NATURE

  Nalli paced the length of the barn, her claws clicking softly against the wooden floor. Every few steps, her eyes would flick to the small time-keeping device Drak had left behind, her lips curling in irritation. Due to its miniscule size, she was forced to stoop low on her haunches to get a good view of its face. Its little hands had already crept past the point where he was supposed to return, and each passing second only deepened her frustration.

  Her tail lashed behind her as she took another turn. What if something happened to him? What if he had… The thoughts churned in her mind, each one leading to a conclusion worse than the last. She huffed, her sharp teeth flashing as she tried to shake them off. Nevertheless, the worry gnawed at her relentlessly.

  The barn felt smaller with every minute she spent inside it, the walls closing in. Nalli's claws twitched, itching to tear through the door and leave this place behind. Every instinct screamed at her to take action, to stop relying on a human she barely knew. However, the sharp ache in her side flared whenever she moved too quickly, the stitching pulling at her flesh.

  She let out a low growl, her breath leaving a huff of steam in the cool air. She hated this feeling of being trapped, powerless to move forward. Her claws dragged against the floor as she resisted the urge to shred something, anything, just to release some of the tension bound within her.

  She glanced at the basket Drak had left for her last night. It was empty now. The berries she'd eaten from the evening prior had been a small comfort, but that feeling was fading fast. She wondered again if Drak had known they were her favorite or if it had just been the abundant convenience of his vineyard. Either way, the thought only made her more conflicted. Does he actually care? she wondered. Or was this all just some sick human ploy to get on her good side?

  She paused mid-step, ears twitching as an odd sound reached her from outside the barn. Her muscles tensed. She lowered herself into a crouch, and continued to listen.

  Nalli's ears perked at the sound. It wasn't the same thrum of Drak's two-wheeled steam machine but something heavier, a deeper chugging sound that disturbed her. Her heart began to pound as she deliberately crept toward the tall central barn window, keeping each of her movements cautious. She needed to see, to understand what this new sound meant.

  Peering through it, she spotted a human contraption rolling along the road at the edge of the vineyard. It moved on four large wheels as steam hissed from its sides, and her eyes narrowed at the sight of a uniformed human at the head. His uniform was gray, crisp, and complete with a bulbous hat. His mustache twitched as he focused on his task. He didn’t approach the barn, but rather stopped at the gate of Drak's vineyard, and exited his carriage. From this distance it was difficult for Nalli to tell, but he appeared to manipulate a small, metal box fixed to the side of the gate.

  Nalli’s heart raced as a storm of thoughts assaulted her mind. Is this a trap? Had Drak alerted someone to her presence? Or had Drak been taken, and now this human was here to capture her, too?

  Her clawed hands flexed, and she had to restrain herself from storming out of the barn to confront the man, or run. The urge to flee battled with her emergent need to remain unseen. She remained slouched back, hidden in the shadows of the barn, watching every movement the human made with narrowed eyes.

  The man didn’t linger. He merely placed a white object in the box, tipped his hat, and climbed back into his wheeled contraption. Nalli’s muscles remained tense, ready to leap at any sign of danger, but none came. The carriage driver rolled down the road, disappearing from sight as the puttering sound of the engine faded into the distance.

  Nalli let out a slow breath, her chest heaving with relief, though it didn’t last long. Frustration welled up inside her, roiling like a storm she couldn't contain. Where’s Drak? Why hasn’t he returned yet? She growled under her breath, her gaze flicking to the time-keeping device again. Is he in trouble?

  Her mind raced, spiraling into darker scenarios while stuck in this foreign land. She was trapped in this barn. Wounded. Vulnerable. Alone. The only person she could rely on, a human of all things, had yet to show up. The temptation to tear down the door and find him, regardless of her injuries, grew stronger with her rising emotions.

  Except she couldn't. Not yet. The pain in her side and Drak’s careful stitching kept her in check. She wasn’t ready for such a reckless move. Still, the waiting, the uncertainty, gnawed at her, threatening to consume her from the inside.

  Nalli clenched her jaw and paced the barn again, trying to shake the anxiety that had taken hold of her. She couldn’t afford to be reckless, not now, but if Drak didn’t return soon, she wasn’t sure how much longer she could keep herself in place.

  Her pacing grew more aggressive as the minutes continued to tick by, her frustration boiling over into a low, menacing growl. Her sharp clawed feet scraped against the wooden floor harder, leaving gouge marks. Where is that human? He was supposed to be back by now, and the longer she waited, the more her anger festered. She'd teach him a lesson for making her worry, and maybe even actually eat his leg, for good measure.

