I dashed into the shaded forest as David was brought into the camp. I did not look back to see if anyone was following, I just ran. I followed Balto's scent to the river. I found him and just ran to him, ignoring all the prey that I scared off.

"Kafé. I'll take Balto now." I declared, "You should get back to camp."

Kafé looked me over and said, "Are you alright? You look like you just ran a marathon!"

"Yah! I'm fine. I just needed the excursive." I answered, panting hard.

"Exercise." Kafé muttered. He looked at me. "You're sure you're o.k.?"

"Yes! I'm fine." I moaned, "I won't be fine if you don't get back to camp though."

"Did something happen?!" He eagerly asked, "Is everyone alright?"

"Why don't you go find out for yourself?" I answered slyly.

He nodded, and asked, "What are you going to do?"

I looked at Balto, patted him on the head affectionately and replied, "Teach him how to swim, of course!" Balto started to wag his tail eagerly in response.

Kafé nodded, turned and sprinted back to camp. I waited until he was out of ear-shot and whispered urgently, "Balto, David is prisoner in our campsite."

Balto looked at me worried, scared and confused, but I went on, "You are not to say anything that you know about him."

"But why?" Balto asked innocently and scared, "And why is he prisoner?"

"David is not a Shaded Forest wolf; he is a Shadow Peak wolf, a rival pack that Huron and Dani hate. If they knew that I knew David they would banish me for sure!" I answered sharply. "You are not to speak a word about him." I looked at him again, "Am I clear?"

"Yes, big sister." Balto answered me solemnly but continued, "But, why would Huron banish you? You're one of the most important wolves in the pack!"

I smiled at his admiration for me and answered, "Huron hates Shadow Peak wolves because they are considered evil, and deadly. Huron would never want any of his wolves to be friends, let alone mates with these 'evil' wolves." I sighed, "Shadow Peak wolves are dark and dangerous, and they will stop at nothing to gain power over our pack and the Cliffside pack."

Balto argued, "But David's not evil!"

"You and I know that but, no one else knows that in our pack." I sighed with worry and fear for David, "I would not be surprised if David was killed without a fair trial."

"Why can't Huron be nice to David?"

"Because Huron is judgemental." Fear glazed my eyes as they began to water, "Huron is never fair to anyone. The only thing that's right to him is what he decides."

Balto looked at me, as I held back tears at the thought of David being killed because of me. He said, "Why can't we go back and save him?"

"I would banished and I do not have pack scent so no pack would think I am a worthy member." I tried increadbly hard to keep a straight face and not cry. "His fate lies with Huron, and maybe even Aniu." One tear slipped out and fell onto a green leaf.

He stared at the leaf and then moved his gaze to my eyes, "What's your favorite thing to do?"

"Swim." My voice cracked.

"Oh. I wish I could swim." Balto muttered.

I saw the doubt on his face and reminded, "I can teach you."

"Really?"

"Yes, really." I directed, "In the shallow part downstream, where there's a stone in the middle."

"Yahoo!!" Balto screamed as we walked down a path leading to the river.

As we walked under the tall shaded trees of the forest, I explained to Balto how to swim.

Don't worry you'll get it pretty easily." I assured. "After all you are related to me."

He smiled at me admirengly. "I can't wait!"

When we got to the stream I walked up to the water and put one paw in. It wasn't that cold. I thought, but, Balto's not going to like it.

Balto and I walked on the sandy beach along the creek for a few minutes, when we came across the only bend in the river.

"There it is." I nodded to Balto as he looked at the twist of the river and a large stone poked out of the black and blue water.

The currents slowed and the rock was a perfect resting stone for beginning pups that got very tired very quickly.

This place brought back a lot of memories. "This is where I learned to swim." I revealed to Balto. "I had to teach myself."

"Really?" Balto uttered in awe, standing on the shore egar to learn. "Why did you have to teach yourself?"

"Solen dosen't like water and nither does Tierran or Aaron." I explained, "And no one wanted to teach me how." I sighed, "It was hard as first but, I eventually learned to like it."

"Wow." Balto muttered in awe.

I walked into the black river and stopped next to the rock in the center. "Try and swim to me." I challenged. "You can do it. I told you how to paddle. It'll be easy!"

Balto looked at me and then the dark water with unsureness in his eyes. "Are you sure?"

I giggled happily at Balto's doubt, "Yes it's completely fine."

"O.K. But if I drown-" Balto threatened.

"You won't" I shouted reassuringly.

Balto put one paw in first then quickly took it out. "It's freezing!" He complained.

"Nonsence!" I retorted, "It's not frozen is it?"

He looked at me, his eyes beaming. "O.K. You're right." He admitted.

Balto put his paw back in the water again, he flinched again but put the rest of his paws in. He started walking on the underwater stones towords me. He was halfway when he stopped right before the deep part and wined. "Do I have to?"

"You have to learn sometime."

He nodded and jumped into the water where he couldn't touch. He paddled as hard as he could to me. When he got to me he stood on a stone next to me that stuck out of the stream. He was shivering but said, "Did I do it?"

I smiled proudly and praised, "Good job. You did very well."

"Re-really?" Balto chattered.

