Lan thought it would be easy to find Delirium and Adrian. From the stories, they were one of the greatest shows on earth. A circus performance for the ages. How hard could it be to run into them if he was looking?
The actual grounds were simple enough to find, but the problem was immediately apparent.
They were touring.
He stared at the wrought iron gates enclosing Delirium’s London location. His heart sank at the sight and he quickly looked around for something—anything—to tell him when they would be back.
This escape was once in a lifetime.
Every part had been planned and he’d bided his times for over three years. He had moved swiftly and smartly. Earned their trust. Calculated the weakest link and endured more than enough beatings. The scars littering his body stung at the prospect of being torn back open. If he was found again and dragged back, there was no more hope.
He’d killed two packmates. Two vanguard members. Even if Li survived that neck wound, it was unlikely he’d have the durability to continue patrolling. Lan could still taste his flesh and bone on his tongue.
Bristling, he pushed up on his hind legs, reading the sheet of paper pinned to the ticket box.
We’ll be back soon!
Opening Night for London is Friday, February 1 at 8 p.m.
With Love, Delirium
Lan’s heart plummeted.
There were still three weeks until they returned. Other tour dates indicated they were somewhere in East Asia. Lan couldn’t possibly traverse that much land alone. The chances of being found or killed by other wolves skyrocketed.
He also couldn’t continue going around London in his wolf form. Sooner or later, a drunkard would come across him and absolutely lose their minds at his sheer size. Anyone would be able to tell Lan was a wolf at first glance and not just a large dog.
What would happen when Nyx noticed they still hadn’t returned? It would be suspicious if he and Li didn’t return by sunrise. That only gave Lan a few hours to think of a plan. On the other hand, if things were very bad, then Li survived and was already stumbling back to the pack.
Lan darted through alleys, searching for any scraps of discarded clothing. The worse it smelled, the better. He couldn’t mask his scent like in the forest, so the next best thing was trash.
He managed to find a truly awful stained parka that smelled of vomit and mold and what seemed to be a dirty picnic blanket. The edges were torn and filthy, but that only made it better. Lan held his breath, nearly pinching his nose as he ducked his head and scurried through the streets barefoot.
From what he’d observed during these urban patrols, it was clear that Humans could stay up quite late. Lan had tried to survey their activities; however, they confused him slightly. The busiest areas stunk of liquor and perfume. People stumbled around and raised their voices in no particular order. Sometimes they puked in the streets as well.
If he got near those places though, his scent would diffuse even more. Tracking him in such a pungent mix of aromas could give any wolf a headache.
Lan’s nose was also becoming a victim to the smells as he got closer. Some small part of him wanted to get away, but this was the last stop. He couldn’t turn around anymore. All exits were closed off and he would take these unfamiliar sights and sounds any day over the assured torture waiting for him in Nyx’s grasp.
As he passed through a narrow alley, a metal door lurched open.
Lan staggered back, tripping over his own feet in surprise. His senses were all out of sorts now and as he stared up at the well-dressed stranger, he couldn’t make heads or tails of their intent.
“Dumpster diving tonight, kid?” they chortled, thick make-up bright and meticulous under fluorescent lights.
“W-What?” Lan blinked, scrambling to his feet and losing the precariously tied picnic blanket in the process. He caught it haphazardly and tried to cover himself up. It was one thing for fellow wolves to see him. It was another for Humans. They had very strict rules about clothing based on his observations.
The stranger just laughed louder though. “Really? I guess it’s true. You find the weirdest things after two in the morning.” They waved a hand at Lan.
He only stared.
“Come on. What are you doing? It’s freezing and I can smell your stink from way over here.” They urged him forward more insistently, eyes glinting with amusement.
“Aren’t you scared?” Lan blurted. His heart was beating faster, tears pricking at his eyes.
They raised a perfectly painted brow. “Scared? Of you? Honey, have you looked in a mirror recently?” They cackled, white puffs of breath bursting in the dim light. “If that sweet little face scared me, I better find a different job. Now get your ass inside before I drag you in.”
Lan’s legs moved on their own. He was hit with a wave of perfume, sweat, and alcohol so strong, he probably could’ve been knocked out from that alone. The stranger slammed the door shut, muttering something about a wasted smoke break and then led Len through a series of smoky hallways.
The wood-paneled walls were dark and intricately carved. Deep red floral wallpaper and golden lamps lined either side. Lan started holding his breath again, hoping to cut down on the overwhelming scents everywhere.
“We aren’t in the business of charity work, but with a face like yours, I couldn’t pass up the chance to recruit.”
Lan peered at the stranger, noting with surprise that they were quite close in height. Perhaps Humans weren’t that different from wolves? Or maybe this was Lan’s first time acknowledging he really was smaller than the average wolf. I’m closer to a Human’s size then?
They slipped down another corridor and entered what appeared to be a lounge. The lights were brighter here though, and it was empty. Lan had heard an assortment of voices through the walls, so he knew it was some sort of social club.
“This is where staff can come to relax or take a breather. For the rest of the night though, I’ll tell everyone it’s off-limits, so you can get some rest.” They waved a hand toward another door inside the room. “There are shower stalls back there and a few bathrobes. Feel free to use them.” Their nose wrinkled delicately as they eyed Lan’s pathetic excuse for clothing. “I’ll take those and return them to the garbage.”
Lan felt his jaw slacken. Had he died? What was happening? Maybe he’d lost his mind while wandering the streets. Maybe Li had caught up to him and killed him right then and there. All of that somehow seemed more plausible than whatever was happening now.
The stranger’s expression fell slightly before reinvigorating with confidence. “You’re confused. I get it. I’m Clarisse.” Reaching out, they took Lan’s hand, shaking it firmly. “This is my habit, so don’t be scared. I’ve gotta soft spot for strays. Cute strays.” They winked but somehow, Lan felt warmth rather than unease.
Chuckling to themselves, Clarisse released his hand. “This place is my treasure and I choose to fill it with all the lost souls I can.” They tapped Lan’s bloodstained face. Perhaps in the light it just looked like dirt. Or perhaps Clarisse just wanted to believe in second chances.
Whatever it was, Lan couldn’t stop the tears welling up in his eyes.
Clarisse didn’t ask him why or what was wrong. They simply smiled some more and gently patted his head until he was ready to let go.
Even if this was his last night, Lan could die knowing kindness and safety.
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