  Just as she considered tearing the door off its hinges, a familiar sound reached her ears. It was faint, but indisputable: the soft, rhythmic sputtering of Drak's steam-bike. Relief surged through her, calming the storm within her just enough to stop pacing.

  She hurried back to the elevated window and peered through it.

  There he was, speeding along the road, his moppy hair whipping back from his forehead in the wind. She could see him clearly now, weaving along the hedge-lined path. His familiar presence brought an involuntary sway to her tail, along with a rush of excitement and relief that flooded into her chest.

  Finally, she thought, her growl softening into something more like a grumble, but the alleviation she felt was tempered by her irritation from waiting. He’d better have a good reason for being late, Nalli thought. She'd make sure he regretted it.

  Nalli remained in the shadows, her eyes fixed on Drak as he approached the gate to his house. The large package strapped to the back of his steam-bike caught her attention immediately. So he had been successful in the human city. But that doesn’t excuse his delay, Nalli thought. She kept her gaze trained on him, watching as he stopped at the small box on the side of the gate. She narrowed her eyes, trying to make out what Drak was doing.

  She watched him reach into the box and pull out a small piece of something. Nalli squinted, trying to see what it was. She assumed it had to be whatever the strange uniformed man had left behind. Drak looked at the object, a brief look of concern crossing his face. He then stuffed it into his pocket before making his way toward the barn with his steam-bike and large package in tow.

  Her muscles tensed as he approached the door.

  Give me one good reason not to tear you to shreds.

  As soon as the barn door opened, she was going to let him have it. Her claws and the muscles in her jaw flexing in anticipation.

  Nalli’s ears pricked up as she heard Drak’s footsteps nearing the barn. Her irritation and anger roused, and she made herself stand as tall and imposing as possible. Every muscle in her body tensed, her eyes blazing with anger. The door creaked open, and as soon as Drak stepped inside, she didn’t give him a chance to speak.

  “Where have you been?” she growled, her voice sharp and dangerous. Drak barely managed to stammer an apology before Nalli started her tirade. She was seeing red, her frustration completely boiled over. She stomped toward him, her massive direhound body towering over the human, making him stumble backward in alarm.

  His bike clattered to the ground, the package he’d worked so hard to retrieve still strapped to it, but she didn’t care. “You were supposed to be back a long time ago!” she snarled, baring her fangs. Drak backed away, hands raised in a plea for calm, his face pale with worry.

  “N-Nalli, please—calm down! I—I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to be late!” Drak stammered, his voice shaking as he continued to back away from her until he lost his footing and landed on his rear.

  Nalli wasn’t having it. She stepped forward, slowly closing the distance between them with deliberate menace. “You left me here to worry. Anything could have happened to you, and I’d have been stuck here—trapped!” Her words cut through the air as she bared her teeth, dwarfing Drak with a feral intensity.

  Against the terror building in his chest, Drak took a deep breath and focused on keeping his voice steady, refusing to be intimidated by her ferocity. He repeated the words she had just hurled at him in his head: Anything could have happened to you. The thought struck him like a bolt of lightning.

  “Nalli…” Drak said cautiously, picking himself up from the ground, his eyes meeting hers with a hint of curiosity. “Were you… worried about me?”

  Her snarl faltered for a moment, but her glare remained. “What? No!” Nalli snapped, her voice wavering slightly. “You—You just kept me waiting too long. Kuviasotikak—to think I would seriously…” Her voice trailed off, seemingly at a loss for the right words.

  Drak took a small step closer, his expression softening despite the lingering tension. “Nalli, it's okay if you were worried. I didn’t mean to leave you in the wind. I know it took longer than expected, but I wouldn’t just abandon you.”

  Nalli's jaw clenched, and she looked away, her tail flicking behind her in agitation. She couldn’t bring herself to admit it, not fully, not yet. Except Drak’s calmness, even in the face of her anger...

  Nalli’s towering presence loomed over Drak as she knelt down, inspecting him closely. She shook off his earlier words with a dismissive huff, unwilling to delve into her own emotions. Instead, she demanded answers. “What happened? Why were you delayed?”

  Drak sighed, rubbing the back of his neck in a nervousness. “It’s a long story. Things got a bit complicated in Tribute. I had to stop for some repairs and... well, I ran into a few delays because of it.” He carefully avoided mentioning the Mounted Expeditionary and her direhound, Surge. He wasn't sure how Nalli would react to such a story, especially given her strong emotions about humans and their treatment of her kind.