"Yes." I beamed, "I'll carry you back to camp."

He sighed, relaved that he could go home.

I picked Balto up and carried him across the river and set him down in the bushes. "Wait here." I whispered, "And be quiet."

He nodded obiently and shivered while I scented the ground for prey.

I followed the scent of rabbit through the forest. It walked on a forest trail that I knew too well. I caught up to the rabbit really quickly and soon enough I was hiding in the bushes with the rabbit right in front of me, unaware it would never see another day.

The brown male rabbit looked young, about a year old. He looked like he wasn't that fast and he smelled like he was weak. Easy prey. I thought, no need fo Aaron here.

I crouched low to the ground so no birds would see my white fur, and fly off warning the rabbit. The rabbit was looking the other way. This is my chance! I thought. I went for it.

I leapt out of the bushes gracefully and crashed right onto the rabbit. It leapt out from under me as I was getting out of my trance. I shook my head and leapt after it. The chase was on!

The hare dashed towords Cliffside pack territory but, I kept up my speed, after it. This is mine! I thought. No boundry is going to change that! I sped up, my breaths coming harder and harder every sprint. I chased the hare through the woods and clearings as it twisted and turned, trying to shake me.

We finally reached the boundry line between my pack and the Cliffside pack. I scented the marker. Stale. So I continued my chase. The hare was leading me up a rocky trail with sharp stones and rocks. How did these wolves live on these sharp rocks?! I thought as blood started to bleed through my soft pads.

I saw a huge boulder up ahead. This has to end now! I thought. I veered off the chase of the rabbit and went around to the boulder. When I got up to it, it was larger than I thought. I climbed on top of it and waited for the hare to come along.

It wasn't long until I saw the brown hare to come. It slowed down and stopped, thinking I gave up the chase. It looked back for a few seconds. I leapt on right then and there. In one swift bite in the neck, the rabbit's life ended.

My paw was still bleeding now and I was deep in the Cliffside territory. Worse part about my paw was that it would slow me down. I grabbed my meal and retraced my steps back home.

I walked down the rocky slope with my pads about to fall off. My left front paw was limping by the time I got to a patch of grass at the bottom. How do these wolves do it? Honestly, they have to have pads of stone to walk up and down that slope! I thought.

I was now cursing like a sailor as I lied down to rest for a moment.  I set my catch down momentairly, as I started to lick my ingured paw. I started to pick small peples out as I heard a male voice.

"How dare those Shaded Forest wolves tresspass!" A male voice shouted.

"Let's check it out!" Another male wolf sugested.

"Now wait just a second, Pablo and Karl!" A female ordered and continued, "Remember we're supposed to tell the alphas first! We just can't go running off after some wolf just for tresspassing!"

I'm with her! I thought. I'm in no mood to get in trouble with another pack! I picked up my hare and stood up. I ran for the nearest bush that could hide my white fur.

"Hey! The scent get's stronger over here!" The second male voice shouted, "Follow me!"

"Crap." I muttered under my breath, "They'll find me for sure!"

The wolves followed my scent up the rocky slope and stopped to sniff my blood trail.

"Whoever went up these rocks had a hard time for sure." The female commented and muttered to herself, "I hope she gets out fast, or it'll be an unfair fight."

The male wolves retraced their steps down the sharp and stony slope and down to the patch of grass where I lied down.

"It seems that the wolf decided to lie down and clean it's foot." The second wolf concluded. "It must have heard us after all." He looked at the female with guilt all over his face, "Let's follow the rest of the trail."

Straight to me. I thought, Great! (No not really great!!) I rolled my eyes, that's what I do when I'm angry, or unhappy and being sarcastic at the same time.

I left my hare and snuck out of the bushes while the three wolves trampled in ungracefully. I backed away carefully and went around the buses to where they followed my scent in.

"Hey! There's a rabbit!" The first voice shouted scaring away every single prey nearby.

"Shut up you idiot! Do you wan to wolf to know we caught onto it or not?!" The female whispered.

I thought, why not? And I walked in after the wolves to see their stupidity. I've been in need of a good laugh. When the wolves came to the exit of the bushes they all climbed out. The second male was the first out then the other male and then the female.

The boys looked completely confused and the girl just looked disappointed she was with them right now.

"Real smooth, Pablo! We lost her in a bush!" The second male wolf complained.

"But so did you smart one!" Pablo retorted.

"Karl shut up! It's not Pablo's fault! The wolf gave us the slip, that's all. It's no one's fault!" The female scolded.

"Sorry, Alina." Karl apologized his ears flat and his tail was between his legs.

They started to walk off with my hare down a trail towords the cliffs by the beach. Great! Now I have to get Balto's dinner back!

They bickered the whole way. Pablo and Karl were talking about something Alina clearly coundn't relate to, but they seemed like close friends. Alina and Karl seemed like friends but Alina and Pablo didn't seem very close like Karl was to Pablo, but I guess they just weren't very close.

Alina was carrying my hare while she listened to the guys argue about how they lost me. I guess the guys are always excluding Alina like that. I felt sorry for Alina but I still needed Balto's dinner.

I snuck up ahead of them in the bushes. They were very unaware of their surroundings I had to admit to myself. I was ahead of them by about 10 yards so I sat down on the path and waited for them to come.

