9

The forest was just beginning to awaken as Oli stepped out of the hollow. His sister had left earlier, most likely to hunt, and he had left soon after to meet with Elder Nora. The crisp morning air filled his lungs as he walked upon a trail that he had known since he was a kit.

It was trail that his sister had led him on so many times that he had lost count years ago. A trail that in the summer smelt of wild blackberries and wildflowers. A trail that was a memory to never be forgotten.

It had been five years. Since their abandonment and three since Oli's bad experience with shifting. Spring had come and left, making way for the heat of summer. From what his sister described to him, the forest was a deep green and prey had returned in plenty. Kate had been training him on how to stalk and no matter how hard he tried to sneak up on his sister, he could never surprise her. She always knew he was there, either by his scent or by the many sounds he'd make. Each time he failed, was another l