The Silver Wolf
The mountain wind howled outside the cave, but inside the air was heavy with tension.
I stood on the elevated rock ledge overlooking my pack and watched them gather in silence around the fire. The flames cast restless shadows along the cave walls, stretching and twisting like living things.
They looked tired, too thin and too worn down by years of surviving in this unforgiving place.
That weakness stirred something sharp and cold inside me.
We had endured long enough, they needed hope and I would give it to them.
Not because I cared about their comfort, but because hope made wolves obedient.
I let the silence stretch before speaking. I knew better than to rush. Anticipation sharpened their attention and forced them to listen.
Finally, I stepped forward.
“The pulse
