If I have to spend another day in this hotel room, I'm going insane. Virginia's feet were killing her. They were twice their normal size and a constant source of agony. Her swollen baby that gave the impression that she was carrying triplets put so much pressure on her legs and back that even the most mundane of activities seemed like an Olympic trial. Her breasts were so comically large for her tiny frame she had to stop and laugh at herself. Eat your heart out Dolly Parton. She was already in her second, and final, month of her pregnancy, and if she were perfectly honest this baby could not come quickly enough. She took propped her feet up on some pillows and rubbed her belly praying for a moment without a human being sitting on her internal organs. As she lay on the couch she contemplated the last few months. Since Virginia couldn't work, what with her belly growing at an ungodly rate, Wolf decided he would go out and get some work. He was now working as the head chef at a small restaurant next to Central Park. And honestly what other job could be more suitable for a wolf.
Wolf strode across the room and went into a deep bow before Virginia. She chuckled as he cupped her face and kissed her soundly on the lips, then bent down and placed a kiss on her belly.
"I have an idea, why don't we have a date tonight?"
"That's really sweet Wolf, but I don't think I really feel like going out anywhere tonight."
"Who says we have to go anywhere? I'll arrange for a 'rrromantic' evening here in our room" Virginia couldn't help but laugh at the way Wolf made exaggerated hand gestures, and rolled his r's whenever he said words like romantic.
"I will arrange a beautiful dinner, better than the one we had in Kissing Town." He was grinning from ear to ear as proposed a wonderful romantic day for them to enjoy before Virginia went into labor.
"Sounds wonderful, I'm sure it will be perfect." Virginia smiled and kissed Wolf on his cheek, giggling when the wiry hair of his bread tickled her face.
"Sorry dear, I'll be sure to shave before our romantic dinner tonight. Now, you have to leave"
And with that, Virginia was being guided out the door by a very determined Wolf. Before she could even ask a single question as to his plans, Wolf led Virginia to the door where two elegantly dressed concierge attendants were waiting to take her down to the spa.
Virginia went into a dressing room, took of her long dress and wrapped herself in a thick white cotton robe. As she walked into the massage room, a plump, red-faced woman smiled brightly at her and helped her on to a very funny looking couch. The couch had a large curve in the middle that Virginia's belly could fit into. As Virginia laid her head down, the woman began to massage non-scented lotion onto Virginia's lower back, hips, and thighs; she reminded herself that she really had to thank her wonderful husband when she saw him again tonight. The couch was surprisingly comfortable, with lilac and white pillows scattered all around to help support Virginia's hips, shoulders, neck, and back. The kind woman would help Virginia adjust positions every so often, trying to keep her on her side as much as possible.
With the massage over, the concierge came and told her it was time for the next part of her relaxation day. Virginia was led to a clothing boutique. She felt slightly uncomfortable surrounded by so many decadent designer gowns, most of which she could never afford in a lifetime with her salary. Virginia could hear the sound of heels walking against the tile floor and saw two very thin women in black pencil skirts and matching smart black blazers. Both of the women gave Virginia a smile as they approached.
After a few hours, and hundreds of dresses, Virginia thought she had found the perfect one. She actually felt like Snow White or Cinderella. The long flowing chiffon gown was in a deep red color and had an empire waist with intricate gold treading. With the gown picked out Virginia was then taken to the salon where the stylists decided to curl her still quite short hair and used bobby pins to twist and tuck pieces of her hair, forming a crown around her head. The stylist then placed camellias and pink orchids throughout her hair. Never one for wearing makeup, Virginia opted to wear only a little black mascara and a red lip stain. After all the primping and pampering, it was time to meet Wolf for their date. She was escorted back to her by the floor valet, feeling a little silly walking around the halls of the hotel in such a formal gown. She looked every bit like a princess going to the ball to meet her Prince. She knocked on the door and was greeted by a very handsome Wolf. He was dressed in a classic black tuxedo; his thick black hair sleeked back, and a large wolfish grin plastered on his clean shaven face. "Wow! Huff, puff Virginia! You look…"
"Like a princess?" She leaned and kissed Wolf on the lips. As she entered the room she couldn't help but smile as Wolf's eyes followed every sway of her hips as she moved. Maybe this was the best idea Wolf has had yet. Virginia finally took in the care and detail he had put into decorating their suite. The lights were dimmed and beautiful candles, scented with lavender and honey, of all shapes and sizes illuminated the room. The whole suite seemed to shine with an ethereal golden light. Flowers and petals decorated the entire suite; some were in beautiful arrangements on the tables, counter, and shelves while others were simply scattered on the carpet and bed. The dining table, set with golden dinner plates, silverware, and goblets, had a large floral centerpiece in the middle, with small candles surrounding it.
