Lilienne
"Ugh!" I cry out suddenly as the little black pup jumps on me, sending me down to the ground.
Although I cannot shift, my human form is still stronger and more alert than that of mere humans, so I instantly get ready to fend off the pup's attack, but instead of trying to harm me, the little wolf suddenly stretches its soft body over my chest and begins to purr, his big green eyes are firmly glued on mine.
I'm lost and confused; the wolf's strange behavior has knocked me off my mental balance as well. It's behaving like a cuddly puppy, its neck and chest vibrating against mine with its gentle purrs.
It can't be a werewolf––its form is way too small to be someone's shifter, but at the same time, I don't think it's an animal either; there is just so much intelligence in its eyes, it's uncanny.
I keep looking in the pup's eyes, and it keeps doing the same, until I finally crack down and suddenly start laughing.
I'm not sure if I've gone insane or if this situation just seems way too ridiculous. Perhaps it's just what it is––a strange sense of relief that I've been craving so badly. And I found it in a black wolf cub. What are the odds?
The shaking of my chest made the little wolf jump off me, but it didn't run away. As if basking in the melody of my laugh, it starts rolling around, barking gently as if encouraging me to continue.
Nearly breathless, I get up and straighten my clothes, my hand reaching for the pup to offer it a friendly pat. It accepts it readily, leaning into my careful touch. I smile again as another wave of relief washes over me.
"Where did you come from, little guy?"
Even before the final word of my question leaves my lips, the pup jumps onto my lap and starts purring again, urging me to give him even more pats. I oblige, the smile tugging at the corners of my lips once more.
My eyelids flutter shut as I try to take in the puppy's scent. There is a hint of something fresh and herbal in the air surrounding us, but it might be just the smell of the garden itself. Then, however, I catch something distinct, and my eyes snap open, wide in surprise.
"Pine trees?"
There are no pine trees in my garden or anywhere around the palace, for that matter. If the pup came here all the way from a distant forest, then it will be nearly impossible for him to find his way back!
Suddenly, I am all alert again and ready to jump, to run, to ask for someone to get here immediately and find a way to bring this tiny wolf home, but once I glance back down at his calm form, I feel like myself again––steady, calm, reserved, level-headed.
"You don't look like you're lost," I say quietly, stroking his soft, black fur as he tilts his head and focuses his attention on my face again. "Are you just wandering around?"
I chuckle once I realize that I am waiting for him to reply, and the puppy barks happily as if in an attempt to laugh as well.
"Well, if you're truly lost, then you know what they say, right? The best you can do is to stand still and wait for others to find you."
The wolf tilts his head to the right, blinking at me as if my words sound like a riddle to him. I give him another gentle pat, nodding my head in agreement. "Yes, it may sound weird to some. What if there is no one looking for you? Do you think there is someone looking for you?"
He licks my palm and offers it a slight nudge––another playful demand to get more head pats. The smile never leaves my face this whole time. I can't help it, something about this little wolf makes me feel so happy and relaxed, it's amazing.
"Well, you seem friendly, so I take it you're having a good time on your own. Feel free to roam around this garden––it's mine, so I will make sure no one bothers you."
The puppy tilts his head, and for a moment, I feel like he can actually understand me. I want to talk to him more, but then, to my great embarrassment and relief, a loud rumble erupts from the depths of my empty stomach, sending the wolf tumbling down to the ground as he gets startled.
"Oh, I'm sorry!" I say, half-laughing. "I haven't eaten all day, but I was too stressed to realize how hungry I actually am."
The puppy narrows his eyes, while I am already on my knees, ready to get up. "Would you like to eat with me? I could use some company right now."
I turn around, my eyes scanning the few lights still burning in the palace's windows. I really don't want to go all the way back there and hide behind the closed doors again.
Then, a silly, but strangely comforting idea appears in my mind.
"How about a picnic? Would you like to eat here with me? The night is really beautiful, and the air is fresh and still. What do you say?"
The pup's response is a happy bark and a few tiny jumps. I take it as a yes and nod my head.
"Alright, wait for me here, don't go anywhere! I'll make sure to scramble something good for both of us."
Once I make sure that the little wolf is rooted in place, I slightly tug the hem of my robe and dart back to the palace, heading straight for the kitchen to gather everything I need for our secret picnic.
Debby is still awake, riddled with worry. She offers me her help, and although I don't really want her there, I still agree, especially since she tells me that she can prepare something quick, yet more sophisticated than just some bread, cheese, and ham.
Once our picnic basket is full, we promptly head back to the garden, but as I return to the same spot, the little wolf is gone, a small, folded note waiting for me in his stead.
Puzzled, I pick up the square piece of paper, my eyes widening as they scan the neat penmanship of the handwritten message.
"You are right, not all that wanders is lost.
But you are wrong, there is someone looking for me, and that is exactly why I had to leave, instead of staying in one place.
I'm sorry I couldn't have that meal with you––a picnic under the stars indeed sounds lovely.
Thank you for letting me come to your garden. With this permission in my pocket, I'm sure we will meet again.
Sincerely, the wandering wolf."