The wolf whimpered, its large form wriggling against her grasp but her grip was unyielding as she tightened her hold around its neck till she felt its insistent struggle begin to weaken.

Rhia's blue eyes flashed with a surreal brown light, and an invisible wave of power burst through her. She remained standing, her eyes fixed on the wolf dying slowly within her grip.

The other wolves paused, their eyes widening. Their head instinctively lowered in recognition of a greater power, and they ...