Gareth ran through the undergrowth, his pelt being caught by the branches of some of the lower trees in the forest, but still, the wolf pressed onward. The setting lit up the pathway ahead of him, the pathway to his pack. He had been patroling the borders of the pack, making sure everything was safe and secure, when Junypur – the pack’s Healer and Gareth’s own sister – had tracked him down to tell him the good news. The pups were born.

Gareth smiled at the thought entered his mind. The pups that his mate, Whylee, had had were now overdue, which had caused his mate immense pain. Yet they seemed to have come now, safely, too, to Gareth’s relief. He had begun to fear the worst.

Now entering the clearing, Gareth realized the rest of the pack had surrounded the large den Whylee was located in. The sun was illuminating the sky in an eerie glow as Gareth padded towards the den, his strong muscles rippling in the dim light. Awe shone in the eyes of the surrounding wolves as they lowered themselves towards the ground, showing their rank. Some were lower than others, some were almost at the same height as the Alpha. But none the less, the pack showed him great respect as he followed his sister, approaching his brother and parents. Jiro, brother to Gareth and beta male of the pack, dipped his head in greeting towards his brother.

“Greetings, brother.” Gareth returned the greeting, licking at his brother’s ear.

“As you’ve already heard, Gareth, the pups have been born. I’ve seen them, and they seem to be healthy.” Jiro hesitated slightly, then continued. “Except for one. I think you may want to have a look…” He trailed off as Gareth began to push past him, a nervous look swallowing up his proud face. Gareth made his way into the cave as the sun began to sink further below the mountains.

It was cold inside the den and, if it weren’t for Whylee and Melena, Gareth’s mother, the pups would have been almost frozen by now. He padded towards them, as they were only a few pawsteps away. He lay down, blocking the entrance and the only light that lit up the cavern – asides from the small hole that shed the faint light of growing stars into the den. He saw four pups near Whylee, yet didn’t see anything wrong with them. “Where is the one Jiro had told me about? The one who’s not doing as well as the rest?” Whylee’s expression seemed to fade as she nodded her head towards a small bundle of fur resting between Melena’s legs, trying to keep warm.

“He’s here, Gareth.” Whylee whispered quietly, her eyes glistening with a clear sadness. “Junypur says he’ll make it, but…” She trailed off as Gareth looked towards the small dark grey wolf. He didn’t look like the usual newborn wolf. He was a different color than the rest; his marking seemed to have developed already. Melena licked him softly, trying to keep him warm.

“He was born last,” She began to explain, showing him to Gareth. “The runt. He looks different, too. Junypur hasn’t explained anything about him yet.” Melena paused for a moment, then looked towards Gareth again, her eyes shining out with wisdom.

“What are their names?” Gareth asked, turning away from Melena. Whylee sighed, nodding towards the largest one.

“This one’s Adolfo. Junypur predicts he will grow to be a strong wolf, as he was born the first out of all the rest.” She prodded two females gently with her muzzle, one yawning. “These two are Tala and Tara. They were born close together in time. Junypur says that she considers them to be twins, since they were born so close together. And this,” She took the time to lick the head of the small wolf, who was laying against his mother’s chest. “This is Trey. Junypur sees promise in him, even though he’s the second youngest…” Whylee’s voice trailed off, staring at the last wolf born, the one in Melena’s hold. Gareth nuzzled her comfortingly.

“He’ll live, Whylee. I know he will.” He muttered to her, his voice soft with confidence as he licked his mate’s head. Whylee leaned her head against her mate, her eyes filled with sorrow.

“Junypur says that too, but – “ Whylee was interupted.

“Ashur.” Gareth spoke up suddenly, pulling away from his mate and staring off into the distance.

“What?”

“We’ll name him Ashur.” Gareth spoke quickly, his tail flicking to the left. There was no way the pup would die now. He had a name. Death did not take young ones with names.

“Gareth, giving him a name won’t make him live.” Melena growled in a quiet tone, her voice trying to be comforting. “Love will make him live.” She nuzzled the pup’s head again, licking him softly. The grey pup sneezed and Melena pulled back, looking at it in confusion. Whylee looked towards her mother-in-law with awe, wondering what was happening.

“Melena, what – “ But Whylee couldn’t finish. Jiro’s raspy voice came trailing into the cavern, calling out for Gareth.

“Gareth, Junypur needs to see you. Now.” His voice sounded urgent, and the look on Melena’s face began to subside. She nodded towards the entrance, her eyes pale in the glowing light that was still illuminating the den. The light that she thought had set a long time ago.

