ross the dirt as they moved in a flurry of strikes and parries. Lyra was stretched to her limits by every onsl

blade was within an inch of her throat. Lyra lowered her weapon and took a

holding out her hand. With a smile tugging at th

mradery between them. As a wolf, its coat stained with muck and its eyes w

the gathering was becoming uneasy

nt of them stood a young scout, breathing in rough breaths.

uder. Although rogues posed a constant threat, it was

tention was drawn to his imposing presence as his piercing blue eyes scanned the assembled wolves. The

The throng instantly fell silent as they awaited his comm

ker as he gestured for Lyra to follow him. As they made their way to the e

ice, "A rogue this close isn't a coincidenc

ntinued, "Or both." She couldn't get rid of the

," Ryker said. "And yo

The woodland floor was covered in thick moss, which muffled the patrol's footsteps as they advanced in almost complete stil

e. She did a good job of masking her nerves, but every snap of twigs and rustle of leaves made her hea

e above a whisper when he w

ne was not humorous as usual. She scanned

twisted like a silver ribbon through the trees. Ryker signalled the patrol to

s Ryker and spoke quiet

adable as he look

f her and said, "That." "It feels stra

ion. He didn't show that they were sharper than most. Rather, he si

rie silence in the forest. Lyra's body coiled like a spring as her hand tightened around the

s that it was hardly seen. Lyra's breath c

fixed on the gloom. "

ed for stillness while glancing up at the treetops. The shadow reappeared, closer

lence like a razor as he

ut of the darkness. Its eyes gleamed with a savage desire, and its c

art race. It neither retreated nor attacked. Rather

a muttered to herself. "T

to change, its shape extending and twisting until a wiry man took its plac

unting as he remarked, "Alpha, you'

ing, lingered in the air. Lyra stiffened, instinct urging

ker demanded in a cool

tlaw grinned. "You'll discover it in due time. L

d their position. With her dagger ready and gleam

ifted to her. "Luna, you have fire. Unfo

f the patrol followed, Lyra and Ryker chased after them, their feet thumping the ground. Although

o their target, Lyra followed out of instinct, her heart thumping. The

him cornered. In one smooth sweep, he jumped over the creek and vanished into the

tone, "He's gone." "Howeve

etermination, Lyra looked him in t

darkened as he gazed into the darkness, his jaw clenc

hardwood surfaces as she glided silently through the spacious hallways. Clusters of the pack had gathered, their murmurs rising

e stone fireplace. With his back to the room, Ryker stood close to the window. His hands clenched behind him, his broad shou

th and command, there was something about his posture that seemed off. Weary.

on, Ryker?"

he let out a long breath and glanced back at her. He claimed that the rogues were

moved closer, pressi

gh his eyes. "Yes," he answered emphatically. "

that made her stomach turn. With her arms folded across her chest, she re

let out a sigh as his shoulders began to loosen up. He said, "It's not

t closer, her eyes studying

short a time." It is well-coordinated. They are receiving

breath catch. "Do you b

id, "I'm not sure what to think." "But I ca

was more than just a possibility if there was a spy in the pack.

've known Talon for a longer time than I've known the majo

er, dark-leather-clad physique was as dominating and incisive as eve

aid softly. "

"Remain here," he continued, his voice a

ng softer. For the first time in a long time, she felt genuinely unce