"Wolf! This is beautiful! Did you do all this yourself?"
"Yes, do you really like it Virginia? I had some help from the man in the kitchens and the flowers were all suggestions from a florist in the hotel."
Virginia turned and kissed Wolf on the lips again, it was chaste yet there was so much love and appreciation in this one simple act. Wolf guided Virginia to the table and helped pull her chair out before sitting down himself. They enjoyed a wonderful 20 course meal, filled with cheese, fruits, soup, steak, fish, potatoes, vegetables, bread, sorbets, cakes, tarts, and pies. Wolf kept his eyes on Virginia the entire evening, gently holding her hand and occasionally placing a hand on her belly, using his thumb to slowly, gently caress her throughout the night.
"Oh, I have one more surprise! I almost forgot!" Wolf jumped out of his chair and ran to the desk in the living room.
"It's not another singing ring is it?" Although Virginia loved her ring it could be annoying after a while, so much so she had to keep it in a box on the mantle so no one would ever hear it.
"I taught the ring a new song. I heard it on a movie that I was watching today, but I changed the words a little bit. Go ahead little guy, just like we rehearsed." Wolf took out the little ring and placed it in front of Virginia. The soft pink pearl looked up at Virginia with its big googly eyes, gave her a shy coquettish smile and began to sing. Virginal half laughed and half cried as the ring began to sing Heaven's Light from the Hunchback of Norte Dame. The ring finished its song and Virginia couldn't help but cry into her napkin. She gave Wolf a watery smile as Wolf wiped her cheek. Virginia was so moved by all his hard work and attention. She was reminded of his words to her in the forest, 'I will always catch you. And If I miss for any reason, I'll sit by your beside and nurse you back to health.'
She leaned her face close to his their mouths only a few inches apart, their breaths synchronizing as they closed the gap between them…
How I long to linger
On your sweetheart's finger…
"Ok that's enough out of you!" Wolf closed the ring box again before the ring could continue.
Virginia walked to the record player and ran her fingers across the selection of music. She decided on a classic and began to play Etta James At Last. Smiling at Wolf she made the best curtsy that she was capable of and held out her hand to Wolf. He took her small hand in his and the music washed over them softly as they glided across the room.
Wolf twirled Virginia around the room, and she couldn't help but giggle at how utterly perfect the moment seemed, despite the occasionally pang of some unfamiliar feeling in her stomach. She finally remembered what she had been meaning to ask Wolf since earlier this morning.
"Wolf, what do all these flowers mean?"
"Well, the snapdragons mean desire, the red rose means love," Wolf made sure to roll and extended the syllables in 'love' to give it that dramatic effect. "The amaryllis and stock are tributes to your splendid and everlasting beauty. The purple lilacs mean first love and the primrose means that I cannot live without you."
"And what about these ones, the ones you wanted me to put in my hair?"
"The pink orchids mean pure affection, and the camellias mean devotion."
