WOLF GUARDIAN , Chapter 1

WOLF GUARDIAN – Chapter One

Nyavira Forest, forbidden land of wolves

By Wanjiru Esther 

I was fetching water at the river when I heard it 

a faint, broken sound, like a growl swallowed by pain.

Grrr… whine…

I froze. It wasn’t the wind. It wasn’t a bird.

It was an animal… and it was suffering.

Something in my chest tightened. I don’t know why, but whenever I hear a wolf, it feels like the sound comes from inside me, not outside. Like I’m meant to hear it. Like I’m connected.

I followed the sound through the trees, the water pot still in my hand, my feet stepping carefully through the leaves.

Then I saw it.

A tiny wolf pup, barely able to open its eyes. Fur matted, shaking, its small breaths uneven. There were wounds on its leg and head fresh, deep, like it had been attacked.

Whiine… auu…

“Oh, you poor thing…”

I knelt beside him. He tried to growl, a warning, but it was weak, scared.

“It’s okay. I won’t hurt you.”

I don’t know if he understood the words, but something in my voice made him stop fighting.

I looked around for herbs m’kurungu leaves for pain, aloe vera for wounds. I crushed the leaves, mixed them with water in my palm, and lifted his little head.

“Shhhh… I know it’s bitter, but you have to drink. Come on… just a little more.”

Hff… grr…

He scrunched his face. I couldn’t help but laugh softly.

Then I smeared the aloe on his wounds. He whimpered, but he didn’t bite. Brave boy.

He blinked up at me slow, unsure, but curious.

“There you are…” I whispered. “Don’t worry. I’m here. My name is Kari.”

He lifted his ears weakly.

“Can I give you a name?”

auuu…  soft, breathy, but real.

“How about… Kael?”

auuuu. A tiny cry, but it sounded like agreement.

“Yes!” I grinned. “Kael. That’s your name now.”

I lifted him gently. He could barely stand.

“I’ll carry you on my back, and the water in my hands. When you’re strong, we’ll hunt together. And play. And run. Sound good?”

mmrh… auu.

He tucked his head under my arm. Trusting me already. 

🌲🐺 CHAPTER ONE (continued)

By the time I reached the edge of Nyavira, the sky was already orange.

The village gates looked the same as they always did carved wood, marked with the symbol of the crescent moon over crossed spears.

The sign of the law.

No wolves. No howling. No mercy.

I stopped, my heart pounding. Kael shifted weakly on my back, his tiny claws brushing against my shoulder.

whiiine…?

“I know,” I whispered. “We have to be quiet. If they see you…”

I didn’t finish the sentence. I didn’t need to. Even the trees knew the punishment.

I wrapped him in the spare cloth I had saved, usually for carrying firewood  if I won't fetch water then I look for firewood.Now it was a disguise. A “bundle.” A “sick baby goat.” Anything but what it truly was.

I slipped past the first houses before anyone noticed.

But Nyavira was a village that watched.

From windows, from doorways, from behind pots of drying herbs. They saw everything… and they always talked.

I had almost reached my home when...

I don't

“Kari!”

I froze. It was Old Miri, the weaver woman. “You came late from the river,” she said, squinting. “And you’re carrying something. What is that?”

My palms went cold.

Before I could answer, Kael shifted and let out the smallest sound...

“Kari!”

I froze. It was Old Miri, the weaver woman. “You came late from the river,” she said, squinting. “And you’re carrying something. What is that?”

My palms went cold.(Chapter one continuation)

Before I could answer, Kael shifted and let out the smallest sound

…auu.

Not loud. Not obvious. But Miri’s eyes widened anyway.

She didn’t scream. She didn’t come closer. She just whispered the words that changed everything:

“Call the Council of Elders. There’s a wolf in Nyavira.”

🏚️ Scene: The Elders’ Meeting (end of chapter)

By nightfall, the council fire was lit in the center of the village.

The whole community gathered mothers clutching children, hunters gripping spears, elders wrapped in ceremonial cloaks.

And I stood in the middle of them, alone, clutching Kael under my shawl.

No escape. No lies left.

The Elders sat in a circle, carved staffs before them. I knew their names by heart — everyone did.

Elder 1 – MUTHORI: Keeper of Law, strict, feared

Elder 2 – NALIA: Herbalist and narrator of history, calm but sharp

Elder 3 – BANEKO: Hunter-chief, wolf-hater, lost a son to a wolf attack

Elder 4 – RUA: Quiet elder, watches more than speaks

Elder 5 – SENA: Youngest elder, open-minded, but outvoted often

Elder Muthori spoke first.

