The commander straightened slightly
“We searched their territory thoroughly. She was not present.”
Theodore’s expression did not change.
“They mentioned her though,” the commander continued “The survivors. They spoke of a girl matching her description passing through weeks ago. Dark hair. Unfamiliar scent. She did not stay.”
Silence settled between them.
Theodore rose slowly from his chair. Weeks ago.
He walked toward the map, trailing a finger along the border lines.
“She moves,” he murmured “But she leaves traces”
“We have scouts expanding the radius,” the commander said “If she enters another pack’s land, we will know.”
Theodore turned sharply. “No.” The single word cut through the room
“You will not merely know. You are to find her.”
The commander bowed his head “Yes, my l
