Chapter 2

Maliyla's POV

With a heavy heart, I walked away from the pack border. The only comfort I got was the fact that I no longer had to deal with all the dirty looks or nasty words they said about me. I was free from the emotional and mental burden that I had been carrying. Yet, I was still alone and out in the open without protection from wind, rain, and even more dangerous rogues. The situation left me trying to figure out where to go and what to do. I felt lost and scared, but I knew I had to keep moving. Safety was my top priority as I searched for a place to spend the night. The nearest pack was a few miles away, and walking all night was not an option.

It would have been easier and faster if I could shift, but since Erick rejected me, my wolf disappeared. Taking a breath, I started walking toward the neighboring pack, feeling increasingly desperate with every step. I was sure I'd be able to find a place to rest for the night, but I was running out of time. Erick making me leave at night was the cherry on top of everything. I knew Erick knew the dangers I would face out here. We had previously encountered rogues at Blood Rose Pack, mangy animals killing for sport. Even more painful was the fact that my parents didn't say a word to me.

As I made my way through the forest, I looked for any form of shelter. After some time, I found a small stream. I was so grateful because I was thirsty. Pulling out a canister, I took the top off and dipped it into the stream, filling it to the top. Once it was full, I lifted the canister to my lips and drank. The cool water running down my throat felt energizing as it was a warm evening. When I lowered the container, I noticed a cave entrance just across the stream. I hadn't seen it before because the entrance was covered in vines. After quickly refilling the canister, I crossed the stream. Making sure to avoid making a lot of noise, as I would rather not draw attention to anything that might be lurking. I was on high alert as I walked through the water, constantly looking around for signs of danger.

My heart raced as I heard a twig snap to my left, but it turned out to be nothing more than a small animal. I breathed a sigh of relief and continued my way up the bank. Reaching the entrance, I put my bags down and parted the vines. Once I cleared a small gap, I quickly gathered my things and went inside. I was grateful I brought my cell phone. Initially, I considered leaving my phone because I figured no one would call me. No one had even texted me to check if I was alive, but the light it emitted meant I didn't have to stumble around in the dark. As I walked through the cave, going to the back seemed the safest, as no one would come all the way back there, or so I thought.

I slowly made my way to the back and eventually noticed a faint light coming from a corner. Cautiously, I approached it and saw another entrance leading to the outside. The cave had two entrances, which I figured would be positive and negative, as it made for a fast exit if I needed to run. However, it also meant anything could enter through there as well. I decided not to think about the latter and get some rest. Glancing at my phone, I saw it was just past midnight. "I guess this will do for a night," I said aloud as I dropped my bags and curled up in a ball. Despite my exhaustion, I couldn't help but worry about what lurked in the shadows. Placing my phone back in my backpack, I tried to push the thought away and eventually drifted off to sleep.

After a few hours, a loud growl awakened me. Quickly, I grabbed my phone and jumped up. Two glowing eyes caught my attention in the darkness, and I knew I was not alone. Using my flashlight, I shone the light toward the growl, revealing a large, menacing wolf. Quickly, I grabbed my backpack and ran toward the other cave entrance. Even though the hole was small and narrow, I pushed through, scraping my forehead and shoulder. I could hear the wolf growling and howling in the cave. Since rogues don't communicate like we do, they become feral after being alone for a while, even though they were once part of a pack like me.

After getting out of the hole, I ventured back into the woods. I could hear other rogues howling in the distance. Rushing, I adjusted my backpack and dashed forward. The woods were dark; all I could see was moonlight peeking through the trees. I ran as fast as I could and eventually found a small clearing. After catching my breath, I looked around, trying to figure out where I was.

When suddenly I was shoved down hard from behind, I felt a pair of teeth sink into my leg, and I screamed in pain. Blood oozed from my thigh as I reached for whatever I could find. When I felt a rock hidden in the leaves, I turned and hit the wolf in the head with it. The wolf yelped and backed away as I tried to stand, my leg throbbing. I winced in pain as I took one step, only for another wolf to jump on me and sink his teeth into my shoulder. I screamed in agony. The wolf was too fast as I scrambled for the rock; his claws sank into my back as he pinned me. At that moment, I was helpless. Just as I was about to accept my fate, I heard the roar of the rogues' cries, and all of a sudden, they were gone. Standing far in the distance, I saw a WOLF silhouette. As it approached, my vision faded, leaving me with only a vision of a blue-eyed man.