“Kari, daughter of Nyavira… you are accused of bringing a forbidden creature into our land. A wolf.”

Gasps. Murmurs. Fear scattered through the crowd like sparks.

I held Kael closer. He trembled. I could feel his heartbeat.

I didn’t understand his sounds yet, not fully… but I understood his fear.

I took a breath.

“I didn’t bring a danger,” I said. “I brought a life that needed saving.”

Elder Baneko slammed his staff.

“Wolves bring death, not life!”

Elder Sena looked at me  not with anger, but with something else.

Curiosity. Maybe hope.

“You defended it,” she said softly. “Why?”

My voice shook, but not with weakness.

“Because… I felt like I was meant to.”

The fire cracked. Kael made a soft sound in reply

mmrh… auuu…

And for the first time, I realized…

I understood what he meant.

Not with words. With something deeper.

The Elders saw the look in my eyes.

And in that moment, they knew: this was not just a wolf.

This was the beginning of something they could not control.

✅ End of Chapter One

Writers note- thenk you ❤️my reader for your continued support,hope you are enjoying the novel, can't wait to see in the next chapter, let's see what Kari and Kael will do...

CHAPTER 2 — The Choice

The fire cracked in the center of the village circle, throwing restless shadows across the gathered faces. No one spoke. No one moved. Only the growl of flames and the soft, frightened whimper of the injured wolf pup in my arms broke the silence.

Then Elder Rua finally rose, leaning on his carved staff.

His voice was deep, heavy with judgment.

 “You must choose, child,” he said.

“Either we expel you from Nyavira… or we kill this creature.”

Gasps slipped through the crowd  prayers, murmurs, shaking heads.

Kael pressed closer to my chest, trembling.

He made a soft sound, “auu…”  not loud, but full of fear.

And somehow… I felt it. Not just heard it.

The elders stepped aside to speak among themselves. The flames flickered, like they too were waiting for a verdict.

Then Elder Muthori, oldest of the council, raised his hand. The crowd fell still.

“Tomorrow at dawn,” he declared,

“Kira, daughter of Wakirwa… you will leave this village with the animal.

If you refuse, the wolf will be killed, and you will face the same fate."

The meeting ended just like that. Everyone walked away.

No one touched me. No one spoke to me.

Just me… and the small wounded wolf in my arms.

We stayed there long after the fire died down, curled around each other like two creatures the world had already decided to abandon.

Chapter two ( continued)

"Kari!”

I heard footsteps rushing toward me. I turned  it was my mother.

Her eyes were red. I didn’t need to ask why.

“Kari,” she whispered, kneeling beside me.

“What you did… is forbidden. You know the laws. Wolves and humans do not mix. You know what killed your father.”

My heart stopped. “No, Mama… I don’t.”

She swallowed hard.

> “It was wolves, Kari. Or so they claimed. Your father was a warrior  a good man. The night he never returned, they said he was killed by a wild pack. But before he left, he gave you a name with meaning… and a gift meant only for you.”

She reached into her cloak and pressed something into my hand.

A necklace  a silver crescent moon wrapped around a wolf fang.

The metal was cool, but as soon as it touched my skin, it warmed. As if it had been waiting for me.

 “No matter where you go,” she whispered,

“this will protect you. And one day, you’ll understand why he chose you.”

My eyes burned. I didn’t remember the last time I cried.

Kael reached forward and nudged my cheek, as if wiping my tear.

I felt him not just physically. I felt his comfort.

 “Whatever you choose, Kira… I will stand with you,” my mother said, voice breaking.

“But the elders won’t change their minds. So what is your decision?”

I looked at Kael. At his wounded leg. His scared eyes. His tiny trembling body.

 “I will protect him,” I said.

“Even if I have to sacrifice everything.”

Chapter two ( continued)

That night, we returned home. I lit the fire, roasted some dried meat, fed Kael slowly.

He tried to turn away  I clicked my tongue. “No. You need strength.”

“mmh… auu…” he complained, but ate anyway.

I checked his wounds  they were healing faster than before. Something inside me already knew: this bond was not ordinary.

Later, we stepped outside.

The village was silent. The night sky stretched wide, full of stars. A full moon hung overhead bright, watching, ancient.

The necklace around my neck glowed faintly under the moonlight.

That was the moment I made my decision.

> “We’re leaving at dawn,” I whispered.

“We won’t die here, Kael. And we won’t let them decide our fate.”