Virginia looked up at her Wolf. How could she have ever doubted this man? She never used to believe in fairytales, but with Wolf she was finally able to find the true love that she was always searching for. With Wolf, she could just let go, and sink into this blissful insanity called love, trusting that she was completely safe with her Wolf. Wolf placed his lips on Virginia's lips, when suddenly Virginia recoiled hissing in a sharp intake of breath. Wolf's eyes widened in fear but his fangs and claws prepared to defend her from any pain. Virginia was doing her best to keep her breathing under control, but every time she tried to stand up straight or take a deep breath she was shattered by blinding pain. It felt like someone was sitting on her chest, she couldn't breathe properly.
Virginia gripped onto the table as she lowered herself onto the floor, unable to stand any longer. Wolf ran to the phone and called down to the front desk requesting an ambulance. The next 20 minutes were the longest of both Wolf's and Virginia's life. Wolf tried his best to keep Virginia calm, but she was burning up and sweat was pouring down her face. He kept putting cool cloths on her head. When the ambulance finally arrived, Wolf carried Virginia to the downstairs lobby and into the ambulance. Within a few hours, Virginia was in the delivery room in blinding pain while Wolf paced back and forth wringing his hands to keep from pulling his own hair out. The doctor was trying her best to calm Virginia, but it was nearly impossible to even hear the woman over Virginia's screams and hard breathing. Virginia ground her teeth together. She tried to gather all the strength she had left to control her push. Sweat dripped down her face, her hands clenched the bars on her bed. Her eyes shut tight and teeth gnashed together as she desperately tried to push her baby out. After a few more pushes, Virginia could breathe a sigh of relief. She had given birth to her baby boy. She her baby's cry for the first time and heart understood that from this moment on, she was a different person. The nurses all gave their congratulations as they cleaned the newborn. Virginia smiled as Wolf made his way over and held her in his arms. It was time to give him his name. Virginia decided on Aiden, the Irish name meaning little fire.
After the baby was cleaned, the nurses gave him to Virginia and left them alone for their first bonding and feeding. Wolf wrapped his arms around Virginia's shoulders and watched as Virginia picked up their little boy and cradled him to her breast. She cooed and spoke softly to her son, but he never opened his eyes or even responded to her. It was then that she realized something was not quite right with Aiden.
"Wolf, I think something is wrong!" Of course she thought to herself, her 'happy ever after' never lasted long.
"What do you mean Virginia?" Wolf was genuinely confused by his wife's reaction.
"The baby, he's not opening his eyes, he's not responding… it's like he can't even hear me" Virginia began scanning her son, checking for any abnormalities.
"Well of course he can't hear you, Virginia! He won't even open his eyes for at least three weeks. Wolf pups are born deaf and blind."
Virginia stared her open wide, tears building in her eyes. Wolf placed a hand on her shoulder and rubbed in small circular motions until she began to relax.
"Listen Virginia," Wolf took Virginia's small hand and held it, trying to give her some comfort, "for the first two weeks the pup will not really be able to see or hear. All he will really need is to be held and feed four to five times a day. After those two weeks are over, he will open his eyes, he still won't have perfect vision, but he will be able to see. He will also be able to hear, growl, howl, run, walk, and do all those other little things that cute little pups his age do…"
Virginia tried to remain calm as she imagined wolf running around the fields with a little baby howling up at the sky together, she didn't whether to laugh or cry.
"Wait Wolf, you said two weeks, how will he be able to run or walk?"
"Wolf pups grow much faster than human babies do after two weeks he will look to be about 3 to 7 years old. Now the third, fourth, and fifth weeks are the most important to a young pup. This is when his hearing and eyesight becomes perfect. He'll be a true wolf then. He'll start to eat our food and be able to learn how to take care of himself. By this time he'll look to be about 12 to 15 years old."
"Wait, five weeks and my son will be a teenager! How long does it take for a wolf to become an adult?"
"Well the teenage years are the hardest, and the longest period in a young wolf's life. They last for about five years, and then the little will finally be a man!" Wolf puffed out his chest with a sense of pride, imagining his son becoming an alpha male. Virginia on the other hand was heartbroken.
"So that's it. Five years is all I will have with my son before he's considered an adult and leaves us," Virginia looked down at the small bundle sleeping in her arms. Twenty years would have been too short a time to raise her son, but five years! The thought of only really having her son for five years broke her.
