*picture of Zynthéa (pronounced Cynthia but with a Z)

I thought about my Wolf and focused really hard on getting her to take over. I surprised myself when it actually worked. My clothes shredded in to pieces in front of me and soon I was standing on all fours in my furry form.

Excitement raced through me and I admired my Wolf briefly before I returned my focus back on the task at hand. I wasn't sure what gave me the confidence, but I mustered all the energy that I had and sprinted toward the metal bar as fast as I could.

Pain cursed through my whole body when I came in contact with the bars. I could now understand what Adam had meant about the bars hurting me. The bars radiated electrical currents on impact. But when I saw the dent on the bars, I realised my efforts had taken an effect.

Ignoring the pain that coursed through my body every time I came in touch with the bar, I continued to attack the metals until I had created enough space for my small figure to escape through.

By this point, I felt like my body was on fire. My bones were aching and I thought I would pass out at any given moment, but the fear of having to return back to Gabriel and being stuck between the two packs, was enough motivation for me to hang on. I needed to escape.

I had to escape.

Luckily for me, the cell that I had placed in was one in isolation— unless this pack didn't have any prisoners, which was impossible. Every pack had at least one prisoner, at least one captured Rogue.

My escape was suspiciously easy. Aside from the fact that I wasn't sure where I was headed, leaving the underground prison had been a piece of cake. I decided to head toward the woods, not the safest place for a Wolf, but at least I wouldn't be out in the open.

I wasn't sure how long I ran for, but at a certain point, I reached the end of the woods. My eyes widened in surprise at the clearing that I had reached. Unlike Pale Moon, that was mostly covered by plain fields and forests, this pack had waterfalls. The sound of the water brought a sense of calmness.

I hadn't seen anything so beautiful in my entire life. I was surprised even more to find the place empty. If this had been at Pale Moon, I was sure the area would have been occupied.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?"

I jumped ever so slightly, not realising that I had been joined by someone else. The beauty of the nature must have distracted me.

Turning my gaze to where the sound came from, I watched in awe at how beautiful the girl next to me was.

Her golden long wavy hair brushed past her elbows, her pale skin glowed and she seemed to be around the same height as me, but I wasn't completely sure in my Wolf form. Her blue marble eyes turned their focus on me. She had been watching the waterfall by my side.

"You're not from here," she stated, her voice sweet.

I didn't do anything, but simply stood there and watched her. I was distracted by her beauty that I had almost forgotten about my plan to escape.

"And you're not a Rogue," she continued, and then reached out her hand to touch my fur.

At first, I cowered back a little, but when her hand ever so gently brushed the fur on my neck, I relaxed.

"Who are you?" she asked, curiosity in her eyes. "Are you going to shift?"

I made no plans to. Frankly, I wasn't sure if I would be safe in my human form, but the girl didn't seem like a threat. In fact, she seemed really sweet.

"I'm Zynthéa," she introduced. "If you need help, let me be your guide."

My eyes narrowed in on her. I didn't want to trust her, but my Wolf did. It was odd.

Without realising, I had shifted back to my human form. And again, I was sure my Wolf had allowed it.

I still wasn't too sure how to communicate with her.

Zynthéa handed me a dress, "We have clothes located everywhere, you know, Wolves."

She chuckled softly and I cautiously took the ivory piece of fabric from her hands, thanking her in the process.

Her gaze held mine briefly. "What's your name?"

"Lyra," I responded, before placing the dress over my head and slipping in to it.

I was surprised to find it fit perfectly. It wasn't too short either and hung just above my knees.

"Well, Lyra," Zynthéa said. "What are you doing here?"

I didn't know what to tell her, but for some reason, I couldn't lie to her. It was strange.

"I'm a bit lost," I admitted, not wanting to tell her too much.

She simply smiled. "That, I can tell. Is everything okay?"

I bit my bottom lip at her question, and could feel my waterworks starting. It was a simple question, but one that I hadn't heard in a long time. I wasn't sure why it made me emotional.

