pallets, the dampness of the ground seeping through her clothes. Her eyes were

hadows and voices, none she could recognize, and when she awoke with a start

realized.

ed her knees to her chest and stared out at the world from her hollow corne

ed and laughter echoed off distant walls. Li

in emerged from her makeshift shelter. Her stomach ached, and her lips were cracked

fruit and bread. Rain hung near a stack of crates, pretending to examine a bruised apple.

k of her neck. Like someone watching. She turned, scann

before that. But she told herself it was paranoia. Jus

forest draped in mist, the Wolf Council convene

Eight wolves, draped in ceremonial armor, formed a circle around a broad tab

red eyes. "They vanished years ago. But records sugges

broader than the others, his silver-streaked fur

lik replied. "Old magic signatures we thought were gone

glances, the weight o

red Elder Kiro, his voice gravel.

on the table. "We need confirmation. Find them. Bring t

f approval ci

er Trackers. We'll blend with t

"No mistakes, Rick. This is

fingers brushing the stones of a fountain. The feeling hadn't left

dge near the rail tracks. The sound of the

tires screeching. She ducked instinctively. A large metal pipe di

one step to

d. Was this anot

t the dark, her

coming. She

didn't