The giant scent wall of the Canee pack's territory is a telltale sign of well-patrolled lands. The faint scent of shifters that lingered in the air is now prominent and declaring. No one could miss the markers along the territory line.

Everett takes my hand in his and I nod in reassurance. The scouts should have noticed our presence by now. They should be coming soon since the chances are we aren't a threat. A threat doesn't tend to wait to be allowed in.

A female appears, pushing branches aside. She waves, calling out a greeting, "Se'vela"

I respond to the greeting and Everett tries copies my behaviour. "Se'vela kanae."

"Hi dear. I'm Karyna, who might you be little one?" She looks at Everett as she gets closer. He hides behind me, uncertainty radiating off of his small form.

Pushing him to my side I reply, "I'm Redaliya and this is Everett."

It's important Everett starts to get comfortable here. Suppressing a growl, I follow her onto the pack land. The territory lines wash over us and for a brief second as I cross the boundary it bears down upon me. Once across it is fine, just a heavy feeling of shifters in the air.

"I've been told to show you to my alpha. He and his mate, Whill, are waiting." We go through a fresh layer of snow until it crosses onto a well-trodden upon path. The snow is all packed down and scent trails are everywhere, in all directions. I notice Everett looking around, as he presses his face into my cloak.

'Tell Crylle to recede,' I murmur softly through our link.

The new smells must have been overwhelming. So many new shifters and a new land probably threw him for a spin. Most shifters and their wolve counterparts can balance as not to overwhelm the system, but I'm guessing Everett's early shift is shining through. Crylle and he are getting along, but they don't know how to—so to say—turn on and off their heightened senses.

Through the thinly spread trees, I see a structure come into view. Judging by its size and the tracks around it, it must be the pack house. It is nowhere near as big as the Axinla's, but the great stone walls resemble it.

The female, Kraya, opens the door for us.

Two shifters meet us inside. The power hanging around them is strong, the dominance is pronounced in their aura, in their movements, and posture. My beta rank demands I acknowledge the power as it creeps along my skin, while my luna rank brushes it off. It's as if I have water repellent on when swimming in a lake. Surrounded by it, but the waves lap against me not doing anything.

"Luna Redaliya." I look up sharply, my gaze locking onto the pair. My eyes must be calculating and cold, as the female expands. "High Healer Akana sent word of your coming. Anyone who the Axinla pack approves of is welcomed here."

"As my Whill says." The male looks at her affectionately. "You are welcome in our pack. Let's go into my office to talk further." As they turn I glimpsed a marking near the base of her neck close to her shoulder, one so uncommon I double-take. It vanishes under the she-wolf's clothing, but I definitely saw it.

An atrophle saphlie, an infinity bond. In order to form an infinity bond both shifters must be marked and under a full moon a ceremony occurs for it to form. Shock runs through me as it is very rare to see. The atrophle saphlie makes it impossible to take on another mate if one member of the pair went to the moon. It also makes it likely that the other bonded shifter would soon follow their mate.

Most shifters stick to not marking each other or keeping it to the regular mark so if their mate were to die their bond would slowly disappear. The most common case is for a shifter to remain unmarked, and in some cases, only the female will bare one. However, that is just to keep the she-wolf tied down and unable to run. Many males on the higher end of the hierarchy do this, like my mother.

She didn't want us kids to see, but when you live with someone, it's hard to keep something like that hidden forever.

Shaking off my surprise, Everett and I quickly follow.

The halls aren't decorated much, though a few tapestries hang. It lacks the nature and herbs of the Axinla pack, but they are a major healing pack.

Entering the office, Whill and the Alpha take a seat. I stand in front of the desk with Everett close by.

"You may call me Alpha Skaph. We have set up accommodation for you in a small cabin nearby. I'm sure my Whill would be happy to show you afterwards. The Wulf've family is going to stop by later. They wish to meet with you and get to know Everett." He ruffles through some parchment papers. Picking out a few he scans them, handing one over to his mate while setting the other side. "The rules are the same as the Axinla pack, I trust you know them." With a quick nod from me, he continues. "All we ask in return is that you leave the cabin the way you left it. And any hunting you do on our land if it's larger than a rabbit at least half of it goes to the kitchen, while all pelts unless discussed, get turned over as well."

"Of course. We will obey the rules. Thank you for letting us stay." My etiquette is stiff, I feel like I'm slipping. That's impossible. Biting my lip, I nod in thanks. My arms start to ache, but I don't know where. The barely visible scars seem more pronounced than ever.