I shook the sadness off and turned to the girl, "Erm, I should probably get going."

Zynthéa narrowed her eyes, but didn't press further. "Where are you headed?"

"Back to my pack," I quickly replied, but I wasn't sure how convincing that sounded.

"Ah," she responded. "Your pack."

My eyes guarded her whilst hers searched mine. After a while, she smiled at me. "I can guide you to the border, if you want."

I returned the smile. "I would be very grateful."

I was surprised when she linked her arm through mine and started to lead the way. She seemed very free spirited and I was sure whoever was mated to her, was a very lucky Wolf.

The sense of calmness that I felt around her, was a gift that I hadn't seen in all the years that I had existed. Frankly, I was surprised at how easily I even trusted her. For all I knew, she could be leading me to Dyami and Adam.

My doubts were wiped away when we arrived at the border of the territory. I was glad that I had come across Zynthéa, because with how many guards there were at the border, I would have never been able to make it out of their land.

"Stylus," Zynthéa said to one of the guards, whom nodded their head in response.

"My friend here needs to leave, can you grant her departure please."

Stylus, an exceptionally large Wolf, smiled at Zynthéa. "Of course, Madam Théa."

"You're the best," the female responded, before turning her torso my way.

"It was a short encounter, but I wish you the best on your endeavours."

I smiled at her. "Thank you so much. I really appreciate your help."

She returned the smile and pulled me in to her chest for a hug, surprising me. I awkwardly embraced her, before the hug was over.

As I was about to take my departure, something or someone, grabbed me hard by the arm, making me stop in my tracks. Maybe Zynthéa had played me. That had to be the case, considering how easily I had reached the borders.

"You're not going anywhere," a familiar annoying voice snarled.

I shut my eyes tightly. Just my luck.

"What are you doing? Let her go!" Zynthéa cried.

I felt a little guilty for doubting her, realising she really wanted to help.

"Baby, step aside. I don't want to hurt you."

"You will not hurt her either, Dy," Zynthéa continued, coming to stand by my side.

I wasn't sure what was going on, but I dared to glance between the two Wolves. The tall dark haired boy was looking down at the beautiful she-Wolf by my side. Contrary to how I had seen him, he looked concerned.

After a few seconds, Dyami dropped his hand on my arm.

"She can't leave," he simply said, his voice calmer. "I'm surprised she was even able to get out of that cell."

"Why can she not leave?" the female asked,

confused. "She's not a threat."

"I will explain everything later," the boy told her.

"You're going to explain now. You left me here worried sick and I had no idea what was going on!"

At her words, he pulled the female to his chest, making me feel awkward standing there as I watched the pair embrace. I had no clue in the world what was going on but I came to the conclusion that they had to be mates, perhaps.

"I'm sorry, Théa," the boy murmured to the girl. "I was in a rush but it won't happen again."

"Did he hurt you a lot?" she asked, pulling away slightly to examine him.

The boy grinned. "A few punches won't kill me."

She elbowed him in the ribs and pulled away completely, turning back to me. "I'm sorry about him. He can be an idiot sometimes."

It was nice to know we both agreed on something. "Is it really alright for me to leave?"

"You aren't leaving!" The boy replied angrily. "The Alpha wants to speak with you."

Zynthéa shot him a glare before turning back to me again. "I'm afraid you will have to see the Alpha first."

My eyes widened at their words. Why would I need to speak with the Alpha when I could leave without causing trouble?

"Is that necessary? I'm not going to return if that's what's concerning the pack," I said, promptly.

Zynthéa placed a hand on my arm. "That's okay. He won't bring harm to you, he's just very protective of the pack. Once he knows you're not a threat, you'll be able to leave."

I was nervous and felt sick to my stomach, but tried not to let that show.

After all, I had been dragged here against my own will. It wasn't like I had trespassed into their territory.

As much as I hated the thought of speaking to their Alpha, I felt a pull towards the idea. Maybe he would let me leave if I proved my innocence.

Praying for my safety, I let the pair guide me to their Alpha.