They were midway to the Council Wing when a thunderous sound echoed through the hallway. Barking, the skidding of paws on stone, and a high-pitched yell: "MAMA!"
Eris turned to see Bjorn, the massive ice wolf, charging toward them at full speed. Clinging to the wolf's thick white fur was Rael, his face a mask of pure, unadulterated joy.
Oh no, Eris thought, her internal panic spiking. I can barely stand. If that wolf hits me, I'm going to shatter.
She braced herself, closing her eyes and preparing for the impact.
"BJORN. STAY," Soren commanded. It wasn't a shout; it was a sharp, vibrating snap of authority.
The wolf skidded to a screeching halt, his claws sparking against the stone, stopping mere inches from Eris's skirts. Rael scrambled off the wolf's back and launched himself at Eris like a projectile.
He climbed her like a tree, his small arms locking around her neck and his legs around her waist. Eris winced as his knees dug into her bruised hips, but she held him tight.