It didn't take long for them to show up. They all stopped dead in their tracks 5 feet away from me. Alina dropped the hare in shock and her jaw opened and her face expressed surprise while her eyes were glazed with fear. Karl stopped and growled with complete hate and anger glazing his eyes, while Pablo just stared at me with an expressionless face.

Alina was small for a wolf my age but she didn't care. Her fur was a chocolaty brown, not very dark but not very light either. She also had a strange green tail. It was a dark, tree green that I've never seen before. Her eyes were also green like jade surrounded like the true yellow eyes of a wolf.

Karl was the same size as Alina, small and seemed like the runt of his litter. His fur was jet black like the night sky but he also had very strange markings. He had a red tail, right leg, right ear and the inside of his left ear. Hie eyes were unusally red, blood red. Karl's nose was unusally red like his markings, the same shade of red and if he was painted and the color naver came off. His eyes were full of hate and anger and it seemed like he wasn't kind towords strangers.

Pablo was my size though. He has a white pely like mine, it shined in the sun though unlike mine that seemed dull. Pablo's eyes were blue too, but his were more sky colored than by sea blue eyes. Pablo also had markings on his shoulders, on his right shoulder was a black circle outline and a straight line that rigidly unevened the black and white parts of the circle. On Pablo's left shoulder he has eight sky blue triangles forming a circle with his white fur surrounding it and making is look like a star. His face seemed like he was a sarcastic wolf and he liked to have fun. But, right now his eyes and expression on his face was empty like he just saw ghost.

"I want my hare back." I instructed calmly and relaxed.

Pablo snapped out of his trance and stared at me in shock and appaled, while Karl's snarling increase and Alina closed her jaw.

"Why should we listen to you?! It was originally in Cliffside Territory!" Karl snarled in anger like he was trying to start a fight.

"You are wrong." I continued keeping calm, "I chased it into Cliffside Territory when it was originally in Shaded Forest Lands."

Alina began to push the hare forward but Karl stopped her simotainously, "Don't give it to her! She's a liar! She is well fed and we have elders that are starving!" Karl shouted.

This guy never gives up! I thought, losing my patience, Arrgh!! I really want to teach him a lesson or two on aggresive negiocation.

Alina stared at Karl with anger that he oredered her! Alina's face said it all but she challenged, "You are not the boss here!"

"None of us is." Pablo chimed in. "Let's go."

Pablo reached for the hare but I lost all my patience for these wolves. Can these wolves take a hint for once?! I growled at Pablo. "This is my rabbit and you have no need for it!"

Karl looked at me enraged that I was so bold. His eyes were full of hate but I could smell his fear for me. Alina was neutral and knew that they didn't need the hare at all and Pablo wasjust staring at the moon on my chest like I was a ghost.

"I will not ask again." Anger filled my voice, "Give me the meal or I will take it and you will shed more blood than needed for a hare."

Karl's eyes burned into my gaze and my eyes seemed to be as equal in anger as his. "Why do you need it anyways?!" He managed.

"None of your buisness!" I retorted.

"You want it for yourself don't you?!" Karl mocked.

"Karl, she has her reasons." Alina spoke up, "It's clearly not for her."

"If we cannot know who it's for can we see the who it's for?" Pablo asked wisely.

Karl darted a glance of praise at him and nodded to me, "Lead the way."

I walked past him and back towords the Shaded Forest Territory. I really hate this person. I thought, I would love to get rid of him if it meant losing him at the river.

Karl walked right behind me and Alina walked to my right and Pablo to my left.

As we walked Alina began, "I'm Alina." She nodded to Pablo and said, "He's Pablo and Karl's behind us."

I looked forward and kept walking, I listened to what she said, and I said nothing in response.

This time Pablo attempted and asked, "What's your name?"

I stared at him and asked, "Why would you want to know that? I'm your enemy."

He looked at me confused then responded, "Because, you know ours and we don't know what to call you."

"You or Alina or Karl will never need to know my name or call me." I concluded, "I just want to feed my brother."

He stopped and stared at me in shock. "You have a brother who cannot feed himself?!"

Alina gasped and repeated, "You have a brother who cannot feed himself?!"

Karl started to laugh his cruel and evil, squeaking laugh. He sounded more hayena that wolf to me. "How embarrising!"

I glanced a hate stare at him and continued, "He is my half-brother, and he's just a pup!" I growled and snarled at Karl. I lost it there.

I leapt onto Karl who was laughing like a little hayena he was very vulnerable at that moment and I decided to take advantage of it. I clawed at bit at him but he was so small and quick that it was almost impossible to bite him.

Alina and Pablo just watched, appaled that I attacked so swiftly. I fineally grasped Karl's front right paw and bit on it hard. He yelped in pain as blood started to spill. I fineally got control of myself and got off him.

Karl's red eyes burned with anger as he stumble up onto his paws and tackled me back. This guy never gives up!!! This is rediclous!! I thought, I need to end this now. And  I did just that. Karl was on my back practically riding me so I sprinted to the nearest tree and bumped my side into it hard. Karl lose his balance and fell off and onto the ground.