  As Drak spoke, Nalli’s gaze shifted from his face to the large package strapped to the back of his steam-bike. The scent of fresh meat hit her nose, making her stomach rumble involuntarily. Her eyes narrowed, scrutinizing the parcel. Whatever troubles had delayed him, Drak had clearly managed to return with something substantial.

  “That better be worth the wait,” she muttered, not taking her eyes off the package.

  Drak chuckled softly. “I think you’ll be pleased. It wasn’t easy getting it here, but I made sure to bring back enough to keep you fed for a few days.”

  I hope, Drak prayed.

  Nalli finally stood up, her gaze still lingering on the parcel. The anger that had been boiling inside her was beginning to subside, replaced by hunger and curiosity.

  Nalli hesitated for a moment before reaching over with ease, pulling Drak’s steam-cycle back onto its wheels and setting it upright. Drak blinked, surprised by the gesture. “Thanks,” he said, a bit sheepishly, as he untied the large package strapped to the back of the bike. With some effort, he hoisted it up and handed it to her. “I managed to get you some moose,” he announced.

  Nalli’s eyes widened in genuine surprise at the impressive amount of meat inside the parcel. She could feel its weight and smell its richness even before opening it. For a moment, she looked as though she might dive right in, but then she paused.

  She glanced at Drak before she unwrapped the package. “There was something else earlier,” she said slowly, the edge in her voice returning. “A human in a four-wheeled contraption came by. He left something at the gate. I thought it might be a trap.” She narrowed her eyes at him, studying his reaction. “What did he leave? I saw you collect it.”

  Drak’s expression shifted from relief to mild concern. He fished into his pocket and pulled out the small envelope that the man had left in the mailbox. “That was the mail-currier. It’s just a letter,” he explained, holding it up. “From my parents, I think. It looks like my dad’s handwriting.”

  “A message. What does it say?” Nalli demanded, her eyes fixed on the envelope.

  Drak quickly obliged, tearing open the envelope and unfolding the letter inside. As he read the words, his brow furrowed at first, but then his expression relaxed, and he let out a quiet sigh of relief. He looked up at Nalli, the tension in his shoulders easing.

  “It’s about my parents,” he said, his voice lighter. “Their vehicle broke down after they arrived in Monument City yesterday. They’re going to be delayed—waiting on parts for repairs from the port cities.” He gave her a small, relieved smile. “Under normal circumstances I would be more concerned… but considering our situation, it works in our favor. They won’t be back for another couple days. Which means, we’ve got more time.”

  Nalli watched him for a moment, as if assessing his reaction, then gave a slow nod. “More time, then,” she muttered, turning her attention back to the package in her hands. She began to fully unwrap it, the rich scent of moose meat wafting up as she peeled back the layers with her claws. She glanced at Drak again, this time with a softer expression. “Thank you… for this,” she said, her voice quieter than before. It was clear, she realized, the human had gone through great lengths to provide for her. She wouldn’t admit it, but she felt a modicum of respect for Drak's ambition.

  Drak smiled, the relief still settling in. “You needed it, so, I’m glad.”

  Nalli tore into the moose meat with a ravenous hunger, her jaws easily ripping through the thick cuts. Drak watched her for a moment, both impressed and slightly concerned at the ferocity with which she ate.

  “Try not to eat it all in one sitting,” Drak suggested, a tone of teasing in his voice. “You’ll make yourself sick.”

  Nalli growled softly, though whether it was at him or in satisfaction from the proper meal, Drak couldn’t tell. He walked over to his steam-cycle, guiding it back to its usual spot, then leaned against the workbench, crossing his arms. As he stood there, his mind began to drift as his thoughts returned to the streets of Tribute, and to the sight of the Expeditionary and her direhound.

  The image of Surge wearing the saddle, moving through the city with a rider on his back, came to the forefront of his mind. He glanced over at Nalli, watching her eat with wild, raw intensity, and the thought crept back in. Wonder what it would be like? He mused, Could she—would she ever allow a human to ride her like that? The very idea made him uneasy, yet somehow, the thought wouldn’t leave. He tried to shake it off, telling himself it was ridiculous, but his gaze lingered on her just a moment too long.

  Nalli noticed.

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  She paused mid-bite, her sharp eyes flicking up to catch his stare. A piece of moose meat dangled from her jaws as she squinted her eyes. Wiping her muzzle, she straightened up, fixing on him with a questioning look. “What?” she asked, her voice cutting through the silence of the barn. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

  Drak blinked, jolted out of his thoughts. “What? Oh, it’s nothing,” he stammered, though he knew it was too late. He rubbed the back of his neck, trying to think of a way to brush it off. “Just—lost in thought.”

