Frozen Secrets: The Wolves of Elementa, Book 1

by Sophie Torro

  Aurora nearly fell from surprise. “Secret mission?” she yelped. “Me?”

  Queen Tempest blinked calmly at Aurora. “Yes,” she replied. “You, Aurora. I need you.”

  Aurora had to hold back a sequel of delight. Was this some kind of awesome dream? Because if it was, Aurora hoped that she never woke up. Queen Tempest actually trusted her with a secret! How incredible was that?! All her worries about visiting The Hidden Howl faded completely from her mind. All her doubts about Queen Tempest disappeared like mist in the sun.

  “I’ll do anything you need, Your Majesty!” Aurora blurted. “Just give me the word and I’ll do it! You can count on me!”

  Queen Tempest laughed. “Do not get ahead of yourself, Aurora,” she advised. “You have not heard my proposal yet. This is not something I want to force upon you by any means. The decision is entirely yours. However, I would like to hear your opinion. That is why I have called you here today.”

  The queen elegantly began to stride to the balcony outside, signalling for Aurora to join her with a wave of her tail. Aurora bounded forward eagerly. A soft wind danced along their fur as the two wolves stepped outside the cave. The guards immediately snapped to attention at the sight of their queen. “You may leave us,” Queen Tempest said. The guards nodded and immediately flew off.

  The sun was beginning to set beyond the mountainous horizon, turning the sky orange and yellow. Long shadows were cast behind Aurora and Queen Tempest as they rested near the edge of the balcony. I’ve never seen the Sky Pack Kingdom from here before, Aurora thought. It’s so beautiful… and it’s my home, the place where I belong.

  Queen Tempest gazed down at her kingdom unblinkingly, the dusk sky reflected in her eyes. “Aurora, I am certain that you love the Sky Pack as much as I do,” she began. “Certainly, you want to do everything in your power to protect us. Is that correct?”

  Aurora nodded without hesitating. “Of course,” she responded resolutely.

  Queen Tempest looked relieved. “I am pleased to hear that,” she responded honestly. “Now I know that you are the right wolf for this task.” Queen Tempest paused for a moment. “Aurora, I fear that our pack is in serious danger,” she abruptly said.

  Aurora’s green eyes grew wide. However, she politely and silently waited for Queen Tempest to continue.

  “There are more and more traitors being discovered in our pack every day,” the queen explained angrily. “They challenge the Sky Pack way of life and defy our most essential laws. These lawbreakers meet with wolves from the other packs and give away all our secrets. They make our kingdom vulnerable, and threaten to create war across Elementa.”

  Aurora felt a sudden sensation of vertigo, like she was plummeting backward. Did Queen Tempest know? Had she discovered that Aurora was one of these “lawbreakers”? But when Aurora gazed into Queen Tempest’s eyes, she could see nothing but concern for the Sky Pack. It was safe to assume that Queen Tempest hadn’t discovered Aurora’s secret… yet. The winged wolf let out a quiet sigh of relief.

  Perhaps I was wrong about Queen Tempest, Aurora realized. She truly does care about the Sky Pack. It might be true that she created stories about the other packs being monsters, but that was probably all in an effort to keep us safe. It’s like Queen Tempest said. She only wants to prevent a war from raging across Elementa. Aurora clenched her jaw. I should have never doubted Queen Tempest, not even for a moment.

  Queen Tempest suddenly turned her head to look into Aurora’s eyes. “I guess you can say that I am desperate to keep the Sky Pack protected,” she explained. “My guards can only do so much before they are recognized as working for me. What I need now is a wolf on the inside. A wolf who can blend in and obverse what is happening without getting caught. Aurora, I think that you can be that wolf.”

  Aurora’s heart began to pound. “Yes,” she stammered. “I can do that. I can be your… spy.” She suddenly felt stuck inside her fur.

  Queen Tempest gave Aurora a grateful nod. “Thank you,” she breathed. “I cannot tell you how much I appreciate this. I knew that you would not let me down, Aurora. After all, you are the most loyal and trustworthy member of the Sky Pack.”

  Aurora couldn’t help but beam at Queen Tempest’s words. This was a dream come true for Aurora… and the beginning of a terrible nightmare.

  “Before I dismiss you,” Queen Tempest said. “I would like you to tell me if you know of any traitorous wolves. Perhaps you can give me some names?”