I whispered in his ear, "Cross my path again, you will not be blessed by Aniu." Karl's eyes shot open with unsecureness in his eyes, he clearly feared Aniu.

I walked up to Pablo and continued, "Balto is just a pup." I nodded to the hare, "And that's his dinner."

Alina responded, "Karl will be fine." She looked at him and continued, "I would like to meet Balto though."

"Same here." Pablo chimed in before he picked up the rabbit.

"We must hurry." I explained, "He's not at my pack's campsite."

"Where is he?" Alina asked.

"The river." I replied with fear on my face.

Alina and Pablo looked at each other than back at me worried, "Shadow Peak Pack is going to the cross river tonight and attack Shaded Forest Pack."

I stared at them shocked and siognaled with my tail for them to follow as I sprinted off to the river. They were at my feet the whole way, desperate to help me find Balto.

When Pablo, Alina and I reached the river, I scented Shadow Peak wolves, but not David. "Get down!" I whipered.

Pablo and Alina crouched down and followed me into the bushes. Alina gasped but I hushed her quickly, "We can't let them find out we're here!"

Alina nodded in agreement the Pablo sugessted, "Should we surround the Shadow Peak wolves then attack?"

"You are kidding right? There's 7 of them and 3 of us, and a helpless pup!" Alina pointed out.

"Numbers never win a battle." I pointed out and muttered, "But, they do help."

I looked through the bushes again. There were seven Shadow Peak wolves, but they were very large. Aniu help me! I could see the Shadow wolves crowding over Balto a scare him with evil grins.

"He would make a great trade for David." One of the wolves pointed out, "Shaded Forest has been in need of pups for a while."

"But so have we." An agressive voice pointed out. It was a male black wolf large and musclear. "We need him more than that excuse of a heir of David!"

"Silence Niju!" This time it was a different voice, the voice of a leader. "I chose David to be the heir, because he wasn't as bone-headed as you!"

Niju looked at the leader with complete hate and anger. It was very clear that Niju wanted to become leader. He walked towords Balto and callenged, "This pup would be a better heir than David would ever be!"

All of the wolves growled at Niju but not the leader.

"How dare you say that!" A wolf spoke up, "Chief has always lead us well!" He continued passionatily, "He was being wise choosing David!"

Niju glared at the wolf that just defended his leader, Chief. He looked at Chief. "Well what are we going to do with this pup?" He arrogantly challenged.

Swap! Swap! Swap! Please swap him for David! I thought, don't take him! Alina and Pablo's fur brushed against me, trying to see what was going on. I didn't move I was frozen in my place, not even a tackle would take me away from my focus. I needed to see for myself if Chief, the alpha of Shadow Peak Pack, would live up to the rumors of the forest on Shadow Peak wolves.

"We will take him home to Shadow Peak." Chief declared, "Then I will send a war party to recover David and finish the rest of the Shaded Forest Pack!"

All the wolves howled their war cry, all but Niju of coarse. He just stood there while his pack mates howled their war cry with their leader.

I gasped when I saw Balto lie in the dirt whimpering and crying for me, practically begging for me to save him. I looked away, shocked that David was to be the leader of the Shadow Peak Pack and afraid that I would lose Balto forever.

I walked out of the bushes and went around the Shadow peak wolves, followed by Pablo and Alina.

I walked down river for about fifty feet and stopped in the water with my front paws in the shallow water. I stared at my reflection; a complete blur, like my thoughts.

Alina and Pablo just stared at me with sadness and loss in their eyes and fear painted on their faces. My eyes were tearing with complete worry for Balto.

"Luna, we'll help you get Balto back." Pablo declared.

Alina nodded in agreement to what Pablo said.

I felt sick inside but, I managed, "I will swim upstream and distract them. You will come in and get Balto out of there."

They nodded in agreement as I continued, "Do you know where the Tree of Hope is?"

Pablo spoke up, "The tree that divides the three packs?"

"Yes." I explained, "Balto know's the place well." I sighed and continued, "If I am trouble down there do not help me, just take Balto and go. They would trade me for a wolf they need."

Alina opened her mouth to argue but Pablo cut her off and said, "They will kill you for sure!"

"They will take me hostage." I retorted, "I am their key to get their soon-to-be-leader back from my pack."

Pablo nodded and said, "Alina, lets head off to the bushes."

I then responded, "Alina, go ahead. I must speak with Pablo."

Alina spoke, "I'll meet you in the bushes." She turned and head back to the bushes.

"Yes?" Pablo asked when Alina walked off.

I sighed and asked, "When you called me Luna," I continued, "Why did you call me that? I never told you my name."

Pablo looked down on the earth and sighed deeply, "Aniu told me about you."

"Where?"

"In my dreams, a few nights ago." He replied.

"She, visits you in dreams?"

"Yes."

"What did she tell you about me?" I asked curiously.

"She only told me that a white wolf with the black moon, named Luna would meet me and ask for assistance." He revaled, a little ashamed.

"Thank you, Pablo." I concluded, "You should go and take your position, next to Alina."

He nodded, turned and walked after Alina. I stared at my reflection in the water, in it I saw my black moon on my chest. He does not know who I am entirely. I thought, but he soon will.