Virginia went numb. How could she contemplate only having a few years with her child? Virginia watched her son suckling at her breast and tried to imagine that this little boy would all too soon be a tall strong man within a few years, just like his father. It was then that Virginia realized that in all the time she had known Wolf, she never really discovered a lot about his family. Of course she knew that they were murdered, burned to death by villagers, but what were they like?
Wolf stayed there answering all the questions Virginia had about their baby, how fast he will grow, will he change into a wolf, will he have a hunger like the other wolves she had always heard off. They talked for hours until Virginia finally succumbed to exhaustion.
Wolf walked over to the chair in the room and put his black tux jacket back on and decided to head back to the hotel to pick up some clothes for Virginia and the baby. He kissed Virginia on the lips and then bent to kiss little Aiden on the forehead.
Virginia awoke with a start. She had seen the dragon again, standing on top of the abandoned icy mountain. She looked down to see Aiden asleep in her arms. She nestled him closer to her and felt peaceful. As she rocked him back and forth she heard birds were singing and chirping outside the hospital window, which the nurse had mercifully left open just a crack to let a little fresh air into the room. As she listened to melodic twinkling chimes, she realized that she could understand the bird's words.
"Please let me in"
Virginia vividly recalled that melodic voice. She recognized the magical birds that she saved from the gypsies, the same birds that once saved her life from the huntsman. Virginia slowly got out of the bed and made her way to the window, still holding on to little Aiden.
"Hello Virginia, your father sent us to come and get you. You have to come back with us. The 9 kingdoms really are in a lot of trouble."
"What's happened? Is my father alright?"
"He is trapped inside Wendell's palace. The kingdoms are at war. You have to come with us."
"What's going on?"
"There is no time. We have to leave now."
"I can't leave without Wolf. Can you find him for me? He's at the Ritz-Carlton hotel."
One of the birds chirped his agreement and left to go find Wolf.
"Come! We have to leave." The other birds chirped in unison.
"I can't just walk out of the hospital like this!" Virginia pointed down at the hospital gown and small baby in her arms.
"We'll distract everyone. You have to go out the door quickly. We'll be right behind you"
With that the birds went out of the room and into the hall. Virginia placed Aiden down on the bed and then went into the stall in her room and put the red gown she had been wearing the previous night back on. She picked up Aiden and waited for a sign from her little friends. Suddenly she heard screams from the patients and nurses on the floor. The birds had gone into the patient rooms a few halls down and began knock over dinner trays, and pull cords and plugs from the walls. The snatched key cards from doctors and pecked at every nurse and attending they could see. After the hall began to empty, Virginia slipped out of the room and headed toward the elevators. She reached the first floor and made her way toward the front doors. As she left the hospital, her little friends flew out the open window in her room and made their way toward Virginia.
"Follow us" They sang.
Virginia moved as fast as she could down the hospital walkway, across the road, and on toward Central Park.
Where are you Wolf?
Wolf had reached the Ritz-Carlton hotel without incident. As he began to throw Virginia's clothes and engagement ring into a backpack, he heard a familiar chirping noise. A bird flew in and stopped in front him,
"I came from Virginia. You have to come back to the 9 kingdoms."
"Huff puff, where's Virginia?"
"She's in the park. We have a way to go back to the kingdom. Follow me"
Wolf was about to leave when a big abrupt knock came at the door.
"Who is it?" cried Wolf.
"Security, Mr. Wolfson. Can you open the door please?"
"Ah cripes." Wolf looked outside the window, wondering if he could survive another big drop. He survived the last time Virginia had pushed him out the window, maybe he would be that lucky again. This time however there was nothing but concrete bellow him, and he was much higher of the ground.
Wolf decided he would have to make a run for it. Wolf went to the door and opened it, flashing a big wolfish grin at the burly security officer. "Hello sir, what seems to be the problem?"
