The morning air was crisp, filled with damp earth and pine. The packhouse buzzed with whispers and energy. Dennis had gathered the alpha pack, warriors, and us three at the training grounds.
“Today.” He said firmly, “we’re going beyond training. We’re investigating the source of the shadows. We don’t know who—or what—is sending them, but we can follow the trail. It will be dangerous. Be ready.”
I glanced at Asher. His gray eyes were steady, but tension rippled through him. Gage looked nervous, golden energy flickering as he shifted from foot to foot.
“You three will stay together.” Dennis said. “Use your bond to protect each other. Arlo’s been mapping energy lines—follow them.”
The forest beyond looked dark and deep, but our bond thrummed, steady and strong.
Arlo led the way, carrying