I dove into the inviting water. I was now in my own domain, the water. The water felt cool and calming to me as I felt my worry and fear drain out of me and bravery and strength flood through my veins. I am the Moon Wolf. I thought, I must have no fear but be strong and brave.

Swimming up river to me is like breathing; it was easy. It took me a few minutes to fight the current but the Shadow Peak Wolves were fighting over who should stay behind and "babysit" Balto. They all weren't expecting an attack, let alone an attack from the river, but surprise was on my side.

I stood up on the slippery rocks benith my paws in the shallow water. I shouted boldly and cooly, "Hey numbskulls!"

The youngest wolves jumped out of their pelts in surprise and the other half turned and looked dumb-founded. It took a few seconds but, they shook themselves from shock and stared at me and growled, all except for the alpha, Chief, who just locked eyes with me.

"Who are you?!" Niju spoke up, snarling and growling at me as if I was a threat.

"Luna." I replied calmly. My eyes stared into Niju's soul, but all I was complete hate and anger.

"That is a strange name for a wolf of the Shaded Forest Pack." Chief asked, "Were you born there?"

"None of your business." I retorted to the alpha, "But, I am the worst wolf to mess with right now." I began to snarl at the leader, that threw attention away from Balto and now to me. All eyes were on Chief and I, and not on Balto. I could see Pablo's white fur slightly in the bushes as he quietly moationed Alina to grab Balto.

"How dare you speak to the alpha of Shadow Peak Pack like that?!" One of the younger wolves challenged.

I smirked and retorted, "How dare you," I began, "Speak to the Moon Wolf with such disrespect?!"

Everything then froze. Even Alina froze in horror to what I just said.The older wolf just stared at me in disbelief and the younger wolves looked like they haven't heard the legends, but Chief just stared at me, with no expression on his face.

"That's impossible you're a Shaded Forest wolf!" An older wolf accused, "The wolf from the legend is to be born at the Tree of Hope."

I just stared at Chief, hoping he would believe the truth. Then another older wolf added, "I don't believe you! There are supposed to be four wolves from the legends!" Then the rest of the wolves accused me of being a fraud, but Chief jus stared at my moon.

It was amazing how many wolves didn't believe or want to believe that I was a legendary wolf. Luckly Alina grabbed Balto without getting any attention and Pablo and Alina probably ran off to the Tree of Hope, hopfully.

Then something amazing happened, Chief shouted louder than ever before and spoke wisely, "She has the mark of the chosen one."

"But, Sir." A wolf began, "She is a Shaded Forest wolf."

"The fact that she swam up river without us knowing." He defended, "And that she does not have the features of a Shaded Forestt wolf, only helps prove her cause."

The wolves looked at him, appalled that he was on my side.

Then Niju spoke, "Have you gone mad?!" He shouted boldly, "Those tales are for pups! There was no Aniu, the White Wolf! And there is no Sun Wolf, Water Wolf, Earth Wolf or Sky Wolf either!! It's just a pup's bedtime story!!"

I glared at the dark and evil wolf. What was his problem?! I just was glad that Balto, Pablo and Alina got away. I moved my gaze to Chief, who was just staring at Niju with great disgrace.

Chief then spoke, "Niju! When we get back home, your fate will be decided." He then turned his head to me, "She will be our prisoner."

My appreciation left for Chief. I just stared at him with hate but then I smirked, I was still in the water and I was the Moon Wolf, so I could leave when I wanted, I just needed to stay near water.

"You know what's funny?" I began, "That you don't believe me even though I have strong proof that I could be the Moon Wolf." I smirked, and leapt to the stone in the middle of the river.

I lifted my head and howled. That set the Shadow Peak Wolves off for sure. All but Chief, leapt into the water and started towords me. I finished my signal for Solen, Tierran and Aaron and smirked at the approaching wolves. They don't have a chance at all.

When they all leapt for the boulder, I simotainously leapt for the water. I hit the water and swam to the bank while the Shadow Peak wolves struggled in the river.

I walked up to Chief and spoke, "Niju is a bad influence on the pack members." I whispered in his ear as I walked past him, "If I were you, I would baniish him before he recieves Pack scent."

Chief's eyes opened wide in disbelief and spoke to me, "He is my nephew." He sighed.

I stopped and turned to him and asked, "How are you related to David?"

"He is not my son."Chief began, "It is traditon, in Shadow Peak Pack that the leader must chose a wolf to be the heir that is not their own son or daughter."

I looked at him in shock and asked, "Why is this?"

"Because, our pack has pups that are born evil and cursed in their soul." Chief explained, "Our pack is not blessed by Aniu, and the alpha wolf has to chose who will be the heir so, Shadow Peak Pack does not live up to it's rumors."

I looked at him amazed and horrorfied about his pack's curse, but he continued, "Niju is one of the pups that is a burdon and curse to Shadow Peak Pack. He only seeks to be alpha and he will do whatever he can to make it happen."

I gasped at what Chief just said but I heard my pack approaching. I whispered to Chief, "I'm sorry but, I must attack."

He nodded and I growled as Solen, Tierren and Aaron sprinted to my side. The Shadow Peak wolves just got to shore and were speechless when they saw Solen, Tierren, Aaron and I.