Kael pressed against my leg and made a low, soft sound:

“Auu.”

I understood it  not with my ears, but with something deeper.

I’m with you.

And just like that… the world I knew was gone.

Tomorrow, everything would begin.

☑️End of chapter two 

Writer's note- hello my reader,hope you enjoying the Wolf guardian ⌨️ ✍️ novel, hope to see you in chapter 3.

Chapter three 

CHAPTER THREE — The Night Before Dawn

Kael curled beside me on the low bed of woven reeds, his small body warm against my arm. The fire had burned down to a soft red glow, shadows flickering across the wooden walls of our home. Outside, the village was silent, as if it already knew what tomorrow would bring.

I pulled the fur blanket over us and whispered, “Sleep, Kael. We need our strength for what’s coming.”

He gave a soft sound—mmmh—and pressed closer, his head resting against my shoulder. Even without words, I could feel him understand. His breathing slowed, steady and trusting. For a moment, the world felt safe.

But sleep did not stay gentle.

THE DREAM

I found myself standing near the edge of the village, the sky scarlet with dawn. Kael was beside me—no longer tiny and weak, but alert, tense, sensing something I could not yet see.

Then I heard footsteps fast, angry.

Alu.

Son of the elder. Older than me, a trained fighter, once my teacher. He stepped into view, sword drawn, eyes burning with something between duty and hate.

“So this is your plan, Kari?” he spat. “Sneak out with that… creature? You’re a disgrace to this village.”

I didn’t know where the courage came from, but I stepped in front of Kael. “I’m leaving. You won’t stop me.”

Alu laughed once, sharp. “I trained you myself you’re not strong enough to fight me.”

He swung the sword toward me. I moved fast faster than I ever remembered and dodged. The blade scraped my leg, and pain burned hot and sharp. Blood dripped into the dirt.

Kael saw it.

Something inside him changed.

A low growl rumbled from his chest deep, ancient, nothing like a pup. His eyes flashed gold, burning like molten metal. His teeth lengthened, not fully, but enough to break his innocent shape. Power rippled through him, wild and alive.

Alu staggered backward, fear cutting through his anger.

“W–what is that thing?”

Kael didn’t hesitate. He lunged faster than any creature his size should move. Alu dropped the sword, panic rising in his voice.

“Call it off! Kari call it off!”

I stepped forward. “Kael. Enough.”

The power in him recoiled like a wave pulling back into the sea. His fur smoothed, his eyes returned to their soft blue. He trotted back to me, and I touched his head, breath shaking.

Alu stumbled away, terrified.

Kael looked up at me, and I understood:

He was not like other wolves.

And neither was I.

WAKING

I gasped awake, heart pounding, skin damp with sweat. The fire was now only ash. Kael was already up, staring at me with wide eyes, ears lowered in concern.

“It was just a dream,” I whispered, brushing my hand through his fur. “But… maybe not just a dream.”

He whimpered auuu, pressing his forehead against my arm.

“I know. I felt it too.”

I stood and crossed the room quietly. I opened a small wooden chest near the wall my mother’s trusted store. Inside were the things she had prepared for me:

Dried nuts and roots for days of travel

Healing herbs crushed and wrapped in soft cloth

A small knife with a leather grip

Hunter’s extract, a thick black liquid used to numb pain or put prey to sleep

A cloth pouch for water or berries

And the woven bracelet, thread dyed deep red, with a single smooth bead at its center

I closed my hand around the bracelet and swallowed hard.

THE QUIET GOODBYE

My mother was awake, sitting on the edge of her bed, as if she had been waiting for me.

When she saw me, her eyes filled instantly. Not with doubt only heartbreak.

“Kari,” she whispered, pulling me into her arms, “my brave girl… I wish the world were kinder to you.”

I held her tightly, hiding the tremble in my hands.

She pressed the bracelet into my palm. “I made this for you when you were one. I wove every thread myself. It will not protect your body, but it will remind you of who you are. You will need that more than anything.”

I tied it around my wrist.

She touched my cheek. “You have always walked a different path, Kari. Maybe the elders fear the wolves… but I think the forest has chosen you.”

My throat tightened. “I’ll come back, Mama. One day. When things are different.”

She nodded, but her eyes said she knew the world did not change easily.

Mum stood behind me, watching us both.

She knelt and looked into his eyes not with fear, but acceptance.

“Keep him safe,” she said softly.

Kael blinked once, slowly. A promise.

