Part Four

Allura entered to see the bed tray pushed aside and the wolf licking his healing foreleg. He paused in doing so and when he saw Allura, his tail wagged and he panted happily. She couldn't help smiling at this greeting. "Well hello to you too." She put the tray down and scratched his ears. Lotor whined and panted. Oh, that feels good, he inwardly sighed.

"Everyone's talking about you," she said as she brought the bed tray over and uncovered the tray. "Mostly your reactions. One person is under the impression that you are an intelligent wolf. I wonder if that's true."

Lotor swallowed a bite and looked intensely into Allura's blue eyes. She felt her breath catch at the depth of emotions she sensed in his eyes. It seemed as if the wolf was pleading with her. "Tell me," she said slowly. "You're not a real wolf, are you?"

Lotor shook his head and barked, feeling relieved. Finally, someone knew he wasn't a real animal. Now, if only I could talk, but it's probably best if I don't; if I did talk again, they'll think this was all a trick.

"I'm guessing you can't actually talk. Were you changed with a spell?" A shake. "An amulet of some kind?" A nod. "Is there a way to restore your voice?" A nod. "How?" Lotor managed a shrug. Allura stroked his head. "That's a shame. It would be nice if you could talk. You'd be able to tell us who did this to you and why."

It would be nice, but it's better that I never talk again. Allura likes me this way. I haven't talked for weeks and have become accustomed to it.

Allura's hand moved to run along the side when Lotor resumed eating. She inwardly marveled at how he retained his skinny frame despite just eating and sleeping. A result of the amulet, perhaps? She also felt firm muscles, ones that no doubt made him the efficient killer that wolves are. Wait…

"Boy, are you the one stalking the livestock?" Lotor looked at her and then bowed his head before nodding. "I wish you could tell me why, but surely you understand that you have to be relocated." He nodded again. She smiled as she left. She now knew that they had the wolf that was killing the livestock, only he wasn't a real wolf.

"A changed person?" Coran repeated while the team shared stunned expressions.

Allura nodded. "I spoke to him and he understood every word. He nodded when I asked if he wasn't a real wolf and if an amulet of some kind was used. He also admitted to killing the livestock and understands that he needs to be relocated."

"If he's someone forced to be a wolf, couldn't he stay here?" Pidge asked. "He seems fond of you, princess, and he may feel more comfortable here."

Allura looked at Coran. "I think he could stay. What do you think, Coran?"

"If he wants to stay, he may. Did he provide any information of his change?"

"Only the amulet and that his voice can be restored, but he doesn't know how. I also believe the amulet resulted in his slender body and the shape won't alter no matter how much he eats."

Coran stroked his chin. "Perhaps we have an amulet to allow him to talk as long as he wears it."

Allura smiled. "If we do, then we'll be able to get answers like who did this to him and why."

"Allura, could the wolf be someone who hates Lance, Coran, and me? Someone who likes you?"

"He very well could be. It would be a good idea to let him know that no one will hurt him. I'll tell him when bringing him his next meal."

There were nods but Keith was thinking. Who would have such dislike for Lance, Coran, and him but likes Allura enough to confide in her? Not many fit that criteria, but one does: Lotor. Could the wolf be Lotor? If so, then this could be a trick. What kind of trick, I don't know. But I won't let my guard down.

Lotor felt better having confided to Allura everything he could with his limited way of communication. He trusted the princess to be kind and friendly to him. His love for her most likely prompted him to open up to her. His ears pricked up at hearing footsteps and his nose flared to take in the scent for future references. He looked as the door opened and his tail wagged furiously at seeing Allura. He panted before barking happily as the door closed.

Allura laughed at his greeting. "You really do like me. If only you could greet Keith, Lance, and Coran with less dislike." A growl sounded and Allura frowned. "They won't hurt you, but I guess they have scents you don't like and instinct prompts you to react the way you have?" Lotor cocked his head, seeming thoughtful, before nodding. He knew as long as no one knew who he was, everyone would chalk his actions up to instinct. I was told I would have the instincts of a wolf and, as much as I'd like to use them as an excuse, I shouldn't. On the other hand, I have been using them for weeks.

"Now that we know you're not a real wolf, Coran said you're welcome to stay here. I, personally, think you should. Please?"

Lotor melted at her plea. She wanted him to stay in the castle. It would be more comfortable and I could help defend it. He looked into her eyes, nodded, and barked.

She stroked the head. "Good. Once you're better, we'll set up a room for you, perhaps one near my room. I'm sure you'd like that."

Lotor's instincts wanted him to prance in happiness but his legs wouldn't support him so he settled for a joyful howl that made Allura giggle. Once she had left with his empty tray, he looked around to see if there was paper and pencil. There was none. Of course not. Most communication are transmissions which involve talking. I will certainly search the castle for a way to write as now I want to tell them, to explain everything even though they may think it's a trick. That's certainly what I would think.

"So, he's decided to stay," Coran said.

Allura nodded. "And I insist he have a room near mine. I voiced that thought to him and it seemed to make him very happy."

"Princess, this may be a bad idea," Keith said, unable to keep his theory to himself any longer.

"A bad idea?" she repeated.

"Letting him stay in the castle could be part of a plot to sabotage the castle's systems and defenses, leaving us vulnerable to attack."

"That may be the attitude he's reacting to," Allura snapped. "You're so suspicious of him that he takes an instant dislike to you."

"Allura, his reactions make me think that Lotor's the wolf."

"Lotor?" Allura shook her head. "He wouldn't turn himself into a permanent wolf who can't talk."

"Keith may be right," Coran spoke up. "It could be Lotor in disguise to sabotage us. His claim of being a permanent wolf and unable to talk could be false."

"If getting in to sabotage us was the plan, why wait so long to do it? What about the killed livestock?" No one answered. "There," she said firmly. "The wolf isn't Lotor. It's a cursed person and until he can talk, I'll call him White Fur for his white patch."

"White Fur," Hunk said. "Seems to suite him. I'd like to bring his dinner, let him know he's welcome here."

"All right, but don't take it personally if he growls at you."

"I won't." Hunk didn't see that as a problem; as a general rule, people tended to like him.