The forest began to thin out when Luara finally slowed down. The wolf's breathing was heavy, irregular, tense in a way she hadn't felt since leaving the pack. The run had drained everything Nyssara had to offer, and yet her body remained alert, the hairs on her back bristling as if the threat were still there, hidden in the shadows.

When the road ahead came into view, she began to stagger; her paws failed her in the final charge, and her body slowed from its wild pace to an awkward ...