THE FINAL HOURS

I stepped outside with Kael beside me. The village slept, unaware that by dawn, we would be ghosts of it—written out, forgotten, or worse, cursed.

Above us, the moon was full—silver and watchful. The stars shimmered like secrets waiting to unfold.

“Tomorrow,” I whispered to Kael, “we leave everything behind.”

He pressed his head lightly against my leg.

And in the silence, under the moon, I made my vow:

We will not die.

We will not be broken.

We will walk into the forbidden forest,

and we will survive.

Together.

CHAPTER FOUR

“Kael, we need to run as fast as we can,” I whispered, tightening the cloth around my shoulders. “If we get tired along the way, we’ll find somewhere to rest, okay?”

He rubbed his head against my leg, as if to say he understood. I smiled faintly. “You’ve already gained some weight in just two days,” I teased, lifting him gently and hugging him close. “Soon I won’t be able to carry you anymore.”

Kael whimpered softly.

“C’mon, don’t be mad,” I said with a small laugh. “I just mean you’re growing strong and healthy.”

A soft “Auuuu” escaped him that happy tone I loved.

With Kael on my back, I ran. The forest whispered around us, leaves brushing my arms as the cold dawn air bit my face. As long as the sun stayed hidden, I could run far  faster than I thought possible.

When my legs finally trembled from exhaustion, I stopped near a narrow stream that glimmered like glass. I crouched to drink, then filled my small gourd for Kael.

“You should learn to drink on your own, Kael,” I smiled as he lapped the water shyly.

Nearby, I noticed a shadowed shape  a cave, half-hidden behind thick vines.

“Look, Kael,” I whispered. “That might be a good place to rest.”

We approached carefully. A flat stone slab served as a door, heavy but movable. Inside, the air was cool and smelled of earth and moss. There were stones in the center, blackened by old fire someone must’ve lived here long ago.

“Let’s clean it up,” I said, stepping outside again. I cut large leaves to use as a broom, fetched more water, and swept away the dust. “You’ll wait outside while I clean, alright?”

Moonlight from the fading Murii, the morning moon, trickled through cracks in the stone as I worked. When I finished, I stepped outside to call him but Kael was already asleep beneath a tree, his small body curled like a cloud of fur.

“Phew,” I whispered, smiling. “Tomorrow, we’ll hunt something to eat.”

I carried him inside and laid him on the raised area that seemed once used for sleeping. I decided to keep watch while he rested. Dawn slowly painted the sky in pale orange. Kael stirred awake, blinking sleepily. “Your turn to guard,” I murmured before closing my eyes.

As sleep finally took me, far away in Nyavira…

Chaos shook the village.

The elders gathered, their faces dark with anger when they learned Kira and the wolf were gone. Mothers whispered. Warriors muttered. The air smelled of firewood and fear.

Elder Rua struck the ground with his staff. “She has defied our law,” he said. “If she will not return, she will be hunted.”

Elder Muthori rose slowly, his voice calm but cold. “Then it is decided. By sunrise, the warriors will leave. They will track the child and her beast. If she returns with the wolf, both will face judgment.”

Kira’s mother stood at the edge of the crowd, her shawl pulled tightly around her shoulders. She didn’t speak — only watched the flames flicker in the elders’ eyes. Deep inside, her heart whispered a single prayer: May the gods guide you, my daughter.

As the first light touched the roofs of Nyavira, Elder Muthori raised his staff once more.

“At dawn,” he declared,

“the hunt begins.”

Hello 🤩 my reader long time, been held up a bit,but here is the long awaiting chapter five...

CHAPTER FIVE 🐺✍️

CHAPTER FIVE

While I was resting, Kael guarded the door. After a while, I heard a small growl and turned my head he had captured a forest rabbit!

“Where did you get that?” I asked, surprised.

“Auuuuu!” he howled proudly.

“Okay, okay, you did a good job,” I said, smiling as he wagged his tail.

The sun was shining bright, hanging high in the clear blue sky. I prepared a small firepit using stones, then went outside to gather dry branches and sticks. I also picked three strong ones to hold the rabbit above the fire. After setting everything, I used my small sword to slaughter the rabbit.

Kael watched curiously, his head tilted.

“You will not eat raw meat,” I said. “I’ll roast it. You’ll also learn to eat wild fruits and other things as long as we find something, okay?”

“Auuu,” he replied softly, rubbing his head against my hand.

“Stay at the door, and if something comes, alert me,” I added.

Our bond was growing stronger each day. I hoped that soon, he would understand every word I said and maybe, one day, I would understand his heart too.

