She had come, only to leave so soon after.

The brown-haired female dips her quill into the jet black ink. Tapping it against the rim, before touching it to the parchment. She hesitates a moment too long and it started to blot. Picking it up again, she tries to formulate what she should say.

A small wooden flower lies on the desk and she runs her fingers over the small figure. The petals are defined, and the stem delicate; it still smells of her.

Nya'dein takes a deep breath, quelling the sadness that wants to take root. The moment her sister was killed, the moment Opalescence had taken off, was the moment the Alpha and the Beta—their father—had banished her. She would not step foot on this territory and leave it alive. No one spoke of Opal, except in strange, hushed whispers. Nya'dein knew that they were purposefully kept away from their family; her father thought it was best.

Their mother seemed to be taking the news well, but Nya'dein hears more than most thought. Her mind a sharp one, when not clouded by the rules and restrictions of the pack.

Once upon a time she fought. When her sister was too young to remember Nya'dein had been determined to do what she wanted in life. But it was broken, taught out of her. No, they needed her to be the perfect child, to be an example for her siblings.

A tear drips down the side of her face and Nya'dein brushes it away quickly. The scent of salt would be too strong if she left them flow. Don't cry, Nya'dein. He can always smell it. And it isn't becoming either. Her mother taught her to put away her tears, to dry them up, and not to let them come out. She was right too.

Nya'dein sighs, leaning against the back of the chair heavily. The last of the siblings, the oldest of them.

Opalescence killed and Seliek dead.

Putting the pen down to the parchment again, she starts to write out her letter. Everett was what Opal had called the pup. She had said the name with fondness, yet such a tangible sadness as well.

A creek has Nya'dein pausing, her eyes trained towards her door, and her ears focusing in. Her wolf creeps up softly to lend a hand, but it goes quiet again. They are still asleep.

What would one say in a letter like this? How do you tell a pup that someone is dead? Nya'dein simply didn't know the answers, wishing that Opalescence was still alive so this wouldn't be necessary. Yet when Opal had pleaded with her to run from the pack to where the pup was, she has declined. A burning desire told her to go, but she felt chained to the pack. Her whole life was spent here, she had never been away. Simply no need. The pack is protection, it's a lifeline that keeps those in it safe.

The forest outside is many shades of green. Even in the night, the moon's light casts a luminous glow, and the leaves sway in the wind. A feeling of discomfort rises beneath her skin and it's only practice that keeps Nya'dein from scratching at it. She wants to let it out. She wants to let her out, but can't.

It isn't proper, it's not the right time. Her wolf cannot be free, she must keep her skin on until the full moon appears. The day of the full moon is the designated day to let their fur out; just for a little while.

It sometimes hurts to corner her wolf within, keep her tied up. The little freedom they have is treasured and the wolf is always eagerly awaiting the moon's appearance. Night is her time; Nya'dein allow her wolf to enhance her senses and to quiet her steps. But both couldn't go against their Alpha or their father. They tell us to wait to shift and so they must. Their word is law and to survive it must be abided by.

They hold all the power.

The words on the parchment seem so menial to Nya'dein. Even if she did finish, to send this to a pack called Axinla would be near impossible with nothing to bargain with. Besides, the traders won't stop in the pack for another few moons.

Holding the paper by the edge, she brings it near the candle. The flames catches, licking at the material as it burns. It starts to crumble to ash and more and more is eaten up to keep the fire alive. Nya'dein gathers the ashes into her hand and throws them out the window. They scatter in the winds, it is all destroyed. She places the quill and ink back where they always are.

Only two things remain on the desk as decorations; a little wooden flower and a pebble. The surface is smooth and a pretty grey colouration. Three lines circle it, going all the way around. Nya'dein can still see a young Seliek going up to her while grinning. He held it out and pointed at it proudly. He had declared it was a gift, telling his big sister that there was a ring on it for each of them.

A gift from each sibling.

***

The arrival of a group of pack wolves has everything taking a turn for the worst. The once calm conversation turns heated, as the female in the fur pulls back her lips and growls. Unimpressed at the things the newcomers add to the conversation.

"You all should come join my new pack. My Alpha would love to have you all." The one male who says this, looks us all over, the aura of superiority thick, like a cloud around him. Eyeing the females, I catch his gaze, and bare my teeth; Lily flashing in my eyes. Pointing at me and the she-wolf he announces, "See, this is why packs are needed. To keep them in line."

"I think you need to be kept in line," a brown-haired male growls out. "Coming into this Ne'mains and disrupting our peace."

