by Sophie Torro
“Me too!” the Water Wolf barked. “Sandstorm is going to kick Aqua’s tail, I bet!” The two friends ran to the far side of the cave, where a gigantic mass of wolves were beginning to gather. Sandstorm, Aurora thought. There’s that name again. He or she must be famous around here. The crowd at the far side of the cave suddenly began to cheer. Aurora quickly looked around for Blizzard. There was no sign of him. Curiously, Aurora rose to her paws and made her way over to the howling crowd.
Two wolves were staring at each other in the middle of the assembly, growling dangerously. One was an Earth Wolf, and the other was a Water Wolf. There was a winged Sky Wolf standing between them who Aurora had never seen before. He flared his dark grey wings excitedly. “Wolves of all packs!” he announced in a loud voice. “You’ve been waiting for this fight for moons, and tonight, the wait is over! Sandstorm and Aqua, our two fiercest competitors, will now battle for the position of reigning champion.” The winged wolf stepped backward. “Earth versus Water! A battle of the elements! Ready? Fight!”
A gigantic ball of water suddenly swirled into existence above the head of Aqua, the teal Water Wolf. Meanwhile, a fierce sandstorm began to whirl around the Earth Wolf’s paws. Huh, Aurora thought. That’s probably why her name is Sandstorm. Not the most creative name, I must say. Same goes for Aqua.
The sandy wind grew stronger, and stronger, and even stronger than before.
Aqua let out a shrill howl. His massive ball of water suddenly zoomed toward Sandstorm. She immediately reared up on her hind paws, then thrust her front paws forward. The sandstorm shot toward the ball of water, colliding with it. The ball of water instantly exploded. Droplets flew in every direction, spraying the pelts of the crowd.
Just before Aqua could summon another ball of water, Sandstorm created a powerful vortex around the Water Wolf, trapping him inside. Large flecks of sand and jagged rock whirled around Aqua, threatening to slash him at any moment. The merciless wind lashed at his teal fur.
Aqua nervously created another ball of water, then gasped when the wind immediately tore it apart. Sandstorm laughed sneeringly. “Do you surrender?” she barked in a rough voice. “Or do you wish to keep this going all night? I’m pleased either way, Aqua.” Sandstorm let out another laugh when she caused the vortex to close around Aqua even further.
Aqua let out a yelp when sand painfully smacked against his fur. Within moments, dust would enter his eyes and lungs. “I-I surrender!” he yapped. “Just get this storm to stop!”
Sandstorm’s yellow eyes filled with jeering triumph. “As you wish,” she cooed. Her sandstorm suddenly stopped swirling and came to an abrupt halt. A pile of sand immediately crashed down on Aqua and landed comically on his head.
“We have our champion!” the grey, winged wolf announced.
“Sandstorm! Sandstorm! Sandstorm!” the crowd cheered in unison, over and over again.
Aurora’s ears flattened unhappily. How uncivilized, she thought with a sniff. Fighting just for entertainment? No, thank you. I guess some wolves like that stuff though, for some reason I’ll never understand. Aurora gave her wings a shake.
“How barbaric,” suddenly came a voice beside Aurora. She jumped, startled by his abrupt appearance. “My apologies. I didn’t mean to scare you.” It was a Fire Wolf, who had a dark red pelt and wore a black robe. He sat neatly with his bushy tail curled elegantly around his paws. “I couldn’t help but notice the disgust on your face. I feel the same way. A fight is best won through strategic calculations, instead of brute strength.”
Aurora uncomfortably shifted her paws. How was she supposed to respond to that? Did this Fire Wolf want to be her friend or something? He didn’t seem like the type of wolf who had friends. His yellow eyes were so hard and unwelcoming. His face seemed to be stuck with an expression that made him look suspicious of everyone. And yet, he had noticed Aurora and decided to speak to her.
“Er, do you have the power of mind reading?” Aurora asked awkwardly. “Because you just seemed to read my mind. Heh.”
The cloaked Fire Wolf curiously looked Aurora up and down. He said nothing.
Aurora wanted to scream. Ack! she thought. This is so awkward! Where’s Blizzard when you need him?