  Aurora’s throat felt dry. A shiver ran down her spine like a frozen drop of water. Blizzard, she thought in despair. Me. We are both traitors to Queen Tempest. But how can I possibly tell her that? It’ll be the death of us both! Aurora forced herself to shake her head. “I’m sorry, Your Majesty,” she choked out.

  Queen Tempest didn’t move or speak for a moment. Was there a hint of impatience in the depths of her icy blue eyes? “Very well,” Queen Tempest eventually responded. “I thank you for your time, Aurora. Please see to it that you report in to me daily, before nightfall. I am looking forward to our further… discussions.”

  Aurora respectfully bowed her head. “Thank you, Your Majesty,” she murmured. Aurora leapt into the orange sky and glided away with a pounding heart.

  Queen Tempest watched Aurora go without moving. Her eyes were narrow slits, and full of terrible, vengeful promises. “Yes,” Queen Tempest whispered. “I look forward to our further discussions indeed.” She slowly turned around and disappeared into the shadows of her cave.

  CHAPTER 5

  There was something different about tonight. Something that didn’t feel quite right. It felt like there was a massive storm brewing, but the sky was clear. A hidden enemy seemed to be stalking Elementa, and nobody could be certain of what.

  Aurora frequently found herself looking over her shoulder as she glided toward Blizzard’s den. A chilly wind tugged at her white fur, causing her to shiver. Blue and green northern lights danced in the inky night sky around Aurora, lighting her way. Far in the distance, the sound of howling wolves cut through the silence.

  Blizzard lived in the most remote part of the Sky Pack Kingdom, where dens and wolves were few. Aurora was thankful that she had wings, or else she would have had to trudge up a jagged, perilous cliff in order to reach Blizzard’s cave. Had her brother chosen to live in such a dangerous place in order to avoid the attention of Queen Tempest and her royal guards? Aurora felt anxious at the thought.

  Queen Tempest isn’t evil, Aurora tried to convince herself. She’s a good wolf with a good heart. She told me herself that she only wants to avoid war raging across Elementa. That’s why she tries to keep us separated from the other packs. It’s for everybody’s own good. However, that wasn’t able to satisfy Aurora. The other elemental packs are different from us, but that shouldn’t be a reason to stay apart. We can get along, if we just try. I saw the truth for myself. And if I can change my mind, then I think other wolves can, too.

  Aurora circled above Blizzard’s cave, keeping her eyes sharp for danger. She then gave her pelt a shake. Don’t be so paranoid, Aurora, she scolded herself. There isn’t any danger to worry about. Queen Tempest is on my side. She wants peace just like Blizzard and I do. Don’t be such a scaredy-wolf.

  She landed outside of Blizzard’s tiny cave, fluffing out her fur against the bone chilling wind that rushed past. “Blizzard?” Aurora called as she peeked her head into the den. “Blizzard, are you here?” No answer. No sign of Blizzard. Aurora frowned as she carefully crept into the den.

  It was dark, cold, and empty inside. Not even the northern lights managed to shine into the small cave. The wind groaned as it slipped inside the walls of the den, causing Blizzard’s blankets and notebooks to flutter. Aurora shuddered. This was definitely creepy—but not as creepy as the pawprints that were imprinted in the snow. Aurora studied them carefully. There appeared to have been a struggle here, and recently, too.

  Aurora suddenly felt cold. Terror floo
ded through her veins. Had Blizzard been stolen? Queen Tempest did this, Aurora’s thoughts ominously whispered. Queen Tempest figured out the truth and attacked Blizzard. Now, I’m next. Her breathing became quick and shallow.

  Without warning, a low growl sounded from outside the den. Before Aurora could even react, claws dug into her fur and dragged her to the ground. With a snarl of defiance, Aurora lashed out a paw at her attacker, trying to dislodge her opponent. “You won’t get away with this!” Aurora barked. “I’ll fight you until my very last breath!”

  The growling of her attacker suddenly stopped, and the weight was lifted off her shoulders. “Aurora?” came a nervous voice. “Is that you? Or are you some thief that I need to tear the fur off of? I can hardly see a thing in this darkness.”

  Aurora nearly fainted from relief. That was Blizzard’s voice! She nimbly rose to her paws and shook the snow from her pelt. “It’s me. Aurora,” she responded. “Oh, I’m so glad it’s you, Blizzard! I thought that you had been stolen, and that somebody was trying to take me next.”

