The wind carried the scent of pine and char. It reminded me of when I first stumbled into Gray Pack territory, broken and hunted. Back then, I didn’t know who I was or where I belonged. Now I am beside the Alpha of this land, claws ready and fire in my chest.

Reule hadn’t said much since we left the estate at dawn. The silence between us wasn’t uncomfortable, just tense and focused.

Silverpine Caverns lay ahead, half a day’s ride south. That’s where Glen said Conri ...