POV: Araya
The journey to the Heartlands takes two days. Araya travels quickly, her wolf form eating up the miles with relentless efficiency.
She doesn't stop to rest. Doesn't pause to eat beyond what's necessary to maintain her strength.
The pull in her chest grows stronger with each mile. Her wolf drives her forward, desperate to reach Jasper.
Araya doesn't understand it. Doesn't know why her wolf needs this so badly.
But she's given up trying to fight it.
As Araya crosses the border into pack territory, the devastation becomes visible.
Smoke still rises from the ruins. The acrid smell of burned wood and flesh fills the air, making Araya's stomach turn.
She shifts back to human form and dresses quickly in the spare clothes she packed. Then she approaches on foot, her senses on hi
