The pack gathered in the great hall, their faces lit by firelight. Aurora sat next to Elias, the Fang glowing softly in her hands. Markus lay on a bed of furs, his breathing shallow, the strange amulet pulsing against his chest.
"He needs rest," Rosie said, wiping blood from Markus's forehead. Her eyes were red from crying, but her voice was strong again. "I thought I lost him forever."
Aurora nodded, feeling the weight of everyone's fear. Through her bond with Elias, she felt his worry too, like waves crashing against her own thoughts. The silver-gold connection between them pulsed with each heartbeat.
"What did he mean?" asked Lyra, a young wolf who had only shifted for the first time last moon. "Who's coming?"
Elias stood up, his shadow tall against the wall. His presence filled the room, making even the oldest wolves straighten. "We don't know yet. But we'll be ready."