"Come with me. I'll show you to the cabin and then notify the Wulf've family to stop by later on." Whill stands up, motioning for me and Everett to follow.

I memorize the path from the pack house to the cabin. It isn't that far, however, it is in an obscure area. This is probably the visitors' house, which helps keep them separate from the pack members. It protects the guest from the pack members and the pack members from the guest—if such occasions should arise.

"Here it is." Whill extends her arm and opens the door. Plucking a small key off a hanging hook, she gives it to me. "The pack members are trustworthy, though it may make you feel better. Feel free to use it or not as you like."

"Thank you, Whill." The familiarity of the decorum lulls me into a peaceful state. I thought I had forgotten, but it's easy, it's stable.

"Come Everett." It's automatic to speak aloud, even if the mindlink may have been easier. If a person is near you and you want to speak with them in the presence of a guest, always speak out loud. Mindlinking makes it seem like you have something to hide. There are exceptions but that's the general consensus.

"Okay!" He jumps through the now open door, taking in the room.

"Would you like to come in?" I turn to whill, invitingly. If she wanted to she could invite herself, but that wouldn't show good hospitality now that she has given us this place for the time being.

"Thank you, but no. I must go see some of the pack members. Please stop by the pack house soon! In a few sunrises, there will be a pack luncheon. You are welcome to join. We don't have an eating hall, however, the kitchens are open to you." She tacks on, "Within reason of course."

"Yes," I agree, watching her leave. When she is far enough away for it to be deemed okay I shut the door. The cabin is well insulated, though there does seem to be a small draft coming from one of the corners. I make a mental note to have that seen to.

The cabin seems to be comprised of three rooms. The first room is the kitchen. It has a wood-burning stove and cupboards that contain some bowls, plates and cups. Opening the breadbox I find a fresh loaf of bread. The drawers clank softly as I exposing the metal cutlery.

"Would you like a slice of bread, Ev?"

I watch in amusement as I see his green eyes pop out from around the corner at the mention of food. "Yes, Red, yes!"

"Okay, go sit down and I'll bring it over." Tearing some bread off, I hear the chair move on the floor as Everett pulls it out. Setting a few pieces on the plate and filling a glass of water, I set it in front of the pup. "When you are done, put your dishes in the sink. Okay? I'm going to look around the other rooms if you need me."

"Okie!"

Ruffling his blond hair, I leave him be. The next room is the bathroom which only has a washbasin and a bar of soap. I make a mental note to see if I can get some extra fabric that could be used to dry off after washing up.

Venturing into the last room, I know it has to be the bedroom. There are three beds, one pushed up against the left wall and the other two on the opposite side. In the middle of the two beds is a window with brownish drapes.

Walking around the circular table in the center of the room I survey the beds. All three are made up with sheets and blankets. Going over to the two beds, I push them together so they create one larger bed. Untucking the blankets I spread them out to cover more surface.

Examining the window I close the drapes to try and keep more heat in. I'll have to put wood in the stove to get some warmth into this place. I wonder if there is wood outback, if not I'll have to see what I can find.

With some searching, I find a broom, as I sweep the place dust flies. Clouds of dirt and grime get swept away in my hurried cleaning. I never enjoyed this task.

Entering the kitchen to put the broom back, I find Everett sound asleep, his head laying on his arms. Picking up the pup I carry him down the hall, his hands grasping firmly onto my sleeves. Laying him on the bed, I uncurl his finger and draw the covers over his small form. I watch as he cocoons himself into the blankets and pillows. He looks like a small lump, and if I didn't know he was there I'd think it was bunched up blanket.

Going out behind the cabin I find a stack of logs and branches piled in a large wooden crate. A few at a time I haul a stack in. Fishing the fire starters out of my apron, I put some logs into the stove. Kneeling, I scrape the metals against each other to try and flick sparks into the wood. It hisses, spluttering out against the damp branches. Frowning, I return to the pile, moving logs aside to find the drier ones in the center. They aren't completely dry, but they seem to be better.

Sitting by the stove, I use my pocket knife to shave off the edges of the branches, exposing the inner flesh. Replacing the wood in the stove I try again and this time the hot sparks catch. Red embers glow and a small flame flickers into existence.

The small draft comes from a crack in the wood. Going to the corner I inspect it, wondering how to patch it up.