“You’d better go, my boy. I will stay with Whylee for the night. Get some rest, Gareth. You’ll need your energy if you are to go hunting for five more bodies.” Her voice was rasping, making Gareth want to stay with his mate and his mother, but Jiro called out yet again. He nodded, signalling that he was leaving, and stood up slowly, taking one more glance at Whylee before he left the den.

“I’m proud of you, Whylee. They’re beautiful.” Whylee smiled at her mate, returning to licking clean the pups. Gareth smiled and padded out of the den into the chilly air outside. Looking towards Jiro, he nodded towards him, signalling the Beta to talk. Jiro cleared his throat, but Junypur spoke up before him, shoving through the small crowd of wolves. Her eyes were large, glowing with a strange blue.

“Gareth.” Her voice sounded cold and hoarse. She sounded nothing like his sister he had known for the longest time. “Come here.” The crowds of wolves surrounding her seperated, leaving a thin pathway towards the edge of a cliff. The wolves had called it Dreamer’s Ridge, a name which held a prohecy on it’s own.

Gareth padded towards Junypur, his head high and tail raised. He tried not to give off a fear scent, although most of the pack mates could tell he was afraid. Yet they still showed their respect, except instead of admiration, timidness filled the eyes of the wolves. Gareth noted it, yet shoved away all of the fright that was swelling inside of him. His paws stopped as he came to the edge of the large cliff, Junypur by his side.

The ridge overlooked a large valley – the Valley of Shadows. The Valley was located in the neighbouring Kingdom, which, like the Kingdom of Kantok, held three packs of wolves. Yettier, Tatkret and Kapvik. The Valley was known to have held no wolves – none have ever dared to go into it. And if they did, they never came back out.

Gareth turned his attention back towards Junypur. “What is there to see? I see the Valley of Shadows, nothing out of the ordinary.” But Junypur was still staring ahead, as if she was in awe of something no other creature could see.

“Look at the horizon.” She rasped. She bowed her head down as Gareth turned to stare off into the setting sun. Wait. The sun was still setting. Gareth looked towards the sky, seeing the moon already risen. Why was the sun still up. “Look down, Gareth. Look down…” The Healer stopped, closing her eyes as a shudder ran through her body. Gareth looked back down.

A red glow was illuminating the Valley below, the bright rays of the sun touching everypart. The sun had never reached the Valley of Shadows, even in the time of the great ancestors of the Kingdoms. One reason why it had received it’s name. But why now would the sun dar to shine down towards the large forest. Gareth squinted his eyes, looking harder into the strange scene. They widened quickly and the Alpha drew in a weary breath.

The fog that stayed in the Valley forever was moving aside. It was clearing, and the light spread like a forest fire engulfing a mountainside. Gareth’s eyes began large as he observed the sight. He could see every inch of the Valley. Everything was illuminated by light, showing every detail. He saw trees, bushed – everything. But there was not a living creature in sight.

“What does this mean, Junypur?”

“Keep watching.” She beckoned, silencing the Alpha. Gareth listened, staring deep into the Valley. The fog began to form into a shape. Of what, Gareth didn’t know. Intrigued by the vision, Gareth jumped up as he heard a shrill cry – one of battle – coming from the Valley below. The sun sunk down, a large light flashing infront of the pack’s eyes, and the fog rushed quickly back into place. Gareth fell backwards, scrambling to his claws frantically, frightened by the image he had seen. His head swerved towards Junypur, his senses alert. All was quiet in the pack.

“What does it mean?” He whispered in a hoarse tone. Junypur looked towards him, her eyes illuminated by the moonlight above her head…

--

Whylee stared at her son, who was still wrapped up in Melena’s strong forearms. Her eyes had grown full of wonder – wonder and fear.

“Melena, what is it? Is something wrong with Ashur?” Whylee murmered, switching her glance to look towards the Elder. Melena was still, an eerie look in her eyes as she shook her head.

“Look.” She whispered, her eyes enlarged. “Look at his eyes.”

“Melena, we can’t see their eyes yet. They’re still too young. They won’t open…” Whylee’s voice faded as she looked at her pup, cocking her head in confusion as Melena turned Ashur to face his mother. The young pup yawned again, finishing quickly. Whylee’s eyes opened further in fear. She could see his eyes, and he could see hers. Moving her head towards Ashur, she licked at his head, muttering strange