The officer informed him that there was no reservation for any Mr. Wolfson and that he and Virginia would have to come in for questioning. Wolf reached into his pocket and pulled a small green gem. He held it in front of the security officer. As the man began to look at the gem, the gem began to crack like an egg and thick purple smoke began to billow out from the stone. As the man began to cough and choke on the smoke, Wolf pushed past the man and sprinted down the hall. As he came to the elevators, he was stopped by two more security officers. The men began to approach Wolf. All Wolf could think was his poor sweet Virginia, running in Central Park alone with his son. The beast began to come out in him. His eyes turned into a golden whiskey color, his nail began to sharpen, the muscles in his legs, chest, back, and arms began to coil and expand, and his fangs began to sharpen. Wolf lunged at the legs of one of the guards, knocking him to the ground. He hit the man with such a force that the officer hit his head against the tile floor, instantly knocked unconscious. The second officer jumped on top of Wolf's back and wrapped his arm around Wolf's neck. Wolf stood up, lifting the officer off the ground as though he weighed nothing and slammed the man against the wall of the hotel. The officer slumped down to the floor as Wolf made his way to the stairs. Wolf ran down the stairs jumping and leaping over the railing a few times until he made his way down to the ground floor. He weaved around the marble columns and groups of people in the lobby until finally he was out the door. The birds were waiting for him and led him into the park where Virginia was waiting.
As Virginia and Aiden finally came to the part of the forest where the portal was open waiting for her, she looked around trying to find Wolf. She could hear the familiar sounds of police sirens in the distance, seemingly coming closer and closer towards the park. Virginia couldn't help but think of Wolf, after all, the last time she was in this position, her father was being chased by police for armed robbery. As she stood there waiting, Aiden began to stir in her arms, whining and whimpering just like his father. She looked across the grassy knoll to see a figure in the distance coming toward her. The birds chirped, "He's coming, he's coming!" Wolf came bounding across the park toward, moving unbelievably quickly. The relief and joy Virginia felt was quickly followed by fear and apprehension when she saw police chasing after Wolf. As he got closer to his family Wolf yelled out to Virginia, "Go through the mirror now! I'll be right behind you! Go"
Virginia stepped through the portal with Aiden, and felt that familiar pull deep in her belly and a falling sensation as she and Aiden fell through one mirror after another. After travelling through, Virginia felt pushed forward out of the mirror and back onto solid ground. She lost her balance momentarily, felling unbelievably weak and light-headed and fell right into the arms of her dad, Tony.
"Virginia! Are you ok?" Tony looked his daughter over checking for any wounds.
Virginia wrapped her arm around her father's neck and pulled him in for a hug, being careful with baby. Tony's eyes finally fell on the little bundle in Virginia's arms. Tony couldn't quite get the words out; he couldn't help but just stare at the small boy being cradled by his mother.
"Dad, this is your grandson, Aiden." Virginia held up Aiden, offering him up for Tony to hold. Tony reached and picked up Aiden, a huge proud smile spreading across his face. It took a few moments for Tony to realize that Aiden's eyes weren't open, yet the little baby wasn't asleep.
"Is he ok? He won't look at me"
"Wolf says that wolf pups are born deaf and blind, but it only lasts for about two weeks."
"Wolf? Where is he?" It was then that Wolf appeared through the mirror as well. He stepped through, followed by the birds, and then quickly closed the portal to prevent any others from following behind him. He was red and huffing and puffing from all the running he had just done. It took him a while to finally settle down enough for him to realize that Virginia and the baby had made it safely. He began to check her and Aiden for injuries, just the same way Tony had done. Once sure that they were safe Wolf began to kiss her repeatedly as though he didn't believe that she was truly alright. Tony coughed loudly, trying to control himself from pulling that wolf off his daughter. Wolf turned toward the sound of the cough, and saw Tony standing there, "Tony! How are you grandpa?" Wolf ran up to him and gave him a big hug.
Tony rolled his eyes and grimaced but allowed Wolf to hug him anyway. "I'm fine, thank you. What did you do to my daughter, she looks like a mess."
