My nose is overrun with dust, old stone, and the multitude of three dozen wolves. The Gem Wolves smelled like crystallized fruit compared to the stench of disuse in unpolished floors. The unique scent created wonder if their ethereal existences were meant to be alluring; this wasn’t a positive considering their previous entrapment. The longer I’m in their presence, the more aware I become of why Dullings would be so greedy.

  Pebbles and dust bunnies flew into the air as we raced down the given pathway. The darkness was deep, but it wasn’t as terrifying as the idea of living as a glorified pet. There was little risk of anyone going off by themselves; the Gem Wolves worked in a close-knit pattern of control and form. As if I were back in the marching band performing choreography with everyone else.

  The tunnel is likely a path to the outside, but where?

  I spotted the herald of light in the distance. It’s as small as a cracked-open window.

  I pushed more power into my legs, charging forward and readying my half-furred arms. Wordless but with intent, I realized the wolves next to my feet are easing their speed to stay safe. With a hearty grunt as I braced myself, I shoulder-tackled the underused opening.

  Unlike the previous door, this one gave less resistance.

  A cold slam vibrated throughout my skin as it reached stone.

  The door crumbled into thick debris. I rolled my shoulder as the wall-door lay in pieces, an air of triumph washing over. A fluff under my cloak twitched and swished against the cloth in response to the rush in mint ears.

  Oh. Oh no, that was fun. I never destroyed anything so structurally solid before—This was trouble. I mustn’t get addicted to such a feeling. Nor can I be distracted, will the Dullings follow into this tunnel? No, I doubt it, the door had been extremely difficult to move…

  The first gem-bearing wolf jumped out of the dark and into the light.

  Eager, judging by the raised ears, impatient. I recognize the colors. It was the same rosy-pink wolf with opal stones. Sunlight glitters on their coat, and the wolf sniffed at the air, tail flicking. The other wolves behind begin to cautiously join them in the first step out of confinement. The breeze tasted sweet with how several wolves froze up to embrace the experience.

  It was a sobering sight. I stepped over the broken stone, leaving behind the chaos and overeagerness with a breath.

  The outside was an alleyway in the city. I smelled fresh meat in the near-distance, seasoned by lemon and herbs. The scent gnawed at me, like a memory of good food during a party. Speaking of, this city had been in the middle of decorating, wasn’t it?

  Then up ahead was either a city plaza or a vendor set-up. I heard voices, words upon words stacked by conversation and chatter.

  What an escape route to end up here. An assassin would’ve made off by now, but I happen to hoard creatures rather than the burden of a stolen life.

  I turned back to the Gem Wolves, spotting Ruby sniffing at one of the other younger wolves. Then, the youngster trotted up to the other smaller pups, as if counting each and every one. They were thorough, like a diligent sibling who wanted to make up for an erased past by caring for others.

  No one was injured, and the wolves seem to have their own routine checks. I swiftly tore my gaze away.

  I had no idea where we were or where the closest exit was.

  “We could always run through the city, but we could come across guards ready to spear us,” I rambled aloud, throwing my hood back up with a snap of claws. “Planning out everything won’t work either; they’ll seal off the exits.” Plans never survive reality in the first place. Should we try to stealth it? I haven’t heard anything other than silence from the tunnel we recently exited.

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  Some of the wolves abruptly perked up, but not a single one snarled nor growled. They were alert but not hostile.

  I frowned, eying the odd behavior.

  “Shepherd.” Came a familiar call, and a welcome approach.

  Strange. I hadn’t heard him until he called my title, but no matter.

  “Ebony!” I turned heel to find Ebony sliding down the long, grimy alleyway wall. Ebony’s claws left indents as my brother landed easily on the ground. “You found me; did you get the full story of this kingdom’s celebration?” Giddy from the remaining adrenaline, I swayed in place.

  Ebony eyed me, his stare felt colder, similar to his younger brother’s.

  “It’s the Prince’s 16th birthday,” Ebony replied, short and curt. “I see you found Kazo’s wards.” He looked them over.

  It was then I noticed the audience of wolves listening to our conversation. They weren’t subtle about it, sitting in poised positions while others kept lookout. If we weren’t allies, I would’ve kicked sand at them.

