Misguided Wolves

25. Ashes of Resolve

For months, Kate had orchestrated the covert evacuation of Fror’s people to Logi, where Hova and Jackson welcomed them in the sprawling grasslands dotted with rune-carved stones. Small groups moved south disguised as traders to avoid Vintr’s spies, blending into Logi’s serene plains under the protection of Hova’s temple and Jackson’s warriors. Kate’s heart swelled with gratitude for their unwavering support—she didn’t know how she’d manage without them. To safeguard their plans, only a trusted circle—Kate, Hova, Jackson, Dean, and Luka—knew the full scope, sharing critical details via mind-link to thwart suspected spies lurking among them.

To outsmart their enemies, they held public meetings, weaving trivial matters with minor truths to mask their deception. They’d propose fake plans—later “scrapped” with excuses of delays or changes—turning their subterfuge into a grim game. Even Luka, typically stoic, cracked a rare smirk at their clever ruses, while Dean’s enthusiasm made it almost entertaining. The strategy bought precious time, ensuring every civilian reached Logi’s safety.

Hova’s prophecy echoed in Kate’s mind: “Do not rush into what is in your sights, for that will mean a future painted in red. Play it smart—what seems a loss today could mean a win tomorrow.” Kate heeded her wisdom, moving cautiously to prevent bloodshed, her resolve anchored by the sun-and-moon prophecy.

Dean’s boisterous arrival snapped her from her thoughts, sweeping her into a bear hug. “Kate, my girl! Ready? We move out in days.”

“Hey, Dean!” Kate laughed, steadying herself. “I’m ready. Ensure the troops are prepared to head south when the time comes.”

They shared a knowing glance through the mind-link, their true plans hidden. A cloaked figure interrupted, thrusting a package into their hands before vanishing into the crowd. Kate’s brow furrowed as she read the letter addressed to her, its handwriting chillingly familiar.

Miss me, Princess? You’ve been busy since leaving your thick-headed mate. I’ve watched you, and I’m impressed—such potential with the right push. But you were naughty, sneaking around with a certain birdie. See you soon.

Kate’s hands trembled, dread coiling in her gut. She forced deep breaths to steady herself and opened the box. Her breath caught, color draining from her face. To others, it was a dead bird, but Kate recognized Ara’s vibrant werebird form—iridescent feathers dulled, violet eyes lifeless, an arrow piercing her chest. A scream tore from her throat as she collapsed to her knees, the world spinning. Dean caught her, holding her tightly, his hands rubbing her back as she wailed into his chest, grief and rage consuming her.

Tove snarled in her mind, pacing, teeth snapping. Kill them… every last one.

They sat for hours, Kate’s sobs fading to hollow silence. Fury replaced her tears, a deep growl rumbling from her chest, Tove’s rage mirroring her own. Dean, how long until the last civilians are safe in Logi? she asked through the mind-link.

The last group arrived this morning, he replied, voice heavy but steady.

Without a word, Kate lifted Ara’s fragile form and walked to the garden, her steps resolute. “I don’t wish to be disturbed today,” she said softly. “Gather everyone tomorrow morning.”

Dean nodded, giving her space. In the garden’s depths, where she and Ara had played as children, Kate shifted into her wolf, Tove’s claws digging a grave beneath an ancient tree. She recalled their first meeting—Kate, a child, mesmerized by a radiant bird in the branches, its colors unlike any she’d seen. When Ara shifted into a girl, their friendship bloomed, forged in laughter among Fror's forests. Now, Kate gently removed the arrow, cradling Ara’s lifeless body as if it were glass. She pressed the feathers to her chest, sobbing, “I’m so sorry.”

Rocking back and forth, naked and streaked with dirt, Kate mourned. She kissed Ara’s head, lowering her into the grave, and whispered a prayer to the Moon Goddess. “I love you, Ara… I’ll find you in the next.”

She filled the grave, shifted back to her wolf, and curled up over the fresh earth, howling a mournful cry that echoed through Fror. Dean’s howl joined hers, followed by others, a chorus of shared grief. Kate slept there, guarding her friend one last time.

****

The next morning, Dean woke her, offering a thick cloak. His brow furrowed with worry, but he managed a tight smile. “Ready, little pup? Everyone’s waiting in the hall, eager to move.”

Kate whimpered, shifting to human form and wrapping the cloak around her dirt-streaked body, her hair a tangled mess. She gripped the fabric tightly, striding beside Dean to the meeting hall. Sympathetic gazes met her, but she steeled herself, taking a deep breath.

“You’ve all heard of Ara’s death,” she said, voice steady despite her grief. “I won’t dwell on it. The last of Fror’s people are safe in Logi, so we move forward. Our plans are set, and I trust we’ll execute them perfectly. This won’t be easy—moments will tempt you to stray, but you must follow the plan at all costs. Is that clear?”

She scanned the table— Jackson, Luka, and others nodding, their faces resolute. Dean hesitated, his disagreement clear, but he nodded too. “Good,” Kate continued. “Speak of this to no one. You know your roles. Have your subordinates ready in two days. We’ll finalize details then. I look forward to fighting beside you… and may Fenrir and the Moon Goddess guide us.”

Kate offered a determined smile, leaving to prepare. Ara’s death and Deborah’s charm fueled her resolve. This was just the beginning.