  Nalli wasn’t buying it. She tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing further. “You’re a terrible liar, human, and I can smell the deceit. What were you thinking about just now?”

  Drak sighed, knowing there was no escaping this. “I was just thinking about something I saw in Tribute,” he admitted, his voice hesitant. “I saw a Mounted Expeditionary with her partner, a direhound. The direhound had this… saddle. And the rider… she was on his back.”

  Nalli’s expression darkened as she realized where this was going. “You’re thinking about putting a saddle on me?” she asked, her tone dangerously low.

  “No, no!” Drak quickly held up his hands defensively. “I wasn’t thinking that! It just crossed my mind, that’s all. I was wondering what that would be like. But I didn’t mean anything by it, really.”

  Nalli stared at him for a long moment, then snorted, shaking her head. “Humans,” she muttered, returning to her meal, but even as she resumed eating, the tension in the barn lingered. Nalli paused in her meal, glancing back at Drak, a low growl rumbling in her throat. “You might be helping me,” she said slowly, her voice firm, “but don't think for a second that I am some tamed human pet. I’m a direhound, and I’m free. No chains, no saddles, no human control. I won’t lower myself to that.”

  Drak held up his hands in a calming gesture. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I really didn’t. I just… we need to think ahead. Once you're recovered enough to move freely, we’re going to need a plan.”

  Nalli's eyes narrowed. “A plan for what?”

  “For getting you out of here, alive and free,” Drak said seriously. “You can't just roam the countryside in human lands without drawing attention. The moment someone spots a direhound, especially one that doesn’t look like it belongs to a handler? A Containment Unit will be called in without hesitation. And I know more than you about what happens then…” He let that hang in the air for a moment, seeing if it sunk in.

  Nalli let out a heavy breath, her gaze dropping slightly. She felt the truth in his words but wasn’t ready to accept it.

  “I don’t want to see you hurt, Nalli,” Drak continued, his tone softer now. “Or worse. You have a mission, don’t you? Something important enough to risk everything for. If that’s the case, then we might have to resort to less-than-desirable measures to keep you safe, even if that means possibly pretending to be something you’re not.”

  Nalli’s ears twitched, but she remained silent, mulling over his words. The idea of disguising herself as one of the human’s domesticated direhounds repulsed her.

  Nalli’s eyes darkened more as she fixed Drak with a piercing gaze. “What’s stopping me from simply leaving your vineyard, human?” she growled, her voice low and threatening. “I could slip out at night, disappear into the wilderness. Hide in the woods during the day and then…” She paused, her mind running with possibilities, but as the seconds ticked by, she found herself in a mental race to fill in the solutions.

  The truth was, she didn’t know this territory. She had no idea how far human lands stretched or what dangers they held, and in her injured state she wasn't able to safely traverse the mountainous terrain of the Frostspires. It would be a risky move, and besides that, the posek that pursued her was probably still out there, watching, and waiting. Had she never encountered that damned assassin…

  She had a target on her back now, and a bitter frustration welled up inside her as she realized just how flawed her own plan was. She couldn’t return to the Nightmoon Veil, not while the assassin still lurked, and for all she knew, there could be more lying in wait. She hated to admit it, even to herself, but she was out of her depth. The terrible realization that she may be safer in human lands than in the Veil rubbed against her nerves.

  Drak, sensing her hesitation, remained calm as he spoke. “Human lands are dangerous for your kind. If you leave, there’s no guarantee you’ll make it far. Between the Containment Units, hunters, even regular folk, like me—they’d see you and assume you were a rogue direhound…” He pauses in his speech, remembering the requirement for all direhounds to wear a control collar, “You’d be at risk the moment you step outside these gates.” He took a step forward, keeping his voice steady. “Not that I could, but I’m not going to stop you if that’s what you want. You’re always free to leave if you think that’s the better option.”

  Nalli clenched her jaw, feeling the raw truth of his words. She didn’t want to admit it, but he was right. As much as she despised the idea of staying, the alternative was far worse. The unknowns of human lands, coupled with the ever-present threat of capture, made her pause. Leaving on her own would be reckless, and deep down, she knew it.

  She turned away from him, her ears pinned back in agitation. “This is a cage, human,” she muttered, her voice low. “One I can’t just break out of.”

  Drak let out a soft sigh. “I know it feels that way, Nalli… but I think I have a plan.”