Getting a branch, I use my knife to whittle away at the edges. Testing it every few strokes I don't want it to be too loose. Once it seems right, I cut it off so it's more disk-like. Pushing it into place, it acts like a stopper, keeping the wind out—it will do for now.

Unwrapping the cloth, I revealed the large stack of salted and smoked venison. I am tempted to go out and see what the kitchens have, but I can't leave Everett.

Pulling out the basin from under the table, I set it on the counter near the stove. Going into the bathroom I fetch the pail that is usually used to get bath water. Going outside to the fresh snow, I fill the bucket up and dump it into the basin; doing this until it's full. With the stove heated, I play a pot on it and start melting the snow to help speed up the process. The warm water spreads through the snow, the heated air also helping.

Pouring some water into a bowl, I set it aside to cool. The salt from the venison often leaves me wanting for a drink, though these days it's mostly snow.

Taking I seat, the full weight of things crash down. The pit of my stomach feels heavy, like a stone has been placed there, and will not leave. My hands shake and my breath rattles. The feeling soon goes away, but a sense of bitter resentment takes its place.

I resent my blessing.

I resent my curse.

I resent growing up the way I did.

It claws at my ribs, tearing into the bones, and exposing my heart. A shudder runs through me, racing up my spin and through my fingers. My past, my present, and the future were all determined by one thing, and a second chance is what I crave. I know what to do this time, I know how I can be better. But the world won't let me show what I have learned, for I am to die. Marred by the liquid of life and touched by the sentence of death, my path will only lead to one thing.

I resent giving up Everett.

I resent my wolf being thrown into this.

I resent the moon for her part.

Gasping for a breath I smoother it all down. No, I cannot feel this right now, I shouldn't.

Closing my eyes I escape to the mindscape, to where my wolf resides. Petting her fur, I rest my head on her back and arms around her form. It isn't light or dark it just is. The mindscape just is, it's not a this or that. It's a mental representation of your wolf, of your bond, and connection. Many don't venture into the depths of the mind for its easy to get lost, but trust in your wolf and you'll never lose your way. The mind is powerful, fueled by thoughts and ideas, so if you will something to be within the mindscape, it surely will be.

It's a fickle place and to enter a shifter must have a good relationship with their wolf. And while it is a peaceful place, time isn't the same so it's easy to forget. Everyone needs to eat, eventually, the wolf will kick you out, survival.

A stray tear trickles down my cheeks and into Lily's fur. Her tail waves calmly as she stays with me.

She can feel my emotions, my thoughts, though some concepts are too complex and can only be understood by her through me. However, she can feel my distress, and she agrees on the fact that Everett is ours. Even if he can't be for much longer.

I look down to see Lily's paw resting over my hand. Settling, the let the waves of serenity wash over me, but unlike the last time, it doesn't engulf my world. I am not numb to what is going on, just toned down. The outside is on mute, to deeply have I sunk into the trance of the mindscape. It's hypnotic, though something fights it. Something stops me from going deeper into the meditation. I can feel my core, the twisting of something, shifting and turning. Whatever it is, my wolf and I are both connected, it helps us.

With every passing moment, Lily and I connect on this level. It's almost like my first shift, where I broke the wall that separated us. There is a sensation that I can only describe as twirling and awareness. Lily and I aren't two, we are one.

No longer do I see my wolf, her glorious multi-shaded pelt, with reds and browns shining. Instead, I see through her eyes, yet through my own as well. She understands the complexity of the situation and comforting waves radiate from us. We stay like this until the trance is broken. Torn away from the calming state, I'm thrust into reality.

My hands sting and a metallic scent drifts up. Looking down I realize I've cut my palms, my fingernails were digging in so harshly. The small crescent moons from the indentations are red, but just as quickly as they appear I watch the wound heal.

I'm not allowed to die. Even the smallest of wounds are healed before something could happen. I could stand myself and still I would be okay.

I am dangerous. I am dangerous because I'm not afraid to die.

Yes, I am afraid of what's after, I'm terrified. But death itself is the natural cycle, and I already know how I will take my last breath. I know how my last breath on earth is going to be.

I am dangerous because I cannot die until the requirements are met.

I run from what I know is coming. But running it temporarily delays the outcome. The pressure in the back of my head bares it nonexistent fangs as I try to examine it.

The curse is so deeply interwoven with my blood. Many shifters don't know what to make of cursed. Are they real? Are they not?

Cursed are uncommon. Normal shifters would never call upon Lua Lupa to bargain for a curse on their enemies. She works at her own pace, she has a steep price, and still, she most likely will not answer. The moon doesn't play with the chosen paths, she knows them.

