Chapter 2: Growing

Light yawned and stretched, her paws making imprints in the dust. She flicked a lazy ear to get rid of a fly, then got to her feet. It had been 3 moons since that thunderous night when Light had been born, and the young she-wolf was growing up nicely. In fact, she was eager to start her apprenticeship, albeit being three moons below the limit.

Her mother had noted the gleam in Light's eye and the way her paws tensed when she watched the trainees walk by, discussing fighting tactics and prey hunting. Scarlett knew that Light would grow to be powerful, an excellent fighter, and willing to kill in an instant: exactly the kind of wolf the Death Eaters needed.

Light had also found a friend in another young pup named Slash, a light gray ball of energy. Slash's grandfather was Anubis, the leader of the pack. Scarlett was delighted. If Light got friendly with Anubis's kin, that would almost guarantee that she would rise quickly through the ranks of the Death Eaters.

Light's early days were passed by a combination of romping around with Slash, sleeping, eating and talking. Talking nonstop. But the biggest sign that Light was growing into her skin came after a ceremony for the death of a trainer.

Light snuggled up to her mother that evening, looked up at her, and asked, "Can you tell me about my father?" Scarlett paused for a second, then said, "Yes. Yes, I can." Scarlett told the story.

"Your father was a brave and handsome wolf. He and I met when we were assigned a hunting patrol when we were only trainees. We grew close, and eventually, we became mates when we were trainers. Then I became pregnant with you and-" Scarlett broke off.

"Who?" Light asked. "With me and who?"

"Your sister."

Light's eyes widened. "I have a sister?"

"Had," Scarlett corrected quickly. "She died right after she was born."

"Why?"

"Oh, she was too weak I expect," Scarlett said carelessly. Light looked curious. "What was her name?"

"We didn't name her," Scarlett said. "She wasn't worth it."

Light looked shocked. "But-but what if it was me that ha been weak? What would you have done then?"

Scarlett's voice softened from rock hard to honey soft. "But it wasn't you, was it honey?"

Light nodded her head, and Scarlett continued. "So when it came time for me to give birth, I went away from the pack and made myself a den in the woods. Your father hunted for me, and that night you and At-your sister were born. We buried your sister, and we headed back. But on the way back, your father was so eager to feed you that he went hunting again, and never returned." Scarlett sighed. "We asume he was hit by a tree until we found his body. It had been ravaged by other wolves."

Light's deep blue eyes were wide. "What wolves?" she asked, her voice high.

"Fiercepack," Scarlett said. "They are the most evil, vile, and scummy creatures in this world or any other. If you see a Fiercepack wolf, you must kill them on sight." This, of course, was a lie. Morpheus had disappeared, along with Ataxia, never to be heard from again.

"Okay Mother," Light said, curling up next to her.