Eldrin.

He stepped into the hall, leaning slightly on his carved staff, his silver hair disheveled but his eyes glowing with something fierce and ancient. The moment seemed to freeze. Every man, woman, and wolf in the room stared as if seeing a ghost.

No one spoke. No one moved.

Kia’s lips parted. His eyes widened in disbelief.

Eldrin smiled faintly, that same calm, knowing smile that once commanded respect from all of Northridge. “You all seem surprised to see me,” he said, his voice ...