The price one pays for a blessing is just as heavy as one pays for a curse. Unfortunately, both were bestowed upon me with repercussions that kill me.

If my curse wasn't my end, I feel I would go mad from my blessing.

I pick up a cup and dip it into the bowl. Drawing out the room temperature water I down it in one go. It dampens my throat, letting me take proper breaths again.

Maybe I should see if the pack members would trade some fabric and sewing materials or some parchment and ink would also do. I need to leave Everett with something. Remembering the wolf in my pack, that will be a nice present.

I pinch the bridge of my nose. The decorum of the pack confuses me greatly. How Whill was treated threw me off and how the females all seem to have such a variety of tasks. The males seem to respect them and vice versa. Axinla was easier to deal with. It's a healing pack, they are inherently different. Canee is like a hybrid between a healing pack and a regular pack. It makes my head spin.

My head hurts from trying to figure it out. I don't seem to comprehend it all. I've observed what I could, but what was taught overrides it.

Shaking Everett, he stirs in his sleep. Pulling the covers closer he tries to him. It's futile for I take away his blanket.

"Come Ev. Don't sleep the rest of the day away or you'll be up all night. We must go and find the kitchen for I want to eat something other than smoked meat today."

Everett rubs his eyes and I help him off the bed. Dressing him in his cloak and shoving his boots onto his feet, I do the same. The cloak drapes around my shoulder, and the shoes are snug.

Traipsing out, I follow the path I memorized. Back along the trail and down the edge of the heart of the pack.

Entering the pack house, I am guessing that the communal kitchen is in here somewhere. Following my nose, it leads me down a hall and through some double doors. Sure enough, I am met with a giant room. A long table in the and big stone countertops. The cupboards and drawers are of a dark shade of wood and the stoves seem to be crackling with life. It's very welcoming and warm, the whole atmosphere is nothing like the oppressive silence I've felt before.

Everett and I walk in a few more paces, the soft murmurs of voices inside. They don't seem to notice us or if they do they don't acknowledge it until we approach the table. The shifter points us to the communal pantry. "You must be the visitors! Feel free to look around."

Some of the others look a bit more reserved as they stay silent, eyes flickering from me to the pup at my side. I nod in return, "Thank you."

Looking through the shelves the pack seems very well stocked. Then again, I'm not surprised to see the Axinla's pack symbol on some of the goods. They seem to have a solid connection.

Some seasonings are in a glass vial while others are in small fabric pouches. There seems to be plenty as there are multiples of all of them. The glass must be expensive to trade for, but worth it, especially for delicate herbs. Shuffling through them, my fingers trail along them until I find the one I'm looking for. Nothing is labelled, but I can recognize the ones I need by sight or scent. Most are green herbs, though a few are flowers. The meats are in metal bowls with cloth coverings, they are kept cold by being placed on a windowsill.

Plucking five I slip them onto my apron. They said I could take what I wanted just to bring the pouches, viles, and any leftovers back. Apparently they save up all summer and spring to make their storage as big as possible. The last few items are a small thing of chicken, a pack of dried fruit, some tea leaves, butter, and a small container of preservatives.

"Would you like to pick something?" I look down at Everett. He nods eagerly, so I pick him up so he can see all of his options.

"That!" He points to a jar. Going closer I let him pick it up. It's a jar of what looks like a red jam.

"Is that what you want?" I take the jar from him and set it in the cloth to carry.

"Yes!" He claps his hands together.

Arriving back at the cabin, the fire is still going. It's nice and toasty, I'll just have to make sure to keep some logs dry in order to keep the fire roaring. Our wolves help, but even so, the nighttime can get real chilly. Might as well take advantage of this shelter.

I add a few more branches to keep the heat going. Everett goes into the bedroom with play with the matching game. While I taking out a pot to make a chicken broth, stirring in ingredients slowly. The cabin starts to fill with a certain familiarity, the air soaking up the smells.

A knock sounds.

~~~

Hey folks, I hope you are having a lovely day, and thank you for reading! Do you have a favourite character? Is there a specific reason you like them? Do you have a least favourite character? And is there a reason for that?

Lastly, for future reference, what kind of bonus content would you like to see? Please feel free to comment other options, but some ideas are: interviews with characters, deleted scenes/side stories, fun facts about the story/characters, what character are you (quiz), general AMA/Q&A.