They bowed to the ground in respect to my brothers, sister and I. Their tails were between their legs and their ears were so flat it was hard to see them. Even Chief and Niju bowed in respect.

"Rise." Solen ordered.

The seven wolves rose to their full height but their ears were still flat and their tail was between their legs even, Chief kept his ears flat but, Niju just growled in rebellion.

"I am the Sun Wolf, Solen, Son of Aniu." Solen continued proudly ignoring Niju as if he was nothing but the wind.

"I am the Moon Wolf, Luna, Daughter of Aniu." I explained.

"I am the Earth Wolf, Tierran. I am also the Daughter of Aniu." Tierran announced, not letting Niju spoil her moment.

"And, I am the Sky Wolf, Aaron, Son of Aniu." Aaron concluded proudly.

Niju cut in, "I don't believe you! Aniu never existed and the legends are a pup's tale!"

"Niju," Solen began, "You pride makes your thoughts blind."

Niju looked at him in shock as if Niju had never been poned by another wolf like that. His sunk to the ground awkwordly.

Chief looked at his wolves andmy siblings and I. He than said, "I didn't come this whole way only to go home without my pack member."

"He is being guarded by our wolves." Aaron cocked, "He's our prisoner now!"

"Shadow Peak," Chief shouted to his wolves, "Attack!"

The fight was on. All seven of the Shadow Peak wolves ran towords Solen and Aaron. Tierran jumped out of the way as the Shadow Wolves stomed into Solen and Aaron. Solen and Aaron were back to back, clawing and snarling at their opponants.

Tierran and I saw Chief as he ordered the wolves to kill Solen and Aaron.

"There!" I shouted and sprinted onto Chief and threw him off his balance and into the river. "Help the boys!" I shouted.

Tierran turned her head to the brawl and leapt onto the other wolves and one by one crashed them against the hard ground with Solen and Aaron.

I turned to Chief who desperately climbed onto the stone in the river with a cut leg. I snarled at him and said, "David was in Shaded Forest Territory! He is our prisoner for trespassing!"

I walked into the river, it seemed my blood turned to water. My ferioucity grew as I felt blood mix with water. The Shadow Peak blood was dark and evil, and now it will run through me forever. I now felt the anger and hate that the cursed pack had.

"How could you poison me with your dark blood?!" I screamed at Chief who was bleeding in the river.

"You need to understand." Chief whispered as I swam to the stone and stood in the water, "The water gives life to those that give it blood."

I looked at him wide eyed, "How did you?!" I shouted.

"You were in the water, that's how." Chief smirked the evil grin of the Shadow Peak pack. "And now, I have another life."

I growled at him and said, "I will make that one now!"

I tackled him off the rock and we both fell into the water. Chief's bleeding ended and the growth of evil in my soul stopped. I heald my breath and pushed Chief into the water. He fought but I bit his back paw and dragged him down to the bottom of the deep river.

The currents spun him around as we floated down stream. I shoved him into the currents quickly, and swiftly moved out of the way of his attemps to grab me.

I went up for breath and dove again, "I'll end it now!" I shouted to Chief as he flailed in the currents. I dove under him. He went over my head and I hit him right in the chest. Chief screamed for the first time. He went limp but he was still breathing.

I got out from under him and burst out of the water. I panted and noticed his eyes opened and he tried to go to shore. "Oh no you don't!" I shouted.

I heald my breath and dove under water after Chief. I grabbed him by the tail and pulled him underwater. He chocked and gagged in the currents at the bottom as he struggled to free himself.

I went up again for air. When I saw where I was my eyes widened in shock. The sound of the river falling off the cliff scared me. A waterfall. I heald my breath and dove under to find Chief to see if he drowned.

I saw him as he churned with the water in the current. I swam after him to see if he was still alive. When I came to him his eyes widened and he chocked. I looked ahead under the water but it was too late. We were a few feet away from the fall. I grabbed him and pulled him to the surface. We burst out. The last thing I saw was Solen, Tierran, Aaron, Pablo, Alina and Balto screaming my name. Then it all went black.

I opened my eyes. It was all a huge blur, then a black and red blur appeared. I shook my head and focused on the blur. It was a wolf. Then I remembered, Karl! I struggled to my feet but he noticed me and walked over.

"You sure did want to kill yourself." Karl cocked, "You took a big fall."

I shivered and chatted my teeth and replied, "Th-thanks."

"Why were you in the river anyways?" Karl asked as the sun went down and red and pink rays danced across the forests.

I then remembered what happened, I turned my head away from Karl and said, "Shadow Peak Pack, that's what happened."

The moon began to rise over the forest and I said to Karl, "I need to get to the river."

"Ok." Karl said, "But don't you need to go to the Tree of Hope?"

I stumbbled onto my feet and lied easily, "I have to get back to my pack first."

Karl got up and went over to a bush and picked up a rabbit and dropped it at my paws, "Eat. You'll get energy."

I looked at him and the hare than sat down and ate it quickly. When I finished I asked, "Don't you need to find Pablo and Alina or your pack?"

"They don't care about me." He said, "I hate my family."

"Well," I sighed, "To be honest with you I hate my family too. But they're all I have left."

