Alice walked out of her home after getting ready as soon as she could, making sure to not wake up her father, it was around 6 in the morning, she didnt have the energy to deal with him right now.

She followed the path she had taken yesterday, the marks of paws left by the beast, no.. left by Aloide, were already covered by the snow.

She had to try to remember the trees and rocks she saw in the search of the wolf, but it was nearly impossible, the entirety of the forest looked like a maze of endless trees, but eventually, she made her way to the river.

obviously finding Aloide wasnt gonna be that easy, she must have already walked far, far away from here, but there was a small chance she had followed the river, so Alice was gonna do that too.

So her small journey started, the sounds of the river were calming her nervousness, she was determinated to find Aloide, to ask more questions, but... What was she gonna say? "Hello! Im that hunter that wanted to but didnt kill you yesterday, i wanna talk with you more!" That made absolutely no sense to her, she had to act like... Like she was hunting her! Yeah, that would work, she's obviously just hunting Aloide... Except she forgot her crossbow at home.

If she encountered a werewolf that wasnt Aloide, it was gonna be dangerous, really dangerous, so far she had just met Aloide, she didnt know if all other werewolves were as... Kind as her.

She kept walking, now unsure of her decision but too deep into the forest to turn back, so more she walked, and walked more, until her feet gave up and she decided to take a rest, sitting against a rock infront of the river.

And when her back was against the stone, she looked around, and at her left, there was a wolf, a dark wolf, looking deep into her eyes.

Aloide.

— you! Youre here! — Alice said while standing up.

— ive been following you for a while, Alice Dubois, i was curious to see what was your destination.

— my destination was YOU! — Alice yelled, but then covered her mouth with her hand and looked away, embarrassed — sorry i didnt mean to yell at you...

— oh i dont mind, i understand your frustration — Said Aloide, letting out a little chuckle.

Alice stood there, flabbergasted, before walking up to her.

— i have a lot of questions, wolf.

— everyone has questions, child. — Aloide said as she started walking into the forest

— i mean, yeah but- — Alice stopped talking to catch up with Aloide, her big steps made it difficult to keep up with her pace — but i have questions since yesterday, i couldnt sleep, i couldnt believe it —

— couldnt believe what, exactly? There are many things that are unbelievable.

— i couldnt believe i had a rational conversation with a werewolf, i couldnt believe i didnt kill you, i couldnt... Believe i had a good time. —

Aloide turned around to face Alice, stared into her eyes.

— you are an interesting kid, Dubois, very interesting indeed.

And then she turned around again and kept walking, and Alice followed.

— where are we going? — she asked curiously while kicking some rocks that were on the way

— i actually have no idea, Alice, i was expecting to follow you all day, now im improvising.

Alice let out a small huff at her response.

— so... Can i ask you a few things? — she said looking to the ground

— for sure, go ahead. — she sat down as she spoke.

— uhh... Well, first of all, have you met any like, other wolf? Around here?

Aloide looked to the sky, thinking, before replying.

— yes, a few, but its been a while since i separated from them, i dont know where they are at the moment.

Dang it, now she didnt know where to find other wolves she could hunt... Or... Talk to.

— i see — Alice replied — well uh, next question.

— mhm... — hummed Aloide, as she started to walk again.

— did you have any family before turning into a wolf?

Aloide stopped walking and looked back at Alice.

— that isnt any of your bussiness, kid. — her voice had suddenly turned more rough, Alice took a step back, raising her hands.

— okay okay, sorry, i didnt expect you to... React like that...

Aloide let out a sigh and kept walking.

— im sorry too, it wasnt your intention to bother me.

Then, silence, they both stayed quiet as they kept walking, and walking, and eventually, they reached a small cliff from where Alice could see her village

— woah, ive never been here... — she said quietly

— go home — said Aloide with a tone that leaved place for no disagreeing — you cant come with me.

Alice looked up at her and then sighed, nodding her head

— fine, bye... Aloide — she said, already walking away.

When she turned around to see if Aloide would say anything else, she was already gone.

She sighed again, why did she have to ask about her family? That probably pissed her off, and a lot.

— Alice. — her father's deep voice rumbled around her home the moment she stepped inside — where have you been the past two days? You have any idea of how worried ive been?

Alice closed the door and stood still for a few moments, before walking up to her father, who was sitting infront of the fireplace.

— i wanted to hunt- —

— and you dissapear for two days? —

— i- i didnt dissapear! I came home last night and you were sleeping, and today i just woke up early to go hunting again! —

— i dont see anything dead on your hands, you claim to be hunting and you bring nothing to this house?! — he said before slamming his hand on the table next to him, making the bottle of whiskey fall to the ground, and making Alice flinch.

— its winter! I couldnt find much... — she wished she could tell him about Aloide.

He stared at her for a few moments before speaking again

— youre grounded, youre not able to leave the village, and if i find out you did, itll be worse. Now go to your damn room Alice. —

She didnt reply, just walked to her room in the attic and c

losed the hatch, as she laid down in her bed, tears gathered in her eyes quietly, like clouds forming a storm.