  “Sure did. Took a few detours, but I got the hang of it.” I told Ebony as my brain scrambled to create a proper escape plan.

  “Are these detours the reason you sent us away?” Irritated heat wafted in the air, the kind of frustration received when a difficult mentor leads one astray.

  “Too many people on a similar mission leads to divided attention,” I recited, staring into Ebony’s intense frown. “Additionally, if one of us were caught, you two could figure something out. Isn’t that better foresight?” Was this questioning out of duty or actual concern?

  I’m uncertain. I should’ve prodded Kazo for how the twins functioned as people.

  “My apologies, Big Sister,” Ebony pressed with a toothy grin. It seemed strained as his black ears lay an inch flat. “Who else could navigate this world on their own but you, a star from another planet entirely?” His voice was smooth, but the fire in Ebony’s dark eyes told a different story.

  Is that sarcasm,

  “Rude,” I blurted. “Rude, rude, I should pull your ears, rude! We have an escape to make! Where’s Ivory?!” I don’t know how sensitive Ebony’s ears are so I settled for fake-punching his back. Pulled an arm of his, then thrusted a fist full force…! Only to stop right at Ebony’s side, gently flicking him.

  “With the prince.” Ebony gave me a blank look.

  Huh? Hah? What?

  I must’ve looked at him dumbly. Ebony gave a quick shake of the head.

  “It seems the Prince of this kingdom took a liking to him.” Ebony continued on with a pinch of wariness.

  A surge of fire crawled up my throat. Ready to burn, ready to terminate. “In what way?”

  I thought of the Queen and her desire for lives as toys.

  “I’m uncertain. I believe it’s ’You’re fragile, so I’ll protect you’ way,” Ebony offered. “But that is all I was able to observe before the two ran off together. Ivory was eager to serve, as you know.” Ebony rubbed a hand on his forehead. “I suspect their friendship started with a thrown rock.”

  Ah. My shoulders lowered. “Wait, a rock…?” And heightened just as quickly.

  A guard ran past the alleyway, hushed and hurried.

  I stilled.

  The wolves became statues.

  Ebony sluggishly glanced up.

  After a long moment, with no guard to return, I exhaled.

  “I can understand bad omens when I see them. We’re leaving.” I rubbed the back of my neck as Ebony nodded in solemn silence. “Ebony?”

  “Yes, Shepherd?” Ebony raised his head.

  I preferred when you called me Big Sister, I clicked my tongue.

  “We’re going to need a distraction. They’re going to block off the exits, and I don’t know how to fight efficiently yet. The basics aren’t going to prevail.” Rolling an arm, I kneeled to the wolves. Opening a hand to Ruby, they stepped forward and placed a paw on my claws. “Think you could cause some destruction?” I had no issue with property annihilation.

  Ebony smiled, toothy and darkly satisfied. “Your orders are my actions. If Shepherd calls for destruction, then the world shall brace for impact.” A frown slid over his face. “I’m not going to forget the fact you threw yourself into deliberate danger without telling us,” He turned his head to the rosy pink wolf who seemed intent on sniffing his wrist. Ebony allowed it, humming. “You are very lucky these wolves understand who carries Kazo’s markings.”

  Oh. That’s why they didn’t immediately tear me to shreds?

  I coughed into my arm, covering up the shame with a deep breath.

  “As for Ivory…” Running around with the Prince of a kingdom must be difficult. Will he be in one piece by the time we break out? Able to run or retreat?

  “No worries about him,” Ebony waved me off with an easy hum. “Distracted as he may be now, Ivory is the same as I. He will rejoin us at the right moment.”

  Ebony had said so with such certainty. His confidence is downright contagious.

  …Stupid tail of mine, stay pinned under the cloak.

  “Great. Let’s make our great escape. Like thieves in the night.” I turned to the wolves, they have recovered strength from the outside air. With a taste of freedom, they clearly craved greater enlightenment. I would be happy to show them if it meant I could run by their side. It felt freeing, exhilarating, when we sped through that tunnel together.

  Ruby cocked their head, sunlight on scarlet gems.

  I mirrored the pup, maintaining eye contact.

  “And this time, let shackles no longer grace these wolves’ paws.”