Mossy cobblestones formed a winding path, while shimmering leaves allowed stray beams of sunlight to pierce through, lighting up the scattered patches of wildflowers. At the center stood a large, ancient oak, its trunk so wide that ten people could barely encircle it, and it was here, beneath the whispering boughs, that Alpha Raine watched the flower of the Thrud tree in all its awe.
When Shiver, a lean young guardian with silver streaks in her hair, arrived with the news of Elina's unexpected visit, Raine had been lost in thought of the prophecy. His brow knitted in surprise, but the sense of duty towards another Alpha took precedence. Delegating his tasks to Rebecca, he followed Shiver, teasing her, "You truly have a knack for delivering messages to me, don't you?"
Shiver chuckled, her
