The attacking packs withdrew as suddenly as they'd engaged. No explanation. Just that single howl and synchronized retreat, leaving us standing in defensive positions with no enemy to fight.

"What just happened?" Lysandra demanded over the communication stones we'd distributed. "They were committed, then suddenly pulled back."

"Gideon's signal," I said, watching the last wolves disappear into the forest. "He called them off for something bigger."

"Or he's regrouping for a coordinated ...