Dark Stones #1: The Rising Darkness

Chapter 33 - Emerald

Libby sat up carefully to not disturb Emerald.

They yawned and looked around. Wolves were moving to and fro everywhere, both wolves Libby recognized and a few they did not. What's going on?

Onor's hushed voice came from behind them as he exited his cave, and stretched. "After the bad news from last night, most of the Packs decided to come here for an emergency meeting. Now we're waiting for all Leaders to arrive."

Blinking the final sleep from their eyes, Libby regarded the strangers again. There was Burn of Bright Flames, and Maple of Quick Paws. In the back, Danna was conversing with Zrin and Diamond.

"A meeting," Libby remarked. It did sound like a good idea. They then looked down when they felt Emerald stir beside them.

The she-wolf groaned, looking just as exhausted as she did last night. "What's happening?"

Libby quickly explained the situation, making Emerald look rather unenthused. "More wolves, great," she said sarcastically.

Libby wanted to reply, but Emerald had already turned to Onor. "How's my father?"

Onor angled his head a little and let out a noncommittal grunt. "He's asleep, as far as I can tell. He's still in pain and feverish, but I think he will recover. I'm giving him seeds that will lessen the pain, however it'll also make him drowsier, so expect him to rest quite a bit."

"Even if he recovers, his eyes sure won't." Emerald bitterly prodded her good front paw into the ground as she sat up. "It's not fair. None of this is."

"I know," Libby said, trying to comfort them.

Emerald's bitter expression twisted into one of grief, but she said nothing after that.

"Libby." Diamond was approaching, his expression stern and unreadable as always. "The Pack is busy—why are you still sitting around?"

"It's okay, Diamond," Onor said gently. "Last night was difficult for all of us. Libby was helping Emerald."

Diamond blinked at Onor, but then turned back to Libby. "I expect you to keep participating, like all of the other trainees. You can spend time with the Smith's daughter later. Alex is hunting in the western part of the territory; go and join him. You'd better not come back empty-pawed." His stern bright-yellow gaze made it clear he wouldn't tolerate "no" for an answer.

Libby bowed their head in respect while biting back a remark. They liked spending time with Emerald, and they felt like they were actually helping her feel better. Wasn't that important, too? Then again, Diamond did have a point, especially with the meeting right around the corner.

"Yes, Diamond," Libby said while flattening their ears submissively. "I'll see you later, Emerald."

The pale she-wolf looked a bit sad as Libby took their leave, but nodded. "It's okay. I'll go check up on Dad."

Libby looked over their shoulder one last time before heading in the direction Diamond had indicated.

***

Libby and Alex returned from their hunt as the sun was at its peak. Libby had caught a fat muskrat, and Alex had managed to catch a marten, an animal not usually eaten by wolves. They had both stumbled upon it during the hunt, and Alex had managed to break its spine before it could flee.

"I wonder if this even tastes good," Libby's brother muttered as they entered the clearing. "Mustelids have got this sharp and pungent scent."

"Well, food is food," Libby commented.

"Still feels weird to be eating another predator, though," commented Alex. "I mean, we don't eat foxes or coyotes."

"You've returned." Diamond approached them quickly as he saw them enter. Both youngsters respectfully inclined their heads. "Good. Go add that to the prey-cave." Before they could get in any word he already moved on to speak to Ktea, who sat in front of the nursery cave where she'd soon be staying.