MATTHEW POV
The darkness in the forest was palpable, wrapping itself around every tree in its suffocating grip. The only sound was the hushed rustling of the leaves and the distant howls of patrol checking in.
They resorted to this now: howls of safety for patrol. They no longer hid away from potential intruders in the pack lands; now our patrol warriors were forced to announce themselves to ensure the fellow patrol members knew they were still alive. It was insulting to our once great standing of strength.
I could feel the shift in pack loyalty. This was the first time in generations that the pack felt uncertain about its leadership, and with Ryan acting rashly and not present during the last rites ceremony, morale was already slipping. Add on the dark omen and curse, and wolves were i