“Do you have a name?” Aurora tried. She immediately felt hot with embarrassment. “Well, of course you have a name. It’s just…. I would like to know yours, if that’s okay.” Aurora anxiously shifted her wings.
To Aurora’s surprise, the Fire Wolf gave her a charming smile. “My name is Ember,” he responded. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Ember,” she echoed. “It’s nice to meet you, too.” He isn’t terrible, Aurora thought in astonishment. I thought Fire Wolves were the most vicious and wicked of them all. Her mind screamed to leave Ember and run away, while her heart told her to get to know this interesting wolf better.
Ember blinked at her. “May I ask your name?” he said after a few silent moments. “I’ve never seen you here before. You must be new.”
Aurora nodded. “My name is Aurora,” she told Ember. “This is my first time here.” And my queen will kill me if she ever finds out that I—her most loyal citizen—came to a place like this, she wordlessly added. A fresh wave of worry struck Aurora like claws.
Ember gave her a nod of acknowledgement. He suddenly rose to his paws. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Aurora,” he respectfully told her. “Perhaps we will meet again one day soon.”
Aurora wasn’t sure why she felt upset that he was leaving. “Yeah,” she murmured. “I’d like that.” Aurora immediately felt horrified with herself. I’d like that?! her thoughts echoed. What in Elementa is wrong with me? Ember is supposed to be my enemy! I’m supposed to tear his pelt off the first chance I get.
But Ember was nice to me, she thought. He was the first wolf I’ve met in a long time who didn’t want to start a fight with me. It was… kind of awesome.
Aurora watched Ember leave the underground cavern without moving. As quickly as he had appeared, he disappeared into the darkness of the tunnel. Ember was gone.
Blizzard suddenly emerged from the depths of the crowd and walked toward Aurora. “I’m so sorry,” he whimpered. “I tried looking everywhere for Nautilus. I don’t think he showed up tonight. Maybe I can introduce you to someone else.”
Aurora smiled nervously at Blizzard. “No need,” she replied hesitantly. “I think that maybe… I just started to make a friend of my own.”
Blizzard’s entire face filled with joy.
Aurora defensively fluffed out her fur. “You better not tease me for telling you that,” she growled. “Or else I’ll claw you!”
CHAPTER 4
The gloomy mines matched Aurora’s mood perfectly. She silently dug her tattered paws into the earth while hovering in place, growling whenever dirt showered her muzzle. Shiver’s scrutinizing gaze made Aurora shudder when the elderly wolf stalked past underneath her. However, her boss said nothing, and wordlessly prowled down the depths of the tunnel with a scowl.
Not even Aurora’s fellow miners teased her today. They were planning to, of course, when Aurora had sulked into the cave. But the moment they saw her sullen expression, they backed off, and instead started to whisper to one another. “Maybe she got a dose of reality and realized that Queen Tempest isn’t her friend,” someone whispered as Aurora trudged past. His icy blue eyes pricked into Aurora’s fur. “Yeah. That’s probably it.”
Is Queen Tempest really my friend? Aurora thought hazily, causing her digging paws to falter. Or is she a liar? Aurora flattened her ears in misery. It can’t be true. It just can’t be. Maybe Queen Tempest is unaware that the other elementals are actually friendly. This must be some big misunderstanding. At least, Aurora desperately hoped that it was.
It was the morning after Aurora had snuck out with Blizzard. She hadn’t slept well when she had returned to her den—all she could think about was Ember, and the other elementals. They weren’t monsters. The dreadful s
tories about them are all wrong. Something dark is brewing in the shadows, Aurora thought. Something terrible is happening to Elementa, hidden in plain sight. I can feel it.
Aurora let out a small whimper. It nosily echoed throughout the cavern, much louder than she had intended. Down below, a few of Aurora’s coworkers exchanged a glance, looking completely weirded out.
“What happened to her?” someone whispered nervously. “She normally isn’t like this. Sure, she’s a bit odd, but never upset like this.”
Aurora unhappily ruffled her fur. Was it so obvious that her entire world was crumbling before her eyes, and she had no idea what to do about it?
“It’s best not to pry,” someone whispered back. “Maybe her mate dumped her or something. We should just keep our noses out of it.” The miners quietly returned to their work, summoning small gusts of wind to chip away at the tunnel they were creating.
