time to properly tell my friends goodbye or how much they mean to me.

     I couldn't see anymore, my eyes were clouded by heavy tears that were mirrored on my friends' faces, even the guys. This was it, I'm never going to see them again.

     I shook a little as I gave them one last goodbye, and turned away from everything I'd ever known.

     For the second time that day, I wiped the tears from my face and tried to look strong, but inside I was breaking, No one's ever survived outside the territory, and now I'm going to die out there with only memories of home to guide me.

     The gate was raised, and sunlight temporarily blinded me. My eyes adjusted and I stepped forward. Don't look back, you'll never be able to leave if you do, I warned myself.

     I drearily trudged towards the four remaining Silver Moon warriors. Ivy, whose bout of anger having given way to sadness, was silently crying. I couldn't help but quicken my pace as I neared, she wasn't even able to hug me back because her hands were tied. I didn't dare undo the knot though, knowing she would shift and fight for the freedom I'd already given up.

     "You old, delirious badger," she sobbed, "Why couldn't you have just turned down the deal?"

     I tried to smile, but it just came out as a grimace, the tears never seeming to stop. I finally murmured, "I need to go before I start wailing," we both laughed at that, in our own, mournful ways.

     I hugged Briar, Hunter, and Crescent before finally parting ways.

     I trudged past Nick and Damian who stood by the tree and just walked, I didn't know where I was going, but that didn't stop me. The sun was below the horizon, leaving the still blue sky half lit as I heard a wail rise from behind me and silently wondered who it was. As it ended, I heard Nick call to my already disheartened pack, "We'll be back."

Well, slather me in peanut butter and call me fudge, I'm in desperate need of a box of tissues. It was the leaving her friends behind forever part that got me; I started thinking of my nearest and dearest friend's, along with my favorite cousin who I had in mind when I added Storm (he's not based off my cousin though, they don't have the same personality... well they sorta do... Idk). Think about never seeing your friends ever again while sitting in a dark room by yourself at midnight, then come back here and tell me you wouldn't be crying either.

Just the idea of never seeing certain people again makes me downright sad so I really need to stop talking. Voting makes me happy. You know what to do.

This thing is going to be a pain to edit... Ha ha, two hours later (not exaggerating, it's been two hours)