  He turned on his heel, walking over to the old workbench and pulling open a drawer beneath it. As Drak rummaged through it, he began to explain as he took a seat on a work-stool, his voice steady but thoughtful. “Look, I know it sounds crazy, but if we're really going to pull this off, I'm thinking you have to look the part of a tamed direhound. It’s the only way to get you through human lands without drawing attention.”

  He found some writing utensils, a few old scraps of parchment, and laid them out in front of him. With a deep breath, he started sketching. His hand moved quickly, outlining Nalli’s anatomy, but the result was crude, her proportions exaggerated and awkward. Over the drawing, he added a rough diagram of where the saddle would be strapped around her. It wasn’t the most accurate depiction, but it was enough to give him an idea.

  Nalli narrowed her eyes as she looked over his shoulder, staring down at the hideous image of her likeness on the paper. “Is that really what I look like?” she muttered dryly, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

  Drak laughed, brushing off her remark with a shrug. “I’m no artist, alright? It’s just a rough sketch.” He set the paper aside, glancing at her with a smirk. “Besides, I think the real thing looks a lot better.”

  Nalli snorted, not quite sure if he was teasing or trying to flatter her. “If you say so, human.”

  Drak picked up the diagram again, running a hand over his jaw as he considered it. “Honestly, though,” he continued, his voice turning more serious, “I think I could make something like this myself. We’ve got old materials lying around—straps, leather, metal fittings. It wouldn’t be perfect, but it might be enough to pass for a real saddle.”

  Nalli watched him, her skepticism still clear on her face, but she stayed silent this time, waiting for him to continue.

  “I know it’s not ideal,” Drak admitted, “but it’s either that or we risk getting caught the moment we step foot outside this vineyard. I’m just trying to figure out a way to get you through this.”

  Nalli’s ears twitched, her eyes narrowing further as she took a step closer to Drak, her voice laced with incredulity. “You seriously think you’re going to ride me?” She scoffed, her growl starting low in her throat. “I’ve never worn anything like that before. Ever. The only bindings I’ve ever had on me are the simple garbs we use to cover ourselves. And now you expect me to wear an entire saddle?” Her fur bristled, and she shook her head, already feeling pins and needles spreading up her neck just from the thought of it.

  Drak, who was still caught up in his excitement, barely noticed her mounting frustration as he continued. “It’s not that bad, really. I mean, once you get used to it—”

  “Get used to it?” Nalli cut him off, her growl growing more pronounced. “I’m not some beast to be tamed! Just the thought of having all that weight on me…” She grimaced, baring her fangs. “This entire idea is making my fur itch!”

  Drak’s face faltered, the enthusiasm he’d been riding starting to waver as he caught sight of her expression. Regardless, he still tried to salvage the moment. “Look, I get it. It sounds terrible, I know, but if we—”

  “No,” Nalli growled, her patience finally snapping. She advanced on him, her large form looming over his seated position, claws flexing slightly as if daring him to push her further. “This is too much, Drak. I am not a thing that can be saddled up and ridden.”

  Drak immediately backed off, raising his hands in a gesture of surrender. “Alright, alright! I didn’t mean it like that. I’m just trying to help. It's the best idea I could come up with.”

  Nalli snorted and sat back onto her haunches, turning her face away from him with a flick of her tail. Her posture remained tense as she fought to rein in her frustration. She refused to look at him, her demeanor betraying how disheartened she was. “If this is what you call helping, maybe you should think of another plan, because I don't see myself stooping to… that,” she huffed.

  Drak could feel the palpable tension in the air. She was like a tidal wave on the verge of crashing into the shore. He knew he had pushed a nerve with Nalli by the way her eyes had glowered at him, how she bared her teeth, and how the resonance of her growl deepened. It was clear that he’d gone too far. The excitement he had about the plan faded quickly, which was instead replaced by a sinking feeling in his gut. He hadn't meant to make her feel belittled, and the realization hit him harder than expected. He needed to do something, to make things right.

  Hesitantly, Drak slid off the work stool, his movements slow and deliberate. Nalli sensed the motion, and turned her head. Her piercing amber gaze was accusing and alert, her muscles visibly tense as she tracked him. He knew one misstep might provoke a reaction he wasn’t ready for. Still, something urged him forward, an unspoken need to mend the growing tension between them. His heart hammered in his chest, his breath shallow as he tried to steady himself.

  Drak took a small step closer, his hand trembling slightly as he extended it toward her. This wasn’t a decision he’d thought through. It was more of an internal feeling. His fingers hovered up near her muzzle, the air between them heavy with uncertainty. Nalli stiffened immediately, her ears flattening as she tilted her head back, attempting to avoid his touch. Her lips parted as though she was about to speak, while at the same time a low growl formed in her throat. Then her amber eyes locked onto his, and something in his expression gave her a reason to pause.

