Estan broke into a run as he hurried out of the grove and down the road that led into town. An unmated wolf's heat would be nigh unbearable without supplements and teas as there would be no higher-ranking wolf that could aid with the pain. Estan recalled his heats before he met Yejin and quickened his pace as he knew the pain Syri was currently experiencing. Unlike Syri, Estan had his heat monthly, as did most wolves, but it was bearable now since he had Yejin to lessen the pain. Syri did not have a mate who could help him.
The gamma was out of breath by the time he reached the edge of town. The street lamps were lit and covered the cute town in a warm glow. Estan hurriedly made his way past the few people in the streets until he came upon the drug and medicine store. A bell attached to the door rang as the gamma entered the store and immediately began looking for heat supplements.
"Oh, Estan! How are ya?" The owner of the store greeted the gamma warmly.
"Where do you keep your heat herbs and teas?" Estan inquired of the man.
"In that corner," the man answered as he motioned to the back right corner. "Are you okay?"
"Huh? Oh, my heat is near, so I just wanted to stock up before it comes," Estan lied as he rushed to the back corner and began picking out the strongest supplements and teas the store had to offer.
"Must be hard being away from your mate," the man commented as he saw the pile of supplements in the gamma's arms.
"Do you have a bag? I'm kinda in a hurry," Estan inquired of the man as he paid for the products.
"Of course," the man replied as he stooped below the counter to retrieve a burlap sack. "Stay safe out there. The fires are spreading quite quickly even in the night," the man warned the gamma softly.
"Thank you so much. Have a good night," Estan bid the man before turning on his heel and walking toward the door.
"Night, Estan," the man said in farewell as the gamma exited the store.
Screams and shouts greeted the gamma as he stepped foot onto the main road of Alia. Estan gasped in horror as flames filled his vision. Alia was burning. The fires had spread faster than was predicted and were threatening the residents of Alia. Syri! I have to get to him! Estan immediately broke into a sprint as he ran past people carrying buckets filled with water toward the raging flames.
The beautiful flowers decorating the many buildings and lamp posts of Alia that once awed many a traveler now served as spreading devices for the red flames, engulfing the town in deadly heat at a record pace. Estan coughed as he inhaled smoke running through the fire-lit alleys. The gamma covered his nose and mouth with his arm as he tried to find an opening. The search was to no avail, however, as the fire had now engulfed the entirety of the town.
'I won't make it in time!' The gamma panted for air as he choked on the thickening smoke. 'Yejin!!'
<<<<<>>>>>
Jae winced as Ajax leaped over a fallen tree in the road. Although it had nearly been a day, his wounds were still healing as they were extensive. Any other wound would have been healed by this time, however, sixty lashes were considered a dangerous amount.
'Jae.'
'What is it?' The prince was quick to respond to Yejin's voice in his head. The two were galloping down the main road that led to Alia as fast as their steeds could take them.
'Estan is stuck in Alia. He is surrounded by fire and can't get to Syri who is alone at the cabin.'
'Leave Syri to me. Go find Estan.' Jae replied to the alpha as he tapped Ajax's side. The vorst let out a bray as he sped his pace.
'Don't push Ajax too hard just yet. We are still a ways away.' The alpha warned as he saw Ajax straining to maintain the high speed.
'You can tell me that when both Syri and Estan are safe.' Jae returned as he slightly slowed Ajax's pace but kept the steed at a record-breaking speed.
'Also, there's something you should know.' Yejin's voice was firm as he addressed the prince after a moment.
'What?'
'Syri is in heat.'