Aurora blearily worked in silence for the rest of the day, her mind reeling and reeling. She barely even noticed the massive White Elemental Heart crystal she had uncovered. Aurora dug passively, unable to concentrate on her work while her headspace was full of fog. I wonder if I should try speaking with Queen Tempest, Aurora thought. I know that she’s busy, but maybe she’d make an exception for me. Queen Tempest saved my life after all, and encouraged me when I was a pup. She’s practically my best friend. Aurora weakly smiled. I’m sure that if I just explain what happened, Queen Tempest will help me find clarity.
Aurora felt the claws of panic seize her. But if I tell her the truth, I’d be admitting that I broke the Sky Pack’s most important law, she realized fearfully. I’d expose Blizzard, Ember, and all those other innocent wolves. They’ve committed no crime from what I’ve seen. The only thing those elementals want to do is be friends with one another, and have a good time. But will Queen Tempest see things that way?
Aurora paused nervously, already knowing what the answer would be.
It doesn’t matter, Aurora told herself. Queen Tempest is never going to find out about The Hidden Howl. Especially not from me. It hurts to finally admit this, but my coworkers are right. Queen Tempest isn’t my friend, and she most certainly doesn’t remember me. I pretty much don’t even exist in her eyes. Aurora released a gusty breath. It felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders at long last.
Suddenly, two wolves barged into the mineshaft. Some of the miners yelped and scrambled out of their way, snarling as the newcomers nearly stepped on their tails. The newcomers wore silver armour and had narrowed, silted eyes. It was clear to Aurora that they were searching for something. White Elemental Heart, if she had to guess.
“What’s with all the racket?” Shiver hissed as she emerged from one of the tunnels. “How many times must I tell you that talking is not prohibited?!” Shiver suddenly halted when she spotted the newcomers. Her eyes widened. “What is your business here?” she barked at them after a few moments.
Aurora suddenly gasped. These weren’t just any ordinary wolves. These were royal guards! It had been hard to tell in the cave’s dim lighting at first, but Aurora recognized their unique armour now. She was beginning to think that they weren’t here for crystals, after all.
Aurora nervously glided toward a large stalactite and attached herself to it, digging her claws in to steady herself. Aurora hung like a bat while she anxiously watched the exchange down below.
“Queen Tempest sent us to fetch one of your workers,” a guard told Shiver. “Her Majesty told us that this wolf answers to the name Aurora.”
Aurora couldn’t breathe for a moment. Fear thundered through her veins, and the feathers on her wings spiked out. Queen Tempest is looking for me? she thought. Why me? Why now? Has she finally noticed me for my hard work… or for my lawbreaking? Aurora nearly fainted. She slid down the stalactite slightly.
The miner wolves swapped shocked stares. Even Shiver looked appalled. Perhaps Aurora had known Queen Tempest all along, and they had made fools of themselves for doubting it. Aurora pressed herself closer to the stalactite in a daze.
“Aurora?” Shiver eventually snapped, her voice slicing through the uncomfortable silence. “You must be joking. Why does Queen Tempest have need of her?”
“This is private business,” one guard rigidly explained. “Is Aurora here or not? We don’t have all day. The queen is waiting for her while we speak.”
Aurora dislodged herself from the stalactite and dizzily landed in front of the guards. “I’m here,” she announced in a voice that was barely louder than a whisper. Her heart violently pounded in her chest. Fear and excitement swirled inside her, forming an exhilarating mix.
Aurora’s encounter with Queen Tempest was going to play out in one of two ways. She was either going to be pleased with Aurora for her moons of tireless service. Or, she was about to give Aurora the most severe punishment possible for breaking Sky Pack law. The thought nearly made her cry out in despair. Aurora, Queen Tempest’s most loyal citizen, had turned into a criminal. The question was if Queen Tempest was aware of that or not.
“Follow us,” a guard ordered Aurora.
And then they were off, flying through the dazzling blue sky. Sunlight caused the mountainous, snowy Sky Pack Kingdom to brightly glitter.
Both guards had wings like Aurora. They surrounded her on both sides, staying close to prevent her from fleeing. That wasn’t a good sign.
Aurora gulped.