  He wasn’t trying to dominate her, nor did fear drive his actions. His gaze held a quiet sincerity, an unspoken promise of trust and respect. Something about it stirred an instinct deep within her, a pull she didn’t fully understand. Despite every logical warning screaming against it, the tension in her body began to melt away. Her ears twitched with uncertainty, and after a long, silent moment, she let out a soft, reluctant huff. Almost against her will, she leaned forward, just enough for his hand to graze her muzzle. Though her fangs remained faintly visible, her resistance gave way.

  Drak’s fingers shakily brushed against her muzzle before sinking gently into her fur, the texture both coarse and soft. Up close, he caught the faint, earthy musk of her, a natural and untamed scent that reminded him of sod and dried leaves. The radiant warmth of the skin beneath her fur sent a wave of emotion through him all at once. Relief, awe, and a strange and instant sense of connection that surprised him. His fear hadn’t vanished, but it no longer controlled him.

  Nalli’s eyes fluttered closed for a heartbeat, her muzzle dipping slightly into his hand. Though her body remained tense, it wasn’t with resistance. Instead, it was an instinctual leap she hadn’t planned to take. For a moment, she was still, as though testing the spirit of his touch against her resolve. When she finally spoke, her voice was softer than Drak ever imagined it could be, carrying a strange amount of tenderness. “You’re trembling, human.”

  Drak let out a shaky breath, “I was afraid you’d bite off my arm… or worse.”

  She opened her eyes, studying him carefully, her head still lightly pressing against his palm. “I almost did,” she admitted, her tone honest.

  Drak nodded, his thumb brushing gently across her fur. “I pushed too hard, Nalli. I wasn’t thinking about how this would feel for you. I'm sorry.”

  Nalli's eyes widened slightly. The warmth of his hand on her muzzle was foreign and strange, but not unwelcome. She hadn’t expected him to approach her like this, much less with a soft apology. She had to fight her instincts to swat his hand away, to reestablish the barrier between them, but she couldn’t quite bring herself to do it. The gesture was… too honest, too genuine. It had been so long since anyone had touched her with care, and something about it made her waver.

  Drak, sensing that he hadn’t crossed a line too far, kept his hand there for a moment longer, feeling the tension slowly ease out of her. “I thought my idea was the only way to keep you safe,” he admitted, his voice still gentle, filled with a kind of raw sincerity. “But I see now that I was wrong.”

  Nalli’s features softened, her eyes flicking down to where his hand rested on her muzzle. Her pride still bristled at the situation, but Drak’s human touch... She looked down at him, her fangs no longer exposed but her tone still firm. “You think your soft-pawed touch is going to make this better?”

  Drak hesitated but didn’t pull away. He looked up at her, his eyes filled with nothing but probity. “I don’t know… I didn’t want you to feel like I was trying to control you. I don’t want you to feel alone in all this.”

  For a long moment, Nalli was silent, her large eyes scanning his face, searching for any hidden motives. Except there were none. The human was just as unsure and lost as she was, but he was trying, and in that moment, something in her began to ease. The fury in her soul ebbed just enough for her to see that this human, Drak, wasn’t her enemy.

  She sighed, the tension in her body easing as she glanced away from him. “Humans are… confusing,” she muttered, her voice quieter now, almost resigned. “You talk too much, and you act without thinking.”

  Drak let out a weak chuckle, relieved that the tension seemed to be subsiding. He slowly withdrew his hand, giving her space, but the shift between them was paramount. “You’re not wrong,” he admitted, stepping back. “I promise… We’ll figure out a plan, and we'll do it together.”

  Nalli glanced back at him, her arms shifting to a more open, relaxed posture, to one no longer as defensive. The wall she had built between them hadn’t crumbled completely, but the stones were loose. “Just… don’t try that again,” she warned, though the bite in her words were more playful than angry now.

  “I’ll try not to,” Drak promised with a soft smile.

  Nalli adjusted to stand herself onto her two massive feet, her towering direhound form casting a shadow over Drak. With a deliberate, slow motion, she brought the back of her large, clawed hand to his chest and gave him a gentle shove. It wasn’t enough to knock him down, but it was more than enough to remind him of the vast difference in their strength and size. Drak stumbled back a step, his eyes widening in surprise as he felt the force behind her seemingly effortless gesture.