The others nod in agreement. "Watch it pack wolf. You and your friends."

"Packless." The word is spit out, as another pack wolf speaks up. They both wear scowls, unhappy at this showing of power that they are losing. Gain status in the pack and all of a sudden they think they can tell everyone what to do. Let this be a lesson to them.

"Packless, but happier," I say, watching their movement closely.

"Our Alpha would treat you well." They completely ignore what I have to say.

Meeting their stares with my own, I bring Lily forwards. I watch in satisfaction as their gaze is practically forced down by their own wolves—they understand what we are, they also understand power. "I think you should leave. You are causing agitation."

I can see shifters chancing their stances, ready to move. Others subtly shove their belongings into bags and gravitate closer to their companions. My eyes dart around as I work on the best route. The night is like a blanket of darkness and the foliage could provide even more cover. If they by chance come after me, it would give me time. Maybe even getting into the branches, though then I'd have to focus even harder on keeping Lily present with me while jumping. No, not ideal, but a useful trick. Keep my scent off the ground and my movements more concealed.

Don't move yet. Wait for the chaos, then leave in the madness.

The arrogance that comes off in waves sickens me. The blatant ignorance of what they suggest or the simple fact that they don't care hurts. They seem to believe, so mightily that pack life is better than what the rest of us have. Showing off that they have something many of us never even got to be apart of. I'm not the only one tired of their dronings.

"There is nothing for you here." A Solus stands up, motioning to the rest of us. "We are here for what the space is meant to be used for. You have no business here."

"Be quiet, you're just a submissive," the pack wolf sneers.

The green eyes of the Solus that stood up flickers with scrutiny. "You are no Alpha, not even a beta."

The pack wolves bristle, all four snapping their teeth in a threatening manner. Apparently, they didn't like our insults or the fact that we fought back. Too bad for them, Solus tend to be rebellious when it comes to pack wolves making demands. Dominance though it matters still and holds sway in our behaviour, sometimes we must fight the urge to either fight or submit in order to survive. A pack has a bunch of wolves to back up the ranking... Solus have just themselves. There is a reason that lone wolves don't tend to be high rankings.

They hold influence.

"Let's go, Kyn. Alpha wouldn't want these mongrels anyways." The small pack snickers at us, their eyes glint in the dim lighting just looking for a challenge. The strong presence of their wolves triggers the instincts of shifters around to surge forward.

The fire burns low with no one feeding it anymore. We are all focused on these intruders who think they can just come prancing in and disrupt our peace. The Ne'mains have rules, unsaid expectations that shift with each visit. No one set is the same for each area is different and shifters come and go. But if you mean to trade, gather news, or rest then you learn quickly and obey the rules.

The Solus are antsy. They don't want to be here, it's getting on time to go. Don't anger a pack; if you do, run. You can't outnumber them, but if you run long enough then most likely they won't follow. Unwilling tp go too far from their territory. If you are unlucky then the Alpha may send a group to track you down, but a few are always easier than a whole pack. I would know.

When I escaped my pack, I knew that I had to leave. Lilithia pushed me to get far away, and so we ran like the wind. She tore through my skin and pushed me into fur, which probably saved my life. Though unused to the feeling and form, Lily took over. Followed by a group sent to track me, the adrenaline surges kept us going, and constantly on the move until we were sure they had given up.

"Leave us in peace." I motion with a flick of my hand in the direction they should leave.

I can feel their glares, but I keep my stance dismissive. Their anger permeates the area and I know they are fuelled by what they see as a lowly female talking back. It is almost amusing, though I must remember that everyone else could get injured as well.

"Come with us, female," Kyn, the leader of this group, snaps. Everything about him reeks like he's been rolling in scavenger meals—carcasses that have been sitting out in the hot humid days.

"No thanks." I school my features to be a blank slate. Don't let them have any leverage, give nothing away. "I am going to meet my family."

It's been long enough, we've all known this wasn't going to end without bloodshed. Someone was going to spill blood and others would follow. Kyn and his group shift, tearing their clothing to shreds. It's fairly quick, as their bodies morph, and reform. Many Solus shake off their clothing in a hurry, their wolves leaping to get into the fur.

The female is the first to attack, she is quick, her claws slashing as she stays just out of reach. Attack, retreat. The pack wolves are outnumbered. They are skilled though, having been carefully trained. Many of the lone wolves have been born that way, never having gotten that chance, but instincts are strong. Honed by the days spent in the fur, being more acquainted with our wolves then pack members normally are. We rely on them to survive the harsh winters, the hunting season, even travelling can be easier when on four paws. Learning to trust our wolves is a lesson that can save a shifter.

