The grey wolf yawned. Lately, they've been travelling in daylight more than usual. "To see the path," said Shadow, but Wisp could see the road as well in the dark.
Snuggling beside him was his and Midnight's friend, Mist. The pale grey fur had deeper grey swirls on them, painting a wispy image of the mist.
Wisp's ears perked upwards as he heard the camp in a lively time of the day. Where humans were bustling, other animals as well, the wolves were a new addition to the morning glory.
Beside him, Mist began to wake, but not quite.
A familiar mahogany wolf strode towards them. It was Ironide. Wisp, to be honest, was quite relieved to have him around. The wolf was always kind to him.
"Good morning, Wisp," he grunted.
"Mornin'," the sleepy-headed Mist replied instead. She rolled over before dozing off again.
Ironide offered a smirk in amusement. "We're heading off again, Chief Darke wanted to make sure you're ready to go."
Wisp sniffed. Lately, his father was spotlighting the attention to him. Wisp was as well his only family left.
Except Wisp doesn't accept the fact.
He knew Midnight was still out there.
Somewhere... Somewhere...
"Oh, yeah," Wisp replied. "I'm good."
"There's a deer by the chief's resting place for breakfast," Ironide offered, "still fresh."
Wisp nodded and stood up, and shook his fur. He looked at Mist, who was still fast asleep, and left for breakfast.
Wisp was familiar with the new routine. Sleep, some other wolves hunt, eat, leave. Everyday.
They often only get a meal a day, and the unlucky ones wouldn't even get much left.
However, food wasn't the problem. Water was. Sometimes, the water hole they found was dry, and the river they have been following was thinning away. Sometimes, the river was murky, so the wolves didn't dare drink it.
There was a large deer on the ground, it's antlers intertwining with the grass, leaves and branches. A few young pups were playing with it, batting, scratching and licking it. Wisp was a little old for that.
Ripping meat from it's hind leg, Wisp noticed Shadow nearby. He was pacing around, which wasn't normal, staring at the ground as if the grass was blue.
Feeling full quickly after his meal, Wisp strode over to Shadow. "Hey, Shadow, what's wrong?" he asked.
Shadow glanced up. "I- uh-"
"What's wrong? Is it my father?" Wisp asked. Many wolves had the tenancy to feel awkward when talking to Wisp about the chief, so the young wolf thought that might be it.
Shadow swallowed and nodded. "His condition... it's getting worse."
"How?" asked Wisp.
"He's weakening so rapidly, it's insane," Shadow replied, sighing, looking into Wisp's eyes.
Wisp blinked, but Shadow still stared at him. "Mhmm," he finally said and Shadow averted his gaze.
Shadow sighed. "How can I break this to you?" he muttered. "You're young, Wisp, and if your father makes you Chief, I'm sorry to say you're inexperienced."
"The wolf generals can help me," said Wisp.
Shadow grunted. "Aye, but as an advisor, I would always be your... say, partner. Only, if you're young and gullible, it's dangerous for you to make decisions," he said, slowly, and Wisp wondered if Shadow wanted to be chief.
"Shadow, are you-"
The advisor cut him off. "I'd be honoured to advise you in many paths in the future, Wisp," he said, bowing down.
Wisp was stunned. What's going on with Shadow? Is he thinking that... I'm getting RID of him?
Author's note: Darn, I forgot to post last week. Sorry guys. School made me lose memories of some things I should remember like important event dates and posting schedule. Like, seriously? Anyway, this chapter is a bit short, sorry.
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