The royal castle seemed to grow bigger, and bigger, and even bigger with every wingbeat. It was larger than the mountain peaks beside it, and tall enough to reach some of the clouds. They swirled majestically around the castle’s spiraling, marble pillars.
The guards suddenly veered to the side, then lifted upward. Aurora felt puzzled as she followed them. Weren’t they going to escort her through the castle’s main entrance? Where were they taking her? And then it became clear to Aurora when they approached the queen’s personal balcony. The guards were taking her immediately and directly to Queen Tempest. This must be urgent.
Aurora’s nerves almost caused her to throw up when she landed on the smooth granite balcony. Gold and diamonds decorated it, making it clear to Aurora just how priceless this small portion of the castle was. Throwing up now definitely wasn’t a good idea.
Stay strong, Aurora, she told herself fiercely. You’ve been waiting to meet Queen Tempest again all your life. Now, your chance has arrived. No matter what happens next, you’re going to face it like a wolf, not a mouse. Aurora’s paws shook, and her legs felt weak. That was probably easier said than done.
“Queen Tempest is waiting for you inside,” one guard explained. “Do not try anything foolish. We will be here for Her Majesty’s protection the entire time. Understand?”
Aurora nodded nervously. “I understand,” she whispered. Then, pushing back all her fear, she entered inside Queen Tempest’s chamber. Aurora froze in awe. It was unlike anything she had ever seen before.
Half of the den was carved into the very side of the neighbouring mountain, creating a colossal cave. The roof of the cave was so tall that Aurora could barely see it. However, she could clearly see the millions of different crystals and gems. Large chunks of gold, rubies, sapphires, and silver stuck out of the walls and ceiling. They glittered beautifully when the sun’s light crept in and shone on them.
A small, underground creek peacefully wound around Aurora’s paws, connecting to a shimmering pool by the far side of the den. A large painting of a noble wolf hung from the wall above the rippling surface, but Aurora didn’t take too much time to study it. Her attention had been pulled elsewhere.
In the center of the grand cave rested a massive throne. It was made with pale blue diamonds, and was studded with flecks of White Elemental Heart. Queen Tempest sat regally on the throne, with her tail curled elegantly around her paws. Aurora dared to meet her ice blue eyes for a moment, then hurriedly bowed.
A long, long moment passed.
“You may stand,
” Queen Tempest eventually declared. Her voice rang out across the colossal cavern.
Aurora lifted herself, her breathing quick and shallow. Her wings trembled. Aurora did not dare to speak. She did not dare to look anywhere but at her own paws.
Queen Tempest gracefully leapt off her throne and landed softly on the smooth ground below. She began to slowly walk closer to Aurora. “Greetings, Aurora,” Queen Tempest said in an unexpectedly friendly voice. “It has been many moons since I have last seen you.”
Aurora nearly jumped out of her fur from shock. She opened and closed her mouth a few times, struggling to find words. “You… remember me?” Aurora asked in amazement.
Queen Tempest flicked her tail in amusement. “Remember you?” she questioned. “Of course I do, Aurora. You were the pup I met while visiting your village all those moons ago. You, along with your brother. His name is Blizzard, is it not?”
Aurora nodded in excitement. “I can’t believe you remember us after all this time,” she whispered happily. “I thought you would have forgotten us. But you haven’t.”
Queen Tempest smiled warmly at Aurora. “I do not forget those who show promise,” she explained. “I knew that you and Blizzard were special the moment I first saw you both. I knew that you had a lot to offer the Sky Pack. I see now that I was right.” Queen Tempest grinned. “Aside from all that, it is hard to forget a wolf who generously brings me a gift every night.”
Queen Tempest turned her head to look to the side, her eyes sparkling in amusement. Aurora followed her gaze, then gasped. It was a collection of the White Elemental Heart gems that Aurora had personally delivered to the queen. “Wow,” Aurora gasped. “A part of me thought that you never received those… or… or really even cared about them. I’ve never been so happy to be proven wrong!”
Queen Tempest shifted her powerful paws. “I do care, Aurora,” she responded gently. “I always have cared. Your loyalty has never gone unnoticed, not even for a moment.” Queen Tempest drew in a deep breath. “This is why I know that you are the only wolf I can trust with a secret mission.”