"Oh thanks Dad!" Virginia couldn't take too much umbrage though. She had seen better days. Her dress was torn and dirty, her hair was unwashed and knotted resembling a bird nest, and she looked very pale and tired.
"I didn't mean it like that…." he said trying to pacify his daughter before turning to Wolf, "But you were supposed to take care of her!"
"Don't start with me grandpa! We've had a very long day!"
"Will both of you stop!" Virginia couldn't take their fighting and bickering just yet. They both turned towards her mumbling "I'm sorry".
Virginia walked up to her dad and took little baby Aiden out of his arms, "It's really good to see you Dad! What's been going on? Why didn't you come home?"
It was then that Virginia and Wolf realized how thin and pale Tony had gotten. He looked as though he aged years since the last time they saw him, "Something is happening here Virginia…" Tony leaned to whisper to her, as though he was afraid someone was listening to the conversation.
"What's wrong?"
"It's the wolves." A voice boomed from the doorway. The three of them turned to find Prince Wendell standing in the doorway. He looked older, just like Tony. The young Prince looked like a shadow of this former self. The young, handsome prince, who was so quick to smile and laugh before, now looked like a proverbial Atlas, with the weight of the world on his shoulders. As much as they had missed Wendell, Virginia and Wolf were still trying to understand and contemplate the prince's words. Virginia turned to watch and tried to gauge his reaction, but Wolf had gone completely still.
Tony moved in between Wolf and Virginia, grabbing her by the shoulders he looked down into her eyes with a look of absolute fear, "You have no idea what's been going on here Virginia. The wolves have gone into some kind of rebellion. They've been destroying the kingdom ever since you left, burning villages, killing people, kidnapping children…."
Virginia looked to Wolf, who looked like he was in pain. "How do you know it's the wolves? It could be the trolls?" Virginia was desperately trying to find another explanation.
Prince Wendell moved closer to the group. "Let me show you something…" Prince Wendell moved into the throne room, motioning for Virginia and the rest to follow him. The cold dark, grey throne room bared no resemblance to the light, colorful room where Wendell was crowned King not so long ago. Candles gave the room a foreboding reddish glow. Five full length mirrors surrounded the room, each one created in a different style. The center of the room was dominated by a long table carved from a deep reddish mango wood. The table came up to Virginia's waist. The legs were shaped like claws and ornately decorated with the symbols representing each of the 9 kingdoms: a glass slipper, wolves, beanstalks, apples, cornucopias, roses, elves, snowflakes, and diamonds. The top of the table was ornate as well, decorated with a carving of a map of the 9 kingdoms. The four heroes gathered around the table where Prince Wendell picked up a stack of letters and began to explain, "A few weeks ago I received this letter from Queen Red Riding Hood the 3rd. In the letter, she begs me to send troops to the 2nd Kingdom, claiming that four of her best Red Riders have been found dead in the forests. A short while after that, Queen Gretel the Great sent me this letter, claiming that 9 children have been kidnapped from their beds in the dead of night. This letter is from the Snow White Memorial Prison, stating that all the wolf prisoners miraculously escaped about a week ago. The rest of these are letters from the 1st, 5th, and 7th kingdoms, all claiming that they have spotted wolves in their kingdom and that they had had young girls gone missing."
Wolf was now livid, "OH COME ON! Look, I'll admit, we wolves have a voracious appetite. We might slaughter a couple of chickens, or lambs. But we never eat little kids!"
Prince Wendell moved to stand beside Wolf and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Wolf, I don't believe this is the work of the wolves alone. They had to have help from someone very powerful. Some of those wolves that escaped from Snow White's prison could be responsible for the pillaging of farms, but they could not single-handedly kill the Riders or kidnap the children."
"Who are the Red Riders?" Virginia asked after she finally calmed Aiden down.