The smell of roasting meat filled the cave. I turned it carefully so all sides would cook evenly. I even sprinkled a few leaves from a certain plant that hunters in the village once used to flavor meat. I’d learned it from one of them his food was always sweet.

“I don’t want to miss home,” I whispered, poking the fire with a stick. “But I hope Mum is okay.”

“Kael?” I called suddenly, realizing he was no longer by the entrance. I looked around, panic rising in my chest. “Kael! Where are you?”

I ran outside, my heart racing. A few meters away, I spotted him standing still, gazing down the path we had used to get here. His fur bristled slightly.

“Kael, are you okay?” I asked softly.

He turned to me—and for a brief second, his eyes flashed yellow. Then, just as quickly, they turned blue again.

I froze. “I think I just saw… no, maybe I’m imagining things,” I whispered, brushing the thought away. But deep inside, something felt off.

“Come, Kael, let’s eat,” I said, forcing a smile.

He let out a small “Mmmmh” as if agreeing, and trotted back with me.

“You’re going to love my roasting skills,” I teased, breaking a small piece and handing it to him. As we ate, I remembered something. “You know, I have to train you. You’ll need to learn how to run faster.”

Kael wagged his tail and barked.

“Let’s see if you can catch me,” I said, standing up.

I ran through the clearing. Kael sprinted after me, his paws thudding softly against the ground. Within minutes, he caught up and jumped on me playfully.

“Good job!” I laughed, falling onto the grass. “You’ll also tell me how you hunted that rabbit. Seems I don’t have much to teach you about hunting, huh?”

“Auuuu!” he howled proudly.

“Okay, here’s your piece,” I said, feeding him again. “Soon, I’ll teach you how to fight when danger comes. Roasted meat might attract other wolves.”

We ate peacefully. Sometimes, I’d feed Kael by hand; he was just a cute little wolf pup. His bright blue eyes glimmered under the sunlight. He’s different, I thought. Special. Like me.

After eating, we washed ourselves in the stream and drank our fill. I decided to make a hat to protect me from the burning sun. Mum always said Dad wasn’t friendly with sunlight either. I gathered broad leaves and wove them carefully.

“I don’t know where I got all these skills,” I murmured. “Maybe it’s just in me.”

Once done, I placed the hat on my head and turned to Kael.

“Let’s go. We’ll come back to the cave in the evening. There’s a lot we can do hunting, running, playing, and searching for herbs and wild fruits.”

“Auuuuu!” he howled.

I grinned. “Auuuuuu!” I howled back.

He froze for a moment, staring at me, then wagged his tail in surprise.

“You didn’t expect that, huh?” I laughed.

Our laughter and footsteps faded as we ventured deeper into the forest. I marked a unique tree near our cave, its bark carved with a small line. “We won’t get lost now,” I said.

Meanwhile, near the cave...

As the forest wind swayed the trees, a group of village warriors appeared, moving cautiously through the undergrowth.

“Hey, there’s a cave over there,” one of them whispered.

“Let’s see,” Alu said, tightening his grip on the spear.

They entered quietly. The air inside was heavy with the faint smell of smoke.

“I think someone was here,” murmured the youngest hunter, touching the ashes. “They’re still warm.”

“Footprints,” another added. “Small ones. And wolf tracks.”

The group exchanged worried looks.

“What should we tell the elders?” one asked.

Alu’s expression hardened. The sun was sinking beyond the trees, casting a warm orange glow across the forest floor.

“We go back,” he said. “We’ll reach the village before nightfall. Tell the elders we found signs but not them. If they order, we’ll return at dawn.”

As they turned to leave, a soft breeze blew through the cave, scattering a few ashes like a whisper of presence still lingering there.

They disappeared into the forest shadows, unaware that not far away, Kari and Kael were running through the tall grass, their laughter and howls carried gently by the evening wind.

🌙 CHAPTER SIX 

Kael and I were having fun. I trained him how to be fast though he was already fast. I had always thought I was the fastest. We played games, hunted two rabbits, and I even taught him a few attacking skills. We enjoyed the day fully. Kael carried one rabbit with his paws, while I carried the other. We also ate some wild fruits and nuts. At first, Kael didn’t want any, but in the end, he enjoyed them too.

On our way back home, the sun was setting a beautiful scene to look at. The sunset reminded me that the day was almost over; it was time to return home, spend time with our parents while roasting meat, or attend village meetings if the elders had arranged one. When I was young, my favorite part of the evenings was listening to the old people tell stories by the fire. I was turning thirteen the coming year, soon to be a teen.

