Chapter 24

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Wolf's Rain!

(Akiela's POV)

Teeth tear into my shoulder and flank as wolves ambush me. I stand my ground as my teeth meet another wolf's side, ripping into his flesh and spilling his blood. I whip around to throw off the wolf biting my shoulder and just barely graze his cheek.

The wolf leaps back and snarls before lunging at me again, this time bringing me down. I guard my neck and belly as I still try to escape.

The only problem was I was outnumbered and sleep deprived.

I began getting light-headed when I hear my name, or at least imagine it. Then more wolves arrive and I know this is either my death, or my escape.

Hope relieves my fear as Tsume appears beside me.

"Akiela! Are you ok?!"

I drop my head and sigh. "I'm fine. Why'd you come? You were asleep when I left. "

Tsume gently lifts me to my paws. "When you got up it woke me. Did you think I'd just let you go alone?" He shakes his head. "We're a pack, Akiela. We have to stay together. "

Once I'm standing I look into his amber eyes. He cared about me. But he wasn't the only wolf who did. I look around at the pack. Everyone was fighting to protect me because they cared about me.

I turn back to Tsume. "Then let's get Cheza together. " I'm about to jump into the fight, but Tsume stops me.

"No. You're already hurt. Rest and let us fight them off. " Tsume steps forward and licks my cheek.

I smile at him and begin to get that warm feeling again. "Thank you Tsume. "

Suddenly, the unknown wolves retreat. My fur stands on end when I realize why.

A human enters the circle of light provided by a lamppost. His royal blue robe was neatly strapped around him and his dark brown hair fell right below his ears. By his stride, the pack could tell he was a noble. But I'm the only one who recognized his face.

I immediately growl and bare my teeth at him. The pack surrounds me to keep me safe but I push my way forward.

"Mintrag!"

"My pup has returned! You've grown big and beautiful. It seems you've learned how to fight and you even have your own pack. "

I growl again. " I'm not your pup!"

Tsume pushes me behind him, trying to distance Mintrag from me. The pack follows his lead and all form a barrier between me and the malicious noble.

"You have a wonderful pack, my dear. But they are in my way." Mintrag flashes a sneer before calling out behind him. "Kota!"

The sleek black wolf strides out of the shadows, his teeth barred in a snarl. A growl rumbles in his throat as he advances. As he walks, he attempts to hide how his left hindleg is placed softer than the other legs. But the slight hint of pain in his eyes concluded it for me.

"Kota?!" Blue snarls. "I thought he was injured more than that!"

I squeeze closer to the front. "We did. But Mintrag has this healing substance. He used it on me once. "

Mintrag laughs and places his hand on Kota's head. "You wolves injured him good but I have made sure he cannot die so easily. Now if you'll excuse me. Akiela. Come me. We need to prepare you for the journey. "

A larger pack of wolves surround us and slowly start closing in. "No!"

I thrust my way out of the circle and cautiously approach Mintrag. I knew it'd be dangerous for what I was about to do but I couldn't stand to watch the pack being slaughtered because of me.

"If I go with you will you just leave them alone? "

"Akiela no!" Shouts of protest immediately sound from the pack.

I lower my head and flatten my ears. My mind was made up.

"How sweet of you my dear. I may keep part of the deal true but I must not let them interfere with our plan. Kota, take them to the dungeon and make sure they are locked up. "

I watch in defeat as the pack is escorted away, their howls echoing after them. Then there is a hand on my shoulders.

"I'm sorry to do this," Mintrag whispers. "But I have to take precautions. " He jabs a needle in my shoulder and release the solution that begins to turn me human.

"No!" My howl is drowned out into a human scream as I transform, slowly losing my conscious.

I was terrified. If I went down now, I would be locked away and have no way of escape.

I jump away from Mintrag and trip, slamming my head on the concrete. I couldn't stand. The solution was to powerful to overcome. My body became numb as the transformation was complete and my mind slipped into darkness.

A/N: Hey guys sorry it's been a while. There's a couple things to know. I got a new phone and typing on this sucks so I'm still trying to get used to it alongside with trying to find a good place to write the story on. I apologize for any mistakes. I would've wrote more to the chapter but I don't want to keep all of you waiting for too long. I hope you guys enjoy and have a good summer! Reviews are highly appreciated! Bye!