Wolf rolled his eyes at the mention of the women which caused Wendell to laugh slightly before responding, "They are the official messengers of the 9 kingdoms. Queen Red takes the best, bravest, and brightest young girls, usually around 3 or 4 years old, from every village and brings them to the 2nd kingdom. There these young girls will be educated in reading, writing, arithmetic, horseback riding, sword fighting, hunting, tracking, herbalism, and how to use a bow and arrow. When these girls reach the age of 14, they are officially inducted as one of the Red Riders. They don a red cape, which they will wear the rest of their life, and begin their lives as a police force and messenger system for the whole of the nine kingdoms."
"Yeah, sure, just another way little Red keeps the wolves down. Treating us like criminals!" Wolf couldn't stop huffing and puffing as he talked about Red Riding Hood.
"Oh come on Wolf, I'm sure she's not that bad" Virginia tried to soothe her husband.
"Actually Virginia," Wendell looked to Wolf as he spoke, "I think Wolf may be right. After my coronation, I commanded that wolves be pardoned. At first Queen Red was overjoyed at the news. She began to make plans to integrate the Red Riding Hood Academy. She even spoke of hiring wolves as combat trainers. Then everything changed. She became stricter on the rules in her kingdom, preventing wolves from traveling, arresting them on the smallest offense, and treating them more like animals. It started at the same time as all the kidnappings."
"I knew it!" shouted Wolf. "See, I told you Virginia. It's all politics!"
"So what do you want us to do? And if you don't think the wolves are doing this alone, then who is killing all these people and kidnapping children?" Virginia said in between yawning. Her whole body was tired and her mind felt slow and weak.
Wendell gave her a sympathetic smile, "We can discuss that first thing tomorrow. I haven't even greeted you and Wolf properly." Wendell shook Wolf's hand, to which Wolf responded by giving Wendell a hug and pat on the back. He then moved to Virginia and lifted one of her hands and placed a chaste kiss on the top of it.
"How is your baby?"
"Good, he's strong." Virginia beamed proudly at the mention of her son.
"Well, I can take you to your room if you'd like?"
"Sure," Virginia turned to Tony "I guess we'll have to catch up tomorrow?" She smiled up at her old man, wondering how he had been getting on here all by himself.
"Don't worry about it. Just go get some rest," Tony gave her a kiss on the forehead and pinched his grandson's cheek, "And you little man, we'll get to know each other more tomorrow. I'll tell you all about your grandfather, Anthony the Valiant."
Virginia chuckled as she followed Wendell toward her room, Wolf following closely behind her. After they reached there room, Wendell looked at the small family "I'm sorry for doing this to you, Virginia, Wolf. But you three are the only ones who can help save our kingdom."
Virginia patted Wendell's shoulder, "It's alright, and we'll talk more tomorrow."
"Goodnight Virginia, Goodnight Wolf."
"Goodnight Princey" Wolf shouted as he entered the bedroom.
"Goodnight Wendell" Virginia walked into her room, closing the door behind her.
After she put Aiden in his crib, she went to unpack the backpack that Wolf carried with him through the portal. As she looked into the bag, she had to suppress the urge to smack Wolf. Wolf had packed a bunch of onesies for the baby, but only packed one outfit for Virginia, her favorite blue sweater, brown boots, white tank top, and black skinny jeans. The rest of the clothes he packed for her were lingerie.
She went over to the bed perfectly ready to chew her husband out when she found him passed out on their bed. She almost forgot why she was angry when she saw him sleeping, his mouth slightly open, clutching and cuddling a pillow. She laughed softly, turned out the lights, and crawled into bed herself. As she fell asleep she dreamed another strange dream. She was in the 2nd kingdom surrounded by the bodies of wolves and young women in red hoods. Virginia could see her breath as she stood out in the cold. The trees seemed to be howling in pain as everything around her began to freeze and die. Virginia looked to her side and saw Wolf sitting against a tree, frozen to death. She moved toward him and reached out to take his hand. The last thing she saw before she slowly gave in to the cold was a blinding light, like a flame growing bigger and bigger thawing the barren wasteland.