I stood up and walked to the river and stared at my reflection. I was my mother's reflection, except my black moon parted me from her. There's always going to be a dark side of the moon, I thought.

"Karl, go home while you can." I ordered to him as he walked towords me, "I need to be alone for a while."

But Karl continued towords me as if he didn't care, "Why are you acting this way?"

"Just go home." I said to him, "Thanks for saving me but I can manage." I stepped into the chilled water. A volt of energy shot up my spine and my eyes widened in shock but, I went on.

I heald my breath and dove underwater. I walked on the bottom of the deep river and floated on the currents on the river's floor. The fish swam around me and played around me.

When I got to the other side of the river I looked back, expecting to see Karl but, he was gone. I didn't look back again. I walked into the forest shadows.

Once I was at the Tree of Hope I sprinted to the den entrance. I dove into the dark shadows of the cave under the tree's roots. I landed a white pelt like mine. It growled at me and I pinned him down. Then I saw his face, Pablo!

"Sorry, Pablo!" I apoligized." Where's Alina and Balto?"

"We fed Balto the hare," Pablo began, "And,"

"And what?" I asked.

"I'm sorry." Pablo began, "Karl told our leader about Balto."

"What?!" I shouted and it echoed in the den, "Where's Alina?!"

"She's back at our territory." Pablo explained, "Balto wouldn't leave her."

I walked deeper into the den and left Pablo behind. Something was calling to me, like a ghostly melody. When I stopped I was in a room, in the middle was a circle with four platforms around it. The walls were carved with ancient carvings. They told legends and seemed to whisper through my ears but, I couldn't understand their language.

I walked around the platforms. They all had a carving on them. The first one I went to had a sun. The platform had a fire scent to it and seemed to have heat waves generating inside the platform."Solen" I whispered, the mutter echoed around the room and through my ears like a ghostly melody.

I continued to the next platform to my left. I examined it and saw a faint carving of two clouds together. That platform also had a weird vibe to it as well. It seemed wild and free like the wind, without a scent. It rang through my thoughts, Aaron! The ghostly melody grew more familiar as it echoed across the walls in the cave.

I slowly walked away from Aaron's platform and to the next platform in the circle. The platform had an earthy vibe to it. I saw an etching or carving in the platform again. This time however, it was a earth carving. It matched my sister's chest marking and I whispered in chorus with the ghostly melody, "Tierran." My eyes were now awe struck and I was paralyzed while the ghostly melody sang in harmony with my blood pulse.

I moved onto the fourth stage, between Tierran and Solen. It smelled like pure water and had a calm and cooling vibe coming from it. I peered at a carving in the platform. My eyes widened when I saw a crescent moon that matched my own. "No." I muttered in astonishment, "I can't be the wolf." The ghostly melody stopped and all was silent.

"But you are," A soft voice whispered across the cave.

I turned around to see a white figure. The ghostly melody whispered around the figure in agreement.

"Aniu," A male voice shattered the melody. I turned to another white figure.

"Hello, Pablo." Aniu acknowledged.

I looked at Aniu and Pablo with complete hate and anger burning in my eyes. "Why didn't you tell me about him?!" I screamed at Aniu. I didn't care anymore.

Aniu's eyes looked at me sorrowfully but walked up next to Pablo and explained to me, "Pablo, has a destiny." She sighed and continued, "A destiny much like yours, my daughter."

"If he has a destiny like mine then why can't he be the Moon Wolf?!" I rebelled at Aniu. This was the first time I have yelled at Aniu my whole life. I never wanted to but now it seemed like the only thing that I wanted to do. "His blood's pure!" I choked back tears in my eyes.

Pablo looked at the ground awkwardly and shameful. Aniu looked at him and nudged  him. My eyes burned into Aniu. I asked controlling my anger, "Why didn't you tell me that Solen, Tierran, Aaron or I would die in the legends?"

Aniu looked at me and sighed, "I wanted to protect you."

I cut her off, "Protect us from what? The fact that I might die in the place of another wolf who will betray me?!"

Pablo's eyes shot up and he stared at Aniu in disbelief. "You mean that Solen, Luna, Tierran or Aaron might die in the place of someone they love?!"

Aniu gravely looked at us both and sighed, "Yes. It is said that one of my sons or daughters will replace me when they die in the place of someone they love."

I closed my eyes and backed away. "No!" I screamed, "I can't lose anyone else!" A tear fell out of my eye and I began to cry like a lost pup.

I gathered myself and listened to Aniu, "There are 5 platforms. The four surrounding the middle is the Sun, Moon, Earth, and Air stages. Solen, Luna, Tierran and Aaron belong on those stages."

Aniu stopped when I began to listen, but she continued, "The middle stage is," Aniu sighed deeply.

"Is?" Pablo and I asked simultaneously.

"It is the stage of," Aniu took a deep breath, "The stage of the White Wolf."

I walked up to the middle stage next to Aniu. I examined it and saw two markings. They looked very familiar but then it hit me. These were Pablo's markings! I stared at Aniu for an explanation.

Aniu explained, “The legend states one will have the power to speak with the ancients with markings unlike any other. It is said that one of the element wolves will give a sacrifice for this wolf with its life.”