  She straightened up, her eyes gleaming with amusement. “You need to remember,” she said, her voice teasing but carrying a hint of something else, “Direhounds are much bigger and mightier than you, human.” Her lips curled into a smirk, and she nodded, satisfied that her point had been made. “And we’d better come up with a strategy that works,” Nalli added, her tone lightening. “Or else, I’m going to have to find a new human willing to help me.” There was a playful glint in her eye, but underneath the teasing, there was an unspoken understanding. She wasn’t serious about replacing him, not really, and they both knew it.

  Drak managed a shaky laugh, gently rubbing his chest where she had nudged him. “I don’t think you’d find anyone else quite as determined… or crazy enough,” he said, still catching his breath.

  Nalli let out a huff, crossing her long arms as she glanced around the workshop. “Now,” she said, her voice more focused, “let’s think more on this idea of yours. If accompanying me in your land is the only way to pull this off, we need something we can both agree on.”

  Drak, now feeling more composed, nodded. “Okay, yeah. We’ll figure out the best way to make sure you don’t have to worry about the Containment Units, or anything else, for that matter. Let’s do this right.”

  Nalli let out a deep breath, her shoulders relaxing as she nodded in agreement. “Mm,” she hummed, her voice softer now, “We’ll figure this out…”

  Together, they refocused on the task ahead, the earlier tension between them gradually giving way to a tentative willingness to work with each other. Though their differences remained, there was a growing sense of teamwork between them, and that, at least for now, felt like progress.

  As the strain between them eased, something else began stirring inside Nalli. An all-too familiar sensation crept up, and it was one that she couldn’t ignore. She felt pressure in her lower abdomen, and she felt the unmistakable urge building. It had been nearly two days since she’d been stuck in this barn, and now, after finally feeling more at ease, her body was reminding her of what it needed.

  Nalli hesitated, clearly uncomfortable with what she was about to say. “Uh, Drak…” she began, shifting awkwardly. “I… need to—” She paused, feeling a rare flush of embarrassment as she tried to find the right human phrase. “I could really use… a tree?”

  Drak blinked, quickly piecing it together. Of course. She’d been cooped up here without a break. “Oh. Yeah, I guess you haven’t, uh… had the chance to… since you’ve been hiding out in here.”

  Nalli gave him a flat look. “Two days in a human dwelling, Drak. It’s not exactly ideal.” She crossed her arms, trying to maintain some dignity in the situation

  Drak, doing his best to suppress a chuckle, nodded. “Right, right. Sorry. I’ve got an idea, though. If you can hold on a little longer, I think I can get you what you need fairly quickly…” He glanced toward the door, already starting to move.

  Nalli narrowed her eyes. “You’d better hurry.” Despite her words, there was a hint of amusement behind them.

  Drak flashed her a grin as he grabbed a few things. “I’ll be quick. Just give me a minute.”

  Nalli huffed, pacing slightly to keep herself distracted. “Fine. But I’m serious. You need to be fast before I make the decision for you.”

  “Understood,” Drak called back as he dashed out, already forming a plan.

  Drak sprinted outside to the family’s parked steam tractor next to the barn, grateful that they had a habit of keeping the key in the ignition. He gave it a turn, and the machine roared to life with a rumbling sound, its engine huffing out plumes of white steam. I’ll dig a hole, get this over with quick, he thought to himself, surprised he hadn’t considered this problem earlier. It wasn’t exactly glamorous, but it was practical.

  Inside the barn, Nalli’s ears twitched at the sound of the machine rumbling to life. She tapped her left claw against the wooden floor, glancing around impatiently. “Hurry it up, Drak,” she growled under her breath, catching her surprise at using his name under her breath with such sudden familiarity.

  Moments later, Drak reappeared at the barn door, wiping sweat from his brow. “Alright, it’s ready,” he called out, motioning for her to follow him. “Just sneak out, keep low, and you’ll be fine. There’s a spot right around the corner near the tractor. It’s plenty dark enough outside now. It should give you enough cover to keep you from being spotted.”

  Nalli raised an eyebrow but nodded, glancing around cautiously before stepping outside. She crouched low, her large form moving quietly as she followed him to the side of the barn. For a brief moment, she was tempted to put all of this behind her and run. The sensation of being outside made her feel instant relief, and she had to force herself to stay her feet.

  As they rounded the barn's corner, Drak rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, turning away to give her space. “I’ll… uh, take care of it after you’re done,” he mumbled, realizing how bizarre the situation had become. Here he was, helping a direhound sneak out to use the restroom.

