*Silver Fang Border ---- The Broken Stones, Pre--Dawn*

The broken stones of the ancient battleground glowed faintly beneath the moon, as if some memory of old wars still clung to the earth. The air was unnaturally cold for pre--dawn.

White mist puffed from Lesley's lips as she and Aria followed Queen Elira to the circle of

stones. Above them, Silver Fang's banners stirred in a restless wind. Wolves whispered from the tree line, their eyes gleaming curiously.

Aria ...