  Aurora could smell Blizzard’s fear-scent. “What!?” he gasped. “Who would want to do something like that to us?”

  Queen Tempest, Aurora thought dizzily. I was so certain that it was Queen Tempest attacking me. She released a shaky breath. Why did I think that? Why were my instincts warning me so loudly about Queen Tempest? She isn’t the enemy!

  “Where were you?” Aurora demanded, ignoring Blizzard’s question. “Are you okay?”

  Blizzard impatiently flicked his spiky tail. “Of course I’m okay,” he yapped. “Can’t a wolf go for a walk with his friends around here? Yeesh.” Blizzard began to use his power over the wind to blow away the snow that had made its way inside the den. “More importantly, Aurora, are you okay?” he asked. “You seem pretty freaked out by something. What happened?”

  Aurora’s fur bristled. Was it that obvious that she was afraid? “Nothing happened,” she replied briskly. “I’m fine. Everything is fine.”

  Blizzard gave her a skeptical look. “All right,” he said with a shrug. “Whatever you say.” More seriously he added, “So, what brings you all the way out here?”

  Aurora immediately felt embarrassed. “Don’t laugh at me,” she warned, “but I want… I would like to… I want to go visit The Hidden Howl again. Would you be willing to take me?” Aurora still felt a bit wary about going alone. She didn’t entirely trust the other elementals. Not yet, at least.

  Blizzard looked impressed. “Wow,” he said. “You’ve really come around, haven’t you? I’m happy to see that. I knew that you would if you just gave the other packs a chance.”

  Aurora stuck her tongue out at him. “Will you take me or what, Wise One?” she jokingly asked Blizzard.

  Her brother thought for a moment, then shook his head. “Sorry, Aurora,” he replied. “I can’t tonight. My friends drained all my energy. It’s a long story, but in short Cloud accidentally tripped and plummeted down the side of a mountain. Luckily, he landed in a pile of freshly fallen snow. But unluckily, he began to sink, and got buried alive. Long story short, we managed to save him.” A haunted look filled Blizzard’s dark blue eyes. “But I don’t think we’ll be going for another walk any time soon.”

  Aurora flattened her ears, feeling weirded out by Blizzard’s bizarre adventure. “Err, I understand,” she said. “I guess I’ll just go meet the other elementals myself. It’ll be safe to go alone, right?”

  Blizzard flopped down onto his nest and threw a blanket over his spiky fur. “Sure, you’ll be fine,” he yawned. “Just make sure you avoid wolves like Sandstorm, for example. The one time I made the mistake of speaking with her, she tried to get me to battle her. Sandstorm loves nothing more than to pulverize her competition. You must avoid that wolf at all costs, Aurora.”

  A worried expression filled Aurora’s face. “But you don’t have to be around wolves like Sandstorm,” Blizzard hurriedly explained. “Try finding a Water Wolf named Nautilus. He was the one I tried introducing you to last time. He’s super friendly and timid, and definitely won’t try pulverizing you like Sandstorm will.”

  Blizzard gave Aurora a curious look. “Or, perhaps, you can try finding your mysterious new friend that you won’t say anything about.” Blizzard teasingly grinned at her.

  Aurora kicked at a loose pebble. “I wouldn’t consider him to be my friend,” she replied slowly. “He’s more of a friend-to-be, or a wolf that I would like to get to know better. Ember intrigued me. I’ve never met anyone like him before.”

  Blizzard gave Aurora a teasing smile. “A Fire Wolf, eh?” he asked. “Be careful around those, Aurora. Get too close and they might light you on fire. Or steal your heart. That happened to me once. She was the most beautiful wolf in Elementa, but when I tried speaking to her one time, she threw a fireball at me. Don’t let this ‘Ember’ sweep you off your paws.”

  Aurora blushed underneath her fur. “I don’t have a crush on him,” she responded defensively. “Ember is just someone I would like to see again, that’s all.”

  Blizzard released a massive yawn. “Sure, whatever you say,” he responded sleepily. Blizzard rested his head on his front paws, then shut his eyes. “Tell me all about your mysterious not-your-friend-but-friend-to-be tomorrow, all right?” He yawned again.

