The Fourteen

Chapter 24: On the Third Day, They Shall Come Again

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Sunlight blasted in my face. Squinting against the rays, I pushed myself up to stand, but a stark realization hit me as I took in my furry physique.

Quickly, I scrambled out of the den.

Once free, I shifted back. I slowed my breathing with a few deep breaths.

That had been a close call. Like any supernatural, werewolves had to keep a mental note of their shifts. If they shifted too much, or stayed in their animal forms for extended periods of time, they might find themselves unable to change back.

"Calm down Mae, you were only asleep for three hours," Boe convinced. He was polishing his blades with a cloth. "I would've woken you up if I thought you needed to shift back."

His back was to me, so I knew we couldn't see my smile. Boe's hair was wet, hinting that he took a dip in the river. The shirt he had changed into showcased his muscular wolf build.

Stretching and eliminating the kinks in my back, I shrugged my bag off my shoulders. Our magica infused bodies helped us retain our clothing during and after a shift. Even our bags stayed on our backs, invisible only until we shifted back.

I verified that some clean clothes were out of my bag. Setting them on the rocks near the shore, I took of my shoes, jacket, and socks. I kept the rest of my clothing on, hoping to wash them as well.

The cool water, partially warmed by the Southern Sun, was a welcome feeling. I bobbed deeper into the river, until the water was up to my chest.

Then, I began the meticulous ritual of hygiene. I went from my hair, downwards.

I hummed out of happiness. Today marked our third of escaping the compound. Today was our last day of being fugitives. And tomorrow, we would be free.

I finished my cleaning with that giddy revelation in my mind. Turning to Boe, I asked, "Where are Brooke and Soren?"

"They've gone to scout ahead. The directions given to us were wrong. There's a cluster of run-down cottages downstream. Upstream, there isn't anything for miles."

"What!?"

"My thoughts exactly. Combine this with the river being north, it just doesn't add up."

I left Boe in silence. Quietly, I went behind some trees to change and dry off. When I returned, I laid down my old clothes on some sun-kissed rocks. Fire in one palm, wind in another, I began to blow-dry my hair. Through my locks, I saw Boe smiling at me.

Soren and Brooke hadn't returned yet. Boe told me not to worry, they had promised to be back before midday. Judging from the Sun's position, they still had an hour or so. To kill time, I took out the journal.

January 23rd

Well, it's official. My scouts report from the North. Mae will be at one of the boarding schools. But we have no idea which one.

Today, Lord Bartus of the Western demi-daemons attacked rebel territory. The raid occurred threateningly close to our main compound. It terrifies me how deep they got into our land, without us knowing about it. One of my top Commanders was killed.

I've appointed a new one in his place, Commander Lupus. He's been in the Northern Wolf Palace, being a wolf himself. I'm hoping that he's got some insight on the young princess.

Our causalities included three children. One cannot even fathom why the Imperials pride themselves in the murdering of innocents. Maybe they will realize the error in their ways when they receive the same brutality. I believe an invasion on the Western Boarding School is in order.