Ghost Tales

Eyes follow Chade as he circles the ghost wolf. The darker brother acts as if Vela can hurt them but something tells Ricin that she means them no harm. Auntie Vela’s ghostly eyes pull the lighter pup’s gaze back toward her. A smile pulls the edges of her wispy lips upward and the space where her eyes are seems to flash for moment. Brows furrow in confusion and he opens his mouth to question her when he hears Auntie Vela’s voice in his head. ‘Do not blame your brother for being so cautious young one. In your short years you both have seen much death. He only wishes for you to remain safe.’

Mouth still hanging open, Ricin’s eyes turn to look at his brother, sadness and guilt welling up inside him. Memories resurface, tugging his emotions every which way. Yet, through everything, there had always been one constant, Chade. Jaws slowly close as Ricin battles with his failures and shortcomings. As Chade speaks with Auntie Vela, Ricin continues to watch his brother. The emotions threaten to drown the lighter pup as memories keep assaulting him until the calm voice of Auntie Vela once more enters his mind. ‘Little one, do not fret the past. Things cannot be changed and there is a reason you and your brother survived.’

Crimson gaze finally leaves Chade and roams over to Auntie Vela, surprised to see her lips moving even while her voice speaks inside his head. ‘Seek out the moon, Ricin. She will teach you how to forge a stronger bond with your brother. Complete the ceremony and pledge your lives to each other. Even in the most turbulent of times, you will always find each other.’ The ghost finishes speaking to Chade and Auntie Vela stands. The darker pup follows suit quickly but Ricin remains laying on his belly.

Auntie Vela asks if there is anything else they wanted to know before she leaves and Chade asks her to say hi to their dad. Ricin slowly stands, eyes darting between his brother and Auntie Vela. Clearing his throat, the lighter-hued pup asks, “Will we see you again Auntie Vela?” A knowing smile spreads across wispy lips as she says, “Yes. And even when you don’t see me, I will be here.” A wink is thrown their way as she turns to leave and Ricin blurts out, “I will do as you said!” Her only answer is dip of head as she retreats into the fog.

Sorrow grips his heart as Ricin turns toward Chade, trying to organize his thoughts before sharing what all that Auntie Vela had told him.


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