  Aurora strode to the exit of Blizzard’s den. “Sure,” she replied. “Goodnight.” Once outside, Aurora unfolded her massive wings, then lifted into the star studded sky. She shifted her wings and allowed the cold breeze to carry her toward The Hidden Howl. Excitement began to course through her veins. What memories would tonight bring?

  It didn’t take long before she landed in the vast prairie that surrounded the base of the Sky Pack mountains. Aurora cautiously sniffed the air, trying to catch the scent of wolves who had recently been here. She suddenly stiffened. There was a strong smell of a Sky Pack wolf; the scent didn’t belong to her or Blizzard. Aurora could tell that this wolf had been here recently, perhaps within the last couple of minutes.

  Maybe I can catch up with this wolf and be her friend, Aurora thought happily. I was worried about meeting the other packs alone tonight, but this way, I won’t have to. This Sky Wolf and I can go together.

  Aurora glided into the sky again, but this time stayed close to the ground, careful not to lose the Sky Wolf’s scent trail. It didn’t take long until Aurora spotted her. She slunk cautiously through the tall grass, her silver fur shining in the moonlight. Aurora let out a friendly howl of greeting. The other wolf immediately paused and turned to gaze at Aurora.

  “Hello,” Aurora yipped when she landed in front of the silver Sky Wolf.

  The silver wolf cautiously gazed at Aurora, her hackles rising slightly. “Greetings,” she replied briskly. “What is your name? I am Fog.”

  “I’m Aurora,” she answered with a warm smile. “It’s nice to meet you, Fog.”

  Fog was silent for a moment, her grey eyes hardening. “What brings you out here tonight, Aurora?” she asked. “Why are you so far away from Sky Pack territory?”

  Aurora couldn’t help but feel slightly suspicious. I could ask Fog the same thing, she thought. But I bet she’s just acting clueless on purpose. Aurora wagged her tail. “You don’t need to worry,” she reassured Fog. “I’m out here for the same reason as you. To meet with the other elementals.”

  Fog let her hackles drop. Her stiff pelt smoothed as she released a gusty breath. “It’s my first time visiting them,” Fog confessed. “I’ve never been all the way out here before. Could you please show me the way?” Her grey eyes seemed to glow in the frosty light of the moon.

  Aurora let out an excited bark. “Of course!” she yapped. “Come with me. You’re going to love this place.” Aurora and Fog began to walk side-by-side. “If you’re nervous about meeting the other elementals, don’t be. They aren’t so scary once you get to know them. Trust me, I know from experience.” Aurora fluttered her wings. “Tonight will only be my sec
ond time meeting with the other packs, but I’m starting to like them already, and I think that you will too, Fog.”

  Fog nodded without saying a word. Her thick, silver fur waved in the howling wind. Aurora guessed that her new companion was still feeling a bit worried about meeting the other elementals. Aurora herself was still feeling nervous. But now that the two Sky Wolves had each other, everything was going to work out fine.

  Aurora suddenly halted and unfolded one of her wings to block Fog. “We’re here,” she explained quietly. “Be careful when you approach this patch of land. An Earth Wolf will hear our pawsteps and move these rocks when we get closer.”

  Fog nodded her understanding, looking intrigued. The two wolves began to cautiously walk closer to the secret underground cave. “How many elemental wolves will be here?” she whispered. “Are there lots of Sky Pack wolves? Or is it just you, me, and Blizzard?”

  Aurora’s green eyes widened. “How do you know about Blizzard?” she asked.

  Without warning, the rocks began to shift and move, distracting Aurora. The rocks floated through the air and landed in a neat pile beside the tunnel that had just appeared. Fog’s shaggy fur was fluffed out in her anticipation. She began to walk down the tunnel and into the underground cave, without waiting for Aurora. The winged wolf followed more slowly.

  The Hidden Howl was already crowded with wolves when Aurora and Fog entered inside. It was just as chaotic as the last time Aurora had been here—and just as noisy. The winged wolf flinched when the tsunami of sounds crashed down on her.

  Fog halted near the mouth of the tunnel, her grey eyes as round as the full moon. “Wow,” she breathed. “There are so many wolves. So many different elementals.”

  Aurora gave Fog a friendly bump on the side. “Isn’t it wonderful?” she asked. “The Hidden Howl must be the only place in Elementa where the four packs can safely meet.”