24. Ylfa
We’ve been out at seafor a week and a half, and I notice the gradual change in climate. The weather goes from bitter cold to warm and breezy, and even the sun burns a lot brighter. It seems we have voyaged south.
My heart thumps in my chest. Hopefully, I will get to see those white sand beaches that I always dreamed of.
“Land Ahoy!” the ship’s captain cries and I rush to the stern, trying not to remember my brief session with Hunter.
It appears old Ethel had been watching us the whole time, but she kept our little secret to herself. I’m grateful, but I’m getting sick of the eyebrow wiggles she gives me whenever we pass below deck. It’s creepy.
Yeah, Hunter got me wet. Big deal.
Patrick rushes up to the stern with me, and from there we gaze at the horizon, narrowing our eyes. I can’t see anything yet. It’s a blur, but Patrick produces a sharp gasp, pointing his finger. “Ylfa! Look!”
I follow his finger, and my chin hits the deck. It’s a series of mountains and rocks, jutting up over the horizon like jagged teeth, and I can’t believe it.
It’s foreign land. We’re about to make port on an uncharted island.
The most famous islands of the South Pacific are the Hawaiian Islands, but that Archipelago has been inhabited by wolves ever since the wolf invasion. The wolves of Hawaii made the brave voyage years ago and never looked back, and now they enjoy a life of peace, the trials and tribulations of lycan society a thing of the past. It must be nice. They’re a secretive community of wolves, and only keep to themselves. Plus, they never go to the Gathering.
They run their own little society, and maybe I should consider moving to Hawaii. But it doesn’t matter now. It seems I have found my new island home.
Patrick and I watch until that distant island becomes bigger. Hunter’s snoozing in his hammock below deck, and more fool him. This is a historic event. Who would want to miss this?
I just hope the humans are welcoming. We’ve managed to get along with the small community who remained on the continent. Several are still there. Tim explained that it’s best if a few humans remained at their hideout.
I just hope they don’t get discovered by wolves. Each human who remains has sworn an oath. They will kill themselves before they spill any secrets, and a shiver runs down my spine.
They’d rather die than give away their secret to the wolves, and I have to respect their bravery and sacrifice.
Closer and closer, we sail across the waves. A few more have joined us. Chelsea, Annabel, and Tiffany gather around us. Brianna, Andrew, and Theresa are here too, and I think back to when we all first met.
We were enemies, but then we became friends. And none of this would be possible if they hadn’t been willing to help us that day. Sure, we all got off to a bad start, but look at us now.
“Thank you,” I say to Brianna next, and the woman smiles, keeping her gaze on the island. It’s the first time I’ve seen her at peace. She’s a far cry from the murderous woman I met in the woods. The one who smothered herself in Raven’s scent.
“For what, wolf girl?” she replies.
“For getting us here. We never would have made it this far if you hadn’t agreed to work with us.”
She scoffs, peering my way. “We only agreed to help because you threatened us, but I knew you meant what you said. I thought I should at least give you a chance.”
I grin. “Well, I appreciate it.”
Brianna’s grin widens, and now we share a moment. Once again, we focus our attention on the island, and it’s coming up fast.
That’s when there comes the sound of a yawn from somewhere behind us, and look who bothered to get himself out of bed.
“What did I miss?” Hunter says lazily, looking gloriously disheveled as he stops between me and Patrick.
His eyes widen in pleasant surprise. “Nice...”
It really is nice. Now that we’re closer, I can see that the mountains are covered in grass. There’s an abundance of tree life on the island, and it looks like life has flourished.
Even from a distance, there’s no mistaking the birds that flitter between the trees, and it’s a whole new ecosystem just waiting to be explored. Patrick’s already jittering with excited nerves, and I think Lucky is just desperate to get off the boat.
This voyage wasn’t easy for any of us. Our wolves especially.
Patrick glances at Brianna. “So, there’s life on this island?”