Luna the Moon Wolf Read Free Page A

light cast by the fire. Then a sudden sound pierced through him like a knife.
    The high, drawn-out howl of a wolf.
    It was nearby. Tom smelled a musky, hairy animal smell, like Silver’s scent but far stronger. He stood up, his hand on the hilt of his sword. His heart was thudding in his chest. Then he saw, glowing in the darkness, two fiery red dots. Close together, like eyes. They were coming closer.
    Something was out there — and it was heading straight for Tom!

M OVING QUICKLY, AWARE OF THE GLOWING red eyes watching him, Tom ran over to where Elenna lay sleeping. As he did so, he caught a glimpse of what lay just beyond the firelight. There, in the semidarkness, a host of wild animals lurked. There were foxes, badgers, rats, and wild dogs. Tom saw their bared teeth glimmer in the darkness. And behind them, those two red eyes, like burning embers. They were getting closer.
    â€œElenna!” Tom hissed. Silver sprang to his feet. His legs were straight and stiff, his hair bristling on end. He planted himself in front of Tom. His black lips were wrinkled in a snarl, his long fangs exposed. A deadly glint of threat lurked in his eyes. Tom had never seen Silver like this.
    The growl in the wolf’s throat deepened, becoming more threatening.
    â€œHey, Silver, it’s me,” said Tom. “What’s the matter?”
    â€œWhat is it?” said Elenna, awaking with a start. Silver flattened his belly to the ground.
    He’s going to spring! thought Tom. Then Silver flew through the air toward him.
    Tom tried to leap to the side. Too late, he remembered that he no longer had the power of the golden boots, which had allowed him to leap enormous distances. Silver smashed into Tom’s chest and the weight of the wolf knocked him to the ground. They rolled over and over together in the dust. The animal scent of Silver’s fur filled Tom’s nostrils.
    â€œSilver!” Tom heard Elenna cry. “Stop!”
    Tom found himself lying on his back. He could feel the powerful muscles rippling beneath Silver’s coat. The wolf’s slavering jaws were a hairbreadth from his face. Desperately, he managed to get his arms up to ward the wolf off. Silver’s teeth sank into the soft leather of his jerkin.
    Storm neighed in alarm.
    â€œSilver! No!” shouted Elenna. She grabbed Silver by the scruff of the neck and tried to drag him away. Silver snarled and turned to snap at her. His fangs only just missed her hand.
    â€œStay back!” panted Tom. “He’s gone wild!” Beyond Elenna, he could see the eyes of the forest animals, glittering in the light from the campfire as they watched and waited. How long did Tom have before they attacked, too?
    Thinking fast, Tom pulled his sword out of its scabbard and pushed the flat of the blade into Silver’s face, holding him at bay. The wolf snarled furiously. Tom looked into his eyes, and saw nothing but rage. What had happened to their friend? He gripped the sword more tightly, forcing Silver’s muzzle away from him.

    â€œSilver!” shouted Elenna. She grabbed him by the fur on his back and tried again to drag him away. The enraged animal shook her off.
    Tom saw that the creatures encircling them were growing bolder. Rats, foxes, badgers, and wild dogs advanced, snorting and growling.
    â€œElenna — keep those animals away!” gasped Tom.
    His friend snatched up a flaming branch from the fire and thrust it at the creatures. They backed away, snarling.
    The pair of red eyes was moving in the dark, circling the campfire. As they came closer, Tom realized that the eyes were the only part of this animal that was visible. The campfire didn’t light up any fur or muscles, and Tom couldn’t see claws or teeth. This must be the Beast! Tom knew from Aduro and Taladon that all the Beasts on this Quest had the ability to change into ghostly form.
    Luna gave another wolfish howl. From the other side of the fire,