The gentle rays of the sun illuminated the trail leading out of the forest. The birds sang and guided me to the edge of the woods. Where the Academy waited.
At least two or three litters of dusk wolf puppies ran around me, chasing butterflies or chewing on twigs. All kept more or less in check under the watchful of Grey, who seemed no longer interested in killing me. Instead, she looked rather content to be walking freely again.
Her tongue was hanging from her mouth and she was panting ever so slightly. Every now and then, she barked or yipped once a pup strayed too far away. They’d pout, but quickly wobble back to the pack.
She was doing great.
“We’re almost there.” I hoped. I still wasn’t sure exactly how the Keeper’s mark worked, except that when it glowed and tugged me in a dire
