Ava
The elders of the pack and various council leaders are gathered around the Gathering Hall’s table. The faces all around are cast in tense, pale expressions, filled with the concerning numbers written on the pages before them.
My mother has her head bowed low over the table, marking the changes that are noted on the paper she holds.
Two more packs have been attacked, their alphas murdered, and their people taken as hostages and slaves.
My stomach turns in knots as she finishes marking the last point on the map.
“Our scouts report that some of the eastern packs are unwilling to come here and fortify the compound. They fear exposure to the enemy,” James remarks, his hands clasped around his back as he stands next to her.
I stand to the side, only taking little notice of what’s being said at the meeting.
“I was afraid of that,” Mom says, biting her lip. “Have all of the eastern packs responded like this?”