The morning sun was just beginning to rise over the forest near Home Tree when Nussudle moved quickly through the branches. At seven years old, he was small, light, and fast, used to climbing and swinging through vines like any other Omatikaya child. His movements were confident, driven more by instinct than thought.
Eytukan followed close behind. He was older now, stronger from training, and more careful, though he still enjoyed moments like this."Slow down," he called, though there was laughter in his voice. "You're not as clever as you think."
Nussudle laughed and pushed off a vine, landing on another with a clumsy spin. Eytukan tried to follow but misjudged the distance and slipped, landing hard in a patch of wet mud.
Nussudle stopped and looked down. "I won," he said proudly.
Eytukan wiped mud from his face and shook his head. "You cheated."
He climbed back up quickly and jumped onto Nussudle, knocking them both into the mud. The impact sent dirt splashing around them. Birds scattered overhead as the noise echoed through the trees.
They laughed, rolling and wrestling in the mud. Nussudle tried to break free, but Eytukan was heavier and pinned him easily. After a moment, they stopped, both breathing hard.
Eytukan stood first and brushed himself off. "Race back?"
Nussudle was already running.
They didn't get far.
Nussudle felt it first - movement in the undergrowth. He slowed, unsure why. Then glowing eyes appeared between the ferns.
Viperwolves.
Eytukan reacted immediately. He grabbed Nussudle and pulled him behind himself, stepping forward without hesitation."Stay close," he said sharply.
The pack moved in a wide circle, low to the ground. They didn't rush. They watched.
Eytukan kept his stance steady, hands ready, eyes locked on the nearest wolf. Nussudle stayed behind him, heart racing.
One of the wolves broke formation.
Nussudle felt a sharp pain in his leg and cried out as teeth pierced his skin. He stumbled, fear replacing excitement instantly.
Eytukan struck the wolf without hesitation, forcing it back. The pack hesitated, snarling but no longer advancing.
Before they could regroup, the sound of hooves thundered through the forest.
Mounted warriors rode in on direhorses, weapons raised. The wolves scattered almost immediately, retreating into the trees.
Eytukan lifted Nussudle and carried him back toward Home Tree. Nussudle held onto his brother, shaking, pain burning in his leg.
The warriors stayed nearby while Mysa approached. She knelt and examined the bite."It's shallow," she said. "He'll heal."
She treated the wound quickly, applying some herbs from a pouch as her movements were calm and practiced.
Eytukan crouched beside Nussudle. "This is why we don't forget where we are," he said quietly. "The world isn't a game."
Nussudle nodded, still shaken.
"You're my brother," Eytukan added. "I'll always watch out for you."
Together, they walked back toward Home Tree. The forest returned to its usual sounds, as if nothing had happened.
Nussudle stayed close to Eytukan the rest of the way, understanding something new about the world he lived in. Pandora was beautiful, but it demanded respect.
And no one survived it alone.
(I hope you guys enjoyed. Leave a comment to voice your opinion and Merry Christmas. :) )