The Three Nights Chapter Five

Instructions

FIVE Consequences and Friendmaking MoonPack Bass stood on top of a rock that overlooked the river. “Raven.” he growled. His voice was eerily quiet. “Raven, have you ever thought for a moment that you would be unwatched? I follow every move you make. It’s my job.” The way he spat out the word job was dark and threatening. Raven felt a cold wind slither down her fur. “Dove,” he growled, his irises trained on the moon-white wolf. “You disobeyed.” Dove looked at Raven like a deer in headlights. “I was gathering fish!” cried Dove desperately. Bass lunged at her. “Twelve catfish- barely enough for an elder’s meal!” “SHE DID NOTHING WRONG!” hollered Raven. In a graceful swishing movement, she brushed her jagged claws against his back. Bass turned as if struck by lightning. “How…dare…you!” Bass roared. “Blitz, Firebolt- show these traitors the consequences!” Blitz was a shocking shade of blue gray, with eyes like beguiling green fireflies. Firebolt had flaming deep brown fur and pale gold eyes. Blitz picked up Raven by the scruff of her neck, right around her throat. “Quit THRASHING!” howled Firebolt as he pinned down Dove and attempted to lift her onto his back. Dove shot Firebolt a killing stare. Raven sighed as she was dragged to a den that smelled of musty cobwebs. With a loud CRACK, Raven’s head hit the floor. She ran her lip across her fangs and tasted blood. “Stay here,” snarled Blitz, his growly lisp making him hard to hear. Raven twisted her throbbing head and saw Dove, knocked out cold, standing beside her. Then he rolled a stone over the cave entrance, trapping them both. *** Drops of sunshine slid through the crack like inchworms. I must have passed out, thought Raven foggily. What time is it? The cave interior was easier to see now. At least four other wolves were lying limp on the floor. One was yellowish white. Two more were light gray with white stripes. One mixed wolf sat thumping his front foot. “Hello?” croaked Raven. The mixed wolf leaped up. His eyes were jade and looked a little hysterical. “New wolf? Sweet!” he let out a chuckle. “Um… hi,” said Raven, looking away. The sight of this lunatic wolf made her wonder how long it would be until she became one of them. “I’m Dapple. Always at your service.” Dapple gave a wobbly bow and nearly toppled over. “I’m… well… I’m Raven.” “Raven? Oh, I remember you!” Raven raised an eyebrow. What have I done that was worth remembering? “You’re the little amateur advisor, right?” Dapple said, a tone of sarcasm in his voice. “What are you doing here, Perfect?” Perfect. The word stung. On the outside, Raven had everything. Prey of her choice, a compassionate mentor, and a warm pelt that shone like oil. Everything but the answers. Where was Whillow? Why was Bass terrorizing her Pack? Would she ever be Alpha? Would she and Dove find their way out before they became crazed? “Hey, you look afraid.” said Dapple, cocking his head. “Is anything wrong?” ANYTHING WRONG?! She was in a jail for outcasts, for Murky’s sake! She… “Stop crying,” whispered Dapple. “None of us are maniacs.” Raven looked up. Dapple grinned. His teeth were silver, but not razor sharp like Bass’s. His jade eyes were soft as moss. She took a shaky breath. “Could I meet the others?”