I shook off my thoughts as we neared the cave. It was already getting dark when my necklace started to glow. My bracelet glowed too, but only for a few seconds, while the necklace shone brighter and longer. That’s when I noticed footprints near our cave human ones. Kael sniffed around, tail stiff. It dawned on me that these were not animal tracks.

“Auuuuuuu,” Kael howled, but differently this time low and cautious.

“Kael, someone was here,” I whispered. “I think we should leave this place by tomorrow. Someone is following us.”

“Mmmmh,” he replied softly. For a moment, I realized how much our bond had grown I was starting to understand Kael more deeply. I hugged him. “Come here,” I said, as my necklace slowly dimmed and stopped glowing.

I wished I knew why it behaved that way why it glowed when danger was near. Something felt wrong.

“Who do you think could be following us, Kael?” I asked, though I knew he couldn’t answer. “Tomorrow, we’re leaving this place.” I paused. “Wait… maybe it’s the villagers.”

Kael growled lowly, confirming my fears.

I used the remaining sticks to light a small fire for warmth and light. Kael stood guard by the entrance, his ears twitching every few seconds. When I finished skinning the rabbits, I looked at him and smiled.

“Kael, tonight we won’t share. You’ll take your rabbit, and I’ll take mine. Tomorrow morning we’ll pack the fruits and nuts, okay?”

“Auuuuuu.”

“Shhhh, don’t be loud,” I whispered.

The smell of roasting meat filled the air. We ate until we were full Kael even lay on his side, too stuffed to move. I belched softly. “Let’s clean up, then go outside for a while.”

Kael rubbed his head against my leg, his fur warm and soft. Outside, the night air was cool. The trees were calm, the stream nearby whispered softly, and when we howled, our echoes answered back from the forest.

“Auuuuuuuuuu,” I started.

Kael joined in, his voice deeper and stronger. Together, we filled the night with our calls. In the distance, faint howls answered we looked at each other, realizing there were other wolves in the forest.

“Okay, Kael, let’s go sleep,” I said. “You sleep first. I’ll keep watch.”

We returned to the cave. I wasn’t sure if this place would be our permanent home or just another stop, but deep down, I knew we’d have to leave soon. Kael drifted to sleep, but woke up after a while.

“You’re awake,” I whispered.

“Mmmmh.”

“Alright, your turn to guard. If anything happens, alert me.”

“Auuuu,” he answered, softly this time.

When I woke up, birds were chirping. Dawn was breaking, soft light creeping into the cave. Kael was still guarding the entrance, alert and loyal.

“Kael, rest a bit. I’ll wake you when the sun rises.”

He nodded weakly. I walked outside to wash my face and breathe in the cold morning air. The moon still hung faintly above the trees. That’s when I saw them fresh footprints. Human.

“So, you want to find me and kill me?” I whispered fiercely. “I won’t allow it. Never.”

My guess was right. It was the villagers.

Chapter seven

 

In Nyavira village, the sun had barely risen when the great horn was blown. Villagers gathered once more around the council fire  the same place where they had cast me out weeks ago. The mood was heavy, the air thick with unease.

Elder Rua stood first, resting both hands on his staff. His voice carried a note of weariness.

> “It has been many days,” he began, “and the child has not returned. Nor has she sent word. The forest may have already chosen her fate.”

The people murmured. Mothers held their children close. Hunters bowed their heads.

Elder Muthori lifted his hand for silence. The firelight caught the lines on his face, deep as scars.

> “The spirits do not make mistakes,” he said slowly.

“If the girl survived, it is because her destiny lies beyond these walls. We will not hunt her. Not anymore.”

Gasps rippled through the crowd. One of the younger warriors Alu, the one who had searched the caves  stepped forward.

> “But Elder,” he protested, “she carries a wolf. What if she returns with a pack? What if she brings a curse upon us?”

Muthori’s gaze hardened.

> “You speak of curses, yet forget that her father was a protector of this land. Blood such as his does not vanish  it transforms.”

Rua struck his staff lightly against the earth.

> “Enough. We will wait. Let moons pass, and if the spirits will it, we shall send a search. Until then… no one shall enter the Northern Woods.”

The crowd murmured again, quieter now  some in fear, others in pity.

“So it is decided,” Muthori said finally. “Let the girl walk her path. Whether she returns as friend or foe, the forest will judge her first.”

The horn sounded once more, signaling the end of the meeting.

Smoke rose into the morning air, curling toward the mountains  toward the unknown.