The Flex

The edge of the forest seems quiet but cold. The wind howls past you pushing deep red pine needles past your face. As you step up to the tree line all you can see is endless miles of huge old Red Pine trees in either direction. This is the edge of Red Pine Forest; a place that not many venture into. There is an erie silence hanging in the air that is only broken by the howling wind and your cautious foot steps.

You push past the edge of forest, venturing on until you eventually find yourself in the thickest part of the forest. You have to squeeze in-between trees, bushes and thorny vines just to get through. After what seems like an eternity you emerge and your paws hit the softest grass you've ever felt. You look up and see a gorgeous meadow that almost seems like a slice of heaven. The lush sprawling meadow is covered in soft grass and beautiful soft purple wildflowers. Up above you see a gorgeous midday sun that's baking the ground with its warm rays. You stop momentarily in the warm sun to clean the burrs and brush from your fur. Pushing through all that thick rough brush left your fur a mess.

Once satisfied, you cautiously decide to venture on. There are small signs of life through the meadow; huge paw prints, visible sleep spots in the grass and the occasional bone toy. You need to be careful, this place is deeply feared. Tales of the vicious blood thirsty pack that lives here have been told far and wide. However, you're here because you want to be one of those bloodthirsty wolves. The strength of a Wolf is its pack and this pack is the strongest and most feared in the land. Either you will become one of the pack or the pack will kill you.

Pushing that thought away you carry on. You slowly make your way across the meadow and head toward the cave. The mouth of the cave is rather small but it sits in the side a towering rock wall. The large rocky hill looks very out of the place here in the woods but it's the perfect place for a secluded home.

You glance around as you get to the mouth of the cave. So far you don't see any wolves. As odd as that is, it's good that you haven't been spotted yet. If you ran into some of the pack out here you'd probably never make it inside.

Your paws hit the rocky floor of the cave but your nose immediately stops you. This place reeks of death; the walls are soaked in old blood and covered in claw marks. The horrific aura of this place seems to hold you in place for a few minutes. Giving a quick shake you free yourself of the bad thoughts and finally start to move your feet again.

As quietly and softly as you can you sneak further into the cave. Eventually you stumble across a huge open cavern. The area is dark aside from the firelight of a few fires scattered through the space. Taking a quick look around you notice hundreds of wolves. Wolves of all ages and rank sleeping peacefully as the sun bakes the outside world. The few wolves that are awake seem to pay you no mind but are instead enjoying the bonding time with the pack.

Looking over the wolves you notice a raised area at the opposite end of the cavern. You stop as you spot a large set of glowing eyes that seem to pierce right into your soul. The ever watching eyes belong to one of the largest wolves you've ever seen. Thick black fur, huge paws and a massive muscular build that's adorned with some scars on its face and legs. Its large ears pivot in your direction, honed in on you. It's eyes slowly blink and seem to have you pinned in place. It's like time stands still. You are at their mercy. Hypnotized.

These are the eyes of Ivar. The eyes of death.

You can see a second set of eyes beside him. Although not as large as Ivar, his mate Hrafen is equally as intimidating. Half blind and riddled in scars from her history of fighting, she gives off an ominous aura. Her black coat and slightly long fluffy fur blend well into the darkness.

Ivar is the ruthless savage alpha of The Flex and the stories don't do him justice. His horrific powerful aura radiates off him in waves and just being under his gaze makes you want to turn and run. However, you want to be part of this pack so you will have to face him so you stay put.

Ivar and his hellish mate rein over the largest forest in the land; spanning hundreds of miles in every direction. Wolves, other predators and even humans have learned to stay clear of these lands scared of what lies within. Ivar has made a name for himself. The Flex is a force to be reckoned with and becoming part of this pack would make you untouchable.

Snapping back to from your thoughts you see Ivar has left the platform causing you to be set on edge. He suddenly reappears from within the crowd of wolves. Slowly he stalks up to you. A deep snarl send shivers down your back and it takes all your will power to not cower and run. You can't turn back now. You want to be part of this pack and facing Ivar is the only way that will happen. Finally Ivar halts just feet from you. His snarl turns into a deep low growl and he lunges at you teeth bared ..

Jumping back, you barely miss his large jaws snapping shut. Ivar stands tall just inches from your face still snarling. You stand tall and lock eyes with him.

Will Ivar appreciate your boldness or will this be the end?

….

….