Chapter 5 The Incident At The Hunt.

Days after my encounter, was the Annual hunt, a tradition that made everyone more competitive, was finally here. Eyes shining with anticipation, the wolves lined up close to the forest's edge.

It wasn't only the adventure of the chase that made me panic. I still had nightmares about the silver-eyed man, his wolves, and the feeling of having to make a decision soon. However, I was unable to think about any of that today. I had to focus on proving myself today.

Daisy, hey! I was brought out of my thoughts by Rowan's voice. His eyes were sparkling, and he was smiling. Are you joining the search?

In an effort to convey confidence, I nodded. Of course!

Rowan looked skeptical as he raised an eyebrow. Okay, then. Take care not to fall behind. Before changing into his sleek dark brown wolf form, he let out a brief chuckle.

I looked around and took a deep breath. Dahlia stood in front, next to Markus, the Alpha's son and our father. Her honey-blonde fur sparkled in the early morning sun, giving her a fierce and prepared appearance. Already, I could hear her voice in my head, challenging me to keep up.

Daisy, you can do this, I told myself. Only Focus.

The murmurs were cut off by the father's voice. This hunt is more than just sport. Strength, skill, and devotion to our pack are put to the test. Keep working together, keep your mind sharp, and may the best wolf succeed."

He then transformed into a wolf and let out a powerful howl, announcing the beginning of the hunt. In a blur of fur and teeth, the pack charged forward. I shifted and jumped into the forest, feeling the adrenaline rush of the hunt. The trees obscured as I attempted to keep up, pushing my muscles harder than any time in recent memory.

Naturally, Dahlia and Markus led, but I stayed close and refused to fall behind. The sound of our thunderous paws sent deer, wild boar, and even smaller animals running away, filling the air with the scent of their prey.

Dahlia gave me a sudden glance back, and her eyes locked onto mine. She had something in her eye that could have been a challenge or even a warning. She then veered to the left, darting down a narrow path that deviated from the pack without making eye contact.

My instincts told me to stay with the others, so I hesitated. However, curiosity compelled me. What's she doing? Trying to keep up with her speed, I veered off after her.

"Dahlia!" My call reverberated through the trees.

She didn't respond; instead, she kept running faster, almost as if she was trying to lose me on purpose. As the branches whirled by, scratching my sides, I pushed harder, my heart beating faster. I was getting closer and closer to her.

She suddenly came to a halt and turned to face me as we emerged from the dense forest into a small clearing. Her eyes were icy and her expression was hard to read.

How come you're following me? Her low, threatening voice demanded.

To catch my breath, I stopped. Why did you leave the group?

She lowered her pupils. Daisy, maybe I don't want you here.

"Why?" Keeping my voice steady, I inquired. Do you have anything to hide?"

She quickly covered up a flash of something, possibly fear, in her eyes. You completely know nothing about this. Simply return to the group.

I felt a surge of rebellion and shook my head. I won't go anywhere.

She clenched her jaw, moved in closer, and her eyes lit up with rage. Fine. However, keep out of my way.

We both turned in response to a sudden noise before I could respond. My blood turned to ice as I heard a low, threatening growl echo throughout the clearing. A massive, unknown wolf with dark, unnatural gray fur and eerie, strange-looking eyes emerged from the shadows.

Dahlia became rigid and fixed her attention on the wolf. She said in an extremely low voice , "You shouldn't be here."

I could feel the wolf's hostility like a tangible force as it snarled and shifted its gaze between us. Taking a step back, Dahlia's eyes widened.

"What is it?" Fear tightening my throat, I said in a low voice.

Dahlia didn't answer. In contrast, she sunk to the ground, tightened her muscles, and prepared to fight. However, the odd wolf's eyes appeared to be drawn to me, as though it recognized me. I wanted to run, but my heart raced, and I couldn't move my legs.

Dahlia said, trembling, "Daisy" through clenched teeth. Get away from here.

"I... I can't simply leave you," I stammered, however all aspects of me needed to run.

The wolf took a step in my direction and let out a low, rumbling growl. Dahlia abruptly jumped forward, situating herself among me and the animal.

"Daisy, hurry! Now!" She yelled in a violent voice.

But I couldn't move. My skin started to itch as the wolf fixed its intense gaze on me while I was frozen in place. The look of familiarity resembling a memory eluded me.

"Why is it starring at me so intently?" I grumbled.

Without looking at the wolf, Dahlia growled. Daisy, as it is more than just a wolf. It stands as a warning.

"A warning?" Unable to comprehend her, I repeated.

Before she could respond, the bizarre wolf attacked her. Dahlia snarled as she met it in midair and heard a sickening crunch as their bodies collided. As they fell to the ground, their claws and fur became a blur. While Dahlia fought, her strength and skill were evident, the wolf was unrelenting, snapping at her with deadly precision. I watched in horror as she fought.

I simply could not remain there. I had to do something. I shifted as my senses became more acute and my own claws became longer. Without thinking, I jumped forward, aiming for the strange wolf's exposed side.

"Daisy, hold off!" Dahlia yelled, but the time had passed.

When I bit into the wolf's shoulder with my teeth, it howled in an ear-splitting way. It perplexed me, and I landed hard, the effect shaking through me. My vision blurred as I stumbled to my feet, but Dahlia was already on her feet and launching an attack..

I felt a chill descend upon me. But... how do I accomplish that?"

Dahlia shook her head, tears streaming down her face. Daisy, I'm not sure. But if you don't, this pack known as "our family" will perish.

Her heavy and final words floated in the air. Everything that had happened, from the strange dreams to the man, the wolves, and now this creature, all pointed to something larger and more perilous, and I was in the middle of it all.

"But I don't know where to start,"

She stared at me, but I couldn't look at her face. Then you must prepare for it because I won't be there to protect you again.

She turned and left, leaving me alone in the woods.