A wave of hurt, anger, hate, and sadness pumped though my blood. I couldn’t believe that either I or my siblings will sacrifice their life for Pablo.

Aniu was not finished so she continued, “The wolf that dies will then bring the packs to peace and Shadow Peak shall never be cursed again.”

I stared though myself. My memories of happiness of being a pup that was part of the Shaded Forest Pack. I remembered the day Aniu died and became a goddess, the burning through my chest on my mark. I also remembered the day I received Balto and meeting David. It all flooded through me.

Pablo looked at me with sadness in his eyes. He had already known this and felt the pain too, as if he were my twin soul.

Aniu’s last words were, “Have faith, young one. War is coming and new names are soon to be given.”

I stared at her with my eyes, sad and filled with grief. Pablo and I walked out of the den and into the moonlight world.

“Pablo,” I began, “I will go with you and retrieve Balto.”

Pablo nodded and led the way back to Cliffside territory to get Balto.

It wasn’t long until we arrived into the campsite. Alina was waiting for us with Balto in her paws. The entire pack was a sleep and all of us were exhausted. I thanked my friends and carried Balto out of the campsite and back home.

I crossed the icy river at the spot where the fight had happened. I left the area behind and traveled back to my den at the Shaded Forest Pack campsite. When I arrived everyone was asleep, everyone except Mormon, who was guarding the prisoner den, with David inside it.

I snuck past him and went into my quiet and empty den. I placed Balto in a small bed made of ferns and walked out of the den.

Although I was tired, I wanted to know what was going on. So I went over to the prisoner den and said to Mormon, “I’ll take over from here.”

Mormon was clearly thankful that I offered to guard so he nodded and went into his den to sleep.

When Mormon was safely in his den, I walked into the prisoner den. It was dark and gloomy, with dust and dirt all over the floor. In the dark I could barely see, David, as he was staring at me in amazement.

“David, where are you?” I asked inside the den.

I saw David move up to me. He stood in front of me and looked at me. “Huron, is going to either kill me or keep me hostage.” He replied miserably.

“David, I can’t help you. I almost drowned today fighting, Chief.” I explained, “If Huron and Dani know that we are friends, I could be banished and you may be killed for sure.”

David’s head dropped down low and he was miserable, I could tell. He said, “You know don’t you? You know that I am to be the next alpha of Shadow Peak.”

“Yes, but nobody else in the pack knows.” I explained, “David, I am going to let you escape now. Don’t ever come back into the territory or you might never get away again.”

David looked at me happy but then asked, “Won’t you get in trouble for letting me escape?”

“David, look at me. I am scarred and blood-stained. I will say you fought your way out.” I said.

We walked out of the cave and said our goodbyes. David ran as fast as he could out of the camp and I lay down outside of the den, looking like I was unconscious after a fight. I soon fell asleep under the moonlight and sky and relief washing over me as I fell asleep.

I felt water splash onto my face as I woke up. My vision was blurry and I saw a large blob of black fur over my head. It was Solen, the early bird of the pack. He was staring down at me shocked and worried.

“Uuggg.” I groaned as I focused on Solen.

“What happened? Are you ok?” Solen asked worriedly, overflowing me with questions.

I came to my scenes and lied, “That…that…wolf…” I began, “He…over-overpowered…me…”

“Of all things holy!” Tierran shouted and ran over to Solen and I. “Are you alright? What happened? Are you hurt badly? Where’s the prisoner? She waved a bunch of questions over me.

Solen replied, “Luna was unconscious when I found her, here. Apparently the prisoner over powered her in the night and escaped.”

Tierran looked at us both in shock, “I’ll watch Balto today so you can get some rest.” She offered.

Soon I was in my den and Tierran was watching Balto while Solen explained to Huron and Dani what had happened the night before. I was woken a few hours by, Aaron who walked inside with a large hare in his mouth.

“You’ve never come across a hare that could out run you for sure.” I remarked, as Aaron dropped a large hare right next to me.

Aaron chuckled and looked at me with a light in his eyes. “I don’t think there’s anything that could out run me.”

We both laughed for a moment, as Aaron said a few jokes. But, on Aaron’s third joke, we were interrupted by an unfamiliar howl.

Aaron and I turned our heads to the den’s entrance, and quit our laughing instantly. Aaron put out his head from the den and whispered, “Oh no.” He then ran out of my den. I began to shout after him but I just got onto my paws. I looked out side of my den and I repeated what Aaron said.

I stumbled out of my den, and struggled to run over to see what a group of Shaded Forest wolves huddled over. I beat the alphas to the crowd, and pushed my way in to see what was going on.

I saw what the commotion was. It was Aaron huddling over Echo, in a protective stance. He looked at her worried and scared. I heard another strange howl, and turned my head to a rock near the edge of the densite's clearing. I couldn't believe my eyes, it was him.

"You see what happens when you trust Shadow Peak?" He called to me and continued, "She was attacked by Chief and given a message."

"What the message?" I responded.

He turned and ran into the shadows, back to his home. I turned over to see, Huron talking with his daughter and the words ringing through the air that Huron has recited from Echo, "War will come among the packs."