  Nalli’s ears flicked back in annoyance, and she straightened to her full height, her golden gaze locking onto him. “Ikialuit! I don’t need you to hold my claw, human,” she said firmly while shaking her head, her tone leaving no room for argument. “I can handle this myself.”

  Drak blinked, somewhat taken aback, but quickly understood. “Right—of course,” he stammered, stepping aside to let her pass.

  With a fluid motion, Nalli slipped past him, her movements urgent as she crouched low and padded into the night. Her large shape moving with surprising ease, her light gray fur blending into the shadows as if she belonged to them. She didn’t look back, her focus solely on ensuring she remained unseen.

  Drak hesitated at the corner, watching her disappear into the night. He wanted to help keep watch for trouble, but it was clear she valued her independence, even in something as mundane as this. You’ve definitely taken on far more than you imagined, he sighed, before retreating back into the barn, giving her the space she demanded.

  Inside, Drak's mind spun. Hiding a direhound wasn’t just a short-term problem. If anyone found out, it would be disastrous. Not just for her, but for him as well. Direhounds needed to be registered, he started to remember, each one assigned a unique identifying number and their owners granted special permits to prove their legitimacy. The entire process was tightly regulated, designed to ensure no rogue, wild, or unaccounted-for direhounds were roaming human territories.

  Drak chewed his lip nervously. Could he even begin to navigate such a system? The idea of forging the paperwork or somehow slipping her through unnoticed seemed absurd, but without registration, she may as well be a target. He needed to make sure she wasn’t hunted down.

  At least for tonight, he could breathe a little easier. After everything that had transpired, he was grateful they had made a real connection. Nalli was recovering, rested, and fed. Right now, she could take care of whatever nature intended to, and he’d start to figure out the rest tomorrow. One step at a time.

  Vine & Fang? Feel free to rate the story and follow the author for future updates!

  A

  AkKalajuks – Ants

  Anniasuitik – Shaman of Medicine

  Anirnaq – The First Direhounds

  Anirniq – Soul

  Anga – Yes

  Atsinguak – Gift

  Auka – No

  I

  Ijik – Eye(s)

  Ikialuit! – Damnit or damn you, depending on phrasing.

  Ilisimaik – Craziness

  Ipatsik – Understand

  Ipvit – You

  K

  Kaijuuti – Coyote Tribe

  Kakiannangituk – Unpleasant

  Kavinguak – Much noise

  Kulgoskarrik – A lizard, known for dropping its tail when frightened with a sudden loud burst

  Kutsutak – Yellow

  Kuviasotikak – Ridiculous

  M

  Mitappuk(s) – Joke(s)

  N

  Nakummek – Thank you

  Nalligik – Love(s)

  Nokel-katantik – Honorable

  Nuni Lunikk – Moon Mother

  Nunivak – Pick berries

  Nutaqq – Child

  O

  Omajualuk – Monster

  P

  Paunngak – Berries

  Pattangaititsik – Protecting

  Piujuk – Good

  Piunngituk Silatsuak – Bad Earth

  Pijagia-keh – Different

  Pilluak – Smart, clever, skillful

  Pitsatujuk – Powerful

  Q

  Qilakpaangut – sky-eyed wanderer who flies like a startled birdling

  Qimmit – Dog (or like a dog)

  S

  IkKumanngituk – Stupid

  Siku – Ice

  Siitani – Star cycles, or revolutions around the sun

  Sungittotanuk – A symbol

  T

  Tatannamek – Amazed / How Fascinating!

  Takutsuapuk – Kindness

  Tatsika Napattulik – The Darkened Forest

  Tillia-Kattak – Vermin (More than one meaning?)

  Tikatsiak – Strong twine

  U

  Ukalik – Hare

  Ukausik – Language of Direhounds

  Ukiuq – Winter

  Ullak – Morning

  Nalligik-Paunngak Kutsutak-Ijik (Nalli) – Love(s) Berries Yellow-Eyes

  Akkitu-kumik Taggana-Tak (Umbra) – Soft-Scratch Shadow-Side

  (Uvaguk or Uvak)-kaik sollu pitsiak. Pik sivo-ganik – (We or I) Come as kin. Do not fear.

  Sakkik sollu pitsiak! Ipvut napaq kunulik… Amarik! – Appear as kin! But stand with… enemy!

  Qamut qimmit! Pilluq! – Cowardly dogs! Move!

  Sunas pait mittsikappuk, atiq? – What is your real/true name?

  Nuti Nannguk Kunnak – Great Fault of Kunnak

  Takutsuapuk aje atsinguak – Kindness is a treasure

  Vine & Fang posted for free reading. Redistribution prohibited.