I feel the ache growing stronger again. It wants me to leave, head towards my old pack. The night is still at its peak, the moonlight dims beneath the leafy canopy. Lily whines, nudging me to follow the invisible thread that ties me to my fate.

Standing, I move backwards, by eyes keenly aware of the shifters. Snapping of jaws and the exchange of growls, followed by a metallic stench has me on the move. The pack wolves will learn. We value the respite the Ne'mains give us, follow the rules, and don't cause trouble. Ducked away from the fray I try and slip away. My shift would be too slow with Lily so weak.

One pack wolf rises up on his hind legs to come crashing down on one of his opponents. I can feel the target painted onto me. I'm vulnerable. The only female here without a group, but I don't need it. My path has been laid and the price must be paid.

A life for a life.

Still, I don't want the pain. I don't want them to get their hands on me. I know where I need to go and I won't let them delay me any longer. This was supposed to be my rest for the night, apparently not.

Hunger starts to gnaw at me promising to keep me awake if I don't forage before I slumber. Weaving between the trees, the ground is hard under my feet. Rocks and twigs are hidden in the soil, covered by plants. At the start, I may have winced, glad for my shoes, but now it gives me more perception. The soles of my feet are used to the rough terrain and Lily basks at being closer to nature.

I'm not scared. They chase, but they don't pursue; I'm too much work. It's sad to see the pathetic amount of energy they put in because one female isn't worth that much. Though at the same time I am grateful at how little they care, it makes it easier to escape.

I don't know how I know this way is right, but it just feels right. I know that this is the way back to my old home. No, it's not still home. My home is with Everett, that blessed little pup, but the longer I stay, denying the consequences, the harder it is. I could fight or give in, it is all the same for the price will be paid. For Everett I will die, breaking our mindlink, and at last, closing my eyes.

I nibble on some plants, not wanting to hunt in the night. Away from the camp, the air is cleaner, not oppressive as no other aura but mine permeates the area. Throughout travelling, I've come to enjoy the solitude. The liberation of having no expectations placed on me by others around me. It's easier to ignore the nagging of my mother in my mind and to forget the rules engraved into my mind. The forest is breathing with energy, even at night, it is thrumming with life. The creatures of the night are active, surviving in the lush forest.

There are so many plants that I can pick and choose what I would prefer. There is no concern about taking too much. Each step brings something new, though my forehead starts to throb. Brushing it off, I keep going. It's probably just hunger or thirst—I know it's not true.

Swinging up onto a branch, I decide to scale a tree. The leaves make it a bit harder to see around but I feel safer. Off the ground and out of the immediate sight and scent of others is relieving. My instincts still prefer it, even if an encounter with another won't kill me. Hide in the background and don't get noticed until you want to strike.

Tapping the bough to test its strength, I smile to myself when it doesn't sway. Setting my bag down, I climb high as to stick my head out at the top. Looking over the expanse in the dark the tops of the trees around are highlighted. The moon's rays touch my skin and it feels strange; neither good nor bad, it just is. My feelings clash at the sight of her symbol, shining bright overhead.

Wincing, I descend down to my chosen branch and lean against the trunk. Sleep starts to drag at me, trying to claim me into its folds. Huddling closer into my cloak, the blanket of security it provides is comforting.

The ache in my temple starts to press harder, demanding something I don't want to give it. My eyes slide shut as I focus on the pressure, it's throbbing matching the beat of the forest. It's inescapable, pulsating through my blood and down to my bones. My very being feels alive and one with nature, like I am fading into it. No longer Redaliya, but a part of a whole, an intricate system woven together delicately. Made to survive the greatest of hardships, yet to still be able to rebuild and adapt itself.

It is soothing. It resonates with a deeper level, calming a pain I didn't realize was still there. The darkness seems to vibrate or maybe that's just me. I can't tell what is real and what is in my mind.

Soon, the balance will be struck again. Over and over it will tip. Again and again, it will be fixed.

~~~

Fractured Red has reached 5k reads and I appreciate everyone who has given this story a chance! Thank you! 

I'm not sure what to do to celebrate, but I have been thinking of some side stories that don't appear in FR--whether it's of a side character or an event in a different POV. If you have any suggestions for side stories you'd like to see or if there is any other content (Q&A, deleted scenes, character quizzes, etc.) you